Technological progress has led to the fact that there are an immense number of devices on the market for every taste and color. This applies to every sphere of human activity and his life, and because of this, the problem of choice arises. The same problem has overtaken the headphone market. Today, there are a huge number of different solutions for personal listening to music, from those created for professional sound engineers to those that transmit sound through bone tissue. The choice of headphones is a difficult and rather tedious process, because it all depends not only on the sound quality, but also on the comfort of wearing, the scope and appearance of the gadget.

People often ask questions: what types of headphones are there? How do they differ from each other? What type of headphones is right for a particular user? In this material, we will consider the main types of headphones, photos, characteristics and features of certain subspecies.

Types of headphones by their scope

There are two main types of headphones. Those that are used in the music industry, and those that are purchased for personal use, daily listening to music.

Professional (monitor) headphones are similar to regular full-size ones, but they are created for a separate category of people for whom sound is a profession. Such headphones look impressive, usually their design seems too massive, unattractive. Powerful technical equipment is used to transform sound, providing high details of such. This type of headphones is distinguished by the highest quality sound from the point of view of the "real" sound of the composition and a competent balance of frequencies, thanks to which the sound engineer notices minor defects and inconsistencies in the recording. Such headphones are not suitable for listening to music on an ongoing basis, since "clean" sound implies the ability to hear minor imperfections during recording, such as pick clicks, microphone crackles, unpleasant background noise and others like them. Other headphones have a narrower range, focus on specific frequencies, which means that most of the compositions in them will sound richer than in "monitor" ones, which smooth the sound beyond recognition.

Custom headphones are headphones for the masses, for mere mortals, and they don't have such polished characteristics. They often target a specific genre. For example, the famous Beats brand boosts low frequencies in an attempt to add bass. Due to such distortion, the sound seems more pleasant and rich. Earbuds like these come in a variety of shapes and designs. Many of them, in contrast to studio solutions, lose their sound quality for the sake of ergonomics and compactness. What kind of headphone doesn't exist for sure is the one that combines the capabilities of studio and consumer. As you can see, already at this stage the user is faced with a choice between the "sincerity" of the sound and its "attractiveness".

Types of headphones by sound transmission method

Everything is simple here: the sound is transmitted either over the wire, as most are used to, or using wireless technologies (mainly bluetooth).

In the first case, the headphones are connected to the sound source via a digital or analog cable. This is the easiest connection option and at the same time relatively inexpensive. Even on budget wired headphones, the sound quality is often impressive. Nevertheless, untangling wires and their "unexpected" break have long become a separate reason for jokes, therefore, wireless options have been created.

There are different types of wireless headphones. Some of them use an analog signal, some use a digital signal. Wireless headphones, as the name implies, save users from the problems with wires, which often fail in the first place. At the same time, most of the devices already existing on the market have a number of typical disadvantages, including:

• The need to recharge the headphones.
• Poor sound quality.
• Delay in signal transmission.
• High price.

These problems have plagued bluetooth headphones for years. Recently, new types of bluetooth headphones began to appear, manufacturers began to equip them with full-fledged processors that allow you to transmit sound of higher quality and without delays. The cost of such solutions is disappointing, but it is falling every day due to market saturation and technology adaptation, and modern batteries often provide users with a whole day without recharging. A striking example of high-quality bluetooth headphones is Apple's AirPods.

Wireless headphones can take a variety of forms: from full-size to ultra-compact, but in any case, they are created for those who move a lot and do not want to embarrass themselves with wires, and wired options should be classified as "Types of headphones for a computer", where wires will not interfere ...

Types of headphones by the number of channels used

The simplest type of headphone in this category is monaural. In such headphones, an identical signal is sent to all sound emitters, which has a detrimental effect on the volume of the sound and its saturation. The more common type is stereophonic. In such headphones, a separate signal is sent to each sound emitter, which allows you to add atmosphere and depth to the songs being played. The third type is the most advanced, but it is used less often due to its high cost - multi-channel headphones. Thanks to this technology, each of the sound emitters (and there are several for each ear) receives its own unique signal, which allows you to achieve the most pleasant and detailed sound without sacrificing post-equalization and other methods of sound distortion.

By type of construction

Perhaps this is the most important category, because it is on it that you should rely on when choosing headphones in the first place. Different construction types imply different conditions of use. By and large, they can be divided into what source of sound they will work with, be it a phone, an expensive media player or a computer.

There are, for example, different types of headphones for the phone, but most often ultra-compact solutions are used: either in-ear (those that are inserted directly into the ear canal), or plug-in (those that are inserted into the auricle).

In-ear headphones are often called vacuum headphones because they completely isolate the ear canal. Due to this, the suppression of extraneous noise and deep, surround sound is achieved. The types of vacuum headphones are divided (in addition to the main parameters) according to the shape of the nozzle used to fix it in the ear. Sometimes they are made from plastic, sometimes from silicone, they come in different sizes and thicknesses. It so happens that it is very difficult for a person to find a suitable nozzle, because the shape of the ear is different for everyone, so you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to experiment, look for a suitable shape and material that will be most comfortable for the ear. The final sound quality also depends on this.

