Types of headphones and their characteristics

The growing popularity of this accessory is largely due to the growing market of portable electronics. Therefore, in addition to the usual models, there are new devices for sound transmission, adapted specifically for such devices. Choosing headphones, you should be based not only on your own preferences, but also on the features of the device for which this accessory is purchased. Consider what types of headphones exist, and what are their functional differences.

Classification of modern headphones

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, compatibility with the device on which they will be used.

Classification of headphones is carried out according to several parameters. Group divisions are affected by:

• design features;
• type of installed emitter (speaker);
• acoustic design;
• way to connect to the sound source.

Type of construction

This is perhaps the most important criterion most buyers pay attention to. In accordance with the external design features distinguish the following designs of the gadget.

In-ear headphones

In another they are also called "liners." This is the most budget version of the device. As a rule, it is this type of accessories. comes complete with mobile gadgets. The generally accepted standard of such devices was developed by Etymotic Research in the early 90s, but they were used much later.

Etymotic Research ER6i In-Ear Headphones

They do not have good sound quality, they are not always ideal for the user in terms of anatomical features. And even with the use of foam ear cushions do not provide an adequate level of sound insulation.

In the more expensive models in the kit there are additional interchangeable tips that 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 gradually they are being supplanted by more practical devices, for example, intra-local earphones - these two types are often confused.

In-ear headphones

At the moment, it is the most popular and sought-after type of accessories for listening to various sound information from smartphones and mp3 players. The fit of “plugs” or “vacuum” headphones in the ear canal is much deeper, due to this, sealing and sound concentration are improved, as the amplitude of oscillation of the membrane and sound distortion is reduced. As a rule, such accessories have a wide range of attachments.

In-channel headphones RBH Sound EP 1

The quality of the devices themselves is much higher than the plug-in ones, but still they are inferior to the overhead, since the small speaker cannot physically provide the proper sound level.

It should be noted that when using on the street, the owners of such intra-channel models need to be extremely attentive, since music playback is isolated from extraneous noise.

Plug-in and in-ear types of headphones are best suited for phones and other gadgets. They are lightweight, compact, and can be equipped with a headsetthat makes their use multifunctional.

Overhead headphones

The name speaks of how they are fixed on the surface of the ear. It is this species that is used for sports models. Headphones are superimposed on the ear, while not fully cover it. The sound source is not inserted into the auricle, and is located outside. Therefore, for a full-fledged sound, you need a powerful radiator and a large volume. Relatively compact, have a different mount: in the form of a separate bristle arches or a common arcuate heading.

The sound quality is better than vacuum ones, the first signs of volume and quite good bass appear, but at the same time they are inferior to sound insulation.

Headphones Monster Beats By Dre Studio White

Full size headphones

Great option for home use - On the road, such models may not be very convenient due to their size. But lovers of good sound does not stop it. Cups of such models with soft ear cushions completely cover the surface of the ear, thanks to which a good sound insulation is obtained and additional sound space is created.

Modern full-size premium models differ light weight, convenient (sometimes folding) design, small size of the cord, which allows them to comfortably be used with mobile devices.

Full-size headphones Sennheiser Momentum M2 AEG

Monitor headphones

Most classify them as a variety of full-size models, with which one can not agree. Their cups are also fixed on the entire surface of the ear. They are distinguished by a more massive construction, a powerful radiator, a large headband, a long and thick cable, and a high price. Not the best option for use with portable electronics or listening to music of medium or low quality. They have a wide sound range and balanced sound. Most often they are used in conjunction with professional stationary equipment to work with sound.

Radiator design

As a rule, buyers do not pay attention to this criterion. In total, there are four types, but rarely in the store you can find a large selection of this parameter. Most often there are models with ordinary speakers. With them, it is worth starting.

