What are the earbuds called? Everything you need to know about headphones

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

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.

Headphones are classified according to several parameters. Group division is affected by:

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

Construction type

This is perhaps the most important criterion that most buyers pay attention to. In accordance with the external design features, the following gadget designs are distinguished.

In-ear headphones

In another way they are also called “liners”. This is the most budget option for devices. As a rule, it is this type of accessories comes included with mobile gadgets. The generally accepted standard for such devices was developed by employees of the Etymotic Research company back in the early 90s, but they began to be used much later.

Etymotic Research ER6i In-Ear Headphones

They do not have good sound quality and are not always ideally suited to the user's anatomical features. And even with the use of foam ear pads, they do not provide the proper level of sound insulation.

More expensive models come with additional replacement tips that are designed for better fit in the ear.

Models of this type of headphones are compact and convenient to use on the road. But they are gradually being replaced by more practical devices, for example, in-ear headphones - these two types are often confused.

In-ear headphones

At the moment, this is the most popular and sought-after type of accessory for listening to various audio information from smartphones and mp3 players. The seating of “plugs” or “vacuum” headphones in the ear canal is much deeper, thereby improving sealing and sound concentration, since the amplitude of membrane vibrations and sound distortion is reduced. As a rule, such accessories have a wide range of attachments.

In-ear headphones RBH Sound EP 1

The quality of the devices themselves is an order of magnitude higher than plug-in ones, but they are still inferior to overhead ones, since a small speaker is physically unable to provide the required sound level.

It is worth noting that when used outdoors, owners of such in-ear models need to be extremely careful, since music playback is isolated from extraneous noise.

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

The name refers to the method of fixing them on the surface of the ear. This type is used for sports models. The headphones are placed over the ear, but do not completely cover it. The sound source is not inserted into the auricle, but is located outside it. Therefore, for full sound, a powerful emitter and high volume are required. They are relatively compact, have different fastenings: in the form of separate behind-the-ear arches or a common arched headband.

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

Monster Beats By Dre Studio White Headphones

Great option for home use— on the road, such models may not be very convenient due to their size. But that doesn’t stop connoisseurs of good sound either. The cups of such models with soft ear pads completely cover the surface of the ear, resulting in good noise insulation and creating additional sound space.

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

Over-ear headphones Sennheiser Momentum M2 AEG

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

Emitter design

As a rule, buyers do not pay attention to this criterion. There are four types in total, but it’s rare to find a large selection of this option in a store. Most often there are models with conventional speakers. It's worth starting with them.

Dynamic

The most popular version of the converter of electrical vibrations of audio frequency into acoustic ones. The closed housing contains a membrane to which a coil of wire and a magnet are connected. Under the influence 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 affordable price), from an acoustic point of view, this is not the best option. But it cannot be said that they have low sound quality; moreover, such models have a fairly wide sound range.

This emitter can be installed in any headphones.

Fostex dynamic headphones

Electrostatic

Devices elite classHi— End, which cannot be found in ordinary stores consumer electronics, have just such an emitter. Their price is quite high. Light sound the membrane is installed between two electrodes. Thanks to this structure, it is possible to eliminate almost all sound distortion. Devices with such an emitter have excellent quality of sound reproduction. A special docking station is used for connection.

The electrostatic emitter can only be found in full-size models.

Electrostatic headphones Sennheiser Orpheus

Orthodynamic and isodynamic

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

Orthodynamic headphones Fostex

Reinforcement

Found in expensive models of in-ear headphones. Despite their compact size, they have great performance, but have a limited sound range, especially on low frequencies Oh. But they have good quality detailed reproduction, high accuracy and sensitivity.

Armature headphones EarSonic SM64 with detachable wire

Acoustic design

This criterion determines whether others will hear the information reproduced in the headphones or not. In accordance with this parameter, accessories are divided into two types: closed and open. In the first option - closed headphones— the device body does not have a perforated grille, typical for the open type. Therefore, this design allows you to isolate the sound flow from others, directing it completely to the recipient (into the auricle).

