How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
If you've not tried a pair of headphones that utilize magnetic drivers that planar, it may be difficult to wrap your head around how they function. Planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets which are sandwiched in a thin diaphragm and conductors. This differs from the voicecoil motor, which pushes a stiff cone back and forward.
The Diaphragm
Unlike a traditional dynamic headphone driver with dome or cone-shaped diaphragm, a magnetic planar is 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 flowing through these wires changes the magnetic field generated by the magnets causes the diaphragm react and move. This motion creates sound waves that can be heard by you.
The diaphragm in the human body is a dome-shaped membrane that separates 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 parturition. The diaphragm is also vital for expulsive actions, including the act of urinating and bowel movements and pushing out the fetus during delivery.
A planar magnetic diaphragm is much more sensitive to changes in audio signals than dynamic drivers due to its light weight and thinness. This results in planar magnetic headphones sound that is more delicate and precise than the sound you get from dynamic drivers.
One of the disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones is that they can have a bit more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, especially at higher volume. This is due to the motion of the diaphragm inside a planar magnetic headphone causes a portion of the audio to be pushed further outwards and toward the listener.
This is not an issue if you use headphones in quiet environments or while watching films however it can be a problem for listening in public and use. There are, however, very good options available to reduce the amount of leakage, such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. Additionally, certain brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of advancing PMD technology and have been working hard to resolve the issues associated with this style of headphone. They have invented numerous innovations that you can see on their products. Their new flex-circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations stamped copper windings must overcome to provide a higher utilization factor.
The Conductors
The conductors connect the diaphragm to the magnets and are responsible for the sound you hear. how do planar magnetic headphones work are typically made of 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 circular shape magnetic element that can be constructed from any type of material, but it is usually made with Neodymium. The core itself is the main component of any planar audio driver. It consists of a number of nested layers that form a circular helix with an area of 10-20mm.
A key advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce an incredibly wide soundstage compared to their dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received, instead of just a small portion that is attached to the voice coil. This greater surface area results in lower distortion levels, especially at higher volumes.
Another key aspect of a magnet planear is its ability to respond quickly to changes in the audio signal. This allows it to reproduce a variety of frequencies and produces more realistic and detailed sound. Audiophiles who enjoy music with a variety of instruments and vocals will appreciate this feature.
The stacked design of planar magnetics reduces the variability of part-to-part, making them ideal for mission-critical applications that require high reliability. As compared to wirewound magnetics greater consistency, with less magnetic field distortion, which is vital to the performance of any electronic device.
The Magnets
A magnet is a material that exhibits magnetic properties. It can create an attractive or a repulsive force on certain substances such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and some steels. It can also draw or repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism. It can be produced by permanent, electromagnets or temporary magnets. Magnets are employed in a variety of applications, including electronic devices like mobile phones, headphones, and laptop computers.
In contrast to traditional balanced armature and dynamic drivers, which push a stiff diaphragm with the voice coil, planar magnetic driver technology makes use of an extremely thin, light, flexible diaphragm that can vibrate to create an unidirectional sound wavefront, instead of the narrow spherical wavefront that is common in headphones and speakers. This creates a larger and cleaner soundstage, and is known for its rich bass.
The biggest drawback of planar headphone drivers is that the large magnets they contain require plenty of power. This makes them heavier and more bulky than other types of headphone drivers. Therefore, a lot of planar magnetic drivers require a separate power amplifier to function correctly.
The amplifier has to be constructed to match the output power of the planar magnetic driver to give 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 to its maximum output.
The planar magnetic driver is typically designed to be dipole (radiating equally and in a different phase between the front and back of the speaker, similar to ESLs) or a Monopole (radiating only in the forward direction, more like traditional headphones). The most popular design is a bi-pole that has one north and one south pole. Its shape makes it easy to fabricate as a single piece of metal and is very effective in producing a strong field in the center of the faceplate.
Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion because of their size. As such, they are commonly used in high-end headphones where sonic accuracy is important. They can also be found in audio equipment for professionals such as microphones and loudspeakers. They are also perfect for medical imaging, and other sensitive applications that require high precision.
The Seal
For planar drivers to perform effectively, they must be sealed in a tight and precise manner. A small leakage can cause a significant change in the quality of sound and could cause distortion. This is why a lot of work goes into creating the proper seal for drivers with planar designs.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike many other headphone designs, must not have any gaps within the enclosure of the acoustic. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm to resonate at multiple frequencies at the same time. This is known as crosstalk, and it can cause the sound quality to be affected.
The most commonly used seal for planar 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 time. However, it is important to keep in mind that this kind of seal could sometimes produce hollow sounds. If you are planning to use a planar magnetic headphone, it's important to choose a seal that is of high-quality.
Another alternative to an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a more advanced type of seal designed to prevent the formation of gaps. It can also be able to withstand pressures of a considerable amount. This makes it a good choice for audiophiles who are seeking the best sound quality.
One advantage of LCD headphones is that they provide the most clear and precise sound. This is particularly true for high-end headphones, like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. But, it's also possible to find low-cost LCD headphones that provide similar high-quality sound.
It is important to know that planar magnetic headphones can create a greater sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are constructed is the reason. Contrary to dynamic headphones magnetic headphones feature two magnets which pull on the diaphragm. This can create an intense force that could produce very high frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers are a relatively new technology in the headphone industry. They have begun to revolutionize how people listen to music. In addition to their high-quality sound they are also very comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.