How Do magnet planar (link homepage) Headphones Work?

If you've not tried a pair of headphones that utilize planar magnetic drivers, it may be difficult to get your mind around how they function. Planar magnetic drivers make use of two flat magnets that sandwich thin diaphragms with conductors. This is different from the voicecoil actuator which drives a stiff cone back and back and forth.

The Diaphragm

Magnet planars are flat pieces made of flexible film, unlike traditional dynamic headphone drivers, which have cone-shaped or dome-shaped diaphragm. The film is dotted with conductors on it that react with magnets that are placed on either side of the diaphragm. When the electrical signal passing through these wires changes, the magnetic field created by the magnets causes the diaphragm to react and move. This motion creates sound waves that can be heard by you.

The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped muscle membrane that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiratory muscle, and is responsible for inhalation actions, like breathing coughing and sneezing as well as crying and laughing, vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm plays an important role in expulsive movements like urination or defecating, and pushing the fetus out at delivery.

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

One of the downsides of planar magnetic headphones is that they are likely to have a little more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, particularly at higher volume. This is because of the movement of the magnetic diaphragm in the planar headphones, which causes some audio to be pushed towards the listener.

This isn't a problem if you only use the headphones in quiet areas or when watching movies however, it can be a nuisance for listening in public and use. There are, however, excellent options for reducing the amount of leakage like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. Additionally, certain brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of developing PMD technology and have been working to solve the issues that come with this style of headphone. This is the reason they have patented several innovations that you can observe in their products. Their new flex-circuit-based planar wounding overcomes the limitations stamped copper windings face to provide a higher utilization.

The Conductors

Conductors connect the diaphragm to the magnets and are the ones responsible for the sound you hear. These are usually made from an amalgamation of aluminum and copper. These are then wound around an underlying magnetic core which is surrounded by the diaphragm and supported by the frame of the headphone planar magnetic. The magnetic core can be constructed from any type of material, but the most common is Neodymium. The core is the primary component of any planar audio driver. It consists of nested layers that form an helix circular in size, ranging from 10-20mm in diameter.

Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of creating a wider soundstage compared to their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that when an audio signal is received, the entire diaphragm vibrates instead of just the small space that is connected to the voice coil. The larger surface area results in lower distortion levels, especially when the volume is greater.

Another significant aspect of a magnet planear is its ability to react quickly to the changes in the audio signal. This allows it to reproduce a wide range of frequencies and creates an even more realistic and detailed sound. This is a great attribute for audiophiles who enjoy music that incorporates a variety of instruments and vocals.

Additionally, the stacked design of a planar magnetic decreases the variability of parts and is suitable for mission-critical applications that require high reliability. They provide greater consistency and less distortion of the magnetic field compared to traditional wirewound magnets. This is essential to the success of electronic devices.

The Magnets

As its name implies it is one that has magnetic properties. It can draw attention or repel force on certain materials like nickel and iron. It also attracts and repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism. It is produced by permanent, electromagnets or temporary magnets. Magnets can be used in a variety of applications and are used in many different types of electronic devices such as headphones, mobile phones, laptop computers and car audio systems.

Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional dynamic drivers or balanced armatures which use a stiff, rigid diaphragm by using the voice coil to produce the sound wavefront, employs a thin and flexible diaphragm. This diaphragm vibrates and creates a flat sound wavefront instead of a spherical focused one, as is common in most headphones and speaker. This creates a much cleaner and magnet planar more spacious soundstage, and is well-known for its deep bass.

The primary drawback of planar magnetic drivers is that the huge magnets they contain require plenty of power. This makes them more heavy and bulkier than other types of headphone drivers. Therefore, a lot of planar magnetic drivers require a special power amplifier to function correctly.

The amplifier must be constructed to match the power output of the planar magnetic driver in order to give the best listening experience. The amplifier must also have an extremely high input impedance in order to be able to drive the planar magnetic driver at its maximum output.

The planar magnetic drive is usually designed as either dipole, which emits equally and in opposite phases in front and behind the speaker (like ESLs), or a monopole, which emits only in the forward direction (more similar to traditional headphones). The most commonly used design is a bi-pole that has one north and one south pole. Its shape makes it easy to build as a single piece of steel and is very effective in creating a strong field in the center of the faceplate.

Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion due to their size. This is why they are frequently employed in headphones with high-end features where sonic accuracy is important. You can also find them in audio equipment that is professional, such as microphones and speakers. They are also perfect for medical imaging and other sensitive applications requiring high precision.

The Seal

To function properly for optimal performance, planar drivers need to be sealed very well and precisely. A tiny leak can cause a significant change in the sound quality and even cause distortion. So, a lot of work is required to create the proper seal for drivers with planar designs.

In contrast to the majority of conventional headphone designs the planar magnetic headphones should not have any gaps within the enclosure of the acoustic. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm's resonance to be influenced by multiple frequencies at the same time. The problem of crosstalk can affect the quality of sound.

Rubber rings are the most popular type of seal used in headphones that are planar. This type of seal is very effective in stopping air leaks. It is also very robust and lasts for many years. However it is essential to keep in mind that this kind of seal may occasionally produce hollow sounds. This is why it is crucial to choose a high-quality rubber seal if planning on using an earphone with a planar magnetic design.

Another alternative for a planar magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a more advanced type of seal designed to prevent the creation of gaps. It is also designed to withstand a large amount of pressure. This makes it an excellent option for audiophiles looking for a premium sound quality.

LCD headphones can provide clear and precise sound. This is particularly the case with high-end models such as the Audeze LC-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. It is possible to find LCD headphones that have the same sound at a lower price.

It is also important to note that the planar magnetic headphone may generate a greater volume of sound than traditional dynamic headphones. The way they are built is the reason for this. Unlike dynamic headphones, planar magnetic headphones feature two magnets that push on the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that generates high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers are relatively new technology in the headphone industry. They have started to change the way people listen to music. In addition to their high-fidelity sound they are also very comfortable to wear and are easy to adjust.