How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
It might be difficult to comprehend the workings of planar magnetic drivers even if you’ve never used a pair. Unlike the voicecoil actuator that drives a stiff cone back and forward the planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets sandwiching a thin diaphragm made of conductors.
The Diaphragm
In contrast to a traditional dynamic headphone driver that has dome or cone-shaped diaphragm, a Magnet planar (Qooh.me) is a flat piece of flexible film. The film has conductors traced 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 generated by the magnets causes the diaphragm to react and move. This movement creates soundwaves that you can then hear.
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, sneezing and coughing as well as crying and laughing, vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm is also vital for expulsive actions, including the act of urinating and bowel movements and pushing out the fetus during birth.
Due to the ultra-light and thin design of the diaphragm of a planar magnetic it is a lot more flexible to changes in audio signal than dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic headphones have a more delicate, precise sound than dynamic drivers.
One of the disadvantages of planar-magnet headphones is that at higher volume, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is because of the movement of the magnetic planar headphones diaphragm which causes some audio to be pushed away from the listener.
This isn’t an issue if you use the headphones in quiet areas or while watching films however, it can be a nuisance for public listening and active usage. There are a variety of options to reduce the amount of leakage. These include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Additionally, certain brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of developing PMD technology and have been working hard to resolve the issues that come with this style of headphone. This is why 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 have to provide a higher utilization factor.
The Conductors
Conductors connect the magnets with the diaphragm, and they are responsible for the sound you hear. They are typically made of an amalgamation of aluminum and copper. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the magnetic core. It is then supported by the headphone’s frame. The magnetic core is a circular shape magnetic element that can be made of any type of material, but it is typically made with Neodymium. The core is the main component of any planar magnetic audio driver. It is made up of several nested layers of the form of a circular helix having an area of 10-20mm.
Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of having a wider soundstage compared to their more dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received instead of just a small portion that is attached to the voice coil. This greater surface area results in lower distortion levels especially when the volume is higher.
The ability of a magnet planar to react quickly to changes in the audio signals is a crucial feature. This makes it easier to reproduce a wide range of frequencies and produces more realistic and detailed sound. This is an excellent feature for audiophiles who enjoy music that incorporates a variety of instruments and vocals.
The stacking design of planar magnetics reduces part-topart variability which makes them suitable for critical applications that require high reliability. As compared to wirewound magnetics, they offer improved consistency with lower magnetic field distortion, which is crucial for the success of any electronic device.
The Magnets
Like its name suggests the word magnet refers to one that has magnetic properties. It can create an attraction or repelling force on certain materials, like nickel and iron. It can also attract and repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism. It can be produced by permanent, electromagnets or temporary magnets. Magnets are employed in a variety of applications, including electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.
Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional dynamic or balanced armature drivers that push a rigid, stiff diaphragm using an electric voice coil to create the sound wavefront, utilizes an extremely thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm oscillates and creates a flat wavefront instead of a narrow spherical one, as is typical in the majority of headphones and speakers. This produces a much larger and cleaner soundstage, and is also recognized for its deep bass.
The biggest drawback of planar magnetic headphone drivers is that the massive magnets they have require lots of power. This makes them more heavy and bulkier than other types of headphone drivers. Therefore, a lot of planar magnetic drivers require a dedicated power amplifier to function correctly.
The amplifier must be constructed in a way that it is compatible with the power output of a planar magnetic driver in order to offer the best magnetic planar headphones listening experience. The amplifier must also have a high input impedance to allow it to drive the planar magnet driver to its maximum output.
The planar magnetic driver is typically designed to be either a dipole (radiating equally and Magnet Planar in opposite phase in front of and behind the speaker, like ESLs) or a monopole (radiating only in the forward direction and more like traditional headphones). The most common model is a bipole, with one north and one south pole. Its shape makes it simple to create as a single piece of steel and is very effective in creating a strong field at the center of the faceplate.
Because of their size and effectiveness they have a lower distortion factor than other types of headphone drivers. They are used in high-end headphone systems where sound accuracy is crucial. You can also find them in audio equipment for professionals, such as speakers and microphones. They are also ideal for medical imaging, and other sensitive applications requiring high-precision.
The Seal
To function properly Planar drivers must be sealed extremely securely and precisely. A small leakage can have a significant impact on the quality of sound and could cause distortion. It takes a lot of effort to make the perfect seal for planar driver.
Unlike many conventional headphone designs the planar magnetic headphones should not have gaps in the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm’s resonance with different frequencies simultaneously. The problem of crosstalk can affect the sound quality.
The most popular type of seal for planar magnetic headphones is the rubber ring seal. This type of seal prevents air leaks extremely effectively. It is also extremely durable and can last for a long time. However it is crucial to keep in mind that this kind of seal could occasionally produce hollow sounds. If you’re planning to use a planar magnetic headphone, you must choose a seal that is of high-quality.
Another option for an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. It is a more sophisticated type of seal designed to stop the formation of gaps. It can also withstand a lot of pressure. This makes it a great option for audiophiles looking for a premium sound quality.
LCD headphones can give a clear and detailed sound. This is especially the case for headphones that are high-end, like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. But, it’s also possible to find inexpensive LCD headphones that provide similar high-quality sound.
It is also important to note that a planar magnetic headphone will produce a much higher sound pressure than standard dynamic headphones. This is because of the way they are constructed. Contrary to dynamic headphones magnetic headphones have two magnets that push on the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that generates high frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers, which are a relatively new technology in the headphone market, are an innovative product. They have already begun to revolutionize the way that people listen to music. In addition to their superior sound these headphones are extremely comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.