What is the difference between headphones and headset. Types of headphones and their key features What are the names of the headphones that are worn on the head

Technological progress has led to the fact that on the market there is an immense number of devices 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 overtook 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 tissues. The choice of headphones is a complex 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 suitable 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 were created for a separate category of people for whom sound is a profession. These headphones look impressive, usually their design seems too massive, unattractive. Powerful technical equipment is used to convert sound, providing high detail of it. This type of headphones is distinguished by the highest quality sound in terms 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 flaws in the recording, such as pick clicks, microphone crackles, unpleasant background noise and the like. 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 out the sound beyond recognition.

Custom headphones are headphones for the masses, for mere mortals, and they don't have these polished features. Often they are directed to a particular genre. For example, the famous brand Beats exaggerates low frequencies in an attempt to add bass. Because of such distortions, the sound seems more pleasant and rich. These headphones come in a variety of forms and are replete with design solutions. Many of them, unlike studio solutions, lose their sound quality in favor of ergonomics and compactness. What type of headphones does not exactly exist is one that combines the capabilities of studio and custom. 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 by wire, as most people 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 simplest connection option and at the same time relatively inexpensive. Even on budget wired headphones, the sound quality is often impressive. Nevertheless, the unraveling of wires and their "unexpected" break has long been a separate occasion 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 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 many years. Recently, new types of bluetooth headphones have begun to appear, manufacturers have begun to equip them with full-fledged processors that allow you to transmit sound of higher quality and without delay. 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 product - AirPods.

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

Types of headphones by the number of channels used

The simplest type of headphones in this category are monophonic. In such headphones, an identical signal is sent to all sound emitters, which adversely affects the volume of sound and its saturation. The more common type is stereo. In such headphones, a separate signal is sent to each sound emitter, which allows you to add atmospheric and depth to the played compositions. The third type is the most advanced, but is used less often due to the high cost - multi-channel headphones. Due 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-equalizing and other sound distortion methods.

By type of construction

Perhaps this is the most important category, because it is on it that you should rely when choosing headphones in the first place. Different types of construction imply different conditions of use. By and large, they can be divided into what sound source 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 the most commonly used are ultra-compact solutions: either in-ear (those that are inserted directly into the ear canal) or in-ear (those that are inserted into the auricle).

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

In-ear headphones are significantly inferior to vacuum headphones in terms of sound quality, but at the same time they feel more comfortable, as 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 noises make their way 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 overhead or full-size.

Overhead covers a certain part of the ear with a small ear cushion. In terms of comfort, such headphones are comparable to in-ear ones, but due to the 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 the head and completely cover the ear with a large leather or foam rubber ear cushion.

Acoustic design of over-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones fall into three main categories:

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

Open-back headphones are equipped with a number of large holes in the ear cups in order to allow external sounds to enter the ear. Thus, the most natural sound 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 these headphones by the characteristic perforation on the outer side of the ear cushion.

Closed-back headphones can give you an unforgettable listening experience of hip-hop and electronic music, because they are the ones that abound with the greatest amount of low frequencies and bass. These headphones do not let in any external noise, 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. These headphones do not let in extra sounds even in the subway. The downside of the headphones is the discomfort that they cause during prolonged use (the ears sweat, the sound is too booming).

The last type is hybrid. These headphones combine the best of open-back and closed-back design. Massive, tightly pressed to the ear ear pads with small slots on the outside are used.

By type of attachment

There are several ways to mount headphones on the head or in the ears. To fix the headphones on the head, arcs are used. The most common type of arc is vertical. She connects two cups and lies directly on her head. Less often you can see the arcs that are fixed on 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, behind the ears (small bends of the arc in the shape of the ears) are used. Many sports headphones do not have an arc at all, but are equipped only with ear hooks and clips. These are often found on in-ear headphones because they are the easiest to lose. Portable solutions, such as in-ear and vacuum solutions, do not have attachments, as they are self-supporting in the ears.

