The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic driver is a type of audio technology that can be present in a variety of highest-quality headphones and IEMs. It provides numerous advantages that help it stand out from more conventional balanced or dynamic armature drivers.

However the planar driver has certain disadvantages that are important to note. They are more expensive and require an amplifier to be driven.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear - from the loudest cymbal crashing to the slightest creak on a bench for a piano - is represented by an intricate turbulent wave of pressure. The driver of a great headphone Planar Magnetic must reproduce these waves faithfully without losing any details or distortion of the audio. This requires a thin, light diaphragm which can respond quickly to a variety or frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers use a flat diaphragm that is coated with a conductive coating and floats between magnets. This allows them create a uniform field of magnetism across the entire diaphragm surface which reduces 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 a mechanical resonance frequency of the diaphragm which could be several times higher than the input frequency and reduces the sensitiveness of the voice pressure sensor.

Final was able overcome these limitations using a single material that serves as diaphragm as well as a conductor. This solution 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.

Another issue that is common to all plansar magnetic designs is a ringing sound that occurs on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. This is due to a mismatch between the force of the magnet applied to the diaphragm in comparison to the natural flexing of the diaphragm.

Final employed a thin polymer film known as Parylene to address this issue. The material was chosen because of its superior mechanical strength, bendability and uniform thickness. It also has thickness consistency. These traits were necessary to ensure that the thin, rigid film was able to be stretched without forming unwanted wrinkles or creases.

Superior transient response

The way planar magnetic drivers produce sound waves is different from traditional dynamic drivers. The main difference is that the conductor of the planar driver is laid out in a flat 2D pattern on the diaphragm, instead of the coil being wrapped around a cone-shaped diaphragm. The conductor can react to magnetic fields on both the diaphragm's sides and produce sound waves that are extremely precise. This technology also eliminates the need for an instrument that could alter its impedance based on its frequency, resulting in a distortion-free reproduction of music.

Planar magnetic drivers are lighter and more durable than conventional drivers since they don't contain moving components which can wear over time. They are also less prone than conventional drivers to distortion that can reduce the audio quality. They have a faster reaction time and are able to reproduce sounds faster.

However, the vast surface area of a diaphragm planar requires more power to move and create sound waves. As a result, these headphones require an amplifier for headphone that can be able to drive them at a sufficient level. Some listeners may not be interested in the extra weight and expense.

Planar magnetic drivers also create larger soundstages than dynamic headphones, which can make them more spacious. This is due to the fact that a large flat diaphragm produces an asymmetrical wavefront instead of the focused spherical sound wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This is a key feature of planar headphones that provide more of an immersive listening experience.

True and natural audio reproduction

Planar magnetic drivers provide natural and faithful audio reproduction in comparison to traditional dynamic driver models. Contrary to conventional dynamic drivers, which have a cone-shaped diaphragm, which vibrates back and headphone planar magnetic back and forth using dual rows of magnets to generate equal magnetic force on the diaphragm. This results in the diaphragm to move in a wave-like motion which reduces distortion. They also have the ability to reproduce music with a wider frequency range, from the lowest lows up to the highest highs which makes them a great choice for music enthusiasts and sound professionals.

The diaphragm is thin and flexible. of a planar magnetic driver is able to move much more quickly than traditional dynamic drivers and is able to respond to changes in the sound signal and produce an accurate reproduction. Additionally, the absence of a coil positioned behind the diaphragm decreases the likelihood that there will be contact between the mechanical parts which could cause distortion at higher volumes.

As a result, the diaphragm has the ability to effortlessly move huge amounts of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and flexibility is crucial to produce the deep bass in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers on the other hand, tend to be small and stiff, which makes it difficult for them to withstand the high-speed movements required to reproduce bass.

Despite their benefits however, planar magnetic drivers aren't as frequently used in headphone or IEM products because of the high price and the complexity of their design. Partly, this is due to the fact that they need amplifiers to be driven. This makes them less portable. They are still popular with music enthusiasts and critics who appreciate their superior quality of sound and outstanding performance.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones use flat and uniform diaphragms to create sound in a controlled and even manner. This results in a broad frequency response, which allows for a precise and accurate reproduction of music. They are also renowned for their superior transient response, which means they can respond quickly to audio signals and reproduce them as precisely as they can.

To do this, they employ a planar array of conductors placed across a thin diaphragm that's sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is sent through this conductor array, it is transformed into electromagnetic and interacts with diaphragm magnetic fields to create the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic field to interact with audio input quickly, resulting in high-quality audio reproduction.

The low distortion rate is a further reason why these drivers are extremely loved by audiophiles. Since they don't contain the same moving components as other types of headphone which means they don't produce as much harmonic distortion. They also have lower resistance and provide only a pure resistance 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 to operate which makes them less suitable for a grab and go' driver. Audiophiles will trade the extra expense and effort for the quality that these headphones provide. They are regarded as the best choice for those who wish to have a fantastic listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm in a planar magnetic driver is extremely thin, which means that it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking down. This gives a great transient response, which means that the driver will respond to sudden changes in audio signals very quickly and precisely. This lets you hear details in music and make them sound more natural and real.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the advantage of creating an even driving force across the diaphragm, which prevents distortions when the volume is increased. Planar magnetic headphones sound great due to the fact that dynamic drivers employ diaphragms which are heavier and thicker, which cannot move as fast or with the same speed. They can even break down when the forces are too high or exceed their structural integrity limits, causing diaphragms that are out of the sync.

Planar magnetic drivers, however, produce powerful electromagnetic force which is directly applied to diaphragm. This eliminates the requirement for a voice coil which is commonly required in headphones that employ traditional dynamic cone drivers. This allows for greater bass, more dynamic soundstage, and an outstanding bass response.

Due to these benefits Due to these advantages, planar magnet drivers are considered by many audiophiles to be the best headphone driver. While they do have some concerns regarding power requirements and cost however, their ability to provide outstanding sonic quality makes them a perfect option for those who want the highest quality in audio reproduction. These drivers provide superior clarity and detail in all frequencies, with the exception of low bass. Dynamic drivers are preferred. If you're in search of high-end headphones that provide exceptional sound for any price be sure to look through our top choices below!