How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've never tried a pair of headphones that use magnetic drivers that planar it can be difficult to wrap your head around the way they work. 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

Contrary to a traditional headphone driver with dome or cone shaped diaphragms, a magnet planar has a flat piece of flexible film. The film is etched with conductors that react to magnets that are placed on either side of the membrane. When the electrical signal passing through these wires changes, the magnetic field created by the magnets causes the diaphragm react and move. This motion creates sound waves which are later heard by you.

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

Due to the ultra-light and thin nature of the diaphragm of a planar magnetic, it is much more sensitive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. These headphones have a sound that is more delicate and precise than what you get with dynamic drivers.

One of the disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones is that at higher volumes, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the movement of the magnet diaphragm of the planar headphones which causes some audio to be pushed away from the listener.

It's not a huge issue if you are using headphones in quiet areas or to watch movies. However, it can be a nuisance for public or active listening use. There are a few options to minimize the amount of leakage. They include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example is a leader in the development of PMD technology. They have been working hard to address issues that arise with this type of headphone. They have patented many innovations that you can see on their products. Their new flex-circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations that stamped copper windings must overcome to offer a higher utilization.

The Conductors

Conductors connect the magnets to the diaphragm and they're responsible for generating the sound that you hear. They are typically made of a mix 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 is a circular form of magnetic element and can be made of any type of material, but it is usually made using Neodymium. The core is the central element of any planar sound driver. It is comprised of nested layers with a circular helix of 10-20mm in diameter.

Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of a larger soundstage than their more dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm vibrates whenever an audio signal is received instead of just a small area that is attached to the voice coil. This greater surface area results in lower distortion levels, especially at higher volumes.

The ability of a magnet plane to react quickly to changes in the audio signals is another important feature. This makes it easier to reproduce a variety of frequencies, and also produces more realistic and detailed sound. This is a great attribute for audiophiles who enjoy music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals.

Additionally, the stacked structure of a planar magnetic reduces part-to-part variation and is perfect for mission 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

As its name implies, a magnet is a material that possesses magnetic properties. It can create an attraction or repelling force on certain materials, such as iron and nickel. It also can draw or repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism. It is produced in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets are employed in a variety of applications, including electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.

Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers which use a rigid, stiff 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, which is the norm in all headphones and speakers. This produces a much larger and more expansive soundstage, and is known for its rich bass.

The biggest disadvantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they need plenty of power to move the massive magnets inside, which makes them bulkier and heavier than other kinds of headphone drivers. As such, many planar magnetic drivers require a special power amplifier in order to function properly.

The amplifier must be designed to match the power output of a planar magnetic driver order to provide an optimal listening experience. The amplifier should also have a high input impedance to allow it to operate the planar magnet driver at its maximum output.

The planar magnetic driver is generally constructed to be dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase in front and behind the speaker, like 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 permits it to be made as a single metal piece and creates a robust field at the center of the faceplate.

Because of their size and effectiveness they have a lower distortion factor than other types of headphone drivers. They are frequently used in high-end headphones in which sonic precision is essential. They can also be found in audio equipment that is designed for professional use, like microphones and loudspeakers. Because of their unique construction they are also suited for medical imaging and other sensitive applications that require extremely high precision.

The Seal

To perform well, planar magnetic closed back headphones drivers must be sealed very securely and precisely. A small leak could cause a significant change in the quality of sound and could cause distortion. Therefore, a great deal of work goes into creating the right seal for drivers with planar designs.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike many other headphone designs, must not have any gaps in the acoustic enclosure. This is because gaps could cause the diaphragm's resonance at multiple frequencies at once. Crosstalk is a problem that can affect the quality of sound.

The most popular type of seal used for planar magnetic headphones is the rubber rings seal. This type of seal prevents air leaks with great efficiency. It is also very robust and lasts for an extended period of time. It is important to remember that this type of seal may sometimes produce an unnatural sound. Therefore, it is important to select a premium rubber seal if you're planning to use a planar magnetic headphone.

The liquid crystal display (LCD) seal is a different option for Magnetic planar a magnetic planar driver. It is a specialized seal designed to prevent gaps from forming. It also can withstand a lot of pressure. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for high-quality sound quality.

One advantage of LCD headphones is that they can provide the most clear and precise sound. This is especially true for high-end models, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it's possible to find affordable LCD headphones that provide similar high-quality sound.

It is also important to remember that a planar magnetic headphone will produce a much higher sound pressure than conventional dynamic headphones. This is due to the way they are made. Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic headphones because they have two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This can result in a strong force that can produce extremely high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a new technology in the world of headphones are an innovative product. They are beginning to revolutionize how people listen to music. They have high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also simple to adjust.