How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

It may be difficult for you to understand how planar magnetic drivers function in case you've never worked with a pair. Unlike the voicecoil actuator that drives a stiff cone back and forth, planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets sandwiching an incredibly thin diaphragm that is made of conductors.

Diaphragm

Unlike a traditional dynamic headphone driver, which has a cone or dome shaped diaphragms, a magnet planar is a flat piece of flexible film. The film has conductors traced on it that react with magnets placed on either side of the diaphragm. When the electrical signal running through these wires changes, the magnetic field created by the magnets causes the diaphragm to react and move. This movement creates soundwaves which you can hear.

The human diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscular membranous structure that divides the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the principal respiratory muscle and is responsible for inspiratory actions, like breathing as well as coughing and sneezing as well as crying and laughing, vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm is also vital for expulsive actions, such as urinating and defecating as well as pushing out the fetus during birth.

A planar magnetic diaphragm is much more sensitive to changes in audio signals than dynamic drivers because of its ultra-lightweight and thinness. This gives planar magnetic headphones sound that is more delicate and precise than that you get from dynamic drivers.

One of the drawbacks of planar magnetic headphones is that at higher volume, they can leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the movement of the diaphragm in the magnet headphone causes some of the audio to be pushed outwards and towards the listener.

It's not a huge deal if you use headphones only in quiet environments or to watch movies. But it can be a nuisance for active listening or 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, Focal Elegia: Premium Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones (Black/Silver) some brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of the development of 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 numerous innovations that you can see in their products. For instance, their latest flex circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations of stamped copper windings and gives them a better utilization factor.

The Conductors

The conductors connect the diaphragm with the magnets and are the ones responsible for the sound you hear. They are typically made from a combination of copper and aluminum. These are then wound around an underlying magnetic core which is surrounded by the diaphragm and supported by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core is a circular shape magnetic element that can be made from any type of material, but it is typically made with Neodymium. The core itself is the central element of any planar audio driver. It is made up of several nested layers of the form of a circular helix having an area of 10-20mm.

One of the main advantages of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce a much wider soundstage than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm is vibrating when an audio signal is received, instead of just a small area that is connected to the voice coil. This greater surface area results in lower distortion levels especially at higher volume.

A magnet planar's ability to respond quickly to changes in audio signals is an additional characteristic. This allows for a wider spectrum of frequencies to be reproduced and more authentic sound. This is a great attribute for those who appreciate music that incorporates a variety of instruments and vocals.

The stacking design of planar magnetics reduces the variation between parts which makes them suitable for mission-critical applications that require high reliability. They provide greater consistency and lower magnetic field distortion compared to traditional wirewound magnets. This is essential to the success of electronic devices.

The Magnets

Like its name suggests it is one that has magnetic properties. It can draw attention or repel force on certain materials like nickel and iron. It also can draw or repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism. It is produced through electromagnets, permanent, or temporary magnets. Magnets are used in a myriad of applications and can be found in many different types of devices, including electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones, laptop computers and car audio systems.

In contrast to traditional balanced armature and dynamic drivers that use an extremely stiff diaphragm using a voice coil, the planar magnetic driver technology uses an extremely thin, light, flexible diaphragm to create a flat sound wavefront rather than the focused spherical wavefront found in many headphones and speakers. This results in a larger and cleaner soundstage, and is also recognized for its deep bass.

The main drawback to planar magnetic drivers is that they require quite a bit of power to move the large magnets inside, which makes them bulkier and heavier than other types of headphone drivers. This is why many planar magnetic drivers require a dedicated power amplifier to function properly.

The amplifier should be constructed to match the output power of the planar magnetic driver in order to give the best listening experience. The amplifier should also have an impedance that is high at the input in order to be able to drive the planar magnetic driver to its maximum output.

The planar magnetic driver is typically designed to be either a dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase in front and behind the speaker, similar to ESLs) or a Monopole (radiating only in the direction of the forward similar to traditional headphones). The most common design is a bi-pole that has one north and one south pole. Its shape lets it be easily made into 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 smaller distortion factor because of their dimensions. They are used in high-end headphone systems where sound precision is important. They are also found in audio equipment that is professional, such as speakers and microphones. Due to their unique design they are also suited for medical imaging as well as other applications that require extremely high precision.

The Seal

To perform well, planar drivers must be sealed very tightly and precisely. A small leakage can cause a significant change in the quality of sound and may cause distortion. It takes an enormous amount of effort to make the perfect seal for the planar driver.

Unlike many conventional headphone designs that are used, planar magnetic headphones should not have gaps in the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps will cause the diaphragm to resonate with different frequencies simultaneously. This is known as crosstalk and can cause the overall audio quality to suffer greatly.

The most common type of seal for planar magnetic headphones is the rubber ring seal. This seal is very effective in stopping air leaks. It is also extremely robust and lasts for a long period of time. However it is essential to remember that this type of seal can sometimes produce hollow sounds. If you are planning to use a planar magnetic headphone, Focal Elegia: Premium Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones (Black/Silver) it's important to choose a seal that is of high-quality.

The liquid crystal display (LCD), seal is another option for a magnetic driver. This is a high-tech seal that is designed to stop gaps from developing. It can also withstand a lot of pressure. It is an excellent choice for audiophiles who want Focal Elegia: Premium Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones (Black/Silver) sound quality.

LCD headphones can give a clear and crisp sound. This is especially relevant for high-end headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. But, it's also possible to find affordable LCD headphones that provide similar sound quality.

It is important to know that planar magnetic headphones can produce a higher sound pressure than dynamic headphones. This is due to the way they are built. Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic headphones because they contain two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that generates high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers are relatively new technology in the world of headphone production. They have already started to revolutionize the way that listeners enjoy music. They have high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also simple to adjust.