Safer for urban use. They have a lattice structure on the outer surface of the cup, through which not only the sound wave from the emitter passes, but also the surrounding noise. In addition, such headphones sound better; they do not create an air cushion, which contributes to acoustic distortion.

Signal transmission method

This setting is determined by how you connect to the audio source.

Wired

Wired headphones remain the most common and affordable for many consumers. They have high quality sound playback. The connection is made using wires of different lengths through 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 being used in new models of accessories.

The wire can have a microphone, volume control, and a call acceptance button. Any model of headphones, different in design, type of emitters or acoustic design, can be wired.

When considering options for wired accessories for a phone with a headset, there are three methods: microphone mount.

1. On the wire, next to the call acceptance button or volume control. This type is suitable for users who rarely use this option. The speaker, through which sound information is transmitted to the interlocutor, rubs against clothing when moving, which creates 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 also be connected to a phone via a standard connector.
3. Built-in microphone. The most optimal option for a telephone headset. But still, such a speaker picks up 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 closed-type models so that strangers cannot hear the interlocutor.

Wired headphones Philips SHS5200

Wireless

Modern wireless headphones relieve the user of constantly tangled wires. When choosing, many people wonder what they are like and what to look for when choosing wireless headphones?

Today, there are four types of connecting wireless headphones, two of which - infrared and radio connections - are gradually losing their relevance. Bluetooth models are considered the most common and are also gradually gaining popularity. Wi-Fi devices, which have a large range and the ability to play tracks directly from the network. Such devices operate using batteries inserted into them.

There are also “hybrid” models in which you can choose how to connect the headphones to the sound source.

When choosing headphones, it is important not only to evaluate their design features, but also the sound quality. This is the most important criterion that you should pay special attention to. Before making the final choice, you need to evaluate the capabilities of the accessory by testing it in operation. You should not base your choice on the loudest models in order 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, one must not forget about safety measures. It is better to refrain from using such accessories on busy city streets or continuously listening to music in the headset for a long time.

Headphones for your phone are selected based on five parameters, which will be discussed. If you do not take into account at least one of them, listening to music will not bring the pleasure that you want to feel. As the number of mobile gadgets grows, the number of types of headphones also increases, so to choose the right device you need knowledge about their features.

Headphones for phone with microphone

Phone models differ in the following parameters:

• One wire. Headphones are created with two or one plug. In the first case, one of them is designed to receive an audio signal, and the second is to transmit voice from the microphone. Since phones only have one headphone jack, you need to select models with one plug.
• Microphone built into the wire. Headphones with this feature are designed specifically for phones, since the built-in microphone does not take up extra space and does not interfere with removal when compared with the same devices intended for a computer.
• Button on the wire. Phone headphones have special buttons designed to answer calls without taking out the gadget.

Simple models are headphones that are designed for a specific phone and are sold together with it.

When looking at the models presented in stores, you should pay attention to the microphone mount.

Developers of such devices use 3 ways to connect it:

• On the wire. These microphones are located next to the volume control. This option is suitable for people who rarely use a microphone. The disadvantage of this mounting method is that when moving, the microphone touches clothing, which causes interference. In addition, different placement of the microphone while walking reduces the volume of the voice heard by the interlocutor.
• Fixed mount. Models with such a microphone are more suitable for conversations when working with a computer, but if desired, they can also be connected to a telephone.
• Built-in microphone. With this mounting method, the microphone is invisible, but when used it picks up noise and therefore transmits poor-quality sound.

Models with a microphone are also selected for noise reduction. When used in public transport or on the street this is important, since in addition to music you can hear a lot of sounds that make it difficult to understand what the interlocutor is talking about. To prevent this from happening, models are selected that completely cover the ear from extraneous noise.

Wireless headphones for phone

There are 4 types of wireless headphones being created:

• infrared;
• bluetooth;
• radio;
• Wi-Fi.

Infrared models are cheap. They are not subject to interference, but for comfortable listening to music they must remain within sight of the phone. When playing music outdoors, this drawback is not significant.

