How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
It could be difficult to comprehend the workings of planar magnetic drivers if you have never used the two. In contrast to the voicecoil actuator which drives a stiff cone back and back, planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets that are sandwiched between a thin diaphragm made of conductors.
Diaphragm
Contrary to a traditional headphone driver that has dome or cone shaped diaphragms, a magnet planar is a flat piece of flexible film. The film is dotted with conductors on it, which react with magnets that are placed on either side of the diaphragm. The diaphragm moves and reacts when the magnetic field created by these magnets is triggered by the electrical signal running through the wires. This motion creates sound waves which are later heard by you.
The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped muscle membranous structure that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the primary respiration muscle and is involved in the process of inspiratory action (exhaling air) like breathing or coughing, sneezing laughing, crying vomiting, and parturition. The diaphragm is also a role in expulsive movements, such as urinating, defecating and pushing the fetus away during birth.
Due to the ultra-light and thin nature of the diaphragm of a planar magnetic, it is much more responsive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. This results in planar magnetic headphones a sound that is more precise and delicate than the sound you get from a dynamic driver.
One of the downsides of planar magnetic headphones is that they tend to have a bit more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, particularly at higher volumes. This is due to the motion of the diaphragm in a planar magnetic headphone causes some of the audio to be pushed outwards and toward the listener.
This isn't a problem if you only use the headphones in quiet environments or when watching movies however it can be a problem for listening in public and use. There are a few options to minimize the amount of leakage. They include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. In addition, some brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of developing PMD technology and have been working hard to address the issues that come with this type of headphone. They have developed a number of patents, which you can see on their products. Their new flex-circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations that stamped copper windings must overcome to give a greater utilization rate.
The Conductors
Conductors are what connect the diaphragm to the magnets and they're responsible for generating the sound you hear. They are usually made of a mixture of copper and aluminum. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the central magnetic core. This is supported by the headphone's frame. The magnetic core is a cylindrical form of magnetic element and can be made of any type of material, but it is typically made with Neodymium. The core is the primary element of any planar sound driver. It is comprised of nested layers that form a circular helix of 10-20mm in diameter.
One of the main advantages of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce an even larger soundstage than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that the entire diaphragm vibrates whenever an audio signal is received, instead of a tiny area that is attached to the voice coil. This bigger surface area results in lower distortion levels, especially when the volume is higher.
Another key feature of a magnet planar is its ability to react quickly to the changes in the audio signal. This makes it easier to reproduce a wide range of frequencies and produces more realistic and detailed sound. This is a great attribute for those who appreciate music that incorporates a variety of instruments and vocals.
The stacking design of planar magnets reduces part-topart variability which makes them suitable for critical applications that require high reliability. They offer better consistency and lower distortion in the magnetic field when compared to traditional wirewound magnets. This is essential to the efficiency of electronic devices.
The Magnets
As its name implies it is an element that has magnetic properties. It can create an attractive or a repulsive force on certain substances such as nickel, iron, cobalt and a few steels. It also attracts and repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism. It is produced in temporary, permanent or electromagnets. Magnets are used in a wide range of applications and are used in a variety of devices including electronic devices like headphones mobile phones, laptop computers and car audio systems.
Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers that push a rigid, stiff diaphragm using an electric voice coil to create the sound wavefront, uses an extremely thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm oscillates and creates a flat sound wavefront rather than a focused spherical one, which is the norm in the majority of headphones and speakers. This creates a cleaner and larger soundstage. It is also recognized for its rich bass.
The primary drawback of planar magnetic headphone drivers is that the large magnets they have require lots of power. This makes them more heavy and bulkier than other types of headphones drivers. Therefore, a lot of planar magnetic drivers require a dedicated power amplifier to function properly.
The amplifier has to be constructed to match the power output of the planar magnetic driver to ensure the best listening experience. The amplifier must also have an extremely high input impedance to allow it to drive the planar magnet driver at its maximum output.
The planar magnetic driver is usually designed to be either dipole (radiating equally and in a different phase between the front and back of the speaker, like ESLs) or a monopole (radiating only in the direction of forward, more like traditional headphones). The most commonly used design is a bi-pole that has one north and one south pole. Its shape allows it to be made as one piece of metal, and produces a very solid field in the center of the faceplate.
Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion because of their size. As such, they are frequently employed in headphones with high-end features where sonic accuracy is important. They can also be found in professional audio equipment such as microphones and loudspeakers. Due to their unique construction they are also suited for medical imaging and other sensitive applications that require extreme precision.
The Seal
To ensure that planar drivers function optimally, they must be sealed in a very tight and precise manner. A tiny leak can drastically affect sound quality and cause distortion. It takes an enormous amount of effort to create the right seal for planar driver.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike other types of headphones, should not have gaps within the acoustic enclosure. This is because gaps will cause the diaphragm's resonance to be influenced by multiple frequencies at the same time. This is referred to as crosstalk, and can cause the entire sound quality to be affected.
Rubber rings are the most common seals used in planar magnetic headphones. This type of seal is very effective at preventing air leaks. It is also very durable and can last for a long time. It is crucial to remember that this type seal can sometimes produce hollow sounds. It is therefore crucial to choose a high-quality rubber seal if you are planning on using an earphone with a planar magnetic design.
Another alternative for a planar magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. It is a more sophisticated type of seal designed to prevent the creation of gaps. It is also constructed to withstand a substantial amount of pressure. This makes it an excellent option for audiophiles seeking the best audio quality.
One benefit of LCD headphones is that they provide the most clear and precise sound. This is particularly true for high-end models, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. But, planar earphone 's also possible to find affordable LCD headphones that offer a similar audio quality.
It is also important to note that a planar magnetic headphone can create a higher sound pressure than standard dynamic headphones. This is because of the way they are constructed. Unlike dynamic headphones, planar magnetic headphones feature two magnets that push on the diaphragm. This can create an enormous force that can produce very high frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers are a relatively new technology used in the headphone industry. They are beginning to revolutionize how people listen to music. They have high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also easy to adjust.