In-ear headphones are significantly inferior to vacuum ones in sound quality, but at the same time they feel more comfortable, since they remain in the auricle without going deep. Since it is impossible to achieve sealing when wearing in-ear headphones, in addition to music, extraneous noise breaks into the ear, interfering with listening to music or talking. Due to air ingress, low frequencies are also lost and bass is almost completely absent.

Owners of expensive players or those who use headphones at the computer prefer over-ear or full-size ones.

On-ear cushions cover a specific part of the ear with a small ear cushion. In terms of comfort, such headphones are comparable to plug-in ones, but due to their more massive design, high sound quality is achieved, since the manufacturer can equip them with large sound emitters in larger quantities.

Full-size (classic) headphones cover your head and completely cover your ear with a large leather or foam ear cushion.

Acoustic design for full-size headphones

Over-ear headphones fall into three main categories:

• Open.
• Closed.
• Hybrid (semi-closed).

Open headphones are equipped with a series of large openings in the ear cushions so that external sounds can enter the ear. Thus, the most natural sounding is achieved, as well as a certain level of safety, because when listening to music on the street, it is important not to lose touch with the outside world. You can recognize such headphones by the characteristic perforation on the outside of the ear cushion.

Closed-back headphones can give you an unforgettable experience of listening to hip-hop and electronic music, because they are the ones that abound in the greatest amount of bass and bass. These headphones do not allow any external noise to pass through, leaving the user alone with their favorite music (or audiobook). To enhance the effect, manufacturers often resort to the use of active noise isolation technology, that is, they equip each cup with microphones that capture and neutralize external sounds. Such headphones do not let in unnecessary sounds even on the subway. The disadvantage of headphones is the discomfort that they cause with prolonged use (ears sweat, the sound is too booming).

The last type is hybrid. These headphones combine the best of both closed and open designs. Used massive, tightly pressed to the ear cushions with small slots on the outside.

By type of attachment

There are several options for attaching headphones to your head or ears. Arcs are used to secure the headphones to the head. The most common type of arc is vertical. She connects two cups and lies directly on her head. Less often, you can see arcs that are fixed at the back of the head. In such headphones, the arc is used rather to hold the cups, and in order to prevent them from falling off the head, the ears are used (small bends of the arc in the shape of the ears). Many sports headphones do not have an arc at all, but are equipped only with earhooks and clips. These are often found on in-ear headphones because they are the easiest to lose. Portable solutions, such as plug-in and vacuum, are not equipped with mounts, as they stick to the ears by themselves.

By cable connection method

In massive overhead and full-size headphones, the connection wire goes to only one cup, and the second one functions by pulling the cable through the arc. In more compact solutions, two wires are used at once, going separately to each ear. In some models, the wires can be disconnected not only from the side of the sound source, but also from the side of the headphones. Thus, they can be easily replaced in case of damage or replaced with more expensive and high quality ones, for example gold ones, which is especially important for those who listen to music on specialized equipment with additional sound amplification.

By the design of the emitter

The most common type is the dynamic radiator headphone. They work like a loudspeaker. They use a standard coil, magnet and diaphragm. By supplying an alternating current to the coil, a magnetic field is created that interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, which generally leads to a movement of the membrane that follows the shape of the electrical signal.

There are also more advanced options, such as armature headphones, which are often called "armature". Their main feature is a ferromagnetic armature, which is set in motion due to fluctuations in the magnetic field and amplifies the signal. Such devices, despite the use of a more complex emitter, remain available.

In the professional environment and among the so-called audiophiles, headphones with an electrostatic emitter are popular. They provide the highest and most realistic sound, but they are too expensive and only work when connected to a dedicated docking station.

Headphones with an isodynamic emitter based on the Hale emitter round out the four.

By resistance level

Everything is simple here: headphones can be either low-impedance - up to 100 ohms of resistance, or high-impedance - more than 100 ohms of resistance. Considering the types of headphones for the phone, you should pay attention to the fact that the resistance level in them is not higher than 50 Ohm, otherwise the audio chip in the phone simply will not be able to provide sufficient volume. This state of affairs can be corrected by introducing additional amplification (headphones - amplifier - player / phone) into the connection circuit (headphones - player / telephone). After that, it will be possible to connect devices with any resistance level to the phone, even above 100 ohms.

Headphones: types of connectors

There are currently 4 main types of headphone jacks:

• Mini-jack (analog, 3.5 mm) - the standard port used in all modern headphones, suitable for any portable player and computer.
• Jack (analog, 6.3 mm) - used in professional-grade headphones, including some monitor ones.
• USB (digital) - used to connect to modern smartphones and audio cards.
• Lightning (digital) - Used to connect to Apple smartphones and tablets.

