How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've never tried a pair of headphones with magnetic drivers that planar it might be difficult to wrap your head around how they function. Contrary to the voicecoil motor that drives a stiff cone back and forth, planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets sandwiching a thin diaphragm made of conductors.

The Diaphragm

Contrary to a traditional headphone driver with a cone or dome shaped diaphragm, a magnetic planar has a flat piece of flexible film. The film is made of conductors which react to magnets on between the two sides of the membrane. The diaphragm moves and reacts when the magnetic field generated by these magnets is triggered by the electrical signal that flows through the wires. This movement creates sound waves which are later 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 responsible for inhalation actions, such as breathing, sneezing and coughing, laughing and crying as well as vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm also plays part in expulsive actions, such as urinating or defecating, and pushing the fetus away during the birth.

Due to the ultra-light and thin design of a planar diaphragm, it is much more sensitive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic headphones produce more delicate and precise sound than dynamic drivers.

One of the downsides of planar magnetic headphones is that they are likely to have a bit more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, especially at higher volume. This is due to the movement of the magnetic diaphragm of the planar headphones that causes some audio to be pushed toward the listener.

This is not a problem if you only use the headphones in quiet areas or when watching movies, but it can be a hassle for active listening and Magnet Planar public usage. There are a variety of alternatives that can help reduce the amount of leakage. They include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. In addition, some brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of developing PMD technology and have been working hard to address the issues that come with this type of headphone. This is why they have patented various innovations that you observe in their products. Their new flex-circuit-based planar wounding overcomes the limitations that stamped copper windings have to give a greater utilization rate.

The Conductors

Conductors connect the magnets with the diaphragm, and they are responsible for the sound you hear. They are typically made from a mixture of copper and aluminum. These are then wound around a central magnetic core, which is enclosed by the diaphragm and supported by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core may be made of any material, but the most common is Neodymium. The core is the central element of any planar sound driver. It is made up of nested layers with an elongated helix that is 10-20mm in diameter.

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

A magnet planar's ability to quickly react to changes in audio signals is an additional feature. This enables a wider range of frequencies that can be reproduced and more authentic sound. This is a great attribute for those who appreciate music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals.

Additionally, the stacked structure of a planar magnet reduces the variability of parts and is suitable for applications that require high-reliability. As compared to wirewound magnetics, these offer better consistency and lower magnetic field distortion, which is essential for the success of any electronic device.

The Magnets

A magnet is a material that exhibits magnetic properties. It can create an attraction or repelling force on certain materials such as iron and nickel. It can also attract or repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism. It can be produced by electromagnets, permanent or temporary magnets. Magnets are employed in a variety of applications, such as electronic devices such as headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.

Planar magnetic driver technology, unlike traditional dynamic or balanced armature drivers, which push an extremely rigid and stiff diaphragm by using a voice coil to create the sound wavefront, utilizes an extremely thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is vibrating and creates a flat sound wavefront instead of a narrow spherical one, as is common in the majority of headphones and speakers. This creates a larger and cleaner soundstage and is known for its rich bass.

The main disadvantage of planar headphone drivers is that the large magnets they hold require plenty of power. This makes them heavier and bulkier than other types of headphones drivers. This is why many planar magnetic drivers require a special power amplifier in order to function properly.

The amplifier should be designed in a way that it is compatible with the power output of a planar magnetic driver order to offer the best listening experience. The amplifier should also have an extremely high input impedance in order to be able to drive the planar magnetic driver at its maximum output.

The planar magnetic driver is generally designed to be either dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase in front of and behind the speaker, similar to ESLs) or a Monopole (radiating only in the forward direction similar to traditional headphones). The most common design is a bi-pole with one north and one south pole. Its shape lets it be easily made into one piece of metal, and creates a very strong field at the center of the faceplate.

Because of their size and effectiveness, planar magnetic drivers have a lower distortion factor than other types of headphone drives. They are utilized in premium headphone systems where sonic accuracy matters. They can also be found in audio equipment for professionals such as microphones and loudspeakers. They are also ideal for medical imaging, and other sensitive applications that require high-precision.

The Seal

To ensure that planar drivers function well they must be sealed in a precise and tight manner. A tiny leak can drastically reduce sound performance and even cause distortion. It requires much effort to create the right seal for planar driver.

Contrary to many headphone designs the planar magnetic headphones should not have gaps in the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm to resonate at different frequencies simultaneously. The problem of crosstalk can affect the quality of sound.

Rubber rings are the most popular seals used in headphones that are planar. This type of seal prevents air leaks extremely effectively. It is also extremely durable, and can last for a long period of time. However, it is important to keep in mind that this type of seal can sometimes produce a hollow sound. This is why it is crucial to choose a high-quality rubber seal if you're planning on using the planar magnetic headphone.

Another alternative to an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. It is a specialized seal that prevents gaps from forming. It can also be able to withstand pressures of a considerable amount. It is a great choice for audiophiles seeking top-quality sound quality.

One advantage of LCD headphones is that they can provide a very clear and detailed sound. This is especially relevant for high-end headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 or magnet planar HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it's possible to find low-cost LCD headphones that offer a similar audio quality.

It is also important to remember that a planar magnetic headphone will produce a much higher volume of sound than traditional dynamic headphones. This is because of the way they are made. Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic headphones in that they are equipped with two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This can create a strong force that can produce extremely high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a relatively new technology in the headphone market are a revolutionary product. They have already started to revolutionize the way that listeners enjoy music. In addition to their high-fidelity audio these headphones are extremely comfortable to wear and are easy to adjust.