When buying headphones, it is important to understand that any choice you make will in some way be a compromise. Only the right priorities will allow you to find the optimal solution that meets the main requirements. Conventionally, three criteria can be distinguished, from which we will have to build on. It's about affordability, portability and, of course, sound quality.
These three terms can be represented in the form of a triangular petal diagram, where the growth of one petal means the reduction of the other two.
So, choosing the best sound quality implies the maximum price tag and the rejection of portability. Likewise, an ultraportable wireless headset will not deliver the best sound, nor is it likely to be cheap. That is why it is important to highlight at least one of the criteria that you are willing to sacrifice.
2. Decide why you need headphones
Headphones, like any gadget, are bought for specific tasks and purposes. You need to understand when and how you will use them. The choice of the type of headphones depends on the scenarios of use.
For home and office
For use at work and at home, full-size headsets are usually purchased, which provide full coverage of the auricle and the most comfortable fit on the head. This type is the best for long-term listening to music.
You can also consider on-ear headphones, which, due to their smaller cups, are usually more compact than full-sized ones. They do not wrap around the auricle, but are superimposed on top. A striking example is.
mymeizu.ru The most popular among office headphones are models of closed acoustic type. They have better sound insulation, so your music will not be heard by others. The open type is suitable for home use. These headphones have openings on the outside of the earcups that allow sound vibrations to propagate in the same way as in a natural environment, making the sound more realistic.
When choosing over-ear or over-ear headphones, don't underestimate the importance of ear cushion material. Velor or even synthetics make your ears not sweat as much as artificial or natural leather.
For the city
For simple walks, it is quite possible to use the previously mentioned on-ear headphones. But if we are talking about moving in the subway and traveling in other public transport, then the best choice would be in-ear headphones, also called earplugs. They are compact, maximally convenient to use and do not create problems when driving in a dense traffic of people. One of the best in terms of price-quality ratio can be called.
mi.com Headphones of this type are usually supplemented with silicone ear pads of various sizes, so that each user can choose the right one. Also, nozzles made of porous foam are very popular, which, when heated by body heat, adapt to the human ear canal. Compared to silicone, they are less durable, but they hardly distort sound.
The wire braiding also plays an important role. One of the most practical is fabric, like, for example, y. This prevents the wire from tangling and reduces the risk of damage from accidental pulling.
Separately, we can highlight completely wireless headphones like. Accessories of this type provide maximum freedom of movement, but they are also quite expensive. In addition, there is a great risk of losing them.
For Sport
For running and the gym, in-ear wireless headsets are commonly used. They can have temples attached to the neck or ear pads with hooks for better fixation inside the auricle or on its outer part, as is the case with.
Many of these headsets are sweatproof and even fully submersible, allowing you to swim without interrupting your favorite music.
jabra.ru Recently, more and more sports Bluetooth-headphones are equipped with sensors for tracking physical activity, as is the case with. Such headsets can replace the usual fitness trackers, but at the same time they are much more expensive than classic counterparts.
For traveling
If you are a frequent flyer and enjoy listening to music on the go, it makes sense to consider an Active Noise Canceling headset. Most often these are large, full-size headphones, which can be either wired or. Their ability to cut off external sounds allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite music, even if a restless child is sitting next to you.
An important feature of travel headsets is the foldable design. It allows the earbuds to take up much less space and reduces the risk of damage during transport in the bag. Expensive models are often supplemented with a hard case for better protection.
For games
Gamers' choice - full-size over-ear headphones with built-in or detachable microphone. An important criterion when choosing is the presence of surround sound technology, like some models. Simulating a 5.1 or even 7.1 configuration will be a big advantage in 3D action games, where you often have to navigate in space by ear.
creative.com Most gaming headphones feature a 2 meter long cable. It is important that it has a reliable braiding and rigid thickenings at the plugs, excluding bends and possible kinks.
Noise reduction is also an important parameter. In this case, this applies to both the headphones and the microphone, so that you are not distracted by external factors, and you can be heard well.
3. Assess the basic characteristics
Regardless of the type and class, all headphones have basic technical specifications to help you get an idea of \u200b\u200byour sonic capabilities. When choosing relatively inexpensive headsets, you should not take such numbers too seriously, but they also cannot be left without attention.