Cable connection method

In massive on-ear and full-size headphones, the connection wire goes to only one cup, and the second one functions by pulling the cable through an arc. More compact solutions use two wires 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, such as gold ones, which is especially important for those who listen to music on specialized equipment with additional sound amplification.

According to the design of the emitter

The most common type are headphones with a dynamic emitter. They work like a loudspeaker. They use a standard coil, magnet and diaphragm. By applying 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 the movement of the membrane, repeating 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, amplifies the signal. Such devices, despite the use of a more complex emitter, remain available.

In a 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 specialized docking station.

This four is completed by headphones with an isodynamic radiator built on the basis of the Hale radiator.

By level of resistance

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 their resistance level is not higher than 50 ohms, otherwise the audio chip in the phone simply cannot provide sufficient volume. This state of affairs can be corrected by introducing additional amplification into the connection circuit (headphones - player / phone) (headphones - amplifier - player / phone). After that, devices with any resistance level, even above 100 ohms, can be connected to the phone.

Headphones: types of connectors

At the moment, there are 4 main types of headphone jacks:

• Mini-jack (analog, 3.5 mm) - a 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 headphones.
• USB (digital) - used to connect to modern smartphones and audio cards.
• Lightning (digital) - used to connect to Apple smartphones and tablets.

Other types

In addition to 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 zippered earbuds that you can zip up and put in your pocket to keep them from getting 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, though, 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.

Helpful Hints

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

The very first thing you need pay attention is the type of headphone. Many people immediately look at the price and purchase 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 you will be wearing them.

It is also very important when choosing headphones to know about some useful features. For example: noise reduction, Bluetooth, digital optical input. But let's start in order and put everything on the shelves so that it is clear.

Types of headphones - which headphones to choose

Most headphones that are 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 "plugs") 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 headdress 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 choose good headphones

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

in-ear headphones

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

These headphones are very easy to pass noise, which means in public transport, for example, people around you will hear the sounds coming from your headphones.

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

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 is the 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 nozzles serve as good sound insulation.

Usually high-quality in-ear headphones come with several nozzles of different sizes. This is so that the user can choose the best option that will allow the earpiece to sit firmly in the ear.

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

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

Overhead headphones

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

To provide good noise isolation, manufacturers use special pads, which can be made of foam rubber or 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) on the street.

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

Headphone makers sometimes write Circumaural (around the ear) on the box to characterize the species.

Monitor headphones are used both at home and in professional environments (in recording studios, for example). They have special cups that cover the entire ear, which does not allow noise from the outside to penetrate.

The diameter of the membrane is quite large so that it is possible to reproduce sound with all possible frequencies. This 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 to choose

Headphone types depend on their design. To date, all headphones can be divided into:

dynamic;

Reinforcing;

Electrostatic.

Isodynamic headphones

Orthodynamic headphones

Headphones dynamic

Most of the headphones you see in stores come in the dynamic type. This type is so called because the headphones that belong to it are based on 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, a magnetic field is formed around the coil - it then transmits 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 armature emitter (Balanced Armature). These headphones work differently than dynamic ones. Their design includes a plate made of a ferromagnetic alloy, having a U-shape.

The oscillations 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, reinforcing headphones have a rather high price.

Electrostatic headphones

In order for these headphones to create a 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 the 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 these headphones only with Hi-End and Hi-Fi class audio equipment.

Isodynamic and orthodynamic headphones

These types of headphones allow the user to get a balanced, smooth and clear sound reproduction. The difference between these types is mainly their design, while using the same technology. This is the reason why both of these types are included in the same group.

These headphones produce very high quality sound. But there are a couple of disadvantages: firstly, it is a high cost, and secondly, in order to achieve the best sound, you will 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 also need to know the type of headphone connection to the sound source. Two types are known:

Wired;

Wireless.

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

But there is one minus of such headphones - the loss of the sound signal.

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

Types of headphones by cable connection method

Bilateral - the connecting cable is brought to each cup.

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

Headphone connectors

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 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 released for those who like to chat on Skype.

