How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've not tried a pair of headphones that use magnetic drivers with planar design it can be difficult to get your mind around how they function. Unlike the voicecoil actuator that drives a stiff cone back and forward the planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets that are sandwiched between an incredibly thin diaphragm that is made of conductors.

Diaphragm

Magnet planars are flat pieces made of flexible film, which is different from traditional dynamic headphone drivers with cone-shaped or dome-shaped diaphragm. 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 which you can hear.

The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped membranous muscular structure 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 and crying, laughing vomiting, and parturition. The diaphragm is also essential in expulsive actions such as urinating and defecating as well as pushing the fetus out during delivery.

Due to the ultra-light and thin structure of the diaphragm of a planar magnetic it is more sensitive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. This gives planar magnetic headphones an audio that is more precise and delicate than the sound you get from a dynamic driver.

One of the disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones is that at higher volume, they can leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the movement of the diaphragm inside a magnet planar headphone causes a portion of the audio to be pushed further outwards and then towards the listener.

This isn't an issue if you use the headphones in quiet areas or while watching films, but it can be a hassle for listening in public and usage. There are several options that can reduce the amount of leakage. These include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example, is a leader in the development of PMD technology. They have put in a lot of effort to solve the issues associated with this type of headphone. They have developed a number of patents that you can see on their products. For instance, their latest flexible circuit-based planar winding eliminates the limitations of stamped copper windings to give them a better utilization factor.

The Conductors

Conductors link the magnets with the diaphragm and are responsible for the sound you hear. They are typically made of an amalgamation of aluminum and copper. These are then wound around a central magnetic core, which is surrounded by the diaphragm and is supported by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core may be made of any material, but it is typically Neodymium. The core is the central element of any planar audio driver. It is made up of a number of nested layers that form a circular helix with a diameter of 10-20mm.

One of the main advantages of planar magnetic drivers is that they create an incredibly wide soundstage compared to their dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm is vibrating when an audio signal is received, instead of a tiny portion that is attached to the voice coil. This larger surface area also results in lower distortion levels, especially at higher volumes.

Another significant aspect of a magnet planear is its ability to respond quickly to the changes in the audio signal. This enables a wider spectrum of frequencies to be reproduced and more authentic sound. This is a great attribute for audiophiles who enjoy music that incorporates a variety of instruments and vocals.

Additionally, the stacked structure of a planar magnetic loudspeakers 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 crucial for the efficiency of electronic devices.

The Magnets

As its name implies, a magnet is a material that possesses magnetic properties. It can create an attractive or a repulsive force on certain materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt and some steels. It also attracts and repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism. It can be created in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets are used in many applications, including electronic devices such as mobile phones, headphones, and laptop computers.

In contrast to traditional balanced armature and dynamic drivers that push a stiff diaphragm with a voice coil, the planar magnetic driver technology makes use of an extremely thin, light, flexible diaphragm that vibrates to create a flat sound wavefront rather than the focused spherical wavefront found in many headphones and speakers. This results in a more clear and Magnet Planar spacious soundstage and is recognized for its rich bass.

The main disadvantage of planar magnetic headphone drivers is that the large magnets they have require lots of power. This makes them heavier and more bulky than other types of headphones drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers require an amplifier to function effectively.

The amplifier must be designed to match the power output of a planar magnetic driver in order to give the best listening experience. The amplifier should also have an extremely high input impedance to allow it to be able to drive the planar magnetic driver at its maximum output.

The planar magnetic driver is usually constructed to be dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase in front and behind the speaker, like ESLs) or a Monopole (radiating only in the direction of forward similar to traditional headphones). The most commonly used model is a bipole, with one north and one south pole. Its shape lets it be made as a single metal piece and produces a very solid field in the center of the faceplate.

Due to their size and effectiveness they have a lower distortion than other types of headphone drives. They are used in premium headphone systems where sonic accuracy matters. They are also found in audio equipment that is professional, such as speakers and microphones. Due to their unique construction they are also suited for medical imaging and other delicate applications that require extremely high precision.

The Seal

To function properly Planar drivers must be sealed very well and precisely. A small leak can dramatically affect sound quality and cause distortion. It takes an enormous amount of effort to design the ideal seal for planar driver.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike other designs of headphone, should not have any gaps within the acoustic enclosure. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm's resonance to be influenced by multiple frequencies at the same time. This is known as crosstalk and can cause the entire audio quality to suffer greatly.

The most popular type of seal for planar headphones is the rubber ring seal. This type of seal prevents air leaks with great efficiency. It is also extremely robust and lasts for a long time. However it is crucial to be aware that this type of seal can occasionally produce an unnatural sound. This is why it is crucial to select a premium rubber seal if you are planning on using an earphone with a planar magnetic design.

Another option for an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a high-tech seal designed to prevent gaps from creating. It's also constructed to withstand a substantial amount of pressure. This makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles who are looking for the highest audio quality.

LCD headphones can give a clear and detailed sound. This is particularly the case for headphones that are high-end, like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. It is possible to find LCD headphones that have the same sound quality for a lesser price.

It is important to remember that planar magnetic headphones generate more sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are built is the reason. Unlike dynamic headphones, planar magnetic headphones have two magnets that push on the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that can produce extremely high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a relatively recent technology in the market for headphones are a revolutionary product. They have already begun to revolutionize how listeners enjoy music. In addition to their high-fidelity audio, these headphones are also extremely comfortable to wear and are easy to adjust.