Frequency range
This parameter characterizes the range of sounds that headphones can reproduce. The standard range is 20 - 20,000 Hz. More human hearing simply does not recognize, although in the description of typefaces one can often find values \u200b\u200bthat go beyond these limits. There is nothing bad in this, but it cannot be called an indisputable advantage.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity tells how loud the headphones will play, all other things being equal. The dependence is direct: the higher the sensitivity, the higher and the maximum volume. 95-100 dB or more is considered good for general use.
Power
This parameter also affects the headphone volume ceiling, but it should be taken into account only by bass lovers using stationary amplifiers. When paired with a quality sound source, high power headphones deliver brighter, richer sound. If you are going to listen to music mainly from your smartphone, you will hardly be able to unleash the potential of high power.
Resistance
The nominal impedance at the headphone input, also called impedance, affects both volume and overall sound quality. You need to focus on this parameter in accordance with the device with which you are going to use the headphones. For smartphones and portable equipment, you should select headsets with a lower impedance - up to 32 or even 16 ohms, and for stationary ones - with a higher impedance, from 32 ohms.
Frequency response
The frequency response is shown in the form of a graph and characterizes the quality of transmission of various frequencies.
The minimum number of sharp bends in the frequency response curve indicates the balance of the sound and the accuracy of the transfer of the original audio material. The height of the curve in the graph reflects the loudness in a specific range. The "hump" at the beginning of the frequency response curve, at low frequencies, indicates the bass performance of the headphones.
Plug
The method of connecting wired headphones should also be noted. Most commercially available models have a mini jack (3.5 mm) plug. A regular jack (6.3 mm) can be found on professional-grade headsets, and a micro-jack (2.5 mm) is very rare lately. And nevertheless, pay attention to what kind of plug the headset has and whether there is an adapter in the kit.
4. Listen and read
Of course, it's not worth blindly focusing on all the numbers in the characteristics, especially if you choose relatively inexpensive headphones. Two headsets with equal parameters can sound completely different, since the quality is influenced by many other features that are not always indicated by the manufacturer in the description.
You can find out for sure if the chosen headphones are right for you by listening to them. This concerns the covering and overhead headsets, which specialty stores often allow you to test before buying. This is a chance to appreciate not only the sound, but also the comfort of the fit on the head.
hollywoodreporter.com Also, before buying, you should definitely refer to reviews and full reviews that can be found on the Web. Such feedback allows you to get at least some idea of \u200b\u200bthe real sound quality, design features and possible weak points of the device identified after prolonged use.
Buyer's checklist
- First of all, decide on the maximum price and the main use case.
- Further, based on the purpose, select the type of headphones: covering, on-ear or in-ear.
- Choose from several models of a specific type that fit within your budget.
- Evaluate the important features of the selected models: the material of the ear cushions, the braiding of the wire, the design of the headband, and so on.
- Study the technical parameters that characterize the sound quality.
- Check out reviews and reviews on the web, and check if you can test the headphones somewhere before buying.
- Make your choice.
There are many types of headphones and each has a different name. However, if in English the name of each type of headphone has long become a standard, then in Russian, thanks to its richness and the vast imagination of listeners, headphones, whatever they call it.
In this article, I will explain to you how all types of headphones are correctly called, their parts and how users on the Internet call them.
In-ear headphones
One of the most common headphones on the market today is in-ear headphones. People also call in-ear headphones: plugs, earbuds, droplets, plug-in, vacuum and many other terms.
In English, the term in-ear headphones has become established, less often these headphones are called earphones.
The name of the “In-ear” headphones is understandable, because these headphones are literally inserted into the ear canal so that the driver is as close to the eardrum as possible, so that you can hear the high-quality and full-bodied sound produced by such miniature drivers.
In general, the name "In-ear" refers to a different form factor of headphones, but people very often confuse these headphones, so it can be attributed to two types of headphones at once.
Small headphones, called in-ear headphones, due to their excellent noise isolation and modern technologies, are not inferior in sound quality to full-size competitors, quite often even outstripping them in detail and overall sound quality.
In-ear headphones
Earbuds are very often confused with in-ear headphones, it is not difficult to make a mistake, because they look very similar to each other.
But there is one significant difference that dramatically affects the sound character and sound quality - the lack of noise isolation.
In-ear headphones do not have noise isolation, because they do not have ear cushions and do not fit into the ear canal. They are embedded in the auricle and are held there by the natural curves of the ear cartilage.