How to choose headphones for your computer

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

Like conventional headphones, headsets are wired and wireless.

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

headset arms

Headphone temples can be divided into three categories: molded, self-adjusting and sliding.

cast - reliable, but they cannot boast of great demand.

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

Sliding - evenly moved apart on the sides to adjust the desired size.

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

Microphone in headset

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

Microphone mounts

On the wire - usually found in headsets for mobile phones, headsets, plugs 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 a swivel or flexible element.

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

Headsets are available for mobile phones to communicate via Skype.

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 manufacturers often use in product descriptions and what these terms mean.

Frequency

Simply put, this term characterizes the sound quality. The larger the headphone membrane, the better the sound quality. Simple and medium headphones have a range of 18 to 20,000 Hz. More professional headphones can register a range from 5 to 60,000 Hz. But it is worth noting that the human ear is able to make out sound waves at a frequency of 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Sensitivity

This is the maximum volume at the specified value of the signal supplied to the headphones (from 30 to 130 dB). With the same signal level and with the same impedance, more sensitive headphones will produce a louder sound. The standard is usually an electrical signal with 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 headphone input impedance. 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 ohms. Headphones with higher impedance are usually used by professionals who use them with special equipment that has a high level of outgoing voltage.

Power

This setting controls the headphone volume. You can find models with power from 1 to 4,000 mW. It is important to know here that listening to sound in headphones at maximum volume for a long time can adversely affect the hearing organs.

The best/popular headphone companies

The companies mentioned in this list have taken their high places in the ratings of users. Some have become famous exclusively for their quality, others for their quality-price ratio. 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, first decide what you need headphones for.

Choose a manufacturer by comparing several headphone options.

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

Illuminated Gaming Headphones with Mic and Vibration Function

Stereo headphones (headphones) - two phones with a headband, designed to be connected to consumer electronic devices. Headphones are a pair of small headphones or earpieces that are worn over the head or inserted directly into the ear canals. Headphones are often used in everyday life and in professional activities for voice communication and listening to music and speech when mobility or sound isolation from the surrounding space is necessary. Headphones with a microphone attached to them form headset. Sometimes in professional activities, instead of a pair, one separate earphone is used, it is called monitor.

In the technical literature, instead of the word "headphones", the term "headphones" is traditionally used. The term arose, most likely, as a result of a literal reading of the English word headphones(English head - head, phone- telephone) . Back in 1899, in one of the first radio receivers, created by Alexander Popov, sound waves converted from radio signals, according to the description, were listened to through “headphones”. The name is " telephone" (from other Greek. τῆλε - "far" and φωνή - “voice”, “sound”) was first used by Philippe Reis in 1861.

Story

The first truly successful headphones were designed in 1910 by Nathaniel Baldwin, who made them by hand in his kitchen and sold them to the US Navy.

Headphone classification

By appointment

• monitor (studio)- this type has the highest and most balanced sound quality, headphones are intended for use in recording studios. In order for the sound engineer to hear minor recording defects, monitor headphones have a very high sound detail, especially at high frequencies, which, however, limits their use in domestic conditions, since many music lovers consider such detail (which reveals all extraneous and background noise, microphone crackles, etc.) n.) redundant and unpleasant, especially for old and live recordings;
• consumer- intended for non-professional use. Such headphones may have a deliberately unbalanced sound in terms of frequencies, emphasizing, for example, low frequencies or mids. In these headphones, more attention is also paid to design.

By way of signal transmission

• wired- connected to the source with a wire; in this case, the wire can serve as an antenna when working with portable FM radios;
• wireless- receive a signal from a source wirelessly via radio waves (including Bluetooth, etc.) or, less commonly, via infrared radiation. Wireless headphones allow you to move freely within the signal range. The signal can be digital (Bluetooth, etc.) or analog. Compared to analog, a more advanced digital signal ensures that there is no loss in sound quality when transmitted from a source. Often, wireless headphones provide lower sound quality than wired headphones of the same cost, due to the need for relatively expensive devices for receiving and transmitting (and, in the case of digital data transmission, also encoding and decoding) the signal - even the most advanced codec is not capable of transmitting sound without quality loss.

