Noise reduction circuit with monitoring functionality

A noise reduction circuit with monitoring functionality for a headphone having at least one speaker driver, the circuit comprising:

• a microphone configured to convert ambient sound into a corresponding electrical ambient signal, the microphone being disposed adjacent to the speaker driver's diaphragm and within an earcup of the headphone;
• an active noise reduction path configured to provide active noise reduction of the ambient sound based on the corresponding electrical ambient signal;
• a vocal signal compensation path configured to restore attenuated signals within the vocal range of the corresponding electrical ambient signal to increase audibility of vocal signals of the ambient sound;
• and
• a switching device arranged to selectively deliver the corresponding electrical ambient signal to the active noise reduction path or to the vocal signal compensation path;
• wherein the vocal signal compensation path comprises a vocal clarity compensator configured to enhance the frequency response of the attenuated signal within the vocal range.