Are you looking to buy a pair of headphones but aren’t well-versed in the inner workings of audio drivers? It’s a good idea to take some time to familiarize yourself with the different types of drivers available, including how each operates.
A headphone driver works by driving air particles, creating pressure waves which, in turn, cause your ears to perceive sound. Today, there are many different types of earbud drivers available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
In this guide, we will take you through the different types of audio drivers, how they work, and answer a few frequently asked questions. By the end of this guide, you’ll be better equipped to choose the best headphones for your listening needs.
What Is a Headphone Driver?
Drivers are used in all earbuds and headphones, including noise-canceling headphones, and are responsible for producing the sound you perceive when listening to music. The basic principle of operation is the same across the different types of drivers in existence.
Headphone drivers refer to small devices inside the headphones that help deliver sound to the ear canal. Each ear cup houses one or more drivers. The drivers transform electrical signals into audible sound waves that get “driven” or pushed into your ears.
While each driver is constructed differently, it will usually feature conductors, magnets, and diaphragms.
Types of Headphone Drivers
Earbud drivers are the soul of your earbuds or headphones. Their job is to translate electric signals into audible sounds that you can hear. These small but powerful components are crucial in determining the bass response, audio quality, and general sound signature of earbuds.
The following are common types of earbud drivers:
Dynamic Drivers
These are the most popular types of earbud drivers in use today. They’re celebrated for their flexibility and unmatched ability to produce a broad range of frequencies, each having a rich, impactful bass.
These drivers operate based on the concept of electromagnetism. Their key components include a magnet and a voice coil connected to a diaphragm. When the electrical energy produced by audio signals passes through the coil, it helps produce a magnetic field. This field then works with the permanent lodestone, triggering the diaphragm to budge and produce sound waves.
How Dynamic Drivers Work
Their operation is grounded on the concept of electromagnetism. The voice coil connected to the diaphragm is positioned within a magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet. As the audio signals go through the voice coil, it begins to move because of the electromagnetic exchange between the magnetic field and the coil’s current. The motion causes the diaphragm to shake, driving air particles to generate sound waves.
Key Features of the Dynamic Drivers
- These drivers are present in all types of headphones including budget and high-end pairs.
- Dynamic drivers have a solid bass response delivering a high-quality sound that makes your music come alive.
Balanced Armature Drivers
These drivers tend to have a smaller size compared to the much larger dynamic drivers and are typically used in in-ear monitors. These drivers consist of an armature that has been balanced between magnets placed inside a coil.
The armature vibrates as the electric signals pass through it. These vibrations are responsible for moving the air sitting between the magnets to create sound. Their design allows for exceptional sound volume control.
How Balanced Armature Drivers Work
The balanced armature drivers have an exceptionally tuned process with an armature that has been connected to a diaphragm and balanced between two magnets. The audio signals driven by the voice coil help move the armature while vibrating the diaphragm to create sound.
These drivers excel in delivering detailed highs. Their compact, yet powerful nature provides excellent isolation and sound quality, making them ideal for use in in-ear monitors. Multiple balanced armature drivers can be used to deliver broader sound coverage.
Key Features of the Balanced Armature Drivers
- Commonly found in hearing aids and in-ear monitors providing unmatched sound isolation.
- Superior audio quality with elaborate highs.
Planar Magnetic Drivers
The planar magnetic drivers have a thin, flat membrane that has been suspended between a pair of magnets. The complete surface of this membrane is enclosed in conductive traces or wires. As the audio signals go through these cables, they generate a magnetic field that moves the flat membrane, helping produce sound.
How Planar Magnetic Drivers Work
These drivers have a special design that includes a delicate diaphragm enclosed with conductive wires. The diaphragm sits between an array of magnets. Their setup ensures precise sound characterized by a wide frequency range. The fact that they have minimal distortion makes them a hit with many audiophiles.
Key Features of the Planar Magnetic Drivers
- Suited for high-fidelity enthusiasts and discerning listeners.
- Impeccable sound fidelity with very little distortion.
Common Types of Headphones and The Drivers They Use
Earbuds are a category of electronics having two very diverse types of users. On one end, you have individuals who will settle for “decent” sound for their music, podcasts, phone calls, and videos. On the other, you have audiophiles and enthusiasts that demand the best sound.
In this section, we will take you through the three common types of headphones:
In-Ear Headphones/Earbuds
In-ear headphones/earbuds are the type that many people know and are probably the set you use when listening to music. These headphones rose to prominence along with the early version of MP3 players. They soon went mainstream as manufacturers made them a default pack-in item, shipping them with almost every smartphone model.
A good example of in-ear headphones/earbuds is the TOZO Golden X1. These wireless earbuds use a combination of a customized Knowles balanced armature driver and a 12mm dynamic driver. This combination helps deliver a Hi-Fi level music listening experience.
Open-Ear Headphones/Earbuds
Many of the earbuds in use today have an in-ear design, meaning they get to sit inside your ear. These headphones typically use silicone tips to help seal off the ear canal, making sure that the music remains inside and that no other noise makes it inside.
Great examples of open-ear headphones/earbuds include the TOZO OpenBuds and TOZO OpenReal. Both pairs have a 14.2mm large dynamic driver, helping deliver clear sound with powerful bass.
Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones such as the TOZO HT2 are designed with large cups that form a tight seal around each ear. These headphones have several distinct advantages. For example, their sheer size means they can accommodate 40mm dynamic driver units, delivering a deeper bass and a more expansive soundstage.
FAQs About Headphone Drivers
Can you mix different driver types in a single headphone?
Yes. Hybrid earbuds blend several types of drivers. Typically, they include balanced armature and dynamic drivers within a single earpiece. These earbuds can deliver a customizable sound signature capable of matching diverse listening tastes.
How can you maintain the performance of the headphone drivers?
To maintain the performance of these drivers, it’s recommended that you don’t blast the volume too high. Blasting the volume too high will cause the drivers to blow out, leading to distortion.
Can headphone drivers be repaired or replaced?
Yes, they can be repaired or replaced. The earbud drivers for many models can be replaced if they fail. However, note that their parts aren’t always easy to come by, which may make the process lengthy.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a brief tour through the most popular types of earbud drivers, each having its own charm and flavor. When all is said and done, you must remember that music is a personal experience. Investing in a good set of earbuds can elevate your listening experience, transforming everyday songs into memories that stay with you long after the tune fades away.
Therefore, take your time and explore the options available.