By number of channels

• monophonic- the signal to the sound emitters (or one sound emitter) is transmitted through one channel, respectively, the sound from both sound emitters comes out identical;
• stereophonic(the most common type) - a signal is transmitted to each of the two sound emitters via a separate channel;
• multichannel- have more than one driver for each ear, with a separate channel for each speaker, which allows you to better simulate surround sound or separate channels by frequency response.

By type of construction (view)

• Mixed swivel- This type combines the advantages of in-ear headphones and in-ear headphones without the disadvantages inherent in both types. Mixed swivel headphones are securely held in the ear while wearing, while their position can be easily changed by a simple movement of the user from the in-ear position "quality" to the "comfort" position, when the speaker is located in the ear and does not interfere with the monitoring of ambient sounds, and vice versa. Such headphones allow, depending on the situation and the desire of the user, to use passive noise reduction in the “quality” mode (talking or actively listening to music) or to control what is happening around the user in the “comfort” mode (when not in use or when listening to voice / music in the background).
• invoices, parotid- superimposed on the ear;
• full size- superimposed on the head, completely covering the ear. These, in turn, are divided into headphones:
  • open type- Headphones pass external sounds through special wide openings. Many listeners report that open-back headphones sound more natural, have a wider soundstage, and are less fatiguing than closed-back headphones. However, compared to closed-back headphones, open-back headphones do not provide good sound isolation and tend to reproduce low frequencies less;
  • closed type- the ear cups do not have external openings. Due to this, the headphones do not let in external noise and provide maximum sound isolation, which allows you to use them in noisy environments, as well as in cases where you need to fully concentrate on listening or listen to confidential information. With high sound quality, the main disadvantages of closed headphones are high hearing fatigue and discomfort for the head due to the lack of air circulation due to the tight fit of the ear pads (if the ear pads do not fit, bass reproduction worsens) and, as a rule, more pressure on the head, than open headphones;
  • semi-open type(or semi-closed type) - open headphones, but only with small external holes, designed to combine the advantages of closed and open type headphones.

By type of attachment

• with headband- headphones with a vertical bow connecting their cups;
• with occipital arch- the bow connects the two parts of the headphones, but is located on the back of the head; the main weight of the headphones at the same time falls on the ears;
• with ear hook- usually headphones of this type are attached to the auricle using ear hooks or clips;
• without fasteners- in-ear or in-ear headphones often do not have mounts.

Cable connection method

• bilateral- a connecting cable is connected to each of the ear cups;
• unilateral- the connecting cable is connected to only one of the ear cups, the second is connected by a wire tap from the first, often the wire is hidden in the bow.

According to the design of the emitter

By resistance

• low-resistance- with resistance up to 100 Ohm. For portable equipment, headphones with an impedance of 8 to 32 ohms, up to a maximum of 50 ohms, are recommended, since with a higher resistance, portable devices will not be able to provide sufficient sound volume without an additional amplifier;
• high-resistance- with a resistance of more than 100 ohms. These headphones usually require a separate power amplifier.

By connector type

• Jack (6.3 mm);
• Mini-jack (3.5 mm);
• Micro-jack (2.5 mm);
• DIN, ONTS-VN (currently obsolete);
• RPV-1, ShP-4, etc. (have a specific application or are outdated);
• USB (used in some newer models of headphones, have a built-in DAC).
• Lightning is used in the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X models.
• Wireless

Specifications

The main technical characteristics of headphones: frequency range, sensitivity, impedance, maximum power and distortion level as a percentage.

