How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've not yet tried a pair headphones that use planar magnetic drivers it might be difficult to wrap your head around the way they work. Contrary to the voicecoil motor that drives a stiff cone back and forward the planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets sandwiching thin diaphragms printed with conductors.

The Diaphragm

Magnet planars are flat pieces of flexible film, which is different from traditional dynamic headphone drivers with cone or dome-shaped diaphragm. The film is made of conductors which react to magnets on between the two sides of the membrane. When the electrical signal running through these wires changes the magnetic field created by the magnets causes the diaphragm react and move. This movement creates sound waves which are later heard by you.

The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped muscular membrane that separates the thoracic (chest), and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiration muscle and is involved in inspiratory actions (exhaling air) like breathing, sneezing, coughing, laughing, crying vomiting, and Magnet Planar even parturition. The diaphragm also is essential in expulsive actions such as defecating and urinating as well as pushing the fetus out during delivery.

A planar magnetic diaphragm is much more sensitive to changes in audio signals than dynamic drivers due to its light weight and thinness. Planar magnetic headphones have a more delicate and precise sound than dynamic drivers.

One of the drawbacks of planar-magnet headphones is that at higher volume, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the motion of the diaphragm inside the magnet headphone causes some of the audio to be pushed further outwards and then towards the listener.

It is not a big issue if you are using headphones only in quiet settings or to watch films. However, it can be irritating for active listening or public usage. Thankfully, there are some great options to reduce the amount of leakage, like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. Additionally, certain brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of the development of PMD technology and have been working hard to address the issues associated with this type of headphone. They have invented numerous innovations that you can see on their products. For instance, Magnet Planar their brand new flexible circuit-based planar winding eliminates the limitations of stamped copper windings to give the best utilization.

The Conductors

The conductors are what connects the diaphragm and the magnets and they're responsible for generating the sound that you hear. They are usually made of a combination of copper and aluminum. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the central magnetic core. It is then supported by the headphone's frame. The magnetic core may be constructed from any type of material but is most commonly Neodymium. The core is the central element of any planar audio driver and consists of a number of nested layers that form a circular helix with a diameter of 10-20mm.

Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of creating a wider soundstage compared to their more dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm vibrates whenever 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 when the volume is higher.

Another important feature of a magnet planar 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 realistic sound. This is a fantastic feature for those who appreciate music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals.

Additionally, the stacked structure of a planar magnetic decreases part-to-part variability and is ideal for mission-critical applications that require high reliability. In comparison to wirewound magnetics better consistency and lower magnetic field distortion, which is vital to the performance of any electronic device.

The Magnets

As the name suggests, a magnet is an element that has magnetic properties. It can draw attention or repel force on certain substances, like nickel and iron. It also attracts and repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is called magnetism. It can be created through electromagnets, permanent, or temporary magnets. Magnets are utilized in a variety of applications, such as electronic devices such as headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.

Unlike traditional balanced armature and dynamic drivers, which push a rigid diaphragm that is connected to a voice coil, the planar magnetic driver technology employs a thin, light, flexible diaphragm that can vibrate to create an unidirectional sound wavefront, rather than the focused spherical wavefront that is common in headphones and speakers. This creates a much cleaner and more spacious soundstage, and is recognized for its rich bass.

The primary disadvantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they require quite a bit of power to move the huge magnets inside them making them more bulky and heavier than other kinds of headphone drivers. This is why many 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 provide an optimal listening experience. The amplifier should also have a high input impedance in order to operate the planar magnet driver at its maximum output.

The planar magnetic driver is usually designed to be either dipole (radiating equally and in a different phase in front of and behind the speaker, like ESLs) or a monopole (radiating only in the direction of the forward, more like traditional headphones). The most commonly used design is a bi-pole with one north and one south pole. Its shape lets it be easily made into a single metal piece and creates a very robust field at the center of the faceplate.

Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion factor because of their size. They are commonly used in premium headphone systems where sonic precision is important. You can also find them in audio equipment for professionals, such as speakers and microphones. Due to their unique construction they are also suited for medical imaging and other sensitive applications that require extremely high precision.

The Seal

To function properly for optimal performance, planar drivers need to be sealed extremely tightly and precisely. A small leakage can be a major impact on the sound quality and even cause distortion. It requires much effort to make the perfect seal for planar driver.

Unlike many conventional headphone designs, planar magnetic headphones must not have any gaps within the acoustic enclosure. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm's resonance to be influenced by different frequencies simultaneously. The problem of crosstalk can affect the sound quality.

The most common type of seal used for planar magnetic headphones is the rubber rings seal. This seal is very effective in stopping air leaks. It is also very durable and can last many years. However it is crucial to keep in mind that this kind of seal could occasionally produce an unnatural sound. This is why it is crucial to select a premium rubber seal if planning on using an earphone with a planar magnetic design.

Another alternative for a planar magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is an advanced seal designed to prevent gaps from creating. It is also constructed to withstand a substantial amount of pressure. This makes it a great choice for audiophiles who are looking for a premium sound quality.

LCD headphones can give a clear and detailed sound. This is particularly true for high-end headphones, like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is also possible to find low-cost LCD headphones that have similar audio quality.

It is important to note that planar magnetic headphones can create a greater sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are built is the reason for this. They differ from dynamic headphones in that they are equipped with two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This can create a powerful force that can produce very high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a relatively new technology on the world of headphones are an innovative product. They have already started to revolutionize how people listen to music. These headphones offer high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also easy to adjust.