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

The most common transducer in headphones is the dynamic driver. Dynamic drivers typically require less power to drive, allowing them to be powered by mobile devices such as phones (as long as it isn't an iphone), tablets and laptops. A dynamic driver converts an electrical signal that represents the music into mechanical energy expressed in movement of the driver diaphragm, moving the air in front of it and creating the sound you hear. Inside a dynamic driver there is a voice coil or electromagnet connected to a diaphragm. The electrical signal sent to the electromagnet will cause the magnet to move in a pistonic motion at the same frequency as the audio signal. The diaphragms are typically make of laminates in the lower end and thin membranes coated in titanium, beryllium, magnesium, ect. in the mid-range to higer-end.

Dynamic Drivers also come in different sizes, usually 40mm but it is not uncommon to see dynamic drivers that are 45mm, 50mm or even 60mm in diameter. A larger driver will be able to move more air allowing for it to bring out more energy from the music.

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.