Due to the lack of noise isolation, these headphones don't sound very good to be taken seriously. However, this drawback is at the same time an advantage of the headphones. with headphones on, you can perfectly hear everything that is happening around you.
In many cases, the loss of sound quality can be neglected in order to watch out for sounds that surround you in real life.
The most prominent representatives of in-ear headphones are the famous Apple AirPods.
Compare the structure of the case of in-ear headphones and in-ear headphones, I think now everything has become clear to you.
If you are primarily interested in sound quality, then you need in-ear headphones.
If you need to hear well what is happening around you while listening to music, then you need in-ear headphones.
On-ear headphones
On-ear headphones are the little brothers of the full-size, or monitor, models.
In English, the term On-Ear Headphones has become established, which can literally be translated as headphones on the ear.
All on-ear headphones are characterized by the fact that the ear cushion of the headphones rests on the auricle, slightly pressing it against the head, thereby forming passive noise isolation.
The main advantage of on-ear headphones is that they are much more compact than full-size models, but at the same time they can use a full-size serious driver that provides high quality sound.
Despite the fact that on-ear headphones can look very miniature, a full-fledged driver is hidden inside and the sound quality rather depends on the desire of the manufacturer and almost does not depend on the restrictions that can be caused by miniaturization.
Due to the specific wearing method, on-ear headphones are not suitable for all people. If you don't like it when something presses on your ears or presses them to your head, then on-ear headphones are not for you. If you normally tolerate tight contact between your ears and headphones, then overhead models should be considered when choosing future headphones.
The sound quality of some on-ear headphones can be very high, comparable to the best full-size models.
Over-ear (monitor) headphones
Full-size, or monitor, headphones are the very form factor that we imagine when we mention the word “headphones”.
In English, the term Over-Ear Headphones has become established, it can literally be translated as "headphones around the ear".
The design feature is that the auricle does not touch the headphones at all, the soft ear cushion rests on the head and covers the ear, and the inside of the headphones does not reach the ear. Thus, maximum comfort is achieved, because the ear is a rather delicate part of the body and the lack of contact is the key to high comfort and ease of listening to music.
In addition, thanks to this form factor, engineers are almost unlimited in the use of the most exotic driver technologies, so that the world's best headphones are always full-sized.
Bone Conduction Headphones
There is a separate small class of headphones that transmit sound not with the help of air, but with the vibration of the skull bone.
In English, the term Bone Conduction Headphones has become established.
In the beginning, this technology was used for hearing prosthetics, for those people who damaged the eardrum, but the inner ear remained in order. For them, this technological novelty has become a salvation, tk. they were again able to hear sound in fairly good quality.
Today, headphones of this type are produced by several companies around the world for ordinary consumers. These headphones are great for outdoor sports, as well as for all professions that need to maintain full contact with the outside world and still be able to hear the sound from the headphones.
Bone conduction headphones are worn on the head, the vibration generators must be in contact with the zygomatic bone. it has minimal body fat and vibrations from the headphones are very well transmitted to the inner ear.
At the same time, the ears remain absolutely free, if your hearing is in order, you will hear everything that is happening around and at the same time you will record the sound from the headphones.
Bone conduction headphones are not the best choice for those who want to experience all the delights of music, but are indispensable in certain cases and circumstances.
What are the parts of the headphones called
Now let's briefly analyze what all the main parts of the headphones are called.
Embouchure
In English, the terms are used: ear pads or ear cushions.
In the case of in-ear headphones, the ear cushions simultaneously perform two roles: it holds the headphones in the ear and is a part that creates the effect of noise isolation. This is very important for comfortable listening to high quality music.
In the case of on-ear and full-size headphones, the ear cushions are necessary for a comfortable fit of the headphones on the head, for noise isolation, if we are talking about closed headphones.
Headphone cups
The ear cups are the case, or the outside of the case. The headphone housing itself can be called an acoustic chamber, because usually the sound propagates inside the entire volume of the headphones and the shape, as well as the material from which the case is made, are simultaneously an acoustic chamber.
Internal protective mesh
The internal protective mesh of the headphones performs two functions simultaneously: it protects the driver from dust and foreign objects, and acts as an acoustic filter. At first glance, it may seem that the protective fabric mesh of full-size and on-ear headphones can be made of any beautiful material, but this is not so. After all, the sound, passing through the material, will change, but how it will change will depend on the type of mesh and its structure. Therefore, the mesh is an important part of the design, replacing or spoiling it, you can spoil the sound of the headphones.
