How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

It could be difficult for you to comprehend the workings of planar magnetic drivers even if you've never used a pair. Unlike the voicecoil actuator that drives a stiff cone back and back the planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets encased in thin diaphragms made of conductors.

Diaphragm

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

The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped membranous muscular structure that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the principal respiratory muscle, and is responsible for inspiratory actions, like breathing coughing and sneezing and crying, laughing as well as vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm plays an important role in expulsive movements like urinating, defecating and pushing the fetus out at birth.

A planar magnetic diaphragm can be 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 precise and delicate than the sound you get from dynamic drivers.

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

It is not a big deal if you use headphones only in quiet environments or to watch movies. However, it can be irritating for active listening or public use. Thankfully, there are some very good options available to reduce the amount of leakage like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example is a leader in developing PMD technology. They have been working hard to address issues with this kind 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 have to provide a higher utilization factor.

The Conductors

Conductors are what 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. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the central magnetic core. This is supported by the headphone's frame. The magnetic core is a circular form of magnetic element and can be made of any material, however it is usually made using Neodymium. The core is the primary component of any planar audio driver and consists of a number of nested layers that form a circular helix with a diameter of 10-20mm.

A key advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they create 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 portion that is attached to the voice coil. This larger surface area results in lower distortion levels especially when the volume is higher.

Another key characteristic of a magnet planar is its ability to respond quickly to the changes in the audio signal. This makes it easier to reproduce a variety of frequencies, and also produces an even more realistic and detailed sound. This is an excellent feature for audiophiles who love music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals.

The stacked design of planar magnetics reduces the variability of part-to-part which makes them ideal for critical applications that require a high reliability. Compared to traditional wirewound magnetics, they offer improved consistency with lower magnetic field distortion, which is essential for the success of any electronic device.

The Magnets

As its name implies, a magnet is an element that has magnetic properties. It can exert an attraction or repelling force on certain substances, such as iron and nickel. It also has the ability to draw or repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is called magnetism. It is produced by permanent, electromagnets or temporary magnets. Magnets are used in many applications, including electronic devices like mobile phones, magnet planar headphones, and laptop computers.

Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional dynamic or balanced armature drivers that push a stiff, rigid 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, which is the norm in all headphones and speakers. This results in a more clear and spacious soundstage and is well-known for its deep bass.

The primary disadvantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they need quite a bit of power to move the huge magnets inside them which makes them heavier and heavier than other types of headphone drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers need a power amplifier to work correctly.

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

The planar magnetic drive is usually designed as either dipole, which emits equally and in opposite phases in the front and behind the speaker (like ESLs) or a monopole that emits only in the forward direction (more than traditional headphones). The most popular design of a planar magnetic driver is a bipole that has two poles that alternate on the north and south. Its shape makes it easy to fabricate as one 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 factor because of their dimensions. As such, they are frequently employed in headphones with high-end features in which sonic precision is essential. They are also used in professional audio equipment such as loudspeakers and microphones. They are also suitable for medical imaging, and other sensitive applications that require high precision.

The Seal

To be effective Planar drivers must be sealed very well and precisely. A small leak can dramatically impact sound quality and cause distortion. It requires a lot of effort to make the perfect seal for the planar driver.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike many other headphone designs, must not have gaps within the acoustic enclosure. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm's resonance to be influenced by different frequencies simultaneously. This is referred to as crosstalk and can cause the entire sound quality to be affected.

The most commonly used seal for planar magnetic headphones is the rubber rings seal. This seal is extremely effective in preventing air leaks. It is also extremely durable and can last for a long period of time. It is crucial to remember that this type seal can sometimes create a hollow sound. If you are planning to use a planar magnet headphone, it's important to choose a top-quality seal.

The liquid crystal display (LCD), seal is a different option for a magnetic planar earphones driver. It is a more sophisticated type of seal designed to prevent the formation of gaps. It is also designed to withstand a significant amount of pressure. This makes it a great choice for audiophiles who are looking for a premium audio quality.

One advantage of LCD headphones is that they provide an extremely clear and detailed sound. This is especially true for high-end headphones, like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is also possible to find inexpensive LCD headphones that have similar audio quality.

It is important to note that planar magnetic headphones can generate more sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are constructed is the main reason. headset planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic headphones because they contain two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This can result in a strong force that can generate very high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a relatively recent technology in the world of headphones, are an innovative product. They have begun to change the way people listen to music. In addition to their superior sound they are also very comfortable to wear and are easy to adjust.