Notes

Why We Enjoy Magnet Planar (And You Should Also!)
How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?

If you've not yet tried a pair headphones with magnetic drivers with planar design it might be difficult to get your mind around how they function. In contrast to the voicecoil actuator which drives a stiff cone back and back the planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets sandwiching a thin diaphragm that is printed with conductors.

The Diaphragm

In contrast to a traditional dynamic headphone driver, which has 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 placed between the two sides of the membrane. The diaphragm reacts and moves when the magnetic field created by these magnets is stimulated by the electrical signal that runs through the wires. This causes sound waves which are later heard by you.

The human diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle membranous structure that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiration muscle and is involved in the process of inspiratory action (exhaling air), such as breathing, sneezing, coughing, laughing, crying vomiting, and even parturition. The diaphragm also is essential in expulsive actions such as defecating and urinating as well as pushing the fetus out during the birth.

A planar magnetic diaphragm can be more sensitive to changes in audio signals than dynamic drivers due to its ultra-lightweight and thinness. Planar magnetic headphones produce more delicate, precise sound than dynamic drivers.

One of the disadvantages of planar-magnet headphones is that at higher volumes, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is because of the motion of the magnet diaphragm of the planar headphones, which causes some audio to be pushed towards the listener.

It's not a huge issue if you are using headphones only in quiet environments or to watch films. But it can be annoying when you are listening to music or in public usage. Thankfully, there are some excellent options to limit 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. headset planar have been working hard to solve the issues associated with this kind of headphone. This is the reason they have patented numerous innovations that you can observe in their products. For instance, their latest planar winding based on flex circuits overcomes the limitations of stamped copper windings, giving the best utilization.

The Conductors

The conductors connect the diaphragm to the magnets, and they are responsible for the sound you hear. They are typically made from a mix 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 may be made of any material, but it is typically Neodymium. The core is the main component of any planar audio driver. It is made up of a number of nested layers that form an helix that is circular with a diameter of 10-20mm.

The main benefit of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce a much wider soundstage than their dynamic counterparts. This is because when an audio signal is received, the entire diaphragm vibrates instead of the tiny space that is connected to the voice coil. The larger surface area results in lower distortion levels, especially when the volume is higher.

Another key feature of a magnet planar is its ability to react quickly to changes in the audio signal. This allows it to reproduce a broad range of frequencies and creates more realistic and detailed sound. This is a great attribute for audiophiles who love music that incorporates a variety of instruments and vocals.

Furthermore, the stacked design of a planar magnet reduces part-to-part variability and is ideal for applications that require high reliability. Compared to traditional wirewound magnetics, they offer better consistency and lower magnetic field distortion, which is crucial for the success of any electronic device.

The Magnets

Like its name suggests the word magnet refers to one that has magnetic properties. It can create an attractive or a repulsive force on certain substances such as nickel, iron cobalt, and some steels. It also has the ability to draw or repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism and can be created in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets are used in many applications, such as electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.

In contrast to traditional balanced armature and dynamic drivers that push an extremely stiff diaphragm using a voice coil, planar magnetic driver technology employs a thin, light and flexible diaphragm to create an unidirectional sound wavefront, instead of the spherical focused wavefront common in most headphones and speakers. This results in a more clear and spacious soundstage and is well-known for its deep bass.

The primary drawback of planar headphone drivers is that the huge magnets they have require plenty of power. This makes them heavier and more bulky than other headphones drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers require a power amplifier to work correctly.

The amplifier has to be constructed to match the output power of the planar magnetic driver to ensure the best listening experience. Additionally the amplifier should have a high enough input impedance to drive the planar magnetic driver at its maximum output frequency.

The planar magnetic driver is usually constructed to be a dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase in front of and behind the speaker, similar to ESLs) or a Monopole (radiating only in the direction of forward similar to traditional headphones). The most popular design of a planar magnetic driver is a bipole that has alternating poles on the south and north. Its shape lets it be easily fabricated as one piece of metal, and produces a very robust field at the center of the faceplate.

Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a lower distortion due to their size. This is why they are commonly employed in headphones with high-end features in which sonic precision is essential. You can also find them in professional audio equipment like speakers and microphones. Because of their unique construction, they are also suitable for medical imaging and other delicate applications that require extremely high precision.

The Seal


To ensure that planar drivers function well they must be sealed in a very tight and precise manner. A tiny leak can drastically affect sound quality and cause distortion. It requires a lot of effort to create the right seal for planar driver.

Contrary to many headphone designs that are used, planar magnetic headphones should not have any gaps in the acoustic enclosure. This is because gaps can cause the diaphragm's resonance to be triggered with multiple frequencies simultaneously. Crosstalk is a problem that can affect the sound quality.

Rubber rings are the most common seals used in planar magnetic headphones. This seal is very effective in stopping air leaks. It is also extremely robust and lasts for a long time. It is important to remember that this type seal can sometimes create an unnatural sound. If you are planning to use a planar magnetic headphone, be sure 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 high-tech seal that prevents gaps from creating. It can also be able to withstand pressures of a considerable amount. It is a great choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound quality.

One benefit of LCD headphones is that they can provide the most clear and precise sound. This is particularly relevant for high-end headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is also possible to find inexpensive LCD headphones that provide similar sound quality.

It is also important to know that the planar magnetic headphone may generate a greater volume of sound than traditional dynamic headphones. This is due to the way they are built. They differ from dynamic headphones because they are equipped with two magnets that pull against the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that can generate very high frequencies.

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

Homepage: https://www.headphonesshop.uk/categories/planar-magnetic-headphones