Other species

Besides the generally accepted ones, headphones can be divided into an infinite number of unusual categories. This refers to design decisions or specific ones for gaming. There are zip-style headphones that you can zip up and put away in your pocket so they don't get tangled. There are unusual solutions sewn into clothes (laces on a sweater, for example). Video game enthusiasts use headphones equipped with a microphone, light and vibration motor for maximum immersion and feedback.

Have you studied all the characteristics and have rich theoretical knowledge? The best way to choose headphones, however, is to go and personally try out the model you like. Regardless of its design and characteristics. After all, everyone's ears are different, and everyone perceives sound in their own way, so you should listen to what you hear.

Useful Tips

Any music lover, computer technician and ordinary student today uses headphones, which have already become a part of everyday life. But you need to know how to choose the right headphones that could provide high-quality sound.

The very first thing you need to do pay attention - this is the type of headphone... Many people immediately look at the price and buy headphones based on this parameter, which is a big mistake.

It is the type of headphones that determines not only the sound quality, but also how comfortable it will be for you to wear them.

It is also very important when choosing headphones to be aware of some useful functions. For instance: noise canceling, Bluetooth, digital optical input... But let's start in order and put everything on the shelves to make it clear.

Types of headphones - which headphones to choose

Most of the headphones sold in stores today can be divided into four main types:

Inserts ("tablets");

Plug-in ("plugs");

Overhead;

Closed type ("monitor").

The first two types of headphones ("pills" and "earplugs") are worn directly on the ears themselves, which is why they are also called Intra-aural (inside the ear). They are comfortable to wear and can provide good sound. They are also very compact and can be worn with a headgear without any problems, making them the most popular. Most often, these types of headphones are used for a mobile phone, player, tablet and other portable devices.

How to pick good headphones

Now let's take a closer look at each type.

Earbuds

This type of headphone is usually supplied with players and phones in the kit. But they have several serious disadvantages:

These headphones transmit noise very easily, which means that in public transport, for example, people around you will hear sounds coming from your headphones.

Small earbuds are not able to fully reproduce low clarities (bass) due to the small diameter of the diaphragm.

The shape of the "pills" is almost always the same, while the human ear is different for everyone. This means that not every user will have such headphones comfortably. In addition, if you touch the wire a little, they will simply fall out.

The most significant advantage is the very low price.

In-ear headphones

These headphones are somewhat similar to earbuds, the main difference being a narrower shape and silicone tips (sometimes they can be rubber). A narrower shape allows you to insert "plugs" deep into the ear, and silicone or rubber tips serve as good noise isolation.

Usually, high-quality in-ear headphones come with several earpieces of different sizes. This is so that the user can find the best fit that will allow the headphone to sit firmly in the ear.

The quality of such headphones is an order of magnitude higher than that of earbuds. However, the small diameter of the membrane also brings some limitations in the reproduction of low frequencies.

It is also worth mentioning that in-ear headphones are divided into two types: reinforcing and dynamic, but about them a little later.

On-ear headphones

They are also called Supraaural (over the ear). Due to the large size of the membrane, these headphones provide good sound quality that any music lover will appreciate. They also adhere well to the ears and are comfortable to wear.

To ensure good sound insulation, manufacturers use special pads that can be made of foam rubber or a similar material.

Another plus is its low weight, and this is despite its rather large volume. They can be used both at home and with a portable device (mobile phone, player) outdoors.

On-ear headphones can have different mounts. They can be attached to the headband, the back of the head, or on each ear separately (which is very convenient for walking, because you can wear a baseball cap, for example).

Monitor headphones

Manufacturers of monitor headphones sometimes write Circumaural on the box (around the ear) to characterize this species.

Monitor headphones are used both at home and in professional (in recording studios, for example). They have special cups that cover the entire ear, which prevents outside noise from entering.

The diaphragm is large enough to reproduce sound with all kinds of frequencies. This is what captivates big fans of high-quality sound.

Perhaps the only drawback is the size of the monitor headphones, they are quite large and take up a lot of space, which means that it is better to forget about mobility.

Types of headphones - which headphones are best for you

The types of headphones depend on their design. Today, all headphones can be divided into:

Dynamic;

Rebar;

Electrostatic.

Isodynamic headphones

Orthodynamic headphones

Headphones dynamic

Most of the earbuds you can see in stores come in a dynamic type. This type is so called because the basis of the headphones that belong to it is the electrodynamic principle of transformation.

The design of dynamic headphones includes a membrane (emitter), a coil and a wire. When an alternating current is started up, a magnetic field is formed around the coil - it then transfers the vibrations to the membrane.

This type of headphone has become very popular due to its low price. To this day, the design of dynamic headphones is being improved - new materials are added to it, which raises the level of quality of the reproduced sound.

Armature headphones

The name of this type comes from the Balanced Armature. These headphones work differently than dynamic ones. Their design includes a U-shaped ferromagnetic alloy plate.

