How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've not yet tried a pair headphones that utilize planar magnetic drivers, it may be difficult to wrap your mind around how they work. Planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets that sandwich a thin diaphragm and conductors. This is different from the voicecoil actuator, which pushes a stiff cone back and back and forth.

The Diaphragm

Magnet planars are flat pieces made of flexible film, in contrast to traditional dynamic headphone drivers, which have cone-shaped or dome-shaped diaphragm. The film is etched with conductors that react to magnets placed either side of the membrane. The diaphragm moves and reacts when the magnetic field generated by these magnets is triggered by the electrical signal that runs through the wires. This motion creates sound waves that can be heard by you.

The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped muscular membranous structure that divides the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiratory muscle and is responsible for inspiratory actions like breathing coughing and sneezing and crying, laughing, vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm also plays part in expulsive actions like urination or defecating, and pushing out the fetus at birth.

Due to the ultra-light and thin design of a planar diaphragm, it is much more flexible to changes in audio signal than dynamic drivers. These headphones have a sound that is more precise and delicate than the sound you get from dynamic drivers.

One of the drawbacks of planar-magnet headphones is that, at higher volume, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the movement of the magnetic planar headphones diaphragm, which causes some audio to be pushed away from the listener.

It is not a big issue if you are using headphones only in quiet environments or to watch movies. However, it can be annoying for active listening or public usage. There are, however, excellent options to limit the amount of leakage, like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. Additionally, certain brands like Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of advancing PMD technology and have been working hard to address the issues that come from this kind of headphone. This is the reason they have patented various innovations that you see in their products. For example, their new flexible circuit-based planar winding eliminates the limitations of stamped copper windings, giving an improved utilization rate.

The Conductors

Conductors connect the magnets with the diaphragm and are the ones responsible for the sound you hear. They are usually made of a combination of copper and aluminum. They are then wrapped around an underlying magnetic core which is enclosed by a diaphragm and is supported by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core is a cylindrical form of magnetic element and can be made from any type of material, but it is most commonly produced with Neodymium. The core is the primary component of any planar audio driver. It is made up of nested layers with a circular helix of 10-20mm in diameter.

Planar magnetic drivers have the benefit of having a wider soundstage compared to their dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm vibrates whenever an audio signal is received instead of just a small portion that is attached to the voice coil. This larger surface area also results in lower distortion levels, particularly at higher volumes.

Another key feature of a magnet planar is its ability to react quickly to changes in the audio signal. This allows for a wider spectrum of frequencies to be reproduced, as well as a more authentic sound. This is an excellent feature for those who appreciate music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals.

The stacking design of planar magnetics reduces the variation between parts, making them ideal for mission-critical applications that require high reliability. They are more consistent and have less distortion of the magnetic field compared to traditional wirewound magnets. This is essential for the efficiency of electronic devices.

The Magnets

Like its name suggests, a magnet is a material that possesses magnetic properties. It can create an attractive or a repulsive force on certain substances such as nickel, iron cobalt, and some steels. It also has the ability to draw or repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism. It is produced in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets are utilized in a variety of applications, such as electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.

Contrary to traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers, which push an extremely stiff diaphragm using the voice coil, planar magnetic driver technology makes use of an extremely thin, light, flexible diaphragm to create a flat sound wavefront instead of the narrow spherical wavefront common in most headphones and speakers. This results in a larger and more expansive soundstage, and is known for its rich bass.

The main disadvantage of planar headphone drivers is that the massive magnets they hold require a lot of power. This makes them heavier and more bulky than other types of headphone drivers. Therefore, a lot of planar magnetic drivers require a dedicated power amplifier in order to function properly.

The amplifier has to be designed to match the power output of the planar magnetic driver planar to ensure the best listening experience. The amplifier must also have a high input impedance in order to drive the planar magnet driver at its maximum output.

The planar magnetic drive is typically designed as either dipole, which radiates equally and in opposite phases in the direction of the speaker's front and back (like ESLs), or a monopole, which emits only in the forward-facing direction (more like traditional headphones). The most commonly used model is a bipole, with one north and one south pole. Its shape lets it be easily fabricated as one piece of metal and creates a solid field in the center of the faceplate.

Due to their size and effectiveness they have a lower distortion than other types of headphone drivers. They are utilized in premium headphone systems where sonic precision is important. You can also find them in professional audio equipment like microphones and speakers. They are also suitable for medical imaging and other applications that require high-quality precision.

The Seal

For planar drivers to function optimally, they must be sealed in a very tight and precise manner. A small leakage can cause a significant change in the quality of sound and could cause distortion. So, Magnet Planar a lot of work is required to create the correct seal for planar drivers.

Contrary to many headphone designs the planar magnetic headphones should not have gaps in the enclosure of the acoustic. This is because gaps could cause the diaphragm's resonance to be triggered with multiple frequencies simultaneously. Crosstalk is a problem that can affect the sound quality.

The most commonly used seal used for Magnet planar planar magnetic headphones is the rubber rings seal. This seal is able to stop air leaks extremely effectively. It is also extremely durable and can last a long time. However it is crucial to remember that this type of seal can occasionally produce hollow sounds. Therefore, it is important to select a premium rubber seal if planning to use a planar magnetic headphone.

Another option for an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a more advanced type of seal that is designed to prevent the formation of gaps. It is also designed to withstand a significant amount of pressure. This makes it a good option for audiophiles looking for a premium sound quality.

One benefit of LCD headphones is that they can offer an extremely clear and detailed sound. This is particularly true for high-end models, such as the Audeze LC-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. It is possible to find LCD headphones with a similar audio quality at a lower cost.

It is important to remember that planar magnetic headphones create a greater sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are built is the main reason. Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic headphones in that they are equipped with two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This can result in a strong force that can generate very high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a relatively new technology on the market for headphones, are an innovative product. However, they have already begun to revolutionize how people listen to music. These headphones have a high-fidelity sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also easy to adjust.