10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Planar Magnetic Driver

www.headphonesshop.uk of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic drivers are commonly used in the top headphones and IEMs. It has many advantages that distinguish it from other dynamic or balanced armature driver types.

However the planar driver has certain disadvantages that are important to be aware of. They are a higher price and requirement for an amplifier to drive them.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Each sound we hear - from the loudest cymbal crashing to the tiniest crack on a piano bench - is captured by a complex turbulent wave of pressure. The driver of a high-quality headphone should reproduce these waves accurately without distorting or missing any details. This requires a lightweight diaphragm that is thin and able to move quickly and respond to a wide range of frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers utilize flat diaphragms that are covered with a conductive layer and floats between magnets. This creates an uniform field of magnetic energy across the entire diaphragm surface which reduces distortion.

This approach, however introduces additional challenges such as the possibility of membrane resonance problems and turbulent airflow within the grid-like magnetic arrays. These issues result in a mechanical resonance frequency of the diaphragm which could be several times higher than the input frequency, and reduces the sensitivities of the voice pressure sensor.

Final was able overcome these limitations using a single component that acts as both diaphragm as well as a conductor. This design was based on ribbon speakers with their spherical conducting, but it was more cost-effective for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

Another issue that is common to all planar magnetic designs is a ringing sound that occurs on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. This is caused by a mismatch between the force of the magnet applied to the diaphragm compared to the natural diaphragm's flexing.

To resolve this problem, Final used an ultra-thin polymer film referred to as Parylene. This material was selected because of its superior mechanical flexibility, stability, and thickness uniformity. These characteristics were essential to ensure that the thin, rigid film could be stretched without forming undesirable wrinkles or creases.

Superior transient response

The way that planar magnetic drivers produce sound waves differs from traditional dynamic drivers. The major difference is that in the case of a planar magnetic device, the conductor is laid out on the diaphragm in a 2D flat pattern instead of a coil around the diaphragm in a cone shape. This lets the conductor react to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm to generate sound waves with high-quality. This technology eliminates the need for a voice coil that can change its impedance depending on its frequency, resulting in a clear, distortion-free reproduction of music.

Planar magnetic drivers are also lighter and more durable than conventional drivers because they don't contain moving components that wear over time. They are also less prone to harmonic distortion which can lead to degradation in the quality of audio. They also have a quicker response time and can reproduce transient sounds with greater speed.

However, the huge surface area of a diaphragm planar requires more power to move and produce sound waves. As a result, these headphones require an amplifier to provide sufficient power. Some listeners might not be interested in the additional weight and expense.

Another advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they create a wide soundstage, which is more expansive than traditional dynamic headphones. This is because a wide diaphragm that is flat creates a planar wavefront rather than the narrow spherical sound wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This is the main feature of planar headphones, which provides a more immersive listening experience.

Audio reproduction that is authentic and true

Planar magnetic drivers provide natural and faithful audio reproduction as in comparison to traditional dynamic driver models. Planar magnetic drivers produce equal magnetic forces by using two rows of magnets unlike traditional dynamic drivers that have a cone-shaped, curved membrane that oscillates. This results in the diaphragm to move in a wave-like movement which reduces distortion. They also reproduce music across more frequencies that range from the lowest lows up to the highest highs. This makes them an excellent choice for sound professionals and music enthusiasts.

The diaphragm, which is thin and flexible, of a planar magnetic driver is able to move much faster than a conventional dynamic driver which allows it to react to changes in the sound signal and produce an accurate reproduction. The lack of a coil in the diaphragm reduces the possibility that mechanical parts will meet up with each other, which could cause distortions at higher volume.

This means that the diaphragm is able to effortlessly displace huge amounts of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and flexibility are essential for producing the rich bass you enjoy in your music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. This means they are not able to withstand the high-speed excursions needed to reproduce bass.

Despite the benefits that come with magnetic drivers that are planar however, they aren't as commonly used in headphones and IEM products as dynamic driver models due to their high price and complicated design. Partly, this is due to the fact that they require amplifiers to be driven. This makes them less portable. They remain popular with music fans and critics who appreciate their high sound quality and excellent performance.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones use diaphragms with flat and uniform diaphragms to produce sound in a measured and even manner. This results in a broad frequency response, which allows for a precise and faithful reproduction of music. They are also referred to for their superior transient response. This means that they can react quickly and accurately to audio signals.

To accomplish this, they employ a planar array of conductors that're distributed across a thin diaphragm that's sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal passes through this conductor array, it transforms into electromagnetic energy, and then interacts with diaphragm magnetic fields to produce the push/pull effect. This lets the diaphragm respond quickly to audio input, resulting in top-quality music reproduction with incredible clarity and precision.

Another reason that makes these drivers popular among audiophiles is their low distortion rate. Since they don't contain the same moving parts as other headphone types which means they don't produce as much harmonic distortion. They also have a lower resistance and are only a pure resistance load to amplifiers. This makes them easier to drive.

Due to their superior performance due to their superior performance, planar magnetic drives are often used in higher-tier audio equipment. However, this also means that they can be more expensive and require an amplifier in order to function which makes them less suitable for a 'grab and go' type of driver. However, audiophiles are willing to sacrifice the extra cost and effort for the quality that these headphones can offer. They are considered to be a top choice for those seeking the best listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm of a plane magnet driver is very thin and therefore it can move at high speed without losing control. This gives a great transient response which means that the driver will respond to sudden changes in audio signals very quickly and accurately. This lets you listen to the details of music and makes them sound more natural and real.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the benefit of producing a uniform driving force throughout the diaphragm. This prevents distortions at higher volumes. Planar magnetic headphones sound great because dynamic drivers use diaphragms that are larger and heavier and cannot move as fast or at the same velocity. In fact, they may be destroyed if the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, which causes different points on the diaphragm to start shifting out of sync.

On the other side, planar magnetic drivers produce an extremely powerful electromagnetic force that is directly applied to the diaphragm. This eliminates the voice coil which is typically required in headphones using traditional cone drivers that are dynamic. This helps to achieve more dynamic sound, a bigger soundstage and a more powerful bass response.

As a result of these advantages, planar magnetic drivers are widely regarded as the best type of headphone driver for audiophiles. They have a few limitations, such as the price and power requirements, however their ability to provide superior sound quality is a great choice for those who require the highest quality audio reproduction. When compared to other kinds of headphones, these drivers provide superior clarity and transparency in all frequencies except for low bass (where dynamic drivers are typically still preferred). If you are seeking a pair that can deliver excellent sound for any price, make sure to check our top selections!

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Pub: 21 Mar 2024 17:08 UTC
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