How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've never tried a pair of headphones that utilize magnetic drivers with planar design it might be difficult to get your head around how they work. Planar magnetic drivers make use of two flat magnets that are sandwiched between a thin diaphragm and conductors. This differs from the voicecoil actuator, which drives a stiff cone back and back and forth.

Diaphragm

Contrary to a traditional headphone driver that has dome or cone-shaped diaphragm, a magnetic planar is a flat piece of flexible film. The film is dotted with conductors on it that react with magnets that are placed on either side of the diaphragm. When the electrical signal flowing through these wires changes the magnetic field created by the magnets causes the diaphragm to react and move. This movement creates sound waves that are then heard by you.

The diaphragm in the human body is a dome-shaped membrane that separates thoracic (chest), and abdominal cavities. It is the primary respiratory muscle and is involved in the process of inspiratory action (exhaling air) like breathing, sneezing, coughing, crying, laughing vomiting, and even parturition. The diaphragm plays a role in expulsive movements like urinating, defecating and pushing the fetus away at birth.

A planar magnetic loudspeakers magnetic diaphragm can be more sensitive to changes in audio signals than dynamic drivers due to its ultra-lightweight and thinness. This results in planar magnetic headphones an audio that is more delicate and precise than the sound you get from a dynamic driver.

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 toward the listener.

This isn't an issue if you use the headphones in quiet environments or when watching movies however, it can be a problem for public listening and active use. There are, however, very good options available to limit the amount of leakage, such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. In addition, some brands like Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of developing PMD technology and have been working hard to address the issues that come with this style of headphone. This is why they have patents on several innovations that you can observe in their products. For example, their new flex circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations of stamped copper windings, giving them a better utilization factor.

The Conductors

Conductors link the magnets with the diaphragm, and they are responsible for the sound you hear. These are usually made from an amalgamation of aluminum and copper. These are then wound around the central magnetic core which is surrounded by the diaphragm and supported by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core is a cylindrical form of magnetic element and can be constructed from any material, but it is usually made by using Neodymium. The core is the central element of any planar sound driver. It is made up of nested layers that form an elongated helix that is 10-20mm in diameter.

Planar magnetic drivers have the benefit of creating a wider soundstage than their dynamic counterparts. This is because when audio signals arrive at a certain frequency, the entire diaphragm is vibrating instead of just the tiny area that is attached to the voice coil. This larger surface area also results in lower distortion levels, particularly at higher volumes.

Another significant aspect of a magnet planear is its ability to respond quickly to changes in the audio signal. This allows it to reproduce a broad range of frequencies, and also produces more realistic and detailed sound. Audiophiles who enjoy music with various instruments and vocals will appreciate this feature.

The stacked design of planar magnetics reduces the variability of part-to-part which makes them suitable for critical applications that require a high reliability. They provide greater consistency and lower distortion in the magnetic field when compared to traditional wirewound magnets. This is essential for the performance of electronic devices.

The Magnets

A magnet is a material with magnetic properties. It can create an attraction or repelling force on certain substances, such as iron and nickel. It also attracts and repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism and can be produced in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets can be used in a wide range of applications and are utilised in a variety of devices, including electronic devices such as headphones, laptop computers, mobile phones and car audio systems.

Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers, what are Planar Magnetic Drivers which push a rigid, stiff diaphragm using a voice coil to create the sound wavefront, uses an extremely thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is vibrating and creates a flat wavefront instead of a narrow spherical one, which is the norm in the majority of headphones and speakers. This creates a cleaner and spacious soundstage and is known for rich bass.

The primary drawback to planar magnetic drivers is that they require quite a lot of power to move the large magnets inside, which makes them bulkier and heavier than other types of headphone drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers require an amplifier in order to function correctly.

The amplifier should be designed to match the power output of the planar magnetic driver to provide the optimal listening experience. Additionally, the amplifier must be equipped with a sufficient input impedance to be able to drive the planar magnetic driver at its highest output frequency.

The planar magnetic driver is usually designed to be a dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase between the front and back of the speaker, as ESLs do) or a Monopole (radiating only in the direction of the forward and more like traditional headphones). The most popular design is a bi-pole with one north and one south pole. Its shape makes it easy to fabricate as one piece of metal and is very effective in creating a strong field at the center of the faceplate.

Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion due to their dimensions. They are utilized in high-end headphone systems where sound 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 extreme precision.

The Seal

To function properly, planar drivers must be sealed very securely and precisely. A small leak could have a significant impact on the quality of sound and may cause distortion. So, a lot of effort is put into creating the correct seal for planar drivers.

Unlike many conventional headphone designs, planar magnetic headphones must not have any gaps in the enclosure of the acoustic. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm to resonate at multiple frequencies simultaneously. This is referred to as crosstalk and can cause the sound quality to suffer significantly.

Rubber rings are the most popular seals used in headphones that are planar. This seal can stop air leaks with great efficiency. It is also very robust and can last for many years. It is important to keep in mind that this type seal can occasionally produce hollow sounds. This is why it is crucial to choose a high-quality rubber seal if you're planning on using the planar magnetic headphone.

The liquid crystal display (LCD), seal is a different option for a magnetic driver. This is a higher-end type of seal designed to stop the formation of gaps. It's also constructed to withstand a substantial amount of pressure. It is a great option for audiophiles looking for high-quality sound quality.

One advantage of LCD headphones is that they can offer an extremely clear and detailed sound. This is especially true for high-end models, like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. It is possible to find LCD headphones that have the same sound quality for a lesser price.

It is important to know that planar magnetic headphones can generate more sound pressure than dynamic headphones. This is due to the way they are constructed. In contrast to dynamic headphones, planar magnetic headphones feature two opposing magnets that pull on the diaphragm. This creates an intense force that could produce very high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers are relatively new technology in the world of headphone production. They have begun to change the way people listen to music. In addition to their high-fidelity sound, these headphones what are planar magnetic drivers also very comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.