The vibrations generated by the plate appear due to the influence of a permanent magnet and an alternating field emitted by the coil. The sound comes from the armature to which the diaphragm is attached. Due to very slight distortion, the sound in these headphones is quite clear.

Most often, it is musicians who purchase reinforcing headphones, as they are ideal for performing on stages and radio stations.

It is worth mentioning that such headphones are classified as IEM (In-Ear monitor), that is, in-ear monitor headphones. Unlike dynamic headphones, the price of reinforcing ones is quite high.

Electrostatic headphones

In order for these headphones to create clear sound, they use the thinnest membrane installed between two electrodes. A constant voltage is applied to the membrane, while an intense high-voltage signal from the audio system is applied to the electrodes.

The voltage between the electrodes determines to whom it will reach, and from whom it will repel. As a result, the vibrations of the membrane will clearly repeat the shape of the transmitted electrical signal.

The main advantage of these headphones is their high sound quality. But the price for them is very high, since they have a complex design, and you also need to use a special high-voltage amplifier. Experts recommend using such headphones only with Hi-End and Hi-Fi audio equipment.

Isodynamic and orthodynamic headphones

These types of headphones allow the user to obtain balanced, even and clear sound reproduction. The difference between these types is mainly their design, while the same technology is used. This is the reason why both of these types are listed in the same group.

These headphones create very high quality sound. But there are a couple of drawbacks: firstly, it is high cost, and secondly, to achieve the best sound, you need to connect an amplifier, which in turn means not only that you can forget about mobility, but also extra financial costs.

How to choose wireless and wired headphones

You should also know how the headphones are connected to the sound source. Two types are known:

Wired;

Wireless.

If you need freedom of action (say, you are driving a car or just move around the office often), then it is natural to purchase wireless headphones.

But there is one drawback of such headphones - the loss of an audio signal.

The best choice for those who want to get high quality sound will be wired headphones.

Headphone types by cable connection method

Reversible - Connecting cable goes to each cup.

One-sided - the connecting cable is led to one cup, and that in turn is connected to the second branch hidden in the bow.

Headphone jacks

Before you buy headphones, you need to know about the connectors, otherwise you will have to buy an adapter.

Mini-jack 3.5 mm - the most popular, as it is present in almost all devices - suitable for both a player or a mobile phone, and for a computer.

Jack 6.3 mm and micro jack 2.5 mm - in order to connect headphones with such connectors to a smartphone or computer, you will have to purchase an appropriate adapter.

USB - is gaining popularity and is used in newer headphones, which are usually produced for those who like to chat on Skype.

How to choose headphones for your computer

Headsets are a separate type of headphone. Most often, you can find a model with one or two headphones and a microphone.

Like regular headphones, headsets are wired and wireless.

By design, headsets are classified in the same way as headphones - waybills(open, closed), plug-in, earbuds.

Headset temples

Headphones can be divided into three categories: die-cast, self-adjusting and sliding.

Cast - reliable, but cannot boast of great demand.

Self-adjusting - help to evenly distribute the weight of the headset, reliable, durable.

Sliding - evenly spread on the sides to adjust the desired size.

Since headsets are the same headphones, but with a microphone, all their characteristics coincide with those that were mentioned earlier, and you need to talk about the microphone separately.

Headset microphone

There are several important characteristics of a headset microphone that are worth paying special attention to. For example, the microphone mode is mono or stereo, sensitivity, frequency range and presence of noise reduction.

Microphone mounts

On the wire - usually found in headsets for mobile phones, headsets and earbuds.

Fixed - the position of the microphone does not change and the microphone is attached to the ear cushion on a small plastic holder.

Movable - you can adjust the position of the microphone, which is attached to the swivel or flexible element.

The built-in microphone is inserted into the headset body, which makes it unobtrusive, but at the same time all extraneous noises are heard from the outside, which is naturally not very convenient.

Headsets are produced for mobile phones for Skype communication.

How to choose the right headphones - terms in the description of headphones

If you have visited a store (real or virtual) that sells headphones and / or headsets, then you should be aware of some of the terms that are often used by manufacturers in product descriptions, and what these terms mean.

Frequency

Simply put, this term describes the sound quality. The larger the headphone diaphragm, the better the sound quality. Simple to medium headphones have a range of 18 to 20,000 Hz. More professional headphones can record a range from 5 to 60,000 Hz. But it is worth noting that the human ear is capable of picking up sound waves at a frequency of 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Sensitivity

This is the maximum volume at the specified value of the signal applied to the headphones (from 30 to 130 dB). With the same signal level and equal impedance, more sensitive headphones will produce louder sound. The standard is usually taken an electrical signal, which has a power of 1mW. If you are in a noisy place, then the desired sensitivity threshold should be at least 100 dB.

Resistance (impedance)

Nominal impedance at the headphone input. This indicator depends on the technology to which you connect the headphones. For example, for players and smartphones, you can choose headphones with an impedance of 16 to 40 ohms. If you are going to connect headphones to a sound card without a special amplifier, you can choose headphones with an impedance of 120-150 Ohm. Higher impedance headphones are usually used by professionals who use them with special equipment that has a high output voltage.

