How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
If you've not tried a pair of headphones that use magnetic drivers with planar design it might be difficult to wrap your head around the way they work. Planar magnetic drivers make use of two flat magnets that sandwich a thin diaphragm with conductors. This is different from the voicecoil motor, which drives a stiff cone back and back and forth.
Diaphragm
Magnet planars are flat pieces of flexible film, in contrast to traditional dynamic headphone drivers that have a dome or cone shaped diaphragm. The film is coated with conductors that react to magnets placed across the membrane. The diaphragm reacts and moves when the magnetic field generated by these magnets gets triggered by the electrical signal that flows through the wires. This movement creates soundwaves which you can hear.
The human diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle membranous structure that divides the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the primary respiratory muscle and is responsible for inspiratory actions, such as breathing, sneezing and coughing, laughing and crying as well as vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm also plays part in expulsive actions like urinating, defecating and 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 provide more delicate and precise sound than dynamic drivers.
One of the drawbacks of planar-magnet headphones is that, at higher volume, they tend to leak more than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the movement of the diaphragm within a
magnet planar headphone causes some of the audio to be pushed outwards and towards the listener.
It's not a huge issue if you use headphones only in quiet settings or to watch films. However, it can be a nuisance for public or active listening usage. There are a variety of alternatives that can help limit the amount of leakage. They include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example is at the forefront in developing PMD technology. They have put in a lot of effort to address issues with this type of headphone. This is why they have patented various innovations that you observe in their products. For instance, their latest
planar closed back headphones winding based on flex circuits overcomes the limitations of stamped copper windings, giving them a better utilization factor.
The Conductors
Conductors connect the diaphragm to the magnets and are responsible for producing the sound you hear. They are typically made from a combination of aluminum and copper. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the central magnetic core. This is supported by the headphone's frame. The magnetic core is a cylindrical shaped magnetic element and can be made from any material, however it is most commonly produced by using Neodymium. The core is the main element of any planar sound driver. It consists of nested layers and an helix circular in size, ranging from 10-20mm in diameter.
Planar magnetic drivers have the advantage of having a wider soundstage compared to their more dynamic counterparts. This is because when audio signals arrive, the entire diaphragm vibrates instead of just the tiny area attached to the voice coil. This larger surface area also results in lower distortion levels, particularly at higher volumes.
Another key 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 creates an even more realistic and detailed sound. Audiophiles who appreciate music that includes a variety of instruments and vocals will appreciate this feature.
Additionally, the stacked structure of a planar magnetic reduces part-to-part variability and is ideal for mission-critical applications that require high-reliability. They offer better consistency and lower magnetic field distortion as compared to wirewound magnetics. This is essential to the efficiency of electronic devices.
The Magnets
A magnet is a material that exhibits magnetic properties. It can exert an attractive or repulsive force on certain substances such as nickel, iron cobalt and a few steels. It also attracts and repel certain electrical conductors. This phenomenon is known as magnetism. It can be created through electromagnets, permanent, or temporary magnets. Magnets are utilized in a variety of applications, such as electronic devices like headphones, mobile phones and laptop computers.
Planar magnetic driver technology, in contrast to traditional balanced armature or dynamic drivers which use a rigid, stiff diaphragm using a voice coil to create the sound wavefront, utilizes an extremely thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm oscillates and creates a flat wavefront, instead of a spherical focused one, which is the norm in all headphones and speakers. This results in a larger and cleaner soundstage, and is recognized for its deep bass.
The primary drawback of planar magnetic headphone drivers is that the large magnets they hold require plenty of power. This makes them more heavy and bulkier than other headphones drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers require an amplifier to function properly.
The amplifier has to be designed to match the output power of the planar magnetic driver in order to provide the optimal listening experience. The amplifier should also have an extremely high input impedance in order to drive the planar magnet driver at its maximum output.
The planar magnetic driver is generally constructed to be a dipole (radiating equally and in a different phase in front and
Magnet Planar behind the speaker, similar to ESLs) or a Monopole (radiating only in the direction of forward and more like traditional headphones). The most popular model is a bipole, with one north and one south pole. Its shape makes it easy to fabricate as a single piece of metal and is extremely efficient in creating a strong field at the center of the faceplate.
Planar magnetic drivers are more efficient and have a smaller distortion factor because of their dimensions. They are utilized in high-end headphone systems where sonic accuracy matters. They can also be found in audio equipment that is designed for professional use, such as loudspeakers and microphones. Due to their unique design they are also suited for medical imaging and other delicate applications that require extremely high precision.
The Seal
For planar drivers to function well they must be sealed in a very tight and precise manner. A small leak can dramatically reduce sound performance and even cause distortion. It requires much effort to make the perfect seal for the planar driver.
Contrary to many headphone designs, planar magnetic headphones must not have gaps in the enclosure of the acoustic. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm's resonance with multiple frequencies simultaneously. The problem of crosstalk can affect the sound quality.
Rubber rings are the most popular type of seal used in headphones that are planar. This seal is very effective in preventing air leaks. It's also extremely durable and can last for a long period of time. It is important to remember that this type seal can sometimes produce hollow sounds. If you plan to use a planar magnet headphone, be sure to select a high-quality seal.
The liquid crystal display (LCD) seal is a different alternative for a magnetic planar driver. This is a more advanced type of seal that is designed to prevent the formation of gaps. It is also designed to withstand a large amount of pressure. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for top-quality sound quality.
One advantage of LCD headphones is that they can provide the most clear and precise sound.