1. frequency response This characteristic affects the sound quality. The average value of the frequency response is 18 Hz - 20 kHz. Some professional headphones have a frequency range of 5 Hz to 60 kHz. The widest declared frequency range for some models reaches 3 Hz - 120 kHz. For studio work, headphones with the most linear frequency response are used (hence, with more accurate sound transmission). The characteristic is also related to the diameter of the membrane: headphones with a larger diameter of the membrane, all other things being equal, have an increased sound quality.
2. Sensitivity (efficiency) Sensitivity affects the volume of sound in the headphones. Typically, headphones provide a sensitivity of at least 100

Modern manufacturers offer a variety of types of headphones, which have their own characteristics - constructive and functional. Structure, acoustic properties, sound quality, price - these are the main parameters on the basis of which we choose one or another model. Which headphones are right for you and what should you consider when choosing them?

Design features

Any type of headphones is a TRS connector (through which they are connected to devices), a cable and two cups with ear pads. The latter are made of various materials, but most often silicone, which is soft and comfortable. On-ear headphones have one more detail - this is a bow, or headband, which covers the head from above or at the back of the head. All models differ in the way they are attached to the head, of which there are four:

1. Classical. The earmuffs are fixed with elastic supra-temporal arches connecting the cups. By the way, the arms themselves are also different: the most reliable ones are self-adjusting, they are a construction of arches and tape; sliding arms are easy to use; molded plastic arms do not need to be adjusted, as it is enough to move the cups themselves.
2. Neck fastening. Some types of headphones are equipped with an elastic headband that connects the cups, only does it at the back of the head. This design transfers mechanical stress to the ears, so it is important when choosing to focus on the weight of the cups themselves.
3. Ear mount. Headphones of this model are attached to the ears with clips or behind the ears.
4. Without fastening. These models are just foam rubber ear pads that are located in the auricle.

How to connect?

Modern manufacturers offer various wired headphones. Their connection types are as follows:

1. Unilateral.
2. Bilateral.

The first option is suitable for overhead and In them, one wire goes from the plug to one cup, while the second cup is connected by a tap coming from the first cup. A one-way connection has one important disadvantage: in the area where the common wire joins the cup, the latter often breaks or breaks.

Some types of headphones have a two-way connection - these are in-ear and in-ear. With this method, the common wire that comes from the plug is divided into two, and they are brought to the cups. Users note that these headphones are not the most comfortable, as they often fall out of their ears, and the wires, which are long enough, are constantly twisted and tangled.

There are also different types of headphone jacks. There are two of them: 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm. In most models, the second connector, but the first is often found, so it is better to choose universal headphones that can support both types of connector.

Plug-in, vacuum or overhead?

Modern types of headphones are a variety in design and product design. And this serves as a guarantee that each buyer will find what he likes and is convenient for him. When choosing, you need to understand that the earbuds are inserted into the ear, while the overhead models are adjacent to the hearing organ. The degree of fit differs due to the ear cushions, soft cushions, which ensure listening comfort. Note that they are supplemented with circum-aural ear cushions, which exclude the spread of sound outward, and in overhead models - supra-aural ear cushions, which fit snugly to the ear, but do not wrap around it completely.

Plug-in models, which are otherwise called inserts, are very convenient due to their compactness. In addition, they often have an attractive design. For example, a stylish solution is headphones in the form of macaroons or other sweets that emphasize the flirtatiousness of the image. But in terms of sound quality and sound insulation, the ear cushions of vacuum headphones are much better than those of plug-in ones. We also note that in vacuum headphones the sound is much cleaner, so no noise from outside will prevent you from listening to your favorite music.

The difference between plug-in and overhead models is the size of the emitter membrane. In vacuum models, it is small, up to 12 mm, while on-ear headphones have a large membrane - from 30 mm or more, which affects the improvement of sound performance.

For phone

Where do we most often listen to music or an audiobook? That's right, on the road. And it is very important that the headphones are good, do not let in sounds from the outside and sit comfortably in the ear. Depending on the design, the following types of headphones for the phone are distinguished:

• In-ears: this is the most popular option, most often these models come with the device itself. They are cheap, but the sound quality and the level of sound insulation are not the best.
• Plug-in: they are called "droplets", or "plugs". They sit well in the ears, close them tightly, which affects the increase in sound insulation.
• Overhead: for a phone, this is not the best option, since they are too bulky, it is inconvenient to carry them with you in your bag.