Power

This parameter is responsible for the sound volume of the headphones. Models can be found with powers ranging from 1 to 4,000 mW. It is important to know that listening to sound in headphones at maximum volume for a long time can negatively affect the hearing organs.

The best / most popular headphone firms

The firms mentioned in this list took their highest places in user ratings. Some have become famous exclusively for their quality, others for the ratio of quality and price. But do not forget that in addition to the manufacturer, you should also pay attention to all of the above characteristics.

Let's summarize

Armed with the right knowledge, decide first what you need headphones for.

Choose a manufacturer by comparing several headphone options.

Now you know which headphone model you need. Happy purchases!

The absence of shortages and a wide range of products from all over the world has led to a massive filling of the market with goods of various categories, quality and level. The headphone market is no exception. A lazy buyer, having made a rash decision, easily says goodbye to money, giving it for the first model he likes. There is no desire to understand the issue, and as a result, a product is purchased that hardly justifies the initial requests. The presence of thousands of different models has led to the fact that the purchase of those "one and only" headphones for the complexity of the choice is not far from the purchase of the first car.

In today's article we will try to understand the question of what main headphone categories presented on the market, what are their main differences and advantages.

Before talking about all the modifications of the presented headphones, I will try to put myself in the shoes of a buyer who has set aside a n-th amount and is ready to start buying right now. Our customer is hardly familiar with the peculiarities of each category of headphones, but he has a little free time in order to delve into the essence of the matter and then make the right choice.

By type of construction

Among all the abundance of headphones, one of the main criteria for dividing them is type of construction... We meet any product by clothing and it is the type of design that immediately catches the eye.

In-ear headphones.

This type of headphone in everyday life is more often called "Buttons" or "Inserts"... They are inserted directly into the auricle and are among the most common. The generally accepted standard was developed back in 1991 year company engineers Etymotic Research, and the progenitors of plug-in headphones were the audiological headphones used in scientific centers.

Among the accessories accompanying the in-ear headphones, it is worth noting the primitive ear pads- round pieces of foam rubber.

Their main task is not only to make wearing more comfortable, but also to improve the level of sound insulation.

In-ear headphones

Most often, plug-in headphones are confused with in-ear headphones, popularly called "plugs" or "vacuum". In-ear headphones ( IEM – In-Ear-Canalphone) are inserted directly into the ear canal. They fit significantly deeper into the human ear than in-ear headphones.

The design of in-ear headphones is also borrowed from advances in the field of medicine, and the ancestor of this category of audio devices was the hearing aids and headphones-monitors, which have been successfully used by musicians on stage for over 20 years.

The main thing the difference between in-ear headphones and plug-in is improved sealing and concentration sound. The use of soft ear pads allows you to maximally isolate music playback from extraneous noise and reduce the level of amplitude distortion of the membrane by increasing the sound area.

Another distinguishing feature of in-ear headphones is the wide range of nozzles... In short, if you see headphones with a characteristic soft spout, you can be sure that this is a representative of in-ear headphones.

The sore spot of in-ear headphones is the transmission of a high frequency range, losing to a booming and meaty bass.

Conclusion:in-ear headphones or earbuds and in-ear headphones - “earplugs” are two different types of headphones that belong to the same category of in-ear headphones.

On-ear headphones

The on-ear headphones got their name for a reason. Their principle of fixation is to fix it on the surface of the ear and press it against it from the outside, and the sound source itself is located outside the auricle.

Due to the fact that on-ear headphones are at a tangible (by sound standards) distance from the ear canal, a higher volume level is required for their full sound. On-ear headphones can have various types of attachment: with an ear-clip, or with an arched headband.

Over-ear headphones

The ideal headphones for home use are rightfully considered oversized headphones... A feature of their design is full ear coverage. High-quality sound is emphasized by good noise isolation. What's more, by covering the ear, the ear cushions create additional sound space.

Full-size headphones are rarely equipped with a folding mechanism, so they are far from the best allies in terms of portability. In order to promote full-size headphones to the market, manufacturers use a pseudo-class headphone close to overhead, but tending to full-size in terms of characteristics. What can't you do for the sake of popularization. "Demi-season" in music is bad, so you shouldn't choose something "between overhead and full-size".

Monitor headphones

A separate category of headphones, which at first glance can be confused with full-size ones. It is really possible to call monitor headphones full-size, because they completely cover the ear with their ear cushions. The main signs that you have monitor headphones in front of you are: a large, powerful headband, considerable weight, a thick, often ring-shaped, long cord and the absence of any hint of portability.

The category of these headphones is intended exclusively for sound engineers, but not for music lovers. Monitor headphones have a wide frequency range and reproduce sound without unnecessary "embellishments" and post-equalization. In other words, your favorite songs that have delighted you with their sound over the years can appear dull, boring and distorted on monitors.