Radio headphones receive a signal at a distance of 100 meters, but as you move away from the phone, the sound quality deteriorates greatly. The signal is affected not only by distance, but also by the presence of obstacles. But when you are in an apartment, this does not matter, since the distance from the transmitting device to the headphones usually does not exceed 20-30 meters.

The disadvantage of radio headphones is that when listening to music, the signal can be affected by the operation of household appliances, so the sound quality does not always remain at the proper level.

Bluetooth devices are not affected by interference. They work at a distance of up to 10 meters, which is enough for use while walking on the street. This type of device connects to a laptop, tablet and phone.

Wi-Fi devices are capable of playing music directly from the network. Their disadvantage is that they cannot be used without connecting to a network via Wi-Fi. But the solution to this problem is to connect a multimedia access point to the phone via a 3.5 mm jack connector. They are suitable for use only in places where there is constant access to the network via Wi-Fi.

Wireless ones differ in form:

• invoices;
• inserts;
• tablet.

The earbuds are designed with a special ear-shaped device that securely secures the headset. Wireless earbuds are almost no different from wired ones. Round headphones are more compact and almost invisible when in use. They are a body whose diameter is slightly larger than the ear hole.

Headphones for Bluetooth phones

Wireless headphones are divided into 2 types:

• mono;
• stereo.

The first type is intended only for receiving calls. Musical works can also be played through them, but they will sound less pleasant, since the sound is coming only through one speaker.

But the advantage of this type of headset is that while talking to a person on the phone, all surrounding sounds are perceived.

Stereo headphones are purchased more often and come in several types. Based on external features, they are divided into 5 categories:

• “Street” models are created in a similar shape, but unlike stationary ones, they are more resistant to the external environment. Such devices operate via Bluetooth and are designed to suppress noise.
• Miniature “Street” headphones are smaller in size and have a thin headband. In this case, the headband can be vertical or horizontal.
• Headphones without a bow. They are created with special devices for attaching to the auricle. This option is used when playing sports or while walking, as they are securely fastened and remain in the same position even when the body tilt changes.
• Earbuds are more often used when listening to music from a phone and are smaller in size. They do not have special devices for attaching to the ears.
• Vacuum liners. This type of headphones differs from the previous one described in that it is created with a rubber element that must be completely immersed in the ear. The tight fit of this element blocks extraneous noise. But the disadvantage of such headphones is that they are not suitable for everyone.

If on-ear Bluetooth headphones differ from standard ones only in that they do not have a plug, then vacuum and in-ear headphones look non-standard, since the two speakers are connected to each other by a jumper.

Earbuds are purchased by consumers less frequently, since for about half of buyers they do not fit into their ears and fall out during use.

On-ear headphones are more convenient because they are designed with a horizontal earpiece. Headphones with a vertical headband are suitable for walking. For uninterrupted operation, models are usually selected that have a Bluetooth version of at least 2.1.


Before purchasing, you should think about the purpose of the purchase. If the purchase is made to listen to audio recordings, then headphones are selected. If you need the device to make calls, it is better to purchase a wireless headset.

But if you want, it’s easy to find a stereo headset that is convenient both for listening to music and during a conversation. In terms of sound quality, these will not exceed standard options, but wireless communication compensates for this shortcoming.

When purchasing a headset, you should consider the following characteristics:

• Bluetooth version. On store shelves there are models of version 2.0 and higher. The differences are in data transfer speed and range. The models sold in stores are compatible with most phones, so the version 3.0 headset you like can work with a version 2.1 device.
• Headset weight. The headphones are constantly placed on the head, so the weight is also worth paying attention to. If you wear a heavy headset throughout the day, your ears may even begin to feel painful. But the light weight means that the capacity of the built-in battery is small.
• Time battery life. To continue to stay connected constantly, you should find out about the operating time when purchasing and make sure that the headset's charge is periodically replenished.
• Multipoint function. It allows you to connect to multiple phones. This is necessary for those who often use two gadgets.
• Voice control. The function allows you to control using voice commands. Thanks to this, the safety of driving a car increases, since you don’t have to be distracted from driving to answer a call or take other actions.
• Moisture protection. These are suitable for those who like to enjoy music in the pool or are in an area where it often rains.

