How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
It could be difficult for you to understand how planar magnetic drivers work if you have never used the two. 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 back and forth.
Diaphragm
Unlike a traditional dynamic headphone driver with dome or cone shaped diaphragms, a magnet 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. 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 membrane that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiratory muscle and is involved in inspiratory actions (exhaling air), such as breathing or coughing, sneezing crying, laughing, vomiting, and parturition. The diaphragm plays a role in expulsive movements like urinating and defecating as well as pushing the fetus away during delivery.
Due to the ultra-light and thin design of the diaphragm of a planar magnetic it is a lot more flexible to changes in audio signal than dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic headphones produce more delicate, precise sound than dynamic drivers.
One of the downsides of planar magnetic headphones is that they can have a bit more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, particularly at higher volume. This is because of the motion of the magnet diaphragm of the planar headphones, which causes some audio to be pushed away from the listener.
This isn't a problem if you only listen to music in quiet settings or when watching movies however, it can be a problem for listening in public and usage. There are fortunately, some excellent options to limit the amount of leakage like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Sundara. In addition, some brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of the development of PMD technology and have been working hard to resolve the issues associated with this style of headphone. This is the reason they have patented several innovations that you can see in their products. Their flex-circuit-based planar-winding technology overcomes the limitations that stamped copper windings face to give a greater utilization.
The Conductors
The conductors are what connects the diaphragm to the magnets and are responsible for producing the sound you hear. These are usually made from an amalgamation of aluminum and copper. They are then wrapped around an underlying magnetic core which is enclosed by a diaphragm and is supported by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core is a cylindrical form of magnetic element and can be made from any material, however it is most commonly produced with Neodymium. The core itself is the main component of any planar magnetic audio driver. It consists of a number of nested layers that form the form of a circular helix having an area of 10-20mm.
Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of creating a wider soundstage than their more dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that when an audio signal is received at a certain frequency, the entire diaphragm is vibrating instead of the tiny area that is attached to the voice coil. This bigger surface area results in lower distortion levels, particularly at higher volumes.
A magnet planar's ability to react quickly to changes in audio signals is a crucial feature. This makes it easier to reproduce a variety of frequencies and creates more realistic and detailed sound. This is a fantastic feature for audiophiles who love 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 mission critical applications that require high-reliability. They offer better consistency and less distortion of the magnetic field in comparison to wirewound magnets. This is crucial for the efficiency of electronic devices.
The Magnets
As the name suggests it is a material that possesses magnetic properties. It can cause a repulsive or attractive force on certain substances such as iron, nickel, cobalt and some steels. It can also attract and repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism. It is produced in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets can be used in a variety of applications and can be found in a variety of devices including electronic devices like headphones, laptop computers, mobile phones and car audio systems.
Contrary to traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers that push a rigid diaphragm that is connected to a voice coil, planar magnetic driver technology makes use of an extremely thin, light, flexible diaphragm to create an unidirectional sound wavefront rather than the focused spherical wavefront found in many headphones and speakers. This creates a larger and cleaner soundstage, and is also recognized for its deep bass.
The main disadvantage of planar magnetic headphone drivers is that the large magnets they contain require lots of power. This makes them heavier and bulkier than other types of headphone drivers. A lot of planar magnetic drivers require an amplifier to function correctly.
The amplifier should be constructed to match the power output of the planar magnetic driver to provide the optimal listening experience. Additionally the amplifier should be equipped with a sufficient input impedance to drive the planar magnetic driver at its maximum output frequency.
The planar magnetic driver is typically constructed to be dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase between the front and back of the speaker, like ESLs) or a monopole (radiating only in the forward direction, more like traditional headphones). The most commonly used design is a bi-pole with one north and one south pole. Its shape lets it be made as one piece of metal and creates a very robust field at the center of the faceplate.
Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion because of their dimensions. They are utilized in high-end headphone systems where sound accuracy is crucial. They are also used in audio equipment for professionals such as microphones and loudspeakers. Due to their unique design they are also ideal for medical imaging and other sensitive applications that require extreme precision.
The Seal
To ensure that planar drivers function optimally, they must be sealed in a precise and tight manner. A small leakage can be a major impact on the sound quality and even cause distortion. Therefore, a great deal of effort is put into creating the proper seal for planar drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike many other headphone designs, must not have any gaps within the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps will cause the diaphragm's resonance to be influenced by multiple frequencies simultaneously. This is referred to as crosstalk and can cause the sound quality to suffer significantly.
The most popular type of seal for planar headphones is the rubber ring seal. This seal is extremely effective in preventing air leaks. It is also extremely robust and can last for an extended period of time. It is important to keep in mind that this type seal can sometimes create an unnatural sound. If you plan to use a planar magnetic headphone, you must select a high-quality seal.
Another alternative to an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a high-tech seal designed to prevent gaps from developing. It is also constructed to withstand a substantial amount of pressure. This makes it a good option for audiophiles looking for the highest audio quality.
LCD headphones can give a clear and detailed sound. This is especially relevant for high-end headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. It is possible to find LCD headphones that have the same sound quality for a lesser price.
It is also important to know that the planar magnetic headphone may create a higher sound pressure than standard dynamic headphones. This is because of the way they are made. Contrary to dynamic headphones magnetic headphones have two opposing magnets that pull on the diaphragm. This can result in a strong force that generates high frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers, which are a relatively recent technology in the headphone market are a revolutionary product. They are beginning to revolutionize the way people listen to music. In addition to their superior audio these headphones are very comfortable to wear and are easy to adjust.