Modern manufacturers offer a variety of types of headphones, which have their own characteristics - structural and functional. The 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 be considered when choosing them?
Design Features
Any kind of headphones is a TRS connector (through which they connect 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. In on-ear headphones, there is another detail - this is a bow, or headband, which covers the head from above or on the back of the head. All models differ in the way they are mounted on the head, which are four:
- Classical. Headphones are fixed with elastic, darkened arches connecting the cups. By the way, the arches themselves are also different: the most reliable are self-adjusting, they are a construction of arcs and ribbons; sliding arms are easy to use; molded plastic temples do not need to be set up, as it is enough to move the cups themselves.
- Mount on the back of the head. Some types of headphones are equipped with an elastic arm that connects the cups, only doing this on the back of the head. This design transfers the mechanical load on the ears, so it is important when choosing to focus on the weight of the cups themselves.
- Mount on the ears. Headphones of this model are attached to the ears with clips or earhooks.
- Without fastening. These models are just foam ear pads that are located in the auricle.
How to connect?
Modern manufacturers offer a variety of wired headphones. The types of connection are as follows:
- One sided.
- Bilateral.
The first option is suitable for overhead and full-size headphones. In them, from the plug there is one wire, connected to one cup, while the connection of the second cup is carried out by a tap coming from the first cup. One-way connection has one important minus: 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 plug-in and intra-channel. With this method, the common wire that comes from the plug is divided into two, and they are led to the cups. Users note that such headphones are not the most comfortable, as they often fall out of your ears, and wires that are long enough are constantly twisted and tangled.
There are various 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 connectors.
Plug-in, vacuum or overhead?
Modern types of headphones - this is a variety in design and product design. And this serves as a guarantee that each buyer will find what he likes and is comfortable for him. When choosing, you need to understand that the earbuds are inserted into the ear, while the on-ear models are adjacent to the ear. The degree of fit is different thanks to the ear pads, soft cushions, which ensure comfortable listening. Note that the monitor headphones are complemented by circum-aural-ear pads, which exclude the spread of sound to the outside, and on overhead models, supra-aural ear pads, which fit snugly to the ear but do not completely encircle it.
Plug-in models, otherwise called liners, are very convenient due to their compactness. In addition, they most often have an attractive design. For example, a stylish solution is headphones in the form of macaroon or other sweets that emphasize the flirty image. But in terms of sound quality and sound insulation, ear pads on vacuum headphones are much better than on-ear headphones. We also note that the sound in vacuum headphones is much cleaner, so no noise from the outside will stop you from listening to your favorite music.
The difference between plug-in and patch 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? Right, on the road. And it is very important that the headphones are good, do not miss sounds from the outside and sit comfortably in your ear. Depending on the design, the following types of headphones for the phone are distinguished:
- Inserts: this is the most popular option, most often such models come complete with the device itself. They are cheap, but the sound quality and sound insulation level are not the best.
- Plug-in: they are called "droplets," or "gags." They sit well in the ears, close them tightly, which affects the improvement of sound insulation.
- Overhead: for the phone this is not the best option, since they are too large, 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 are designed to ensure that the 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 is not tangled. Many models, including headphones in the form of laces or cat ears, seem beautiful, but in reality they are not the most functional. When choosing, it is worthwhile to navigate where the music will be listened to - indoors or out. 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 there is pressure on both the head and ears. In addition, overhead models are best worn at home. Compact earbuds are suitable for the outdoor version, in addition they are equipped with ear pads 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 the in-ear headphones. How are they good? Firstly, they are compact, so they fit easily even in your pocket. Secondly, you can choose the size of ear pads, which will ensure their comfortable wearing. Thirdly, they are diverse in design. For example, someone will choose classic and laconic models from Sony, and someone will like the original headphones in the form of lightning.
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 supplying in-ear headphones are Philips, Shure, Sennheiser.
Vacuum: maximum comfort
Vacuum earphones are ideal for everyday use. They attract with ease, good acoustic characteristics. Thanks to the silicone ear cushions that fit tightly in your ear, the earbuds don't fall out even when moving. Light weight and compact size 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 - with efficiency they attract an affordable price.
Overhead: Great Sound
On-ear headphones come in different sizes, but they all have good sound, comfort and a stylish design. These models can be open and closed, but the models of the second variety are popular. Users choose headphones in which the membrane contact with the ear is much better, so you can listen to high-quality tracks of any style - from rock to hip-hop.
You can use such headphones everywhere, but because of the size, many prefer to choose them for home. The 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: best for computer
Different types of headphones for the computer help and listen to music, and play for the PC. They are large in size, so they are distinguished by a large headband and ear pads 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 sound is transmitted in all spectra without distortion. The distinctive features of monitor headphones include:
- a wide stage and a large diameter of the membrane, which improves the positioning of different sound sources;
- uniformity and balance of frequencies;
- a lot of resistance, because of which listening to music on weak devices will be uninteresting, since the sound will be quiet.
A variety of monitor headphones are studio ones that 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 the Skype program or online games. It is also noteworthy that many monitor headphones are used at home, for example, when watching movies. But because of the large weight, they create noticeable discomfort. Note that among the leading manufacturers of monitor headphones, brands such as AKG, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser have established themselves well.
Wireless
Modern technologies lead to the fact that various types of wireless headphones are becoming increasingly popular. Their feature is the reproduction of high-quality sound, and they work on the basis of a transceiver in the infrared wavelength 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 combination with a computer, the wireless headphones operate on the basis of Bluetooth, due to which the connection is made. You can use them in this combination when working, listening to music, talking or playing games.
There are stylish and modern Bluetooth wireless headphones for mobile devices, tablets, 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 for gaming headphones , users simply have gigantic requirements:
- They must transmit the entire gamut of game sound, so sound models make it possible to select sound modes, have a built-in sound card and allow you to adjust the equalizer.
- Headphones should be comfortable, as the game can drag on for more than one hour. Convenient headband, ease of construction, comfortable ear pads - all this should be paid attention to when choosing.
- Convenient use is the guarantee that during the game you can easily adjust the sound or microphone without interrupting the gameplay for this.
- The microphone in the headphones must be of high quality - a real gamer just can not do without it!
Monster Beats: an overview of popular models
Probably everyone knows that Beats headphones attract the attention of buyers with their high quality, reliability and stylish design. Kinds These accessories are presented in a wide variety, and each new product is delighted. Monster Beats Tour will provide comfortable listening, which are compact, sit well in the ear, so you can listen to music in high quality. Lovers of an active lifestyle will appreciate the Monster Beats Powerbeats, which you can maximize to adjust them to the characteristics of your ear. An inexpensive model of monitor headphones is Monster beats Solo HD, which are distinguished by good sound and compact size. Among the professional models include the Monster Beats Studio, which are combined with any musical devices and gadgets and are of high quality, two wires and versatility. Among the headphones of this popular brand, it is easy to find something that matches your ideas about convenience, functionality and aesthetics.
Original models
Modern manufacturers offer innovative solutions that are reflected in the accessories that we use every day. For example, there are special types of luminous headphones 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 it is a headphone that fits perfectly with Android devices. Exclusive headphones not only allow you to listen to music, but also take pictures or work with a number of applications. Well, one cannot fail to note the purity of sound and its excellent quality.
Headphones in the form of cat ears will help to create a flirty image. Such models were released in Japan and were liked by those who love cats and music. The shape of cat ears is stylish and bright, and they glow in the dark. The color schemes are planned to be very different, so you can easily choose what is in harmony with your image. And if earphones in the form of ears do not suit you, choose other, original and fashionable ones.