How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
It might be difficult to comprehend how planar magnetic drivers work even if you've never used a pair. Contrary to the voicecoil motor that drives a stiff cone back and back the planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets sandwiching a thin diaphragm that is printed with conductors.
The Diaphragm
Contrary to a traditional headphone driver with dome or cone-shaped diaphragm, a magnet planar has a flat piece of flexible film. The film is coated with conductors that react to magnets on across the membrane. When the electrical signal passing through these wires changes the magnetic field generated by the magnets causes the diaphragm to react and move. This causes soundwaves which you can hear.
The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped membranous muscular structure that divides the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiration muscle and is involved in inspiratory actions (exhaling air), such as breathing and coughing, sneezing, crying, laughing vomiting, and even parturition. The diaphragm also plays a role in expulsive movements, such as urinating or defecating, and pushing the fetus out during the delivery.
Due to the ultra-light and thin design of a planar magnetic diaphragm it is a lot more responsive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic headphones provide more delicate and precise sound than dynamic drivers.
One of the downsides of planar magnetic headphones is that, at higher volumes, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is because of the movement of the magnet diaphragm of the planar headphones, which causes some audio to be pushed towards the listener.
This is not an issue if you listen to music in quiet environments or when watching movies however, it can be a nuisance for active listening and public use. Thankfully, there are some great options to limit the amount of leakage like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example, is at the forefront in the development of PMD technology. They have been working hard to solve the issues associated with this kind of headphone. They have developed a number of patents that you can see on their products. Their flex-circuit-based planar-winding technology overcomes the limitations stamped copper windings must overcome to give a greater utilization rate.
The Conductors
Conductors connect the diaphragm to the magnets and they are the ones responsible for creating the sound you hear. They are usually made of a mix 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 may be made from any material, but it is typically Neodymium. The core is the primary component of any planar magnetic audio driver. It consists of several nested layers of a circular helix with an area of 10-20mm.
Planar magnetic drivers have the benefit of a larger soundstage than their more dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm is vibrating when an audio signal is received instead of a tiny area that is connected to the voice coil. This greater surface area results in lower distortion levels, particularly at higher volumes.
Another significant characteristic of a magnet planar is its ability to respond quickly to the changes in the audio signal. This makes it easier to reproduce a wide range of frequencies and creates a more detailed and realistic sound. Audiophiles who enjoy music with different instruments and vocals will appreciate this feature.
Additionally, the stacked design of a planar magnet reduces 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 for the performance of electronic devices.
magnetic planar speakers is a substance with magnetic properties. It can exert an attraction or repelling force on certain substances, such as iron and nickel. It can also attract and repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism and can be created in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets are employed in a variety of applications, such as electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.
Planar magnetic driver technology, unlike traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers, which push a stiff, rigid diaphragm by using an electric voice coil to create the sound wavefront, uses a thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is vibrating and creates a flat wavefront, instead of a narrow spherical one, as is common in all headphones and speakers. This creates a larger and more expansive soundstage and is known for its rich bass.
The main disadvantage of planar magnetic headphone drivers is that the huge magnets they have require a lot of power. This makes them heavier and more bulky than other types of headphones drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers require an amplifier to function correctly.
The amplifier must be designed so that it matches the power output of the planar magnetic driver in order to give the best listening experience. The amplifier must also have a high input impedance to allow it to be able to drive the planar magnetic driver at its maximum output.
The planar magnetic drive is generally constructed as a dipole, which radiates equally and in opposing phases in the direction of the speaker's front and back (like ESLs) or a monopole that emits only in the forward direction (more similar to traditional headphones). The most common design of a planar magnetic driver is a bipole with two poles that alternate on the south and north. Its shape makes it simple to create as a single piece of metal and is very efficient at producing a strong field in the center of the faceplate.
Because of their size and efficiency due to their size and efficiency, planar magnetic drivers have a lower distortion than other types of headphone drivers. They are frequently employed in headphones with high-end features where sonic accuracy is important. They can also be found in audio equipment for professionals such as microphones and loudspeakers. They are also perfect for medical imaging and other applications that require high-precision.
The Seal
To function properly for optimal performance, planar drivers need to be sealed extremely well and precisely. A small leak could have a significant impact on the sound quality and even cause distortion. It requires an enormous amount of effort to design the ideal seal for the planar driver.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike other types of headphones, should not have any gaps in the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps will cause the diaphragm to resonate at different frequencies simultaneously. Crosstalk is a problem that can impact the sound quality.
Rubber rings are the most commonly used type of seal used in headphones that are planar. This type of seal prevents air leaks extremely effectively. It is also extremely robust and lasts for a long time. However it is crucial to keep in mind that this kind of seal could sometimes create an unnatural sound. It is therefore crucial to choose a high-quality rubber seal if you're planning to use the planar magnetic headphone.
The liquid crystal display (LCD), seal is another alternative for a magnetic planar driver. It is a more sophisticated kind of seal that has been designed to prevent the formation of gaps. It's also constructed to withstand a substantial amount of pressure. It is a great choice for audiophiles who want high-quality sound quality.
One benefit of LCD headphones is that they can offer the most clear and precise sound. This is especially the case with high-end models like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. It is possible to find LCD headphones with the same sound quality for a lesser price.
It is important to remember that planar magnetic headphones produce a higher sound pressure than dynamic headphones. This is due to the way they are made. Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic headphones because they have two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This can create an intense force that could generate extremely high frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers are a relatively new technology in the world of headphone production. They have started to change the way people listen to music. These headphones have a high-fidelity sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also simple to adjust.