How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

It could be difficult to comprehend how do planar magnetic headphones work planar magnetic drivers function even if you've never used the two. Planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets that are sandwiched between a thin diaphragm and conductors. This differs from the voicecoil motor, which is a cone that is pushed back and forward.

The Diaphragm

Magnet planars are flat pieces of flexible film, unlike traditional dynamic headphone drivers with cone-shaped or dome-shaped diaphragm. The film is dotted with conductors on it, which react with magnets placed on either side of the diaphragm. The diaphragm reacts and moves when the magnetic field created by these magnets is triggered by the electrical signal running through the wires. This motion creates sound waves that are then heard by you.

The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped membranous muscular structure that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the primary respiratory muscle, and is responsible for inspiratory actions like breathing, sneezing and coughing, laughing and crying, vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm is also part in expulsive actions like urination or defecating, and pushing the fetus out during the delivery.

Due to the ultra-light and thin nature of the diaphragm of a planar magnetic it is a lot more sensitive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. 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 magnetic headphones is that they tend to have a bit more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, especially at higher volumes. This is because of the motion of the magnet diaphragm in the planar headphones which causes some audio to be pushed towards the listener.

It's not a big issue if you use headphones in quiet areas or to watch movies. However, it can be annoying for active listening or public use. There are a variety of options that can limit the amount of leakage. These include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example is a pioneer in developing PMD technology. They have put in a lot of effort to resolve issues that arise with this type of headphone. This is why they have patented numerous innovations that you can observe in their products. For example, their new flexible circuit-based planar winding eliminates the limitations of stamped copper windings to give them a better utilization factor.

The Conductors

The conductors are what connects the diaphragm and the magnets and are responsible for producing the sound you hear. They are typically made of a combination of aluminum and copper. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the central magnetic core. This is supported by the headphone's frame. The magnetic core is a circular shaped magnetic element and can be made from any material, but it is typically made with Neodymium. The core is the primary component of any planar magnetic audio driver and consists of several nested layers of the form of a circular helix having an area of 10-20mm.

Planar magnetic drivers have the benefit of creating a wider soundstage than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that when an audio signal is received in the diaphragm, it vibrates across the entire area instead of the tiny area that is attached to the voice coil. This greater surface area results in lower distortion levels, particularly at higher volumes.

The ability of a magnet plane to respond quickly to changes in the audio signals is another important feature. This makes it easier to reproduce a wide range of frequencies, and also produces an even more realistic and detailed sound. This is a fantastic feature for audiophiles who enjoy music with many different instruments and planar magnetic vocals.

The stacking design of planar magnetics reduces the variation between parts which makes them suitable for critical applications that require a high reliability. As compared to wirewound magnetics improved consistency with lower magnetic field distortion, which is crucial to the performance of any electronic device.

The Magnets

A magnet is a material with magnetic properties. It can draw attention or repel force on certain substances, like nickel and iron. It can also draw or repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is called magnetism. It can be produced by permanent, electromagnets or temporary magnets. Magnets can be used in a variety of applications and are utilised in many different types of devices, including electronic devices like headphones laptop computers, mobile phones and car audio systems.

Unlike traditional balanced armature and dynamic drivers that use a rigid diaphragm that is connected to a voice coil, planar magnetic driver technology employs an extremely thin, light, flexible diaphragm that vibrates to create an unidirectional sound wavefront rather than the focused spherical wavefront found in many headphones and speakers. This creates a more spacious and cleaner soundstage, and is recognized for its deep bass.

The biggest drawback of planar headphone drivers is that the massive magnets they have require plenty of power. This makes them heavier and more bulky than other headphones drivers. A lot of planar magnetic drivers require an amplifier to function correctly.

The amplifier must be constructed so that it matches the power output of the planar magnetic driver in order to provide an optimal listening experience. The amplifier must also have an extremely high input impedance to allow it to operate the planar magnet driver to its maximum output.

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

Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion because of their dimensions. They are utilized in high-end headphone systems where sonic accuracy is crucial. They are also used in professional audio equipment like microphones and loudspeakers. Due to their unique design, they are also suitable for medical imaging as well as other applications that require extreme precision.

The Seal

For planar drivers to function well they must be sealed in a exact and precise way. A small leak can dramatically affect sound quality and cause distortion. It takes a lot of effort to design the ideal seal for the planar driver.

In contrast to the majority of conventional headphone designs the planar magnetic headphones should not have gaps in the enclosure of the acoustic. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm to resonate with different frequencies at the same time. This is referred to as crosstalk, and can cause the overall sound quality to be affected.

The most popular type of seal for planar headphones is the rubber ring seal. This type of seal is extremely effective in stopping air leaks. It is also extremely robust and can last for many years. It is important to remember that this type of seal can sometimes create an unnatural sound. If you are planning to use a planar magnetic headphone, you must choose a top-quality seal.

Another alternative for a planar magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a more advanced kind of seal that has been designed to prevent the formation of gaps. It's also designed to withstand a significant amount of pressure. It is an excellent choice for audiophiles who want top-quality sound quality.

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

It is also important to note that a planar magnetic headphone can create a higher sound pressure than conventional dynamic headphones. The way they are built is the main reason. Contrary to dynamic headphones magnetic headphones are made up of two opposing magnets that pull on the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that generates high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a recent technology in the headphone market, are an innovative product. However, they have already started to change the way listeners enjoy music. In addition to their high-quality sound, these headphones are also extremely comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.