Depending on the area of ​​​​use, all headphones are either audiophile or special. The first ones are designed for the fact that sound reproduction will be at a high level, and special models are made for people with hearing impairments.

Location and quality

When buying headphones, we strive to ensure that they are comfortable, that the sound is good, and the cord does not get tangled. Many models, including headphones in the form of laces or cat ears, seem beautiful, but in reality turn out to be not the most functional. When choosing, you should be guided by where the music will be listened to - indoors or out of it. In addition, the portable player itself plays an important role: the better it is, the better the sound will be.

Some headphone models are not quite suitable for those who listen to music for a long time. So, on-ear headphones begin to cause discomfort after an hour, as pressure is exerted on both the head and the auricles. In addition, overhead models are best worn at home. Compact earbuds are suitable for the outdoor version, in addition, they are equipped with ear cushions of different sizes. Consider the features of each type of headphones in more detail.

Plug-in: modern and compact

If you are for convenience and small size, then you will like in-ear headphones. Why are they good? Firstly, they are compact, so they can easily fit even in your pocket. Secondly, you can choose the size of the ear pads, which will ensure the comfort of wearing them. Thirdly, they are diverse in design. For example, someone will choose classic and concise models from Sony, and someone will like the original lightning-shaped headphones.

On the other hand, due to the design features of plug-in models, acoustic properties are greatly lost. In addition, not everyone likes when a foreign body is located inside the ears. Among the best brands that supply in-ear headphones are Philips, Shure, Sennheiser.

Vacuum: maximum comfort

Vacuum headphones are ideal for everyday use. They attract with lightness, good acoustic characteristics. Thanks to the silicone ear cushions that sit snugly in the ear, even when moving, the headphones do not fall out. Light weight and compact dimensions allow you to store headphones in your bag and pocket. Good sound insulation is another advantage that distinguishes these varieties. And the sound quality is also pleasing - it is powerful and voluminous, and therefore you can listen to your favorite music in excellent quality. Popular models of vacuum headphones are created by the brands Sony, AKG, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic - while being effective, they attract at an affordable price.

On-ears: great sound

On-ear headphones come in different sizes, but they all have good sound, comfort and stylish design. These models can be open and closed, but the second type of models are popular. Users choose headphones that have much better contact between the membrane and the ear, so you can listen to tracks in high quality of any style - from rock to hip-hop.

You can use these headphones everywhere, but because of the size, many prefer to choose them for the home. A compromise option is semi-closed headphones, in which the cups are left open, but the holes are closed with a special grill or fine mesh. Popular on-ear headphones manufactured by AKG, JBL, Harman Kardon Soho, Denon .

Monitor: the best for the computer

Various types of headphones for the computer help you listen to music and play on your PC. They are large in size, so they are distinguished by a large headband and ear cushions that tightly cover the ears. As a result, such models are good for lovers of high-quality sound. But the weight of such models is quite high. The design features of the headphones are such that the sound is transmitted in all spectra without distortion. The salient features of monitor headphones include:

• wide stage and large membrane diameter, which improves the positioning of different sound sources;
• uniformity and balance of frequencies;
• a lot of resistance, due to which listening to music on weak devices will be uninteresting, since the sound will be quiet.

A variety of monitor headphones are studio headphones, which are designed to work with high quality sound. No less popular headphones, which are additionally equipped with a microphone. It is needed when working, for example, with Skype or online games. It is also noteworthy that many monitor headphones are used at home, for example, when watching movies. But due to the large weight, they create noticeable discomfort. Note that among the leading manufacturers of monitor headphones, brands such as AKG, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser have proven themselves well.

