How Do Magnet planar Driver Headphones Work?

If you've never tried a pair of headphones that utilize planar magnetic drivers, it may be difficult to wrap your head around how they work. Unlike the voicecoil actuator that drives a stiff cone back and forward the planar magnetic drivers use two flat magnets sandwiching thin diaphragms made of 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 dotted with conductors on it that react with magnets placed on either side of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is able to react and move when the magnetic field generated by these magnets is stimulated by the electrical signal that runs through the wires. This causes soundwaves that you can then hear.

The human diaphragm is a dome-shaped membranous muscular structure that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main respiratory muscle, and is responsible for inspiratory actions such as breathing, sneezing and coughing and crying, laughing as well as vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm is also essential for expulsive actions, including defecating and urinating as well as pushing out the fetus during delivery.

A planar magnetic diaphragm can be more sensitive to changes in audio signals than dynamic drivers due to its light weight and thinness. Planar magnetic headphones provide more delicate and precise sound than dynamic drivers.

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

This isn't a problem if you only use the headphones Immerse in Pure Sound with Yamaha YH-E700A Over-Ear Headphones quiet areas or when watching movies however it can be a nuisance for listening in public and use. There are several alternatives that can help reduce the amount of leakage. They include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Additionally, certain brands such as Wisdom Audio are at the forefront of the development of PMD technology and have been working hard to address the issues that come from this kind of headphone. They have developed a number of patents, which you can see on their products. For instance, their brand new flex circuit-based planar winding overcomes the limitations of stamped copper windings and gives them a better utilization factor.

The Conductors

The conductors connect the diaphragm to the magnets and are responsible for the sound you hear. These are usually made from a mixture of aluminum and copper. They are then wrapped around the central magnetic core which is enclosed by a diaphragm and is supported by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core is a cylindrical shape magnetic element that can be made of any material, however it is most commonly produced by using Neodymium. The core is the main element of any planar sound driver. It is made up of nested layers that form an elongated helix that is 10-20mm in diameter.

Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of having a wider soundstage than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that the entire diaphragm vibrates whenever 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.

The ability of a magnet plane to quickly react to changes in audio signals is an additional feature. This allows for a wider spectrum of frequencies to be reproduced, and a more realistic sound. Audiophiles who appreciate music that includes different instruments and vocals will appreciate this feature.

Furthermore, the stacked design of a planar magnet reduces the variability of parts and is suitable for mission critical applications that require high-reliability. They are more consistent and have lower distortion in the magnetic field when compared to traditional wirewound magnets. This is essential for the success of electronic devices.

The Magnets

As the name suggests, a magnet is an element that has magnetic properties. It can draw attention or repel force on certain materials like nickel and iron. It can also attract or repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism and can be created in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets are utilized in a variety of applications, including electronic devices such as mobile phones, headphones, and laptop computers.

Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional dynamic drivers or balanced armatures which use an extremely rigid and stiff diaphragm with an electric voice coil to create the sound wavefront, uses a thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm oscillates and creates a flat wavefront instead of a spherical focused one, as is common in most headphones and speaker. This creates a larger and more expansive soundstage, and is also well-known for its deep bass.

The main disadvantage of planar headphone drivers is that the large magnets they hold require a lot of power. This makes them heavier and more bulky than other types of headphone drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers need an amplifier to function correctly.

The amplifier should be designed to match the power output of a planar magnetic driver order to provide an optimal listening experience. The amplifier should also have an impedance that is high at the input to allow it to operate the planar magnet driver at its maximum output.

The planar magnetic driver is generally designed to be dipole (radiating equally and in opposite phase in front and behind the speaker, similar to ESLs) or a monopole (radiating only in the direction of forward and more like traditional headphones). The most commonly used design of a planar magnetic driver is a bipole, with two poles that alternate on the south and north. Its shape makes it simple to create 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 dimensions. This is why they are often employed in headphones with high-end features where sonic accuracy is important. They are also found in audio equipment that is professional, such as speakers and microphones. Due to their unique construction, they are also suitable for medical imaging as well as other applications that require a high degree of precision.

The Seal

To ensure that planar drivers function optimally, they must be sealed in a very exact and precise way. A small leak can greatly impact sound quality and cause distortion. This is why a lot of work is required to create the correct seal for drivers with planar designs.

Contrary to many headphone designs the planar magnetic headphones should not have any gaps within the enclosure for acoustics. This is because gaps can cause the diaphragm's resonance to be triggered with multiple frequencies simultaneously. This is known as crosstalk and can cause the audio quality to suffer greatly.

Rubber ring seals are the most common seals used in headphones that are planar. This seal is able to stop air leaks with great efficiency. It is also very robust and lasts for a long period of time. However it is crucial to keep in mind that this kind of seal could sometimes create an unnatural sound. If you're planning to use a planar magnetic headphone, be sure to choose a top-quality seal.

Another alternative for an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a more advanced kind of seal that has been designed to stop the formation of gaps. It also can stand up to pressures of a great deal. It is an excellent choice for audiophiles looking for planar driver high-quality sound quality.

LCD headphones can provide clear and detailed sound. This is especially relevant for high-end headphones such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is also possible to find low-cost LCD headphones that offer a similar high-quality sound.

It is also important to remember that a planar magnetic headphone can generate a greater volume of sound than traditional dynamic headphones. The way they are constructed is the reason for this. Contrary to dynamic headphones magnetic headphones feature two magnets which pull on the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that can produce extremely high frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers, a relatively new technology in the world of headphones are a revolutionary product. However, they have already begun to revolutionize how people listen to music. These headphones offer high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also simple to adjust.