Modern manufacturers offer a variety of types of headphones that 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 to consider when choosing them?
Design features
Any type 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. On-ear headphones have another 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:
- Classic. 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 temples do not need to be adjusted, as it is enough to move the cups themselves.
- At the back of the head. Some types of headphones are equipped with an elastic headband,which connects the cups, only does it at the back of the head. This design transfers mechanical stress to the ears, so it is important to focus on the weight of the cups themselves when choosing.
- Mounting on the ears. Headphones of this model are attached to the ears with clips or ear hooks.
- No mount. These models are just foam ear pads that are located in the auricle.
How to connect?
Modern manufacturers offer a variety of wired headphones. Their connection types are as follows:
- One-sided.
- Double-sided.
The first option is suitable for on-ear and full-size headphones. They have one wire from the plug, connected 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 the 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,therefore, it is better to choose universal headphones that can support both types of connector.
Installed, 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 monitor headphones are supplemented with circum-aural ear cushions that prevent sound from spreading outward, and in overhead models, supra-aural ear cushions that 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 outside noise will interfere with your 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 improvementsound indicators.
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-Ear: This is the most popular option and most often comes with the device itself. They are cheap, but the sound quality and the level of sound isolation 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, as 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 former are designed to ensure 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 there is pressure on both the head and the auricles. In addition, overhead models are best worn at home. Compact earbuds are suitable for the outdoor version, besides, they are equipped with ear cushions of different sizes. Consider the features of each type of headphones in more detail.
Insert: 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, while 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. Some of the top in-ear headphone brands include Philips, Shure, Sennheiser.
Vacuum: maximum comfort
Vacuum headphones are ideal for everyday use. They attract with lightness, good acoustic characteristics. Thanks to silicone ear pads that sit snugly inear, 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 Sony, AKG, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic brands - while being effective, they attract at an affordable price.
On-ears: great sound
On-ear headphones come in a variety of sizes, but they all offer good sound, comfort and style. 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 people 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. On-ear headphones manufactured by AKG, JBL, Harman Kardon Soho, Denon are popular.
Monitor: best for PC
Different types of computer headphones 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 amateurs.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 distinctive features of monitor headphones include:
- wide stage and large diaphragm diameter for better positioning of different sound sources;
- uniformity and balance of frequencies;
- a lot of resistance, which will make listening to music on weak devices uninteresting, as 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 the Skype program 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 peculiarity is in 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 combination withWireless headphones work with a computer 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.
Stylish and modern Bluetooth wireless headphones for mobile devices, tablets are also appearing, 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.
Games
Computer games have taken over the world, the number of gamers is growing every day. And users have huge requirements for gaming headphones:
- They must convey the full range 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.
- 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.
- Ease of use means you can easily adjust the volume or microphone while playing without interrupting the gameplay.
- The microphone in the headphones must be of high quality - a real gamer simply cannot do without it!
Monster Beats: popular models review
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 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.
Create a flirtatious lookCat-ear headphones 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.