Wireless

Modern technologies lead to the fact that various types of wireless headphones are becoming more and more popular. Their feature is the reproduction of high quality sound, and they work on the basis of a transceiver in the infrared wave range or in the radio range. Infrared headphones are good for excellent sound quality, mobility, and most importantly, the absence of wires that annoy many. When used in conjunction with a computer, wireless headphones work on the basis of Bluetooth, through which the connection is made. You can use them in this combination when working, listening to music, talking or playing games.

Stylish and modern wireless and for mobile devices, tablets appear, however, their cost is too high. Among the cheap models designed for a computer or TV, the following can be noted: LG HBS-730, Sven AP-B770MV, Plantronics BackBeat GO 2.

Gaming

Computer games have taken over the world, the number of gamers is growing every day. And users simply have gigantic requirements:

1. They must convey the entire gamut of the sound of the game, so high-quality models allow you to select sound modes, have a built-in sound card and allow you to adjust the equalizer.
2. Headphones should be comfortable, as the game can drag on for more than one hour. Comfortable headband, lightweight design, comfortable ear cushions - all this is worth paying attention to when choosing.
3. Convenient use is a guarantee that during the game you can easily adjust the sound or microphone without interrupting the gameplay.
4. The microphone in the headphones must be of high quality - a real gamer simply cannot do without it!

Monster Beats: an overview of popular models

Probably everyone knows that high quality, reliability and stylish design attract the attention of buyers of Beats headphones. The types of these accessories are presented in a wide variety, and each novelty is met with delight. Comfortable listening will provide Monster Beats Tour, which are compact, fit well in the ear, so you can listen to music in high quality. Active lifestyle lovers will appreciate the Monster Beats Powerbeats, which can be adjusted to fit your ear as much as possible. An inexpensive model of monitor headphones is the Monster beats Solo HD, which have good sound and compact size. Among the professional models include the Monster Beats Studio model, which are compatible with any musical devices and gadgets and are of high quality, two wires and versatility. Among the headphones of this popular brand, it's easy to find something that matches your ideas about comfort, functionality and aesthetics.

original models

Modern manufacturers offer innovative solutions that are reflected in the accessories that we use every day. For example, special types of luminous headphones have appeared, created by the Glow brand. They are equipped with special fiberglass, which is embedded in the wire. He, in turn, pulsates to the beat of the music. The uniqueness of Glow is that these are headphones that are ideally combined with Android devices. The exclusive headphones let you not only listen to music, but also take pictures or use a range of applications. Well, it is impossible not to note the purity of the sound and its excellent quality.

To create a flirty image, headphones in the form of cat ears will help. Such models were released in Japan and appealed to those who love both cats and music. The shape of the cat ears is stylish and bright, besides, they glow in the dark. Color solutions are planned very different, so you can easily choose what is in harmony with your image. And if ear-shaped headphones do not suit you, choose others, original and fashionable.

Headphones these days are no surprise. We will be much more surprised by their absence in the box with the purchased phone or tablet. On the shelves of stores flaunt heaps of headphones of various types. But what are the types and types of headphones. Are there many of them and how do they differ?

Despite the countless models, all types and types of headphones can fit 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 a rather serious design difference.

1. Earbuds

Headphones are earbuds, according to the folk - shells. For quite a long time, they were the most common type of headphones, especially for portable use. But the noisy world forced many to switch to plugs.

I don't know how they look like shells. Rather, the following picture is more suitable for this title:

But 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 likely shells than plugs.

1.1 Comfort

As the name implies, the earphones are inserted into the auricle. To ensure greater tightness, some manufacturers wear rubber rings. For less irritation of the auricle with hard plastic, foam nozzles are used.

With or without overlays, 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 the headphones do not always correspond to the size and structure of your auricle. This leads to the fact that for some the headphones are small and fall out, and for some they are crushed ...

1.2 Sound

Such headphones, as a rule, have a dynamic emitter with a diameter of 10-15 mm. Previously, when such 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 the fact that when recording music, sound engineers artificially overestimated the low and high frequencies.

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

Now they have already learned how to make high-quality speakers even of smaller sizes. However, the problem of a loose fit has not gone away, so today manufacturers are trying to make a dip in the mids, and raise the lows with the highs.

