Join the Head Set
Headphones were first brought onto the market in 1937 by German tech firm Beyerdynamic. Its first model, the DT 48, is still in production after 70 years. Today, companies known for monitors and microphones also produce headphones because these devices often work on the same principle. The most common type of headphones is a dynamic microphone in reverse, comprised of three essential elements: a magnet, a wire coil (voice coil), and diaphragm (speaker cone).
When an electric current is passed through a headphones’ voice coil, it reacts with the magnetic field. This reaction causes the voice coil to move (opposite to a microphone, where the coil first moves in the magnetic field to produce electric current.) The coil is attached to the diaphragm, and when the diaphragm moves, sound waves are produced.
Three specifications that manufacturers highlight arise from this electromagnetic sound propagation: frequency range (measured in hertz), impedance (measured in ohms), and sound pressure level, or SPL (also called output, measured in decibels).
The frequency range of human hearing goes from about 20 to 20,000 hertz, or 20 kilohertz. Affordable, versatile headphones usually reproduce this range adequately. Higher end models cover a wider range (from five hertz up to 80 kilohertz) and reproduce extreme frequencies better.
All electrical circuits experience resistance—impedance is a measure of resistance in alternating circuits. Good quality headphones for studio monitoring should measure impedance in the 30 to 90 ohms range. As for output, good quality headphones will claim 100 decibels or more, but remember that sounds above 90 decibels are considered harmful.
Another choice is between open-back and closed-back headphones. Open-back models allow ambient sounds to enter the ear, and they are often preferred by studio musicians who want a natural, live sound. If you want to cut out ambient noise, especially during recording and mixing, shop for closed-back headphones.
Alternatively, noise-canceling headphones are designed to cut out a maximum amount of ambient noise while providing more comfort than closed-back headphones. The magic of noise-canceling headphones is provided by a tiny battery-powered microphone which produces a sound wave opposite to those in the environment, essentially “antinoise.”
Studio Headphones
Choose either an open-back or closed-back model depending on your needs. Affordable “workhorse” studio headphones should provide a frequency response in the human range, from 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz. Comfort should be a factor in your buying decision if you plan to wear the headphones for long periods.
For further information, visit www.nady.com
High-Definition Headphones
High-end studio headphones feature the latest audio engineering breakthroughs. Look for models with a very wide frequency reproduction range, surround sound, ergonomic design for maximum comfort, and, if closed-back, a high noise reduction rating.
For further information, visit www.bose.com
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Keeping ambient noise low means you can enjoy better audio without resorting to turning up the volume. Look for models with an excellent noise reduction rating, long battery life, and noise-canceling technology that does not introduce very high frequency “hiss,” sometimes drawback in these models.
For further information, visit www.etymotic.com
Earphones
Don’t be fooled by their micro design, or the fact they resemble cheap “ear buds” that come with personal stereos. Etymotic and Ultimate Ears both produce in-ear monitors that compete for audio quality with traditional studio monitor headphones.
For further information, visit www.ultimateears.com