Large headphones for phone

Headphones for phones are created in small sizes, but some models are made to look like monitor headphones. They are chosen by lovers of undistorted sound or people who want to completely eliminate the noise coming from surrounding people.

Large headphones have a soundproof shell, so even when you are in a crowded place or on public transport, melodies are perceived without distortion. That's why large headphones are chosen.

Manufacturers of such headphones specifically increase their size to attract buyers. People who do not understand this may think that the larger the diameter of the speaker, the better the sound. But only noise reduction depends on the size, since large headphones completely cover the ear. Volume and quality depend on the sensitivity of the devices and power.

Criteria for choosing large headphones:

• Compactness. Even large headphones fit into a small space if they are foldable. These can be carried in a bag along with other things without fear that they will break. Comfortable models include ear pads that rotate, making the entire device “flat” and easy to fit in a bag.
• Wires. Wireless options are more convenient, since when listening to music from your phone, it is inconvenient to constantly hide a long wire.
• Special bag. If large headphones are not sold with a bag for them, they will be awkward to carry when not in use. At the same time, a special bag protects from damage.
• Soundproofing. Since headphones are often used outdoors, you need to purchase a model that will not reproduce sound outside, because not all people around you may like what is played on the phone.

The loudest headphones for a phone

When using standard headphones for a phone, their volume, even at maximum values, is insufficient. Therefore, we have to refuse those sold complete with mobile phone and look for louder ones.

The following characteristics are considered for selection:

• Headphone volume indicator - sensitivity. For telephone models it is less than 100 dB. This figure can be even higher. The volume depends on it. A high figure is 120 dB.
• The presence of a volume control wheel on the cord. This device is made for computer headphones, but if volume is important, they are also used to play music on the phone.

But buyers who are looking for loud headphones want to listen to music without the admixture of extraneous noise. Therefore, for outdoor use, it is advisable to choose models that isolate extraneous sounds. These can be easily identified by their large ear pads, which reliably isolate extraneous noise and music.

But it is worth remembering that the loudest headphones lead to hearing loss if you listen to music constantly.

To choose headphones, it is worth considering the impact of the presented characteristics on the sound quality and ease of use of the headphones.

People of different ages actively use headphones for entertainment or work. This simple invention has made our lives much easier and improved. Many people are interested in how headphones work and what elements they consist of. The answer is in this article.

Main components of headphones

Standard headphones include the following elements:

• Plug. It can be straight or L-shaped. This element serves as an adapter between a device that reproduces an audio signal (for example, a player) and a speaker in headphones. The straight plug is convenient for use with a player or phone, as it fits easily in your pocket without causing the cable to kink (which is very bad for headphones). The L-shaped plug is usually used for work with stationary equipment.
• The plug, receiving the signal, transmits it along the wire. As a rule, the wire of home headphones does not exceed a meter in length. But when using headphones in a recording studio, the wire length can reach several meters. The wire transmits electrical vibrations to the speakers, which then produce sound. Recently, "flattened wires" have become popular. According to the manufacturers, they do not get tangled and last much longer than their regular rounded counterparts.
• The last element in the chain is the speakers, which are built into the plastic shell of the headphone housing. Receiving an electrical signal, the speaker creates acoustic vibrations, transmitting sound to the ear.

There are also headphones that do not require wires, the so-called wireless ones. The signal is sent to them using available radio frequencies. The quality of the signal depends on the proximity of the transmitted signal.

How headphones work

The way the headphones work is quite simple. A magnet is attached to the body of the device - it is needed to form a static magnetic field. Within the field, a coil of wire is placed, which receives alternating current transmitted by the reproducing device.

Due to the difference between alternating and static voltage, the coil begins to move, which is transmitted to the membrane attached to it. The membrane, in turn, duplicates the movements of the coil. These air vibrations are perceived by humans as sound.

Good modern Hi-End headphones are capable of reproducing a very wide range of frequencies (from 5 to 25,000 Hz). Previously, similar results could only be achieved using bulky and very complex equipment.

