How to warm up your headphones

Many people warm up their headphones after purchasing them because they believe it is necessary for high-quality sound. But it is impossible to say whether this is true. Below are several arguments that will help you understand this issue.

Warming up the headphones

Warming up the headphones is the changes that occur with the sound when using the device for the first few tens of hours. The process always occurs, regardless of whether the headphones are on a person’s head or not. It is believed that the sound quality of such headphones is higher than that of those fresh out of the box.

Changes in sound quality depend on the features of the models:

1. For vertical speakers, the sound will change quite significantly.
2. For full-size ones it is insignificant.
3. For a device with large membranes, it practically does not change (or does not change at all).

Myth or reality

The theory of such a device process does not stand up to criticism. This applies to both materials science and practical use. Only some manufacturers indicate that the device must be subject to such a procedure within 50 hours after purchase, but this will not be enough for headphones. Therefore, it is impossible to say whether the procedure has an effect or is a simple tradition. Moreover, manufacturers never sell already warmed-up devices.

But there are arguments that oppose the myth that headphones need to be warmed up:

1. The materials from which dynamic and other emitters are created do not require additional increases in elasticity. After 100 hours of heating, the density, elasticity and other properties of the materials will not change.
2. The process is not a prerequisite for using either headphones or drivers. After creating the headphones, they can already be used, and there are no additional requirements (including warming up).
3. The sound is always within the permissible errors of the devices. Prolonged use will not improve the quality of the audio signals or the product itself. The sound will always remain at the same frequency.

To date, not a single scientific work or scientific experiment has been presented that could prove that heating the headphones in any way affects the sound quality.

Some manufacturers openly state that such a procedure is a mandatory factor for the correct operation of headphones. But at the same time, their words are contradictory. Perhaps they just don't want to offend those people who believe that the sound quality of the headphones improves after the process.

Attention! On the Internet you can find many reviews from people who claim that they hear differences in sounds between newly purchased and warmed-up devices. Therefore, it is not yet possible to say whether the changes after warming up are a myth or reality.

What does the procedure give?

The procedure is needed to equalize sound parameters. Therefore, such headphones are suitable only for avid fans who are able to hear the difference in sounds between regular and heated devices. Reasons 3:

1. Subjective opinion.
2. Individual characteristics of hearing.
3. Difference between modern and old models.

But such an action can also damage the headphones. They are not a loudspeaker, so there is a risk of damage from too loud sounds. The volume should be set slightly above what is comfortable for the ears. And if you choose a special track for heating, the warming up process becomes faster and safer.

Ways to warm up headphones

There are two main ways to warm up – special noises or regular music. When choosing music, it is better to choose one that jumps across all frequencies, touching the maximum and minimum points. But the most effective way is special pink noise. The following factors need to be considered:

1. There are recordings that are made specifically for this process. They are all variations of pink noise. They rock the membrane in the most effective way. The sounds contain signals of all necessary amplitudes and frequencies. An excellent option is to use a disk from Tara Labs.
2. If you decide to use regular music for warming up, you should be prepared that various deviations will appear at first. For example, the sound will float. There is also a risk of the appearance of very high frequency signals, extraneous sounds, and mid-range dips. This is normal and will go away on its own after the procedure.
3. Volume selection. It is best to set the level a little higher than what is comfortable for the ears. Don't make the sound too loud. But the concept of volume is different for everyone, so it is chosen based on the user’s comfort.
4. Using the source. It is logical to assume that the source will be the device you will use for listening.But if you do not have this option, you can choose another device specifically for this process. It is not necessary to use special systems or players. An ordinary high-quality device will be enough.

How long does it take to warm up?

For most types of devices, the average warm-up time is from 90 to 200 hours. Some types require more time and some less. Changes become noticeable after just a few tens of hours of the procedure. But you can only hear this if you don’t listen to music for several hours without breaks.