Choosing good headphones for a computer

Among the variety of models and manufacturers to choose the best headphones to your computer can be a difficult task. A few years ago, the accessory was presented with a meager assortment, but today a wide choice is offered to customers. Headset or headset model should be selected in accordance with purpose of use and the needs of the future owner. For some, high-quality sound is important, for others, a convenient microphone with noise reduction, and for some people we need universal headphones. Before you choose headphones for your computer, you need to decide on the main criteria.

Types of headsets

All types of accessories can be divided into four main categories.

1. Liners - such headphones to the computer are compact and inconspicuous, they have completely no insulation,and prolonged use has a negative effect on the hearing organs. This is a great option for your phone or MP3 player when listening to music or watching videos is not constant.
   

2. Intra channel Headphones are very similar to the previous type, but, thanks to their design, they are safer to hold. The only advantage in comparison with the "liners" - they slightly isolate external noise.
3. Overhead Headphones are accessories of a different level, they are considered universal. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. The membrane covers only part of the ear, which does not create undue stress on the eardrums. Thanks to reliable fixation on the head, these headphones are suitable for jogging, work or watching movies.
   

4. Monitor or full-size - These are professional-grade headphones, although there are medium and low quality models, whose characteristics are significantly inferior to accessories of a high price category. Depending on the specific model, they are of two types: with full or partial sound insulation (or closed and open). When sound quality is prioritized, the choice is stopped on the first type,and if you plan to watch movies for hours or play games for hours, the best solution would be a headset with holes in the case.
   

The choice of headphones for a computer is best limited to the last two types, no matter how often and for what purpose they will be used.

Main technical parameters of headphones

We often choose headphones for a laptop or computer only for design and design features. But this is wrong - no less important are the characteristics of the device. Modern computer headphones have their own technical indicators that determine the optimal area of ​​their use. What you need to pay attention to before buying:

• sensitivity;
• impedance or resistance;
• frequency range.

Sensitivity, or the volume of the headphones, must comply with the recommended 100 dB. This is dictated, first of all, from the point of view of security - the device should not spoil the hearing. If the stereo headset will be used “on occasion”, it’s permissible to ignore the rule, but when listening to music or watching videos exceeds an hour a day, attention should be paid to this indicator.

Impedance determines the quality of signal transmission and is measured in ohms. The choice should be limited to average performance, the normal figure varies from 40 to 150 Ohms. If the user needs a studio sound quality, then the resistance should be higher than 100 ohms, the limit value can reach 600 ohms. The minimum impedance is 30 ohms, but the value below indicates low quality.

It is important to know! Buying headphones with a high resistance rate does not guarantee high sound quality if the sound card of the computer does not support such characteristics.

Frequency range in good headphones it is 20 Hz - 20 kHz. This is the optimal value for the perception of sounds.

Additional criteria

In addition to the basic parameters, there are other, which is recommended to know before buying.

1. Connector There are three types of wired headphones: minijack 3.5 mm, jack 6.2 mm or usb (usb). If necessary, you can use an adapter adapter, for example, with a 6.2 mm to 3.5 mm plug.
2. Sounds distortion percentage - this indicator should be as low as possible. The value is mainly prescribed by manufacturers of high-quality equipment.
3. Mount type: clip on ear, over head or under hairline.The characteristic is subjective, which headset is better to choose, it is up to the user to decide. It is also worth considering the total weight of the accessory - heavy headphones will cause discomfort during prolonged use.

It is important to know! For gamers, they produce special headphones to a computer with sound positioning, so that during the game it is clear where the movement or signal comes from.

Headphones for gamers Strix Pro

With or without wires

Before you choose headphones for a laptop or personal computer, you need to decide on the type of connection. There are two options: wired or wireless.

Advantage wireless connection - mobility, the user can freely move around the house or within the room. Connection provides Bluetooth module or infrared. The second option is less practical: such headphones transmit a signal only in sight. Bluetooth radio signal acts on a long distance, and this attracts.

Indisputable convenience will cost more, because choose such a model only in the case when the wires really create inconvenience, and the sound quality is in second place.

Headphones wireless with infrared port Chellenger R1H-92410

Wired headphones to the computer do not differ in the ease of use, as described above, but here are their strengths. First of all, this model provides a stable and better sound. You can choose a modification where the wires are connected only to one side, it is considered that such devices are better. The plug located on the side does not interfere when working at a computer, for example, when typing or using programs.

The wires have three main nuances:

• removable plug - practical;
• the length of the wire may be different - choose "by itself";
• thin wires break faster, according to statistics this breakdown comes first.

Audio-Technica ATN-M50x Headphone Cable

Headphones with microphone

Most users prefer to choose headphones for a laptop or computer with a microphone, as this is a universal option for various purposes. Conventionally, they are called headset. Comfortable communication will provide a good noise-canceling microphone, and for recording sound or voice, this indicator will be key.

The type of microphone mount is different, each of them has its own characteristics.

1. Movable mount - the most convenient and practical, the user can adjust the location of the microphone or move it if it is not used.
2. Stationary position convenient for those who do not change the working position, for example, gamers or reference operators.
3. A simple wired microphone is suitable for occasional use.
4. Built-in microphone - not the most practical option, it is always in close access and there is no need to adjust its position, but it will catch all the sounds.

A microphone is necessary for many online games, online communication and work related to negotiations. Naturally, the more often it is planned to use it, the higher should be the quality of performance.

The combined model has its drawbacks, and many users note that it is more practical to choose a microphone and a headset for a computer separately. In the process of using one of the devices can fail, then you will either have to buy a module (for example, a microphone) separately or take the entire headset for repair.

Useful tips

In addition to the descriptions of important characteristics and differences, there are some useful tips on how to choose headphones for a computer.

1. Active gamers should pay attention to the specialized models of headsets, they are usually full-sized, bright and light.
2. If you often travel by public transport, listen to music in crowded places - pay attention to the devices with active noise reductionso that external sounds do not interrupt the signal.
3. For home or work, a good option is full-size headphones. If the sounds can interfere with others, then choose closed.
4. During sports, as well as listening to music on the street, the best option - overhead headphones. In them, the user will be comfortable listening to music, and at the same time to control the situation. Remember: on the street it is not safe to use closed full-size headphones that completely block external noise.
5. The clip in the form of clips on the ear is not suitable for those who wear glasses.

Perhaps these are all the main nuances that will help determine the excellent model of headphones for a computer or laptop. Technical knowledge will help to correctly navigate among the limitless variety of goods in stores.