Among other things, it is customary to distinguish headphones by the type of emitter. Full-size and in-ear models are distinguished by their design and compactness. Full-size headphones are produced together with a headband, i.e. they can be put on your head. In-ear headphones are those popular models that a music lover “inserts” into the ear. People call these headphones “droplets” because of their characteristic appearance.

“Droplets” use a different playback system compared to full-size headphones. The fundamental difference is that sound is transmitted to the membrane using an armature attached to the coil, which perceives its vibrations and transmits them (through a rigid connection) to the working membrane.

You can also find useful information about the design of headphones in ours.

You won’t surprise anyone with headphones these days. We will be much more surprised by their absence in the box with the purchased phone or tablet. There are heaps of headphones of all kinds on store shelves. But what types and types of headphones are there? Are there so many of them and how do they differ?

Despite the countless models, all types and types of headphones can be placed into 4 categories:

1. In-Ear Headphones
2. In-ear headphones
3. On-ear headphones
4. Over-ear headphones

Most often, the first two types of headphones are combined into one. In my opinion, they should be considered separately, due to the rather serious design differences.

1.Earbuds

In-ear headphones, popularly called shells. For quite a long time they were the most common type of headphones, especially for portable ones. But the noisy world has forced many to switch to plugs.

I don’t know how they look like shells. Rather, the following picture fits this name better:

But let's get back to the topic. Today there are also many supporters of this performance. Probably, the love for this type of headphones is partly due to the products of the well-known Apple company.

By and large, their EarPods are like AirPods( ) are also more shells than plugs.

1.1 Comfort

As the name suggests, headphones are placed in the ear. To ensure greater tightness, some manufacturers use rubber rings. To reduce irritation of the ear with hard plastic, foam tips are used.

With or without pads, these headphones cannot boast of noise isolation, so in most of these headphones you will hear most of what is happening around you, and you will probably listen to the tracks on your player with others.

Another problem of this type is that headphones do not always match the size and structure of your ear. This leads to the fact that for some the headphones are too small and fall out, while for others they crush...

1.2 Sound

Such headphones usually have a dynamic driver with a diameter of 10-15 mm. Previously, when similar current headphones appeared, due to the lack or high cost of production technologies for such small speakers, their mid frequencies were very high.

Given the loose fit of the headphones to the ear, low and high frequencies suffered even more. This even led to sound engineers artificially increasing low and high frequencies when recording music.

Also in fashion was the V-shaped equalizer setting, which today in many equalizers is referred to as “Rock”. And all because rock music has a lot of midrange frequencies. And there were already plenty of them in the shells.

Nowadays we have already learned how to make high-quality speakers, even smaller sizes. However, the problem of a loose fit has not gone away, so today manufacturers are trying to make a dip in the mid frequencies and raise the low and high frequencies.

1.3 Portability

The headphones definitely have no problems with this. They easily fit both in your pocket and in other small secluded places. I wouldn't recommend wearing headphones anywhere. Small debris can get into their holes, which will ruin their life and yours.

2. In-ear headphones

Earplugs, vacuum headphones - these are the popular names for in-ear headphones. These nicknames this type headphones received for their soundproofing properties of the design.

2.1 Comfort

The main difference is the creation of an almost sealed volume between the speaker membrane and the eardrum. This tightness is ensured by the use of a silicone nozzle.

I've heard more than once that people don't like the feeling of a plunger in their ear. For this reason, they prefer shells. Many people actually experience discomfort from the plugs.

But in fact, it’s enough to put them on and wait a little. The structure of our ear is such that it will equalize the pressure itself and become more comfortable. But for some reason this doesn’t help everyone.

2.2 Sound

The main technical difference is the presence of a sound guide placed directly into the ear canal. Thanks to this, the power of the emitters can be an order of magnitude less than that of other types of headphones. All vibrations of the diffuser are directly and most efficiently transmitted to the eardrum.