External safety net
An external protective mesh can serve as a decorative function if we are talking about closed headphones, or a protective one if we are talking about open models.
Wire socket
If the headphone wire is removable, then the headphones themselves will necessarily have a socket to which the wire for transmitting electrical signals is attached.
Wire divider
If the wire goes to each bowl separately, then somewhere in the middle there should be a wire divider that divides one wire into two. It can have a very different design, but functionally it plays the role of protecting the place where the wire is divided into two parts.
Jack wire
The wire jack is a contact pad that is inserted into the jack of the sound source to transmit an electrical signal.
The name "Jack" comes from the English term "Jack".
It can have different shapes and sizes, the most common today are the sizes of 6.3 mm, 3.5 mm and 2.5 mm. Dimension means the diameter of the jack section, i.e. 3.5 mm jack has a diameter of 3.5 mm.
The growing popularity of this accessory is largely due to the growing market for portable electronics. Therefore, in addition to the usual models, there are new devices for sound transmission, adapted specifically for such devices. When choosing headphones, you should be based not only on your own preferences, but also on the characteristics of the device for which this accessory is purchased. Consider what types of headphones exist, and what are their functional differences.
The quality of such accessories, as well as their price, is largely determined by the design features and the manufacturer. In any case, before purchasing, the user should independently check their sound, and if possible, the compatibility with the device on which they will be used.
Headphones are classified according to several parameters. Group division is influenced by:
- design features;
- type of emitter (speaker) installed;
- acoustic design;
- a way to connect to a sound source.
Construction type
This is perhaps the most important criterion that most buyers pay attention to. In accordance with the external design features, the following gadget designs are distinguished.
In-ear headphones
In another way, they are also called "inserts". This is the most affordable device option. As a rule, it is this type of accessories included with mobile gadgets. The generally accepted standard for such devices was developed by employees of Etymotic Research back in the early 90s, but they began to be used much later.
Etymotic Research ER6i in-ear headphones
They do not have good sound quality, and are not always ideal for the user in terms of anatomical features. And even with the use of foam ear cushions, they do not provide the proper level of sound insulation.
In the more expensive models, additional replaceable ear tips are included, which are designed for better fixation in the ear.
Models of this type of headphones are compact, they are convenient to use on the road. But they are gradually being replaced by more practical devices, for example, in-ear headphones - these two types are often confused.
In-ear headphones
At the moment this is the most popular and demanded type of accessories for listening to various audio information from smartphones and mp3 players. Planting "plugs" or "vacuum" headphones in the ear canal is much deeper, thereby improving the sealing and concentration of sound, since the amplitude of membrane vibration and sound distortion is reduced. Typically, these accessories have a wide range of attachments.
RBH Sound EP 1 in-ear headphones
The quality of the devices themselves is an order of magnitude higher than plug-in ones, but still they are inferior to overhead ones, since a small speaker cannot physically provide the proper sound level.
It is worth noting that when used outdoors, the owners of such in-channel models must be extremely careful, since music reproduction is isolated from extraneous noise.
In-ear and in-ear headphones are best suited for phones and other gadgets. They are lightweight, compact, and can be equipped with a headset, which makes their use multifunctional.
The name speaks of the way they are fixed on the surface of the ear. It is this type that is used for sports models... The headphones are placed over the ear without completely covering it. The sound source is not inserted into the auricle, but outside of it. Therefore, full sound requires a powerful radiator and high volume. Relatively compact, they have different fastening: in the form of separate behind-the-ear arches or a common arched heading.
The sound quality is better than vacuum ones, the first signs of volume and good bass appear, but at the same time they are inferior in sound insulation.
Headphones Monster Beats By Dre Studio White
Great option for home use - on the road, such models may not be very convenient due to their size. But this does not stop connoisseurs of good sound either. Cups of these models with soft ear cushions completely cover the surface of the ear, thanks to this, good noise isolation is obtained and an additional sound space is created.
Today's premium full-size models feature lightweight, convenient (sometimes folding) design, small cord size, which makes them comfortable to use in conjunction with mobile devices.
