How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've not tried a pair of headphones that use planar magnetic drivers, it may be difficult to get your head around how they work. Planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets which are sandwiched in thin diaphragms with conductors. This differs from the voicecoil actuator, which is a cone that is pushed back and back and forth.

The Diaphragm

In contrast to a traditional dynamic headphone driver that has dome or cone shaped diaphragm, a magnet planar has a flat piece of flexible film. The film is coated with conductors that react to magnets that are placed on between the two sides of the membrane. The diaphragm moves and reacts when the magnetic field created by these magnets is stimulated by the electrical signal that flows through the wires. This causes sound waves that can be heard by you.

The diaphragm in the human body is a dome-shaped muscle membrane that divides 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 even parturition. The diaphragm also is essential for expulsive actions, including defecating and urinating and pushing out the fetus during the birth.

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

One of the disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones is that they are likely to have a bit more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, especially at higher volumes. This is due to the motion of the magnet planar headphones diaphragm that causes some audio to be pushed away from the listener.

This isn't an issue if you use headphones in quiet settings or while watching films however it can be a problem for active listening and public use. There are several options to reduce the amount of leakage. These include the Audeze LCD-4 and 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 type of headphone. This is the reason they have patented various innovations that you observe in their products. Their new flex-circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations that stamped copper windings face to offer a higher utilization factor.

The Conductors

Conductors link the diaphragm with the magnets and are responsible for the sound you hear. These are usually made from an amalgamation of aluminum and copper. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the central magnetic core. It is then supported by the headphone's frame. The magnetic core is a cylindrical shaped magnetic element and what are planar magnetic drivers can be constructed from any material, however it is typically made by using Neodymium. The core itself is the main component of any planar magnetic audio driver. It consists of several nested layers of the form of a circular helix having a diameter of 10-20mm.

Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of a larger soundstage compared to their more dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that the entire diaphragm vibrates whenever an audio signal is received, instead of a tiny area that is attached to the voice coil. This larger surface area also results in lower distortion levels, particularly when the volume is higher.

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 a more realistic sound. This is a great attribute for audiophiles who love music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals.

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

The Magnets

A magnet is a substance that exhibits magnetic properties. It can draw attention or repel force on certain materials like nickel and iron. It can also attract or repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism. It is produced in temporary, permanent or electromagnets. Magnets can be utilized in a wide range of applications and what are planar magnetic drivers used in many different types of electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones, laptop computers and car audio systems.

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

The primary drawback of planar magnetic headphone drivers is that the massive magnets they hold require lots of power. This makes them more heavy and bulkier than other types of headphone drivers. As such, many planar magnetic drivers require a separate power amplifier in order to function properly.

The amplifier has to be constructed to match the output power of the planar magnetic driver in order to provide the optimal listening experience. In addition, the amplifier must have a high enough input impedance to drive the planar magnetic driver at its maximum output frequency.

The planar magnetic driver is usually designed to be either dipole (radiating equally and in a different phase in front and behind the speaker, like ESLs) or a monopole (radiating only in the forward direction 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 one piece of metal, and creates a very robust field at the center of the faceplate.

Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a lower distortion because of their dimensions. They are commonly used in high-end headphone systems where sound precision is important. You can also find them in audio equipment for professionals, such as microphones and speakers. They are also perfect for medical imaging, and other sensitive applications requiring high-precision.

The Seal

To ensure that planar drivers function effectively, they must be sealed in a exact and precise way. A small leak can greatly reduce sound performance and even cause distortion. This is why a lot of effort is put into creating the correct seal for planar drivers.

In contrast to the majority of conventional headphone designs the planar magnetic headphones should not have gaps in the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps can cause the diaphragm's resonance at multiple frequencies at once. Crosstalk is a problem that 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 at stopping air leaks. It is also extremely durable, and can last for a long time. However it is crucial to remember that this type of seal can occasionally produce an unnatural sound. If you plan to use a planar magnetic headphone, you must choose a top-quality seal.

The liquid crystal display (LCD) seal is another alternative for a magnetic planar driver. This is a higher-end type of seal designed to stop the formation of gaps. It's also designed to withstand what Are planar magnetic drivers a significant amount of pressure. This makes it a good choice for audiophiles who are looking for a premium 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 and HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is also possible to find affordable LCD headphones that provide similar sound quality.

It is important to know that planar magnetic headphones create a greater sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are constructed is the reason. In contrast to dynamic headphones, planar magnetic headphones are made up of two opposing magnets that pull on the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that can generate extremely high frequencies.

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