By the design of the emitter

Depending on which source of sound radiation is installed in the headphones, they are divided into 4 categories.

Dynamic

The most common type of headphone. They are based on the electrodynamic type of transformation. In the part that is inaccessible to the buyer without third-party tools, there is a membrane to which a coil with a wire is connected. Under the action of alternating current, the installed magnet creates a magnetic field, which is transmitted to the membrane.

Despite the fact that from an acoustic point of view, such a design is considered the most primitive and has a number of disadvantages, the improvement of technologies and the use of new solutions by manufacturers allow us to call dynamic headphones, headphones with good sound quality.

Electrostatic (Electret)

Headphones classified as Hi-End devices. You will not find them in consumer electronics stores, they are not widely available. All because of the high cost, the lower limit of which is 2.5 - 3 thousand dollars.

The principle of operation of electrostatic headphones is to use the thinnest membrane located between two electrodes. Under the influence of a high current, the membrane is set in motion and creates sound vibrations. Electrostatic headphones provide the highest quality sound with virtually no distortion. A significant drawback of such headphones is the mandatory presence of an impressive amplifier.

Isodynamic and orthodynamic

In pursuit of quality loudspeaker sound in 1973 an application was filed with the United States Patent Office for a so-called Hale emitter... It is this invention that underlies isodynamic headphones.

A rectangular membrane made of a thin Teflon film with aluminum sputtering in the form of rectangular strips is used as a radiated element. This complex structure is located between two magnets with a strong magnetic field. The current drives the plate and it is these vibrations that the human ear hears. The advantage of isodynamic headphones is high accuracy and an impressive power reserve (especially important in the production of loudspeakers).

Hale emitters are orthodynamic headphones. Their only difference is the use of a round membrane (in isodynamic ones it is rectangular).

Rebar

Armature headphones are headphones with an exclusively in-ear design. They are based on a U-shaped magnetic circuit, in the field of which an armature with a voice coil is located. The diffuser is attached directly to the armature. The moment current is applied to the voice coil, the armature comes out of rest and sets the diffuser in motion.

Armature headphones have a high level of efficiency in a compact size. Due to the specific design of the emitter, reinforcing headphones sound clearer and cleaner.

Conclusion: in-ear headphones can be dynamic. In-ear headphones can be dynamic and reinforcing. On-ear headphones are mainly represented by dynamic models. Over-ear headphones can be dynamic, electrostatic, iso- and orthodynamic.

Acoustic design

Depending on the design of the case in which the headphone speakers are enclosed, they are divided into two categories: closed and open.

Closed

They have a completely enclosed body without the characteristic perforated grill. Closed-back headphones are used to isolate the sound from extraneous noise.

At the same time, closed-type headphones completely direct the sound to the listener's auricle, and the sound from the outside is practically inaudible.

Open

Open-back headphones allow the speaker to be placed in a chamber equipped with slots, slots, or draperies. Thanks to this solution, open headphones have a "connection with the outside world."

From the point of view of listening to music in city mode, open-back headphones are safer. In addition to music, open headphones also allow ambient noise to pass through. The use of open earpieces avoids the air cushion effect, which complicates the operation of the membrane, creating additional acoustic distortion.

Conclusion:Regardless of the type of construction and the emitter used, all headphones can be either open or closed. You can determine their type by the appearance of the ear pads and the head in which the speaker is located. "Semi-open" or "half-closed" headphones in practice exist exclusively in the imagination of marketers.

By signal transmission method

Depending on how exactly the sound travels from the sound source to the headphone emitter, they fall into two categories: wired and wireless.

Wired

Wired headphones provide high quality sound reproduction. Despite the fact that the entire evolution of headphones is inseparably associated with a wire directly connected to the emitter, in parallel with the development of the headphones themselves, the acoustic cables used have also been improved.

All of the above types of designs with various types of emitters and acoustic design can belong to wired headphones.

Wireless

Having decided that the consumer was tired of the ever-confusing headphone wires, manufacturers decided to take another step towards comfortable listening to music by creating wireless headphones.

There are four types of wireless headphones: infrared, radio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi... Presented on the market and "hybrid" models, using which the user can independently decide to connect him a wire or take advantage of all the advantages of its absence. Wireless headphones are practically not used when recording, since they have a slight delay of a few milliseconds.

To listen to music, modern society uses headphones, among which monitor and overhead models stand out. Headphones are used everywhere in specialized studios, at home, in the gym and on the street.

For the most part, this type of headphone is used only by professional musicians... However, at home, monitor headphones are also widely used; it is customary to use them for listening to recordings, controlling sound control. In recording studios, monitor headphones are used to create compositions (tracks).

Headphones of this type have a high degree of noise isolation. They try to choose them according to the acoustic characteristics that are necessary for specific highly specialized purposes.

Types of monitor headphones

According to the type of acoustic design, monitor headphones are usually divided into:

• Closed.
• Semi-open.
• Open.