Sennheiser Momentum M2 AEG over-ear headphones
Most consider them to be a variety of full-size models, with which one cannot but agree. Their ear cups also fit over the entire ear surface. They are distinguished by a more massive structure, a powerful emitter, a large headband, a long and thick cable, and a high price. Not the best choice for portable electronics or for listening to medium to low quality music. They have a wide sound range and balanced sound. Most often they are used in conjunction with professional stationary equipment for working with sound.
Emitter design
As a rule, buyers do not pay attention to this criterion. There are four types in total, but it is rare when in a store you can find a large selection for this parameter. The most common models are with conventional speakers. It's worth starting with them.
Dynamic
The most popular version of the converter of electrical vibrations of audio frequency to acoustic. A membrane is located in a closed case, to which a coil with a wire and a magnet are connected. Under the influence of an electric current, a strong electromagnetic field is created, which is transmitted to the membrane, in turn, it begins to move and reproduce sound.
Despite the fact that such speakers are considered the most common (largely due to their affordable price), from an acoustic point of view, they are not the best option. But we cannot say that they have a low sound quality, moreover, such models have a fairly wide sound range.
Such a radiator can be installed in any headphones.
Fostex dynamic headphones
Electrostatic
Devices elite classHi— Endthat cannot be found in simple consumer electronics stores have this type of emitter. Their price is quite high. A lightweight sound membrane is installed between two electrodes. Thanks to this structure, it is possible to eliminate almost all sound distortions. Devices with such an emitter have excellent sound reproduction quality. A special docking station is used for connection.
The electrostatic emitter can only be found in full-size models.
Sennheiser Orpheus electrostatic headphones
Orthodynamic and isodynamic
Between two strong magnets there is a radiator of a complex structure (rectangular or round membrane made of thin plastic film with a special foil coating). Thanks to this structure, it was possible to achieve excellent quality of reproduced sound with high definition and good power reserve (relevant for loudspeakers). Like electrostatic emitters, they can only be found in full-size models.
Fostex orthodynamic headphones
Rebar
Meet in expensive models of in-ear headphones... With their compact size, they have great performance, but have a limited sound range, especially at low frequencies. But they have good quality of detailed reproduction, high accuracy and sensitivity.
Reinforcing headphones EarSonic SM64 with detachable cable
Acoustic design
It depends on this criterion whether people around will hear the information reproduced in the headphones or not. According to this parameter, accessories are divided into two types: closed and open. In the first option - closed headphones - the body of the device does not have a perforated lattice typical for an open type. Therefore, this design allows you to isolate the sound flow from others, directing it completely to the recipient (in the auricle).
Safer for urban use. They have a lattice structure on the outer surface of the cup, through which not only the sound wave from the emitter is passed, but also the ambient noise. Plus, these headphones sound better as they don't create an air cushion that contributes to acoustic distortion.
Signal transmission method
This parameter is determined by the way you connect to the audio source.
Wired
The most common and affordable for many consumers are wired headphones. They have high quality sound reproduction. Connection is carried out by means of wires of different lengths through a connector with a standard 3.5 mm Mini-jack connector.
There are also Jack 6,3 mm, micro-jack 2,5 mm and USB connectors, the latter are used in new models of accessories.
A microphone, volume control, call acceptance button can be installed on the wire. Any models of headphones, different in design, type of emitters or acoustic design, can be wired.
Considering the options for wired accessories for a phone with a headset, three ways can be noted microphone mounts.
- On a wire, next to the call acceptance button or volume control. This type is suitable for users who rarely use this option. The speaker, through which sound information is transmitted to the interlocutor, rubs against clothing when moving, which creates additional interference.
- Fixed position. This is the option that is most convenient for working on stationary equipment, for example, at a computer. If desired, such a headset can also be connected to the phone via a standard connector.
- Built-in microphone. The most optimal option for a telephone headset. But all the same, such a speaker picks up extraneous noise, which reduces the quality of the transmitted sound.
If you plan to often use a telephone headset for telephone conversations, it is better to choose a closed type model so that strangers cannot hear the interlocutor.
Philips SHS5200 wired headphones
Wireless
Modern wireless headphones save the user from constantly tangled wires. When choosing, many people wonder what they are, and what to look for when choosing wireless headphones?
Today, there are four types of wireless headphone connection, two of which - infrared and radio connection - are gradually losing their relevance. The most common are Bluetooth-models; Wi-Fi devices are also gradually gaining popularity, which are distinguished by a long range and the ability to play tracks directly from the network. Such devices work due to the batteries inserted into them.
