What are headphones

In the modern world, laptops, smartphones and players are very popular. Almost everyone has these devices. Various accessories are provided for their comfortable operation. One of them is headphones. We use them at work, at home, on public transport or on the street. What types of this accessory are there? What are their features, advantages and disadvantages?

Definition of what headphones are

Headphones are a device with which you can listen to any sound signals transmitted by a radio-electronic device. The principle of their operation is that when a signal is applied to the voice coil, an electromagnetic field is formed, which, when interacting with the field of the magnetic system, transmits sound through the speaker.

Scope of application, pros and cons of headphones

This accessory has found its application:

• when watching a video;
• while playing on the computer;
• when listening to music, etc.

Headphones have both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:

• high sound quality;
• isolation from external sound signals;
• affordability - purchasing headphones is much cheaper than purchasing a speaker system;
• comfort for others - when using this accessory, noise is not created for strangers.

The disadvantages are that listening to music at high volumes too often can have negative effects on your hearing.

What types of headphones are there?

Headphones differ in several ways.

By type of design

There are many models of this accessory, but there are only four types:

1. Inserts (shells). Placed in the ear. The body is equipped with foam attachments for convenience. The disadvantage of this type of accessory is that it does not fit tightly to the auricle, thereby creating inconvenience for the user. This type of headphones has poor noise insulation, so not only you, but also those around you will listen to music.
2. In-ear (vacuum) headphones. Unlike the previous type, they have soundproofing properties. They are placed directly into the ear canal, which makes it possible to capture all vibrations as much as possible.
3. On-ear headphones. They are convenient because they are placed on the auricle, creating high-quality sound. As for sound insulation, due to the loose fit of this accessory to the ear, it simply does not exist. They are also valued for their portability, as many models can be folded and placed in a special bag.
4. Full size. They are of the highest quality, since due to their size they create good sound insulation. The speaker, having a size of more than 4 cm in diameter, transmits a deeper and richer sound. The full-size accessory does not put pressure on the ear, thereby ensuring comfortable listening to music.

According to the design of the emitter

The sound quality directly depends on this parameter:

1. Reinforcement type. They are used only in expensive in-ear headphones.They have good performance and accurately convey all the nuances of sound, but are limited in reproducing low frequencies.
2. Ortho- and isodynamic type. Such accessories have two powerful magnets, between which there is a complex emitter made of a special film coated with coating, which gives the sound clarity and power.
3. Electrostatic. The emitter in them is a thin membrane located between a pair of electrodes. This design can completely eliminate sound distortion, but for connection you will need a special docking station (a device with connectors for various electronics).
4. Dynamic. The device is a membrane placed in a housing, to which a magnet and a coil are connected. The electric field created in this way affects the membrane and creates sound. Due to its simplicity, such a device can be placed in a variety of headphones.

By signal transmission method

This factor affects the ease of use of headphones.

Wired devices have much better sound quality than wireless ones. The connection is made via a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack (new models may also have a USB connector or a 6.3 mm jack).

A wireless device only works when connected to a laptop or gadget via Bluetooth or wireless Internet.

Depending on the tightness of the acoustics

This setting affects whether the sound coming from your headphones will be heard by those around you:

1. Open. The cups of such devices have perforations on the outside, through which some of the sound comes out (and external noise can also penetrate into the ears).
2. Closed. The cups do not have perforations, so the sound is completely directed to the owner’s ear, while surrounding sounds are not heard.Such devices have good sound insulation.

Headphones will always be in demand. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the following characteristics: power, impedance, frequency range, sensitivity and distortion level. By choosing an expensive and high-quality accessory, you can enjoy its comfortable use for a long time.