The closed type is equipped with maximum sound insulation that only can exist. This headphone is ideal for recording vocals in the studio. However, closed headphones have one drawback: if the ear cushions do not fit tightly to the human ear, then the quality of low frequency reproduction can be noticeably reduced. For this reason, this type of monitor headphone has a much higher headband pressure than open counterparts.

Semi-open models are able to maintain good sound insulation, while retaining all the properties inherent in an open model. Many experts point out that the creation of a semi-open type of headphones was just another marketing move on the part of the market to attract buyers, since in fact this option is not a separate type of headphones, but is just a compromise way to design open-type headphones.

Open headphones are very comfortable in terms of operation model, since during their use there is no pressure on the inner ear. In such models, it turns out to hear a more natural sound, which is created through the use of sound recording equipment.

Frequency response (AFC)

When choosing monitor headphones, you should separately pay attention to their frequency response. The human ear can pick up sounds that vary in frequency 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz(these numbers are the limit).

In the event that a frequency range is indicated on the package, which is between the above two figures, then in this case the person buying this product may not hear something later.

Too low a frequency level will allow you to hear sound with its characteristic noticeable hiss, at a higher level the sound will acquire a metallic tint.

It is believed that the lower the frequency level of the monitor headphones, the clearer the sound will be. In recording studios, when creating a musical composition, all the instruments used are listened to separately.

Monitor headphone sensitivity

There is no need to explain to anyone that since this type of headphone is mostly used for professional purposes, then their sensitivity should be quite high. The volume of the sound reproduced in the device directly depends on them.

On-ear headphones are the type of headphones that superimposed on the ear.

Modern urban hectic life has a depressing effect on human consciousness, as a result of which humanity tries to protect itself from extraneous sounds uninteresting to it with music players, mobile phones and other devices that allow you to listen to your favorite tunes everywhere.

When buying such a product, first of all, always close attention to their sensitivity, on which the sound volume depends.

Resistance- no less important indicator of headphones, the higher it is, the quieter the melody played by the device will play. The high resistance will save the electrical load of the used device that plays music, that is, the battery will run out more slowly.

The frequency range when choosing on-ear headphones is not so important, since the level of this indicator is determined directly by the manufacturers of the on-ear headphones themselves.

Types of on-ear headphones

1. Open - a model in which the back wall of the case does not separate the membrane from the external environment. These headphones offer natural sounding sound.
2. Closed - in them, the membrane is separated from external external noise by means of the back wall. The sound becomes perfectly clear, without any intrusion of extraneous noise.

In common between monitor and on-ear headphones

1. Both types of headphones are designed for listening to sounds individually or melodies.
2. May be produced by the same manufacturer.
3. Both are the most common headphone models.

Difference

1. It is customary to use monitor headphones most often for professional purposes - creating compositions in recording studios.
2. When choosing monitor headphones, you should pay attention to the frequency response; the frequency range for on-ear headphones is not important.
3. Monitor headphones cover the entire auricle, overhead headphones are superimposed on it.
4. The sound heard from the monitor headphones will be clearer and more distinct than in the over-ear counterpart.

There are many types of headphones and each has a different name. However, if in English the name of each type of headphones has long become a standard, then in Russian, thanks to its richness and the vast imagination of listeners, headphones, whatever they call it.

In this article, I will explain to you how all types of headphones are correctly called, their parts and how users on the Internet call them.

In-ear headphones

One of the most common headphones on the market today is in-ear headphones. People also call in-ear headphones: plugs, earbuds, droplets, plug-in, vacuum and many other terms.

In English, the term in-ear headphones has become established, less often these headphones are called earphones.

The name of the in-ear headphones is understandable, because these headphones are literally inserted into the ear canal so that the driver is as close to the eardrum as possible, so that you can hear the high-quality and full-weight sound produced by such miniature drivers.

In general, the name "In-ear" refers to a different form factor of headphones, but people very often confuse these headphones, so it can be attributed to two types of headphones at once.

Small headphones, called in-ear headphones, due to their excellent noise isolation and modern technologies, are not inferior in sound quality to full-size competitors, quite often even outstripping them in detail and overall sound quality.

In-ear headphones

Earbuds are very often confused with in-ear headphones, it's not difficult to make a mistake, because they look very similar to each other.

But there is one significant difference that dramatically affects the sound character and sound quality - the lack of noise isolation.

In-ear headphones do not have noise isolation, because they do not have ear cushions and do not fit into the ear canal. They are embedded in the auricle and are held there by the natural curves of the ear cartilage.

Due to the lack of noise isolation, these headphones do not sound very good to be serious about it. However, this drawback is at the same time an advantage of the headphones. with headphones on, you can perfectly hear everything that is happening around you.

In many cases, the loss of sound quality can be neglected in order to watch out for sounds that surround you in real life.

The most prominent representatives of in-ear headphones are the famous Apple AirPods.

