The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic driver is a type of audio technology that can be present in a variety of most premium headphones and IEMs. It provides numerous advantages that help it different from the more traditional balanced or dynamic armature driver.

However the planar driver has some drawbacks that are important to take note of. They are more expensive and require an amplifier to be driven.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear - from the most raucous cymbal smashing to the tiniest crack on a piano bench is represented by an intricate tumultuous wave of pressure. The driver of a top headphone must reproduce these waves with precision without distortion or omitting any details. This requires a light, thin diaphragm that can be responsive and move quickly to a wide range of frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers employ a flat diaphragm that is covered with a conductive layer and floats between magnets. This allows them to create a consistent magnetic field that covers the entire diaphragm and significantly reduce distortion.

However, this approach poses other challenges such as the potential for membrane resonance issues and airflow turbulence within the grid-like magnet arrays. These issues can result in an amplitude of resonance in the diaphragm which could be several times higher than the input frequency, and reduces the sensitiveness of the voice pressure sensor.

Final was able overcome these limitations using a single material that acts as both diaphragm and conductor. This solution was built on ribbon speakers that have their spherical conductors, however it was cheaper for headphones because of its dimensions and power requirements.

Another problem that is common to many plansar magnetic designs is a ringing effect that is present on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. This is due to an inconsistency between the force of the magnet that is applied to the diaphragm in comparison to the natural diaphragm's flexing.

Final utilized a thin polymer film dubbed Parylene to address this issue. The material was chosen because of its superior mechanical strength, flexibility and uniform thickness. It also has consistency of thickness. These qualities were crucial to ensure that a thin, rigid film would stretch without forming unwanted wrinkles or wrinkles.

Superior transient response

The basic operation of planar magnetic drivers is the same as traditional dynamic drivers, the method by which they produce sound waves differs. The main difference is that in a planar magnetic driver, the conductor is laid out on the diaphragm in an 2D flat pattern instead of a coil around a cone shaped diaphragm. The conductor can react to magnetic fields on both the diaphragm's sides, and create sound waves very accurately. This technology also eliminates the need for a voice coil that could change its impedance depending on its frequency, resulting in a clear, distortion-free reproduction of music.

Additionally the planar magnetic planar headphones drivers tend to be more robust and durable than conventional drivers due to the fact that they do not contain moving parts that can wear out over time. They what are planar magnetic drivers also less prone to distortion caused by harmonics which can result in a decrease in the quality of audio. They have a quicker reaction time and can reproduce sounds more quickly.

However, the large surface area of a planar diaphragm requires more power to move and produce sound waves. These headphones need an amplifier for headphone that can drive them at a sufficient level. The extra weight and cost could be a deterrent for certain listeners.

Another advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce an expansive soundstage that can be larger than traditional dynamic headphones. This is because a large, flat diaphragm creates a planar wavefront rather than the focused spherical sound wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This is a key feature of planar headphones, which provides more of an immersive listening experience.

Natural and faithful audio reproduction

Planar magnetic drivers give more natural and faithful sound reproduction than traditional driver models. Planar magnetic drivers create equal magnetic forces by using two rows of magnets, unlike conventional dynamic drivers, which have a cone-shaped, curved membrane that oscillates. This results in the diaphragm to move in a wave-like motion, which helps avoid distortion. They can also reproduce music across more frequencies that range from the lowest lows all the way to the highest highs. This makes them a great choice for sound professionals and music enthusiasts.

The diaphragm, which is thin and flexible, in a planar magnetic driver is able to move faster than a dynamic driver. This allows it to react to changes in sound signals and produce accurate reproduction. Additionally, the absence of a coil positioned behind the diaphragm reduces the chance that there will be contact between the mechanical parts that can cause distortion at higher volume levels.

As a result, the diaphragm has the ability to effortlessly move huge amounts of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The size of the diaphragm and its flexibility are crucial for producing the rich bass you hear in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers on the other hand tend to be small and stiff, making it difficult for them to endure the high-speed fluctuations required to reproduce bass.

Despite the benefits that come with planar magnetic drivers however, they aren't as commonly used in headphone and IEM products as dynamic driver models because of their high cost and complex design. Partly, this is because they require amplifiers to be driven. This makes them less portable. They are popular with music fans and critics who appreciate their exceptional sound quality and excellent performance.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones employ diaphragms with flat and uniform diaphragms to produce sound in a controlled and even way. This results in a wide frequency response, which allows for accurate and precise reproduction of music. They are also referred to for their superior transient response. This means they are able to react quickly and precisely to audio signals.

To accomplish this, they use a planar array of conductors that're placed over a thin diaphragm, sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is sent through this array of conductors, it transforms into electromagnetic energy, and then interacts with diaphragm magnetic fields to cause the push/pull effect. This lets the diaphragm respond quickly to audio input, producing top-quality music reproduction with incredible quality and precision.

Another factor that makes these drivers so popular among audiophiles is their low distortion rate. They can't produce as much distortion due to the fact that they don't utilize the same moving parts. In addition, they have a lower impedance than their counterparts and present an unresistive load to amplifiers, making them easier to drive using more power.

Due to their superior performance due to their superior performance, planar magnetic drives are often used in higher-tier audio equipment. They can be more expensive, and they require an amplifier which is why they aren't suitable for a grab-and-go driver. Audiophiles will sacrifice the additional expense and planar driver effort for the quality that these headphones provide. They are the most suitable choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a great listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm inside a planar magnetic driver is very thin, meaning it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking. This allows for a highly accurate and quick response to sudden changes in the audio signal. This lets you hear the details of music more clearly, and makes them sound natural and lifelike.

Another benefit of planar magnetic drivers is that they provide an equal driving force across the entire diaphragm, which prevents distortion at higher volumes. Planar magnetic headphones sound great since dynamic drivers have diaphragms that are thicker and planar driver heavier and cannot move as quickly or with the same acceleration. They can even break when the forces are too high or exceed their structural integrity limits, causing the diaphragms to go out of the sync.

On the other side, planar magnetic drivers produce a very strong electromagnetic force that directly reaches the diaphragm. This eliminates the voice coil that is typically required in headphones that use traditional cone drivers that are dynamic. This allows for greater dynamics, a larger soundstage, and a superior bass response.

Due to these advantages, planar magnet drivers are regarded by many audiophiles to be the most effective headphone driver. There are some issues to consider like the cost and power requirements, but their ability to deliver excellent sound quality is a great choice for those who require the best quality audio reproduction. In comparison to other types of headphones, these drivers offer superior detail and exceptional transparency in all frequencies except for bass frequencies (where dynamic drivers are usually still preferred). If you are looking for a pair that will deliver great sound at any price, then be sure to take a look at our top picks!