9 Signs That You're A Magnet Planar Expert
How Do Magnet Planar Headphones Work?
If you've not tried a pair of headphones that utilize magnetic drivers with planar design it might be difficult to get your head around the way they function. Planar magnetic drivers employ two flat magnets that sandwich a thin diaphragm with conductors. This is different from the voicecoil motor, which drives a stiff cone back and forward.
Diaphragm
Unlike a traditional dynamic headphone driver with dome or cone shaped diaphragms, a magnet planar has a flat piece of flexible film. The film is etched with conductors that react to magnets placed 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. The movement produces sound waves which you can hear.
The diaphragm of the human body is a dome-shaped muscular membrane that divides the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. It is the principal respiratory muscle and is responsible for inhalation actions, like breathing, sneezing and coughing, laughing and crying as well as vomiting and parturition. The diaphragm is also vital in expulsive actions such as urinating and defecating as well as pushing the fetus out during delivery.
Due to the ultra-light and thin design of a planar magnetic diaphragm it is a lot more sensitive to changes in the audio signal than dynamic drivers. Planar magnetic headphones provide more delicate, precise sound than dynamic drivers.
One of the downsides of planar magnetic headphones is that they tend to have a little more leakage than their dynamic counterparts, especially at higher volumes. This is due to the motion of the magnet diaphragm of the planar headphones that causes some audio to be pushed towards the listener.
It is not a big deal if you use headphones only in quiet environments, or to watch movies. But it can be a nuisance for public or active listening use. There are several options that can limit the amount of leakage. They include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Wisdom Audio, for example, is at the forefront in the development of PMD technology. They have put in a lot of effort to solve the issues associated with this type of headphone. This is the reason they have patented various innovations that you observe in their products. Their flex-circuit-based planar-winding technology overcomes the limitations that stamped copper windings face to give a greater utilization factor.
The Conductors
The conductors connect the diaphragm with the magnets and are responsible for the sound you hear. They are typically made of a mix of copper and aluminum. The diaphragm is then wrapped around the 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 typically made using Neodymium. The core is the central component of any planar audio driver. It is made up of nested layers with an helix circular in size, ranging from 10-20mm in diameter.
Planar magnetic drivers have the benefit of a larger soundstage compared to their more dynamic counterparts. This is because the entire diaphragm is vibrating when an audio signal is received, instead of just a small area that is connected to the voice coil. This greater surface area results in lower distortion levels especially when the volume is higher.
The ability of a magnet plane to react quickly to changes in audio signals is a crucial characteristic. This allows for a greater range of frequencies that can be reproduced, and a more realistic sound. This is an excellent feature for audiophiles who enjoy music with many different instruments and vocals.
Additionally, the stacked design of a planar magnetic decreases the variability of parts and is suitable for mission critical applications that require high reliability. Compared to traditional wirewound magnetics, they offer improved consistency with lower magnetic field distortion, which is crucial for the success of any electronic device.
The Magnets
As its name implies it is an element that has magnetic properties. It can exert an attractive or repulsive force on certain materials, such as iron, nickel, cobalt and some steels. It also can draw or repel electrical conductors. This phenomenon is called magnetism. It is produced through electromagnets, permanent, or temporary magnets. Magnets are used in a wide range of applications and can be found in many different types of electronic devices like headphones, laptop computers, mobile phones and car audio systems.
Planar magnetic driver technology, unlike traditional dynamic drivers or balanced armatures that push a stiff, rigid diaphragm using a voice coil to create the sound wavefront, utilizes a thin and flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is vibrating and creates a flat wavefront instead of a narrow spherical one, as is typical in all headphones and speakers. This creates a more spacious and cleaner soundstage, and is known for its rich bass.
The main disadvantage of planar magnetic drivers is that the huge magnets they have require plenty of power. go!! makes them heavier and more bulky than other headphones drivers. Many planar magnetic drivers require an amplifier to function properly.
The amplifier must be constructed to match the power output of a planar magnetic driver order to give the best listening experience. The amplifier must also have an impedance that is high at the input to allow it to drive the planar magnet driver to its maximum output.
The planar magnetic drive is typically designed as either dipole, which radiates equally and in opposing phases in the direction of the speaker's front and back (like ESLs) or a monopole that emits only in the forward-facing direction (more similar to traditional headphones). The most commonly used design of a planar magnetic driver is a bipole with alternating poles on the north and south. Its shape allows it to be made as one piece of metal and produces a very strong field at the center of the faceplate.
Due to their size and efficiency they have a lower distortion factor than other types of headphone drives. They are commonly used in high-end headphone systems where sound accuracy matters. They are also found in audio equipment that is professional, such as speakers and microphones. They are also suitable for medical imaging, and other sensitive applications requiring high-quality precision.
The Seal
To function properly, planar drivers must be sealed very tightly and precisely. A small leak can dramatically reduce sound performance and even cause distortion. This is why a lot of work goes into creating the right seal for planar drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to other designs of headphone, should not have gaps within the enclosure of the acoustic. This is because gaps cause the diaphragm's resonance to be triggered at multiple frequencies at once. This is referred to as crosstalk, and it can cause the entire sound quality to be affected.
Rubber ring seals are the most popular type of seal used in headphones that are planar. This seal is very effective at preventing air leaks. It is also very robust and can last for many years. However it is crucial to remember that this kind of seal could occasionally produce an unnatural sound. Therefore, it is important to select a high-quality rubber seal if you are planning on using an earphone with a planar magnetic design.
Another option for a planar magnetic driver is the liquid crystal display (LCD) seal. This is a higher-end type of seal that is designed to stop the formation of gaps. It is also designed to withstand a large amount of pressure. It is a great option for audiophiles who want top-quality sound quality.
One benefit of LCD headphones is that they can provide the most clear and precise sound. This is particularly the case with high-end models such as the Audeze LC-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. But, it's also possible to find low-cost LCD headphones that provide similar audio quality.
It is important to know that planar magnetic headphones create a greater sound pressure than dynamic headphones. The way they are constructed is the main reason. Contrary to dynamic headphones magnetic headphones have two opposing magnets that pull on the diaphragm. This can create an enormous force that can generate extremely high frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers are relatively new technology in the world of headphone production. However, they have already begun to revolutionize how listeners enjoy music. These headphones have a high-fidelity sound and are comfortable to wear. They are also easy to adjust.