Buzz
1. What are in-ear headphones?
First and foremost, in-ear headphones fit directly into your ear canal, also known as in-ear monitors. They offer two significant benefits for the wearer. Firstly, they provide excellent sound quality as they are closer to the eardrum. Secondly, they block out external noise by fitting snugly into the ear canal.
These headphones come with various-sized tips, allowing you to choose the one that fits best. For optimal performance, selecting the right size is crucial.
2. What are on-ear headphones?
Similar to in-ear headphones, they also deliver sound directly into the ear canal but cannot block external noise. Moreover, people sitting next to you can hear what you're listening to.
Many find in-ear headphones more comfortable as they don't retain heat on your ears, unlike over-ear headphones. However, the clamp may be an issue for some individuals as they may complain about the headphones being too tight and causing discomfort to their ears. Try to find a pair that fits just right.
When it comes to sound quality, on-ear headphones provide a good balance between high sound quality and reasonable portability.
3. What are over-ear headphones?
Over-ear headphones, also known as circumaural headphones, envelop the entire ear. They are large; that's why they also contain a large driver to enhance bass performance and overall volume. In terms of positioning, they sit away from the ear, creating a broader sound, similar to speaker audio.
4. What is a driver?
The driver of a pair of headphones is considered a crucial component. It can convert electrical signals into sound pressure. In other words, it produces sound.
Drivers come in various types, but they all mainly consist of magnets, diaphragms, and voice coils.
The vibrating diaphragm, caused by these components, generates sound waves, which we perceive as audio.
On the technical specifications sheet of a pair of headphones, the driver is represented by the diameter of the diaphragm indicated in millimeters (mm). Generally, the size of the driver is proportional to sound quality, especially when it comes to bass performance. Take, for example, over-ear headphones. A 40mm driver has proven to be a good size for sound quality.
On the flip side, in-ear headphones are smaller, making it challenging to accommodate larger drivers. That's why some technical experts employ a dual-driver approach, where your headphones have two drivers; one for bass and one for mid and high frequencies.
5. Pay attention to sensitivity and sound pressure levels
When it comes to SPL (Sound Pressure Level) or sensitivity, both terms are interconnected. It indicates the volume of your headphones. You can explain sensitivity as a measure of how adeptly electrical signals are converted into sound signals. Similarly, sound pressure is how you measure sensitivity.
Some top-notch Bluetooth headphones fall within the range of 80-120 dB SPL/mW. To provide some context; a screaming voice is around 105 dB, normal city traffic is 80 dB, and a plane taking off is 135 dB.