Dynamic

The most popular version of the converter of electrical oscillations of sound frequency into acoustic ones. In the closed case there is a membrane to which a coil with a wire and a magnet are connected. Under the action 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 the affordable price), from an acoustic point of view, this is not the best option.. But it cannot be said that they have a low sound quality, moreover, such models have a rather wide sound range.

This emitter can be installed in any headphones.

Fostex Dynamic Headphones

Electrostatic

Devices elite class Hi—Endthat are not found in simple consumer electronics stores, have just such a radiator.Their price is quite high. A light sound membrane is installed between the two electrodes. Thanks to this structure, it is possible to eliminate almost all sound distortions. Devices with such an emitter have an excellent quality of reproducing sound information. To connect using a special docking station.

Electrostatic emitter can be found only in full-size models.

Electrostatic Sennheiser Orpheus headphones

Orthodynamic and isodynamic

Between two strong magnets there is a radiator with a complex structure (rectangular or round membrane made of thin plastic film with a special foil-coated coating). Thanks to this structure, it was possible to achieve excellent quality of reproduced sound with high definition and good power reserve (actual for loudspeakers). Like electrostatic radiators, they can be found only in full-size models.

Orthodynamic Fostex headphones

Reinforcement

Meet in expensive models of in-ear headphones. With its compact size, they have great performance, but have a limited range of sound, especially at low frequencies.But they have good quality of detailed playback, high accuracy and sensitivity.

Armature earSonic SM64 headphones with a removable wire

Acoustic design

It depends on this criterion whether surrounding people can hear the information reproduced in headphones or not. In accordance with this parameter, accessories are divided into two types: closed and open. In the first version - closed headphones - the case of the device does not have a perforated lattice characteristic of the open type. Therefore, this design allows you to isolate the sound flow from others, directing it completely to the recipient (in the auricle).

Open headphones more safe for urban use. They have a lattice structure of the outer surface of the cup, through which not only the sound wave from the radiator, but also the surrounding noise is transmitted. In addition, these headphones sound better, they do not create an air bag, which contributes to acoustic distortion.

Signal transmission method

This parameter is determined by the way the audio source is connected.

Wired

The most common and affordable for many consumers are wired headphones.They have high quality sound reproduction. Connection is made via wires of different lengths via 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.

On the wire can be installed microphone, volume control, call acceptance button. Wired can be any model of headphones, different in design, type of emitters or acoustic design.

Considering the options for wired accessories for a phone with a headset, you can note three ways microphone mounts.

1. On the wire, next to the accept button or volume control. This type is suitable for users who rarely use this option. The speaker, through which the sound information is transmitted to the interlocutor, rubs against clothing as it moves, creating additional interference.
2. Fixed position. This is an option that is most convenient for working on stationary equipment, for example, at a computer. If desired, such a headset can be connected to the phone via a standard connector.
3. Built-in microphone. The best option for a telephone headset.But still, such a speaker catches extraneous noise, which reduces the quality of the transmitted sound.

If you plan to frequently use a telephone headset for telephone conversations, it is better to choose models of a closed type so that unauthorized people cannot hear the interlocutor.

Wired Philips SHS5200 headphones

Wireless

Modern wireless headphones relieve the user from constantly confusing wires. Many people ask when choosing what they are, and what to look for when choosing a wireless headset?

Today, there are four types of wireless headphone connections, two of which - infrared and radio connections - are gradually losing their relevance. The most common are Bluetooth models, and Wi-Fi devices are gaining popularity, which are notable for their large 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 there is an opportunity to choose a way to connect headphones to the sound source.

Choosing headphones, it is important not only to evaluate their design features, but also the sound quality.This is the most important criterion, which is worth paying special attention. Before making a final choice, it is necessary to evaluate the capabilities of the accessory by testing it at work. You should not base your choice on the loudest models to listen to your favorite music without interference. In this case, it is better to choose closed types of headphones that have good sound insulation. When using devices for personal listening to audio information, you can not forget about security measures. It is better to refrain from using such accessories on busy city streets and continuously listening to music in the headset for a long time.