Headphones

Hardware devices that allow users to listen to their favorite tracks and creating the illusion that they are in the moment without annoying others. They typically consist of a set of two drivers that displace air in such a way so as to resonate the inner ear, creating what is perceived as sound. The three main types of headphone drivers are dynamic, planar and electrostatic, with each producing their own distinct flavor of sound. Headphones can also be open-back, semi-open or closed-back.

Headphone Drivers

Dynamic Drivers

// most common, typically requires less power to drive // uses a cone membrane and a electromagnet...

Planar Drivers

// uses magnetic fields to get a membrane to vibrate producing the sound

Electrostatic Drivers

// sound generated by force exerted on membrane in electrostatic field

Open and Closed Back

Open Back

// sound leakage both in and out, susceptible to dust, better soundstage, keeps ears cooler

Semi Open

// tries to strike balance between open back and closed, generally has a couple vents around the headphone

Closed Back

// complete seal, almost no sound leakage, no soundstage, music focused inside head, allows for an active noise cancelling design.