The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver
Planar magnetic driver is a type of audio technology that can be found in some of the highest-quality headphones and IEMs. It has many advantages that allow it to different from the more traditional dynamic or balanced armature drivers.
However, planar drivers do have some drawbacks that are important to note. They are a higher price and the need for an amplifier to drive them.
Ultra-thin diaphragms
Every sound we hear, from the most raucous crash of a cymbal to the tiniest creak of the piano bench is portrayed by a complex tumultuous pressure wave. The driver of a great headphone must reproduce these waves accurately, without missing any details or distortion of the audio. This requires a thin, light diaphragm which can respond quickly to a broad range or frequencies.
While dynamic drivers are powered by a voice coil attached to a conical diaphragm planar magnetic drivers have a flat diaphragm sprayed with a conductive film that floats between fixed magnets. This allows them to create a uniform magnetic field across the entire surface of the diaphragm and significantly reduce distortion.
This approach, however, presents additional challenges, such as the possibility of membrane resonance issues and turbulent airflow within the grid-like magnetic arrays. These issues result in the frequency of mechanical resonance of the diaphragm, which can be several times higher than the input frequency, and reduces the sensitivity of the voice pressure sensor.
Final was able overcome these limitations by using a single material that functions as diaphragm as well as a conductor. This idea was inspired by ribbon speakers and their spherical conductor, but was much more cost-effective and suitable for headphones due to its size and power requirements.
A ringing sound is a different issue that many planar magnetic designs have to face. It occurs when high-frequency and low-frequency bass notes are played. This is caused by a mismatch between force of the magnetic field applied to the diaphragm and the natural flexing characteristics of the diaphragm itself.
Final employed a thin polymer film called Parylene to solve this problem. This material was selected due to its superior mechanical stability, bendability and uniformity of thickness. These characteristics were essential to ensure that a thin, rigid film would stretch without creating unwanted wrinkles or wrinkles.
Superior transient response
The method by which planar magnetic drivers produce sound waves is different from traditional dynamic drivers. The primary difference is that in the case of a planar magnetic device, the conductor is laid out on the diaphragm in an 2D flat pattern instead of a coil around a cone shaped diaphragm. The conductor can react to magnetic fields on the diaphragm's sides, and create sound waves with great precision. This technology also eliminates the requirement for an instrument that could alter its impedance according to its frequency, which results in distortion-free music reproduction.
In addition that, planar magnetic drivers are more durable and lighter than conventional drivers, since they do not contain moving parts that can wear out over time. They are also less prone to distortion caused by harmonics which can result in a decrease in the quality of audio. They have a faster reaction time and are able to reproduce sounds more quickly.
However, the huge surface area of a diaphragm planar requires more power to move and create sound waves. Therefore, these headphones require a headphone amplifier that can drive them at adequate levels. The extra weight and cost can be a turnoff for some listeners.
Another benefit of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce a wide soundstage, which can be larger than traditional dynamic headphones. This is because a large flat diaphragm produces a planar wavefront rather than the spherical wavefront that is focused typical of dynamic drivers. This is the main feature of planar headphones, which provides an immersive listening experience.
Audio reproduction that is natural and faithful
Planar magnetic drivers produce an authentic and reliable audio reproduction when compared to traditional dynamic driver models. In contrast to traditional dynamic drivers which feature a cone-shaped diaphragm which vibrates back and back and forth using dual rows of magnets to generate equal magnetic forces on the diaphragm. The diaphragm's movement is in a wavelike motion. This allows for less distortion. They can also reproduce music with a wider frequency range, ranging from the lowest lows to the highest highs which makes them a great choice for music lovers as well as audio professionals.
The diaphragm is thin and flexible. of a planar magnetic driver is able to move much faster than the traditional dynamic driver, allowing it to respond to changes in the sound signal and produce an accurate reproduction. In addition, the lack of a coil positioned behind the diaphragm decreases the chance that there will be contact between the mechanical components that could cause distortion at higher volume levels.
The diaphragm has the ability to easily displace large volumes air in order to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's dimensions and flexibility are crucial to produce the deep bass in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers are usually small and stiff. This makes them unable to handle the high-speed excursions required to reproduce the bass.
Despite the advantages that come with magnetic drivers that are planar but they aren't as popular in headphone and IEM products as dynamic drivers due to their high cost and intricate design. This is due to the fact that they require amplifiers to power them, which limits their accessibility and ease of use. Nevertheless, they remain popular with music lovers and critical listeners who value their outstanding performance and high audio quality.
Wide frequency response
While most headphones and IEMs use traditional dynamic drivers with a cone-shaped diaphragm that moves between two directions to create audio waves Planar magnetic headphones use flat and uniform diaphragms that create sound in a controlled and consistent manner. This results in wide frequency response, which allows for accurate and precise reproduction of music. They are also known for their high transient response, which means they can respond quickly to audio signals and reproduce them as precisely as they can.
To accomplish this, they employ a planar array of conductors that're placed across a thin diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted through this conductor array, it becomes electromagnetic, and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields to cause the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic fields to interact with audio signals quickly, producing high-quality sound reproduction.
Another reason that makes these drivers so popular with audiophiles is their low distortion rate. Since they don't contain the same moving components as other types of headphone which means they don't produce as much harmonic distortion. planar magnetic gaming headset have lower resistance and provide an unresistance load to amplifiers. This makes them more convenient to drive.
Due to their superior performance due to their superior performance, planar magnetic drives are typically used in higher-end audio equipment. However, this also means that they are more expensive and require an amplifier and are therefore not suitable for a 'grab and go' type of driver. Audiophiles will sacrifice the additional cost and effort for the quality these headphones offer. They are regarded as an excellent choice for those seeking the best listening experience.
Low distortion
The diaphragm of a plane magnet driver is very thin which means it can move at high speed without losing control. This allows for a highly precise and rapid response to sudden changes in the audio signal. This allows you to perceive the details of music more clearly, and makes them sound more natural and realistic.
Another benefit of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce the same force of driving across the entire diaphragm. This eliminates distortion when you increase the volume. Planar magnetic headphones sound great due to the fact that dynamic drivers have diaphragms that are thicker and heavier and cannot move as quickly or with the same speed. In fact, they can fail if the forces are too strong or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, causing different points on the diaphragm to start moving out of sync.
Planar magnetic drivers, on the other hand, generate powerful electromagnetic force which is directly applied to the diaphragm. This removes the voice coil that is required in the majority of headphones that use traditional dynamic cone drivers. This allows for better dynamics, a wider soundstage, and a superior bass response.
Due to these benefits they are widely regarded as the best type of headphone driver for audiophiles. Although they do have concerns regarding power requirements and cost, their ability to deliver exceptional sound quality makes them a perfect option for those who want the highest quality of audio reproduction. Compared to other types of headphones, these models offer superior detail and exceptional clarity across all frequencies, except for low bass (where dynamic drivers are typically still preferred). If you're searching for a pair of headphones that can provide great sound at any price, then be sure to look at our top selections!