Then You've Found Your Magnet Planar ... Now What?
How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work? If you've never tried a pair of headphones that utilize planar magnetic drivers it might 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 is different from the voicecoil actuator which is a cone that is pushed back and forth. Diaphragm Magnet planars are flat pieces of flexible film, unlike traditional dynamic headphone drivers that have cone or dome-shaped diaphragm. The film has conductors traced on it that react with magnets that are placed on either side of the diaphragm. The diaphragm moves and reacts when the magnetic field created by these magnets is triggered by the electrical signal that runs through the wires. This motion creates sound waves which are later heard by you. The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped muscle membrane that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiratory muscle and is involved in the process of inspiratory action (exhaling air), such as breathing, sneezing, coughing, laughing, crying, vomiting, and parturition. The diaphragm is also vital for expulsive actions, including the act of urinating and bowel movements as well as pushing out the fetus during birth. Due to the ultra-light and thin design of a planar diaphragm, it is much more sensitive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic headphones produce more delicate and precise sound than dynamic drivers. One of the disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones is that they tend to have a little more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, especially at higher volumes. This is because of the movement of the magnetic diaphragm of the planar headphones which causes some audio to be pushed away from the listener. It's not a huge deal if you use headphones only in quiet settings, or to watch movies. However, it can be a nuisance for active listening or public use. There are fortunately, some very good options available to reduce the amount of leakage such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example is at the forefront in the development of PMD technology. They have worked hard to resolve issues that arise with this type of headphone. They have invented numerous innovations, which you can see on their products. Their new flex-circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations that stamped copper windings have to give a greater utilization rate. The Conductors The conductors connect the magnets with the diaphragm and are responsible for the sound you hear. They are typically made from a mixture 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 shaped magnetic element and can be made of any material, however it is typically made by using Neodymium. The core is the central element of any planar audio driver. It is made up of nested layers that form a circular helix of 10-20mm in diameter. One of the main advantages of planar magnetic drivers is that they create a much wider soundstage than their 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 when the volume is higher. Another significant aspect of a magnet planear is its ability to react quickly to the changes in the audio signal. This allows it to reproduce a wide range of frequencies and creates a more detailed and realistic sound. This is an excellent feature for audiophiles who enjoy music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals. Additionally, the stacked structure of a planar magnet reduces the variability of parts and is suitable for applications that require high-reliability. They offer better consistency and lower distortion in the magnetic field when as compared to wirewound magnetics. This is crucial for the efficiency of electronic devices. The Magnets Like its name suggests the word magnet refers to an element that has magnetic properties. It can create an attractive or a repulsive force on certain materials, such as nickel, iron cobalt and some steels. It can also attract and repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism. It is produced in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets can be utilized 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. Planar magnetic driver technology, unlike traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers, which push a rigid, stiff diaphragm by using a voice coil to create the sound wavefront, utilizes an extremely thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm oscillates and creates a flat wavefront, rather than a focused spherical one, as is typical in the majority of headphones and speakers. This results in a more clear and larger soundstage. It is also recognized for its rich bass. The primary drawback to planar magnetic drivers is that they require plenty of power to move the large magnets within them which makes them heavier and heavier than other types of headphone drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers need an amplifier in order to function effectively. The amplifier has to be designed to match the output power of the planar magnetic driver to provide the optimal listening experience. Additionally the amplifier should have a high enough input impedance to drive the planar magnetic driver to its maximum output frequency. The planar magnetic drive is typically designed as either dipole, which emits equally and in opposing phases in the front and behind the speaker (like ESLs), or a monopole that emits only in the forward direction (more similar to traditional headphones). The most popular design of a planar magnetic driver is a bipole, with rotating poles on the south and north. Its shape makes it simple to build as a single piece of steel and is very efficient at creating a strong field in the center of the faceplate. Due to their size and efficiency they have a lower distortion than other types of headphone drivers. This is why they are commonly used in high-end headphones in which sonic precision is essential. They are also found in audio equipment that is professional, such as speakers and microphones. They are also ideal for medical imaging, and other sensitive applications requiring high-quality precision. The Seal To perform well for optimal performance, planar drivers need to be sealed very securely and precisely. A tiny leak can be a major impact on the sound quality and even cause distortion. Therefore, a great deal of work is required to create the proper seal for planar drivers. Unlike many conventional headphone designs that are used, planar magnetic headphones should not have any gaps within the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm's resonance to be triggered with different frequencies simultaneously. headphone planar magnetic of crosstalk can impact the sound quality. The most commonly used seal used for planar magnetic headphones is the rubber rings seal. This seal is extremely effective in stopping air leaks. It is also extremely robust and lasts for a long time. It is crucial to remember that this type of seal may sometimes produce an unnatural sound. If you're 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 alternative for a magnetic planar driver. It is a more sophisticated type of seal designed to prevent the creation of gaps. It also can be able to withstand pressures of a considerable amount. It is an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking premium sound quality. One benefit of LCD headphones is that they can provide an extremely clear and detailed sound. This is especially true for high-end headphones, such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. But, it's also possible to find low-cost LCD headphones that have similar high-quality sound. It is also important to remember that a planar magnetic headphone can generate a greater sound pressure than standard dynamic headphones. This is due to the way they are constructed. Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic headphones since they have two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This can create an intense force that could generate extremely high frequencies. Planar magnetic drivers, a recent technology in the market for headphones, are an innovative product. They have started to revolutionize how people listen to music. These headphones offer high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also easy to adjust.