There are also "hybrid" models in which it is possible to choose the method of connecting the headphones to the sound source.
When choosing headphones, it is important not only to evaluate their design features, but also the sound quality. This is the most important criterion to pay special attention to. Before making the final choice, it is necessary to assess the capabilities of the accessory by testing it in operation. You should not base your choice on the loudest models in order to listen to your favorite music without interference. In this case, it is better to choose closed types of headphones that have good noise insulation... When using devices for personal listening to audio information, one must not forget about safety measures. It is better to refrain from using such accessories on busy city streets and continuously listening to music in a headset for a long time.
Headphone classification or how not to get lost when choosing
Most of us enjoy listening to music. Some are in the background from time to time, and some do not go beyond the threshold of their abode without headphones and a player or smartphone. In any case, the issue of buying headphones is relevant, and there are a huge number of them on the market, of a variety of designs, schemes and price categories.
In this article, we will try to slightly streamline all this chaos in the range of headphones. It should be noted right away that there is a percentage of the population who is not too careful about headphones and / or does not care about sound quality. Sounds - and okay. This approach has every right to life, for such cases there is a bunch of "penny" headphones in each transition, we will not dwell on them.
Electrophone System
It is not worth delving into history in this material, today we are not talking about that, but it is still worth mentioning the progenitors of the current headphones in a nutshell. From 1895 to 1926, there was a service for listening to concerts and church services at home in Britain. The device was called the Electrophone System and looked like old phones, but with four hard-grip headphones. Of course, the similarity of the current headphones was used by telephone companies and for military purposes. The progenitors of today's "plugs" were invented in 1891 by the French engineer Ernest Mercadier. These were miniature, in-ear headphones with rubber caps that were used "to reduce friction on the auricle and effectively block out external sounds." The development was even patented, but this design was returned much later.
A lot of manufacturers in the first half of the 20th century were already engaged in headphones, including such giants as Beyerdynamic and AKG, but KOSS headphones became really popular among consumers. The donated $ 200 for the wedding of John Koss's wife was invested in a business, namely, renting televisions to hospital patients in 1953. A little later, Koss met engineer Martin Lange, with whom he made a "portable" turntable, and military headphones were redesigned to demonstrate the possibilities. It was they who in 1958 interested the public at the exhibition, and this is how the KOSS SP-3 appeared.
Well, enough history, let's go directly to the topic. It is worth remembering that if you buy headphones not "for show", but really get confused with the choice, in any case, you should listen to them and try them on before buying. Each has its own physiology and personal preferences and it is highly undesirable to rely solely on reviews and reviews. So, first you need to decide on the sound source, the conditions in which the headphones will be used and their necessary functionality. Accordingly, let's move on to the first point.
Design
The cheapest, simplest and most common are headphones. liners , popularly referred to as "droplets". Quite often, these headphones come bundled with portable electronics and usually have poor sound quality and design. Such headphones usually have low sound quality, do not always fit specific ears and provide a low level of sound insulation, even with ear cushions that are made of foam. The number of models of such headphones is decreasing, they are being replaced by in-ear models, which provide better sound insulation and convenience. In more expensive earbuds, special replaceable ear tips are supplied for better fixation in the ear. Sometimes you come across unique models like Dunu Alpha 1 with a hybrid emitter circuit and a bizarre shape. The earbuds are compact for easy travel.
Dunu Alpha 1 plug-in hybrid headphones with a rather bizarre shape
Some of the most popular at the moment (if not the most popular) are intracanal headphones (popularly "plugs" or "vacuum"). Their feature is to mount directly in the ear canal, plugging it with elastic nozzles. This design provides good sound insulation and allows you to reduce the amplitude of membrane vibration, distortion and increase the frequency range. The design was originally borrowed from hearing aids and in-ear monitors for musicians. Actually, this is another name for in-ear headphones (In-ear Monitors or IEM). The main disadvantages of this type of headphone are the need for increased attention on the street and not very good reproduction of the upper part of the range, which is usually solved by using emitters with a balanced armature (armature) or hybrid circuits.
Overhead headphones have a design that involves pressing the headphones to the auricles without being covered by the headphones. Usually fixed by means of a headband (both in the upper part of the head and behind the head) or special earhooks. In this case, the emitters are already outside the ear, so you need to turn up the volume for comfortable listening. These headphones are usually lightweight and can be used as portable headphones. But you should not expect good sound insulation from such headphones.