Compare the structure of the case of in-ear and in-ear headphones, I think now everything has become clear to you.

If you are primarily interested in sound quality, then you need in-ear headphones.

If you need to hear well what is happening around you when listening to music, then you need in-ear headphones.

On-ear headphones

On-ear headphones are the little brothers of the full-size, or monitor, models.

In English, the term On-Ear Headphones has become established, which can literally be translated as headphones on the ear.

All on-ear headphones are characterized by the fact that the ear cushion of the headphones rests on the auricle, slightly pressing it to the head, thereby forming passive noise isolation.

The main advantage of on-ear headphones is that they are much more compact than full-size models, but at the same time they can use a full-size serious driver that provides high sound quality.

Despite the fact that on-ear headphones can look very miniature, a full-fledged driver is hidden inside and the sound quality rather depends on the desire of the manufacturer and almost does not depend on the restrictions that can be caused by miniaturization.

Due to the specific wearing method, on-ear headphones are not suitable for all people. If you don't like it when something presses on your ears or presses them against your head, then on-ear headphones are not for you. If you normally tolerate tight contact between your ears and headphones, then overhead models should be considered when choosing future headphones.

The sound quality of some on-ear headphones can be very high, comparable to the best full-size models.

Over-ear (monitor) headphones

Full-size, or monitor, headphones are the very form factor that we imagine when we mention the word “headphones”.

In English, the term Over-Ear Headphones has become established, it can literally be translated as "headphones around the ear".

The design feature is that the auricle does not touch the headphones at all, the soft ear cushion rests on the head and covers the ear, and the inner part of the headphones does not reach the ear. Thus, maximum comfort is achieved, because the ear is a rather delicate part of the body and the lack of contact is the key to high comfort and ease of listening to music.

In addition, thanks to this form factor, engineers are almost unlimited in the use of the most exotic driver technologies, so that the world's best headphones are always full-size.

Bone Conduction Headphones

There is a separate small class of headphones that transmit sound not with the help of air, but with the vibration of the skull bone.

In English, the term Bone Conduction Headphones has become established.

In the beginning, this technology was used for hearing prosthetics, for those people who damaged the eardrum, but the inner ear remained in order. For them, this technological novelty has become a salvation, tk. they were again able to hear sound in fairly good quality.

Today, headphones of this type are manufactured by several companies around the world for ordinary consumers. These headphones are great for outdoor sports, as well as for all professions that need to maintain full contact with the outside world and still be able to hear the sound from the headphones.

Bone conduction headphones are worn on the head, the vibration generators must be in contact with the zygomatic bone. it has minimal body fat and vibrations from the headphones are very well transmitted to the inner ear.

At the same time, the ears remain absolutely free, if your hearing is in order, you will hear everything that is happening around and at the same time you will record the sound from the headphones.

Bone conduction headphones are not the best choice for those who want to experience all the delights of music, but are indispensable in certain cases and circumstances.

What are the parts of the headphones called

Now let's briefly analyze what all the main parts of the headphones are called.

Embouchure

In English, the terms are used: ear pads or ear cushions.

In the case of in-ear headphones, the ear cushions simultaneously perform two roles: it holds the headphones in the ear and is a part that creates the effect of noise isolation. This is very important for comfortable listening to high quality music.

In the case of on-ear and full-size headphones, the ear cushions are necessary for a comfortable fit of the headphones on the head, for noise isolation, if we are talking about closed headphones.

Headphone cups

The ear cups are the case, or the outside of the case. The headphone housing itself can be called an acoustic chamber, since usually the sound propagates inside the entire volume of the headphones and the shape, as well as the material from which the case is made, are at the same time an acoustic chamber.

Internal protective mesh

The internal protective mesh of the headphones performs two functions at the same time: it protects the driver from dust and foreign objects, and acts as an acoustic filter. At first glance, it may seem that the protective fabric mesh of full-size and on-ear headphones can be made of any beautiful material, but this is not so. After all, the sound, passing through the material, will change, but how it changes will depend on the type of mesh and its structure. Therefore, the mesh is an important part of the design, replacing or spoiling it, you can spoil the sound of the headphones.

External safety net

An external protective mesh can serve as a decorative function if we are talking about closed headphones, or a protective one if we are talking about open models.

Wire socket

If the headphone wire is removable, then the headphones themselves will necessarily have a socket to which the wire for transmitting electrical signals is attached.

Wire divider

If the wire goes to each bowl separately, then somewhere in the middle there should be a wire divider that divides one wire into two. It can have a very different design, but functionally it plays the role of protecting the place where the wire is divided into two parts.

Jack wire

The wire jack is a contact pad that is inserted into the jack of the sound source to transmit an electrical signal.

The name "Jack" comes from the English term "Jack".

It can have different shapes and sizes, the most common today are the sizes of 6.3 mm, 3.5 mm and 2.5 mm. Dimension means the diameter of the jack section, i.e. the 3.5 mm jack has a 3.5 mm diameter.