In-ear headphones with a dynamic driver usually have a membrane diameter of 10-12 mm, but can be as small as 8 mm. Structurally, such a speaker causes great difficulties. The biggest challenge is getting the bass correct and the frequency balance even.

Today, many headphones, especially those in the budget category, suffer from raised bass, which overlaps the mid frequencies, making them low-impact. The depth and detail of the lows is not as good as we would like.

In addition, such a small size of the speaker leads to the fact that its resonant frequency is quite high. This emphasizes the high frequencies, which often begin to sizzle, click and smack excessively.

In addition to the dynamic emitter, in-ear headphones can also use an armature emitter. A balanced armature driver, as it is officially called, has better sound at mid and especially high frequencies.

However, the fixture cannot squeeze out decent bass, mainly due to its very modest size. Therefore, hybrid headphone models in which a dynamic emitter coexists with a reinforcing one are becoming increasingly popular. However, often such headphones are not the smallest in size and are not so comfortable to wear.

2.3 Portability

Like representatives of the previous type, there are no problems with portability here. And they will play with sufficient volume from any hole. But don’t forget that sound quality is determined not only by the headphones themselves, but also by the quality of the sound source.

For lovers of maximum portability and the absence of wires, today there are a bunch of wireless solutions.

3. On-ear headphones

They are so named due to the fact that the earphone, as one would expect, “is placed” on the auricle. On-ear headphones are more of a compromise. They are a very good combination for those who need high-quality sound and at the same time a sufficient degree of portability.

3.1 Sound

In-ear headphones are not as large as full-size headphones, but for the size of their drivers, they can provide much better sound quality than their smaller brothers.

Due to the fact that the sound source is located behind the ear, and not in it, it is easier for the sound (audible) image to form outside the head. This contributes to a better perception of the depth and height of the sound stage.

This allows you to use on-ear headphones for professional applications as well. So there are monitor over-ear headphones. What are monitor headphones, read in .

3.2 Comfort

When it comes to noise isolation, many on-ear headphones smoke nervously on the sidelines. The peculiarity of their design is such that many of them cannot fit tightly to the auricle. If the headphones are open, then they have no sound insulation at all.

In most models, when listening to music on the subway, you can hear the subway much better than the music. Although there are also models with decent sound insulation.

For this reason, more and more manufacturers are releasing models with active noise reduction.

Over-ear headphones usually have dimensions equal to or smaller than the auricle. At the same time, they are pressed directly against the ear, so they can cause discomfort when worn for a long time.

3.3 Portability

On-ear headphones are much more portable than over-ear headphones. For even greater portability, many headphones are made foldable. Often the headphones also come with a small pouch or carrying case.

4. Over-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones, called English Over ear (around the ear) or circumaural (circular) are the largest. They are rightfully considered the highest quality among all types.

As they say, a big piece makes your mouth happy, and in this case, your ear. But why are they better?

4.1 Sound

The main reason why over-ear headphones have the best sound obvious - their size. To be more precise, the size of their speakers. Typically, the driver diameter of full-size headphones is more than 40 mm in the case of dynamic drivers.

It is much easier for dynamics of this size to fully play out the low-frequency component. As a result, the bass in them is more developed, rich and deep. Many of these headphones have a frequency range of 8-10 Hz.

But the size of the headphones allows the use of speakers of other, more “exotic” types. For example, these could be iso- or ortho-dynamic drivers, condenser-type speakers, and others.

But it’s not just the size of the speaker; the full-size design allows you to create good noise insulation and eliminate losses due to a loose fit.

It is also easier to implement various systems of acoustic filters and sound guides in such headphones to give the frequency response the desired shape. That's why most often full-size.

4.2 Comfort

These headphones can also be called the most comfortable among all types. They do not act or put pressure on the auricle, but frame it, pressing the soft ear pads directly to the head. Even if the ear pads are not as good as we would like, they can be .

Your ear creates its own “microclimate”. However, this can create some problems when used in warm and hot weather - the headphones will simply be hot.

4.3 Portability

In terms of portability, everything is somewhat worse here. Most over-ear headphones are designed for home or studio use. Very rarely, full-size headphones come with a pouch or case.