1.3 Portability

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

2. In-ear headphones

Plugs, vacuum headphones - these are the popular names for in-ear headphones. This type of headphone received these nicknames for its soundproofing construction properties.

2.1 Comfort

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

I have heard more than once that people do not like the feeling of a plunger in their ear. For this reason, they prefer shells. Many people really experience discomfort from plugs.

But in fact, it is enough to put them on and wait a bit. The device of our ear is such that it will equalize the pressure itself and become more comfortable. But for some reason this does not help everyone.

2.2 Sound

The coordinating technical difference is the presence of a sound guide placed directly into the auditory canal. Due 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 effectively 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 right low frequencies and an even frequency balance.

Today, many headphones, especially those in the budget category, suffer from booming bass that overlaps the mids, making them low-profile. The depth and detail of the low ones is not as good as we would like it to be.

In addition, such a small size of the speaker leads to the fact that its resonant frequency lies quite high. This emphasizes high frequencies, which often begin to hiss, clatter and smack unnecessarily.

In addition to a dynamic emitter, a reinforcing emitter can also be used in in-ear headphones. The balanced armature transducer, as it is officially called, has the best sound at medium and especially high frequencies.

However, the armature cannot squeeze out decent basses, mainly because of its very modest size. Therefore, hybrid headphone models in which a dynamic emitter coexists with a reinforcing one are becoming more and more popular. However, often these headphones are not the smallest and not so comfortable to wear.

2.3 Portability

Like the representatives of the previous type, there are no problems with portability. Yes, and they will play with sufficient volume from any hole. But do not forget that the 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, a bunch of wireless solutions are divorced today.

3. On-ear headphones

They are named so due to the fact that the earpiece, as one would expect, "is superimposed" on the auricle. Over-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 big as over-ear headphones, but at their driver size, they can deliver much better sound quality than their smaller counterparts.

Due to the fact that the sound source is located behind the auricle, 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 makes it possible to use on-ear headphones for professional applications as well. So there are monitor overhead headphones. What are monitor headphones, read in .

3.2 Comfort

When it comes to noise isolation, many over-ear headphones nervously smoke on the sidelines. The peculiarity of their design is such that many of them cannot fit snugly against the auricles. If the headphones are open, then there is no noise isolation in them in principle.

In most models, when listening to music in 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 cancellation.

On-ear headphones are usually the same size as or smaller than the ear. At the same time, they are pressed directly to the ear, so when worn for a long time, they can cause discomfort.

3.3 Portability

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

4. Over-ear headphones

Full-size headphones, called in 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 rejoices in the mouth, and in this case, the ear. But why are they better?

4.1 Sound

The main reason why full-size headphones have the best sound is obvious - their size. And to be more precise, the size of their speakers. Typically, full-size headphone drivers are over 40 mm in diameter in the case of dynamic drivers.

Dynamics of this size is much easier to fully win back the low-frequency component. As a result, the bass in them is more detailed, rich and deep. Many of these headphones have a frequency range of 8-10 Hz.

But the dimensions of the headphones allow the use of other more “exotic” types of speakers. For example, it can be iso- or ortho-dynamic drivers, capacitor-type speakers, and others.

But it's not just about the size of the speaker, the full-size design allows you to create good noise isolation and eliminate losses due to loose fit.

It is also easier to implement various systems of acoustic filters and sound guides in such headphones to give the frequency response of 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 affect and do not put pressure on the auricle, but frame it, pressing with soft ear cushions directly to the head. Even if the ear pads are not as good as we would like, they can be .

Around your ear creates its own "microclimate". However, this can create some problems when used in warm and hot weather - it will simply be hot in the headphones.

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 bag or case.

Of course, there are enough models that can fold quite compactly. But if compactness is a priority for you, it is better to look at the previous types.

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

An interesting representative of full-size headphones are from 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 strengths and weaknesses. For example, it’s more logical to take earplugs with you on the subway, and enjoy full-size headphones at home.

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