Cups full-size The headphones cover your ears completely for better sound isolation and less sound loss. Initially, they were intended primarily for home use, but now there are a lot of full-size models that are distinguished by a light, convenient (sometimes foldable) design and a relatively short cable, which makes it easy to use with portable equipment.
Monitor Headphones are basically similar to full-size headphones: the cups completely cover the ears. But in this case, the headphones themselves are larger, more massive, as a rule, they are equipped with more serious radiators and a long, thick cable. This is a typical stationary option, usually with a fairly high impedance, and is poorly suited for portable use. They are actively used by people who are professionally engaged in sound.
Acoustic design
In headphone cases open type, there are usually holes, slots or slots, this is done so that the speaker is not in an isolated chamber. This allows sounds to enter from the outside, and some of the sound waves of the speakers come out, thereby reducing the amount of reflections and distortions in the sound. Usually, such headphones sound cleaner and more natural, but they are poorly suited for use in noisy environments and public places: an excessive amount of noise will interfere with listening to music, while others may well be annoyed by your music, which they will hear perfectly.
IN closed Headphones of the case do not have any slots and holes, thus the speakers are closed from the external environment, and the sound is directed into the auricle. These headphones have much better sound insulation and can be used in noisy places. These headphones are usually more "bass".
There is also such a concept as Semi-open (or Semi-closed) headphones, this is a compromise between the above, which does not have any clear requirements and different manufacturers from time to time put different meanings in this name.
Types of emitters
Dynamic emitters are the most common and are used in headphones of all designs and types. They use a membrane to which a coil of wire is attached and a permanent magnet in the magnetic field of which it is located. When an alternating current is passed through the coil, a magnetic field is generated, which interacts with the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Due to this, the membrane begins to oscillate, repeating the shape of the electrical signal of the sound wave. Dynamic headphones usually have a fairly wide frequency response, but not the best accuracy and detail.
Westone "armature" radiator diagram
Emitters with balanced armature (reinforcement) were invented back in the 20s of the last century and were distinguished by high sensitivity and power, their first application was hearing aids. Their main part is a U-shaped plate (anchor), around which the coil is located. The armature can move only around an axis passing through the center of that part of it that is inside the magnetic field. Electrical signals cause fluctuations in the magnetic field, which cause the armature to move, which is transmitted to the membrane, which produces sound waves. "Armatura" is used only in in-ear headphones. The main advantages are high accuracy, detailed reproduction and high sensitivity. Of the minuses - relatively small range, in particular at low frequencies. This problem is solved by using several reinforcing emitters at the same time, or a hybrid scheme with an armature and a dynamic emitter.
Westone W50 in-ear headphones with five reinforcing drivers
At the heart of Isodynamic, orthodynamic (planar magnetic) of the emitters is a thin and light film membrane with metal paths applied to it. It is located between two magnets, when current is applied to which it is set in motion. The so-called Hale emitter, which was patented in 1973. In isodynamic ones, a rectangular membrane is used, in orthodynamic ones - a round one. They are used in full-size headphones, they are distinguished by high sound fidelity, but at a rather high cost.
IN Electrostatic The headphones use an ultra-thin membrane that is located between the two electrodes. Under the influence of high voltage, the membrane moves and creates sound vibrations. Electrostatic headphones deliver incredibly smooth, high-quality, detailed sound that is virtually distortion-free. The impedance of such headphones is measured in kilo-ohms and they usually come with their own amplifier. These are solutions for the most hopeless audiophiles with an impressive income: such headphones are usually very expensive.
Connection options
The standard is wired connection option with a 3.5 mm connector. This option is compatible with the vast majority of sources, be it a portable player, smartphone, laptop, tablet or computer. In some cases, a 1/4 "(6.3 mm) connector is used. More often it can be found in stationary and professional equipment, in some cases an adapter is supplied in the kit, if not, it will not be difficult to find it on sale. Wired connection wins in terms of sound quality and signal stability but not so convenient.
Options wireless there may be several connections: home options with radio and infrared connections are gradually fading into the background. More and more models with Wi-Fi connection appear. The most common at the moment are the Bluetooth models, which usually have a microphone and can be used with mobile phones as a headset. There are models of wireless headphones that support a wired connection, which will be useful if the battery runs out.