Of course, there are enough models that can fold quite compactly. But if compactness is your priority, it’s better to take a closer look at the previous types.

It's not just about compactness. Most over-ear headphones have high impedance and require more powerful amplifier, so not all players can fully drive most full-size headphones.

An interesting representative of full-size headphones are from the company . This is a Chinese company that accurately reproduces famous headphone models at prices several times cheaper than branded ones.

Conclusion

No matter how hard manufacturers try, perfect headphones simply do not exist. But each type of headphone has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, it makes more sense to take earplugs with you on the subway and enjoy full-size headphones at home.

The material was prepared exclusively for the site

In parallel with the growing popularity of portable devices for listening to music, the demand for devices that transmit sound is also growing. Today their market is so wide that anyone can find a headphone model that suits their technical requirements and finances.

Devices are divided according to technological features, which affect both the quality of the output sound and ease of use.

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, Headphone pinout

Varieties of design

Headphones are available in 5 form factors:

Invoices

As the name suggests, they are placed on top of the ears. Since the speaker does not penetrate directly into the ear canal, a considerable amount of sound wave power is required to make listening to audio comfortable. Such headphones are produced either with behind-the-ear arches or with one wide arch-shaped bridge located on top of the head.

5 best on-ear headphones

In-canal

The variety is now popular, especially among smartphone users. In-ear (or vacuum) headphones penetrate the ear canal as much as possible, eliminating extraneous sounds from outside. In addition, this eliminates vibrations of the membrane, and therefore sound distortion.

6 Best In-Ear Headphones with Enhanced Bass

Plug-in

They are also inserted into the ears, but do not penetrate deep into them. The cheapest type of headphones, they are often included with a smartphone or MP3 player. Such models have been known to users since the 1990s.

5 Best In-Ear Headphones

Monitor

Their earcups with speakers cover the entire ear area. Models are usually very massive, with a thick cable and powerful sound. They are also distinguished by their considerable price, since they are used for professional work with sound, and not for domestic needs.

5 best over-ear monitor headphones

Full size

They also cover the entire ear, providing sound insulation. Premium devices released today have a compact (often foldable) form factor and a not very long cord. Quite convenient to use with mobile gadgets.

Emitter device

The sound quality directly depends on this parameter:

Reinforcement

They are not used everywhere, but only in the most expensive in-ear headphones. They have limited sound quality at low frequencies, but excellent performance. At the same time, they are sensitive and accurately reproduce small details of the audio track.

8 Best Armature Headphones

Iso- and orthodynamic

They have two powerful magnets, between which there is a complex emitter made of a special coated film. Thus, it was possible to achieve high power and clarity of sound. As a rule, this technology is used in a full-size form factor.

Electrostatic

Such models are rarely found on the open market. 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).

Dynamic

The most common option, but not the best. It is a membrane placed in a housing, to which a magnet and a coil are connected. The electric field created in this way acts on the membrane and creates sound. Due to its simplicity, such a device can be placed in a variety of headphones.

Signal transmission method

This factor affects the usability of headphones.

Wired

Devices of this kind still hold the position of the most popular and cheapest. Professionals also note improved sound quality compared to wireless ones. The connection is made via a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack (newer models may also have a USB connector or a 6.3 mm jack).

6 Best Wired Headphones

Wireless

A variety that saves the user from constantly tangled wires. Sound transmission technology can be infrared, radio (these options are almost out of use).

Models with the Bluetooth function are at the peak of popularity, but headphones with WiFi may soon become leaders - they are capable of not only playing music at an impressive distance from the source, but also doing it directly from the Internet. Nutrition wireless devices provided by battery.

Acoustics tightness

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

Open

The earcups of such headphones have perforations on the outside, through which some of the sound escapes (and external noise can also penetrate into the ears).

Closed

The cups do not have perforations, so the sound is completely directed to the owner’s ear, while surrounding sounds are not heard.

Microphone mount

Many headphone models are equipped with a microphone, which is used for telephone conversations, video calls, or sound recording. Headphone microphones are of the following types:

Built-in