How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
If you've not yet tried a pair headphones that use magnetic drivers with planar design, it may be difficult to wrap your head around the way they function. Contrary to the voicecoil motor that drives a stiff cone back and forth, planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets encased in thin diaphragms made of conductors.
Diaphragm
Magnet planars are flat pieces made of flexible film, which is different from traditional dynamic headphone drivers, which have cone-shaped or dome-shaped diaphragm. The film is made of conductors which react to magnets that are placed on across the membrane. When the electrical signal running through these wires changes the magnetic field generated by the magnets causes the diaphragm react and move. This motion creates sound waves that are then heard by you.
The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped muscular membranous structure that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the main muscle of respiration and is involved in the process of inspiratory action (exhaling air), such as breathing, sneezing, coughing, crying, laughing, vomiting, and parturition. The diaphragm is also vital for expulsive actions, including urinating and defecating and pushing the fetus out during the birth.
Due to the ultra-light and thin design of the diaphragm of a planar magnetic, it is much more sensitive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. This gives planar magnetic headphones sound that is more precise and delicate than what you get with dynamic drivers.
One of the disadvantages of planar magnet headphones is that, at higher volume, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the motion of the diaphragm within the magnet headphone causes a portion of the audio to be pushed further outwards and toward the listener.
This isn't an issue if you use the headphones in quiet settings or when watching movies however, it can be a problem for listening in public and usage. There are a variety of alternatives that can help reduce the amount of leakage. These include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example is a leader in developing PMD technology. They have put in a lot of effort to solve the issues associated with this kind of headphone. They have developed a number of patents, which you can see on their products. Their flex-circuit-based planar-winding technology overcomes the limitations stamped copper windings must overcome to provide a higher utilization rate.
The Conductors
Conductors connect the diaphragm to the magnets and are responsible for the sound you hear. These are usually made from an amalgamation of aluminum and copper. These are then wound around a central magnetic core, which is enclosed by the diaphragm, and is held by the frame of the headphone. The magnetic core is a cylindrical shaped magnetic element and can be made from any material, but it is usually made by using Neodymium. The core itself is the main component of any planar magnetic audio driver. It consists of several nested layers of a circular helix with a diameter of 10-20mm.
Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of having a wider soundstage compared to their more dynamic counterparts. This is because when audio signals arrive at a certain frequency, the entire diaphragm is vibrating instead of just the small area that is attached to the voice coil. The larger surface area results in lower distortion levels, particularly when the volume is greater.
Another significant characteristic of a magnet planar is its ability to react quickly to the changes in the audio signal. This makes it easier to reproduce a wide range of frequencies, and also produces an even more realistic and detailed sound. This is an excellent feature for those who appreciate music with many different instruments and vocals.
The stacked design of planar magnetics reduces the variation between parts which makes them suitable for mission-critical applications that require high reliability. In comparison to wirewound magnetics improved consistency with lower magnetic field distortion, which is vital for the success of any electronic device.
The Magnets
A magnet is a material that exhibits magnetic properties. It can draw attention or repel force on certain materials like nickel and iron. It also can attract or repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is referred to as magnetism and can be produced in permanent, temporary or electromagnets. Magnets can be used in a myriad of applications and can be found in a variety of electronic devices like headphones laptop computers, mobile phones and car audio systems.
Planar magnetic driver technology, unlike traditional dynamic or balanced armature drivers that push a stiff, rigid diaphragm by using an electric voice coil to create the sound wavefront, uses a thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm oscillates and creates a flat sound wavefront rather than a focused spherical one, which is the norm in all headphones and speakers. This produces a much larger and cleaner soundstage, and is also well-known for its deep bass.
The biggest disadvantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they need plenty of power to move the large magnets inside them making them more bulky and heavier than other types of headphone drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers need a power amplifier to work correctly.
The amplifier has to be constructed to match the power output of the planar magnetic driver in order to ensure the best listening experience. Additionally, the amplifier must be equipped with a sufficient input impedance to drive the planar magnetic driver at its highest output frequency.
The planar magnetic drive is generally designed as either dipole, which emits equally and in opposing phases in the direction of the speaker's front and back (like ESLs) or a monopole, which radiates only in the forward-facing direction (more like traditional headphones). The most commonly used model is a bipole, with one north and one south pole. Its shape makes it simple to create as a single piece of steel and is very efficient at creating a strong field at the center of the faceplate.
Due to their size and effectiveness they have a lower distortion factor than other types of headphone drivers. As such, they are often employed in headphones with high-end features where sonic accuracy is important. They can also be found in audio equipment for professionals such as microphones and loudspeakers. They are also ideal for medical imaging, and other applications that require high-precision.
The Seal
For planar drivers to perform optimally, they must be sealed in a very tight and precise manner. A tiny leak can have a significant impact on the quality of sound and could cause distortion. Therefore, a great deal of work goes into creating the right seal for drivers with planar designs.
Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to other headphone designs, must not have any gaps within the acoustic enclosure. This is because gaps can cause the diaphragm's resonance to occur with multiple frequencies simultaneously. The problem of crosstalk can impact the sound quality.
Rubber rings are the most popular seals used in planar magnetic headphones . This type of seal prevents air leaks with great efficiency. It is also extremely durable, and can last for a long time. It is crucial to remember that this type of seal can sometimes create hollow sounds. If you plan to use a planar magnetic headphone, you must choose a top-quality seal.
Another option for an in-plane magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. It is a specialized seal that is designed to stop gaps from developing. It can also be able to withstand pressures of a considerable amount. This makes it a great choice for audiophiles who are looking for a premium sound quality.
One benefit of LCD headphones is that they can provide an extremely clear and detailed sound. This is especially the case for headphones that are high-end, 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 important to remember that planar magnetic headphones can generate more sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are built is the reason for this. Contrary to dynamic headphones magnetic headphones feature two opposing magnets that pull on the diaphragm. This creates a powerful force that can create extremely high frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers are a relatively new technology in the headphone industry. However, they have already started to revolutionize how people listen to music. In addition to their high-quality audio these headphones are extremely comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.