Planar Magnetic Drivers
Planar magnetic drivers are a newer technology that is making its way into a wide range of headphone and IEMs. They are a hybrid of traditional dynamic and electrostatic drivers.
They are more expensive than their competitors however, they provide many advantages. Here are a few of the most notable: They are more effective and less prone to being affected by distortion.
They are more expensive
Planar magnetic headphones are fitted with a particular type of driver that is highly loved by audiophiles. They are more expensive than other types of drivers but they offer a more immersive soundstage and better quality. They also have lower distortion and more clarity. They are great for music and podcasts. These drivers are found in high-end IEMs as well as headphones. They typically consist of a diaphragm that is thin and flat that moves to create an elongated sound wavefront. This type of driver produces more natural sound than other headphones and is less prone for distortion at higher volume levels.
The flat diaphragm of a planar headphones is made from an extremely light material like Mylar or a polyimide. It has a printed pattern that has conductivity traces. Magnets are arranged in a north-south pattern on either side of the flat diaphragm. Magnets are pulled on the diaphragm through magnetic fields triggered by audio signals. The air moving produces sound waves which are compressed and then decompressed. This results in a more precise natural sound than the other headphone drivers and is less likely to distort at high volume.
A diaphragm with a planar design has the benefit of not being impacted by mechanical vibrations, unlike other types of headphones. There aren’t any mechanical contacts created between the components of a planar headphone driver. This also means that a planar driver is much less prone to distortion in harmonics than dynamic drivers, which can sometimes cause unwanted noises and buzzing sounds.
A diaphragm with a planar shape can move more air than a dynamic driver. This allows it to reproduce low frequencies with greater accuracy and create an even deeper and more powerful bass. It also has a much faster response time and is more sensitive to audio signals than other headphone drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones are heavy and may be difficult to carry. They also require an amplifier to power their sound, making them a bad choice for portable devices. They are however the ideal choice for listeners who require superior quality and a wider soundstage.
They are less likely than other materials to distort
Planar magnetic drivers are less likely to distort than conventional dynamic drivers. This can result in sound harsh and unnatural. They also reproduce frequencies with greater precision, and they are more responsive to changes in audio signals. Audiophiles who want an accurate and clear listening experience will find them an ideal choice.
The technology behind planar magnetic headphones is based on a basic concept: two flat magnets placed opposite each other, with a diaphragm printed with extremely thin wires hung in between them. When an electrical signal passes through the wires, it interacts with the magnets’ magnetic fields, driving the diaphragm back and forth to produce sound waves. This process can generate high-quality sound with minimal distortion, which produces an extremely detailed and precise soundstage.
The stiffness and weight of planar magnetic drivers as well as traditional dynamic drivers are the two most significant differences. The diaphragms in dynamic drivers are much thicker and heavier, and are less able to move quickly than the diaphragms used in planar magnet magnetic drivers. This hinders their ability to reproduce low frequencies, and can cause them to sound harsh and distorted at high volume.
With their lighter and smaller design, planar magnetic headphones offer more powerful bass response than their dynamic counterparts. They can move more air and have a greater range of excursion. This allows them to reproduce lower frequencies at higher volumes without distortion. Planar magnetic headphones also provide a more consistent response across the entire spectrum of frequencies than dynamic drivers. This creates powerful and punchy sounds.
Planar magnetic headphones can be tuned to either a dipole or monopole. This means that they can be made to radiate equally from the front and behind, as in ESLs, or to emit only in the forward direction much like a conventional dynamic speaker. This flexibility can result in incredible performance and comfort, especially in IEMs. Planar magnetic headphones are more expensive due to their complicated design and large power demands. This is a significant drawback for some listeners, specifically those who prefer planars headphones that are portable.
They are less likely than others to end up breaking up
In the case of audiophile headphones and IEMs, many people prefer planar magnetic drivers over other kinds. These drivers are less likely to distort at higher volumes. They also have a wider frequency range than other types. This is due to the larger, flat diaphragm that is able to move in unison, and is well controlled. They sound very natural and have a great image structure. However, they are usually more expensive than headphones and IEMs with dynamic drivers and require an output that is balanced from a DAC or dongle to provide the proper power to drive them.
A planar magnetic driver is made up of a diaphragm that is flat and has conductive metal conductor traces that are fixed on the surface. When electrical impulses travel through the wire that conducts electricity, it interacts with the magnets inside the headphone causing the diaphragm vibrate. Unlike traditional moving coil drivers that have conductors in the voice coil that are able to move back and forth in response to the electric signal the planar magnetic headphones utilize an array of magnets on both sides of the diaphragm’s flat side which allows them to respond more equally.
Planar magnetic headphones also have a lower impedance than dynamic speakers. This means that they have a more smooth impedance curve, and can be operated at lower volumes with no distortion. Additionally, they possess less mass than traditional dynamic drivers, which allows them to accelerate faster and be more responsive. This is important for clarity and sonic precision.
Despite their excellent sound quality, planar magnetic headphones are a bit more difficult to use than other models. They require an unbalanced output from your DAC or dongle, and may be uncomfortable to wear for long durations of time. They can also be loud when they are not placed in the correct position. If you are able to overcome the disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones, they are a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality audio.
The most effective magnetic headphones with a planar design have a flat, small diaphragm which can be easily moved in response to electrical signals coming from your audio source. This allows the diaphragms to respond quickly and accurately. It also eliminates blurring due to inertia that is too high. They also can reproduce a wider frequency range that spans from the lowest lows up to the highest highs. They are popular with audio professionals and music lovers.
It is more efficient.
The unique shape permits uniform force distribution across the entire surface of the membrane. This results in a less distorted sound and a more natural sound. The technology has been around for a long time, but it was only recently was it made available for use in headphones. There are now a number of top IEMs that feature this advanced driver that includes the Hidizs MP145. Hidizs has joined forces with WDC to call for the protection of whales and Planar magnetic drivers oceans and the earphones have an image of a particular design that was inspired by this.
Planar drivers have a different physics than traditional dynamic drivers. They create a soundstage that is detailed and precise with a wide soundstage. They also are quieter and have a wider range of frequencies. Their low-distortion design makes them an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality audio.
Planar magnetic drivers have a higher efficiency than other drivers due to their ability to move the membrane at a greater rate. This is important, because the more precisely the diaphragm moves, better. In addition, the diaphragm will be capable of handling more complex and dynamic music more easily.
Planar magnetic drivers can also reproduce a wide soundstage. This gives the listener an immersive listening experience. The vast surface area and the drive force of the diaphragm is responsible for the wide soundstage. Planar magnetic drivers can also handle high-frequency frequencies with greater precision than other headphone drivers.
Planar magnetic drivers come with some limitations, but they are still an excellent option for those who want to hear music exactly as it was recorded. As compared to traditional dynamic drivers planar magnetic drivers have a lower impedance, and they can respond faster to changes in the audio signal. However, they may be more expensive than headphones that use traditional dynamic drivers. They are also larger and heavier, and require more power than other drivers for headphones. You’ll need an amplifier for your headphones if want the best performance.