Planar Magnetic Speakers
Planar magnetic speakers utilize a flat diaphragm that converts an electrical signal into sound. They are well-known for their precision and clarity, as well as low distortion. They are able to handle a wide range of frequencies, making them easy to hear.
Dynamic drivers have more massive and stiff diaphragms than the ultra-light and thin ones used in planar magnetic speakers. This hinders their ability for them to move and accelerate rapidly which can result in distortion of sound.
They are simple to construct
Many people believe that building planar magnet speakers is a challenge. However, they are very simple to build. The trick is to follow the directions and build a well-engineered speaker. The result will be an excellent audio system that is able to compete with any available model. In addition to being easy to build, planar magnetic speakers also offer better sound quality than traditional dynamic drivers. They offer superior detail as well as a larger dynamic range, and a more controlled directivity that all help to create an immersive listening experience.
Planar magnetic speakers emit extremely directional, flat waves, unlike conventional loudspeakers that project sound in circular wavefronts. This gives them the ability to reproduce sound at extremely low frequencies, which would be difficult for standard speakers to do. Their extremely precise imaging brings music to life, making standard speakers sound slow in comparison.
To create a sound wave, a planar magnetic driver utilizes a thin film of metal suspended between two stationary conductive panels. The audio signal is carried by a current through the panel, which rapidly switches between positive and negative. The negative end of the panel is drawn toward the magnetic array, which moves it back and forth to vibrate the diaphragm. The result is a wide sound field with minimal distortion and excellent dynamic response.
One of the most significant elements in a planar magnet speaker's performance is its maximum excursion, or how the speaker can travel before it starts to distort. It is typically measured at a specific frequency and at an output level. If you'd like to hear the 20-Hz bass, you'll require speakers with an excursion of around 1 mm.
A reliable planar magnet driver must be able to keep the integrity of its structure while experiencing high excursion. It should be able to disperse heat effectively and handle a large amount of power. To achieve these goals the voice coil of the speaker must be sufficiently thick and wide. Additionally, the voice coil must be wrapped with a conductive material that can conduct electricity.
They effectively disperse heat
This is an essential aspect of any speaker. The voicecoil is in close contact with the magnet array and has a very high flux density across the gap. Heat is generated by the voicecoil, and it must be eliminated to avoid damage and distortion. The voicecoil has two methods to get rid of heat: convection and radiation. Radiation is the preferred method as it doesn't have the pumping effects of the cone movement, however, it must be executed with care and the design has to be able to handle the power being applied.
The first step is to make sure that the distance between the voicecoil and the array is a minimum of 1 millimeter. This is critical, as the gap can cause quite a bit of distortion if it's larger than this. The gap should be large enough to allow the voicecoil's movement without hitting the rearplate. The wide gap designs that are popular with manufacturers are inefficient, and only work at low frequencies.
A great way to test the gap is to place a magnet on the gap and test the resistance between the magnet and the voicecoil. The greater resistance, the less heat is dissipated, and the more likely it is to distort. The lower the resistance, the more efficient and distortion-free the speaker will be.
Planar magnetic speakers can reproduce the upper octaves precisely, but are not able to reproduce lower frequencies due to the large diaphragm needed. A majority of planar magnetic speakers include an woofer and a tweeter. This allows them cover more frequencies with less distortion.
Planar magnetic drivers are well-known for their low distortion and high bass. The dipole design means that the drivers emit equal amounts of energy in both directions with an inverted phase. This is a significant advantage over traditional drivers that can be subject to mechanical distortion and strong Q resonances.
They can handle a lot of power
Many people are worried that planar magnetic speakers won't be capable of handling the power they need, but the truth is that they can. This is because the "voice coil" is spread over a larger area than in a conventional dynamic driver, which means that it can dissipate heat more efficiently. The diaphragm is thin and light, also assists in reducing distortion.
It is important to remember that an acoustic speaker planar must be driven by a lot of power in order to provide excellent sound. They aren't able to disperse energy as a conventional speaker, so they can be sensitive to how the room is installed. Furthermore, they are direction-specific, which means listening from a few degrees off-axis can cause the perceived volume of the sound dropping dramatically.
Inefficiency is another reason that allows them to handle large amounts of power. They have a lower impedance which means they require more power to reach the same amount. Additionally, they are prone to magnetic saturation, which can cause them to distort.
A great way to test the ability of a planar magnetic speaker to take on lots of power is to measure its maximum excursion. This is the most distance that the diaphragm will move before it begins to distort when it hits the magnet array. The most effective planar magnetic speakers can reach the distance of around 1 millimeter before the distorting process begins.
Planar magnetic speakers also have a wider range of frequencies than cone drivers. This can be beneficial in certain circumstances. They can reproduce a greater amount of frequencies, which could enhance the quality of music and sound effects. planar magnetic vs dynamic headphones makes it easier to distinguish between different instruments and vocals in a song.
The best planar speakers are able to reproduce a wide range of frequencies, including bass frequencies. This is an excellent benefit for people who want to listen to music in various environments. They can be more expensive than standard loudspeakers, but they offer an experience that is unique and immersive. They're also a great choice for home theater systems.
The direction of the arrow is important
When an electrical signal is applied to the conductive trace patterns, the magnetic field creates diaphragm movement that generates sound waves. The movement is more precise and controlled compared to conventional cone drivers. This enables an improved frequency response. This allows planar speakers to produce more clarity and detail the music.
These diaphragms with flat sides are available in two different designs: dipole (radiating in both directions, like electrostatics and Maggies) or monopole (radiating only in one direction, much like traditional dynamic speakers). This flexibility lets designers select from a range of options when designing wall or built-in loudspeakers. They can offer outstanding performance at a reasonable price.
The diaphragm in a planar magnetic driver is typically composed of an ultra-thin and light polymer that is coated with a circuit of copper which conducts electricity. The diaphragm with a metal-laced coating is surrounded by an array of magnets that are arranged in bars with a wide spacing. These arrays of magnetic bars create an extremely strong magnetic field that can attract and disperse air particles within the diaphragm. The magnetic fields also aid to disperse heat away from the speaker without creating any strain to the voice coil.
Planar magnetic speakers are more sensitive than cone speakers and are able to handle more power without overheating. They also have a lower impedance, meaning they require less amplification to reach the same levels of listening. They are able to reproduce a wide range of frequencies including bass and highs. They are often enhanced with subwoofers with boxed enclosures, which are able to reproduce low frequency sounds with greater precision.
The relatively poor damping of single-ended planear magnet loudspeakers is one of the disadvantages. This can cause high-Q resonances in the low frequency range of the speaker's response, which can cause a coloration of the sound. The solution is a hybrid design, that combines the benefits of dipole and planar technology.
One of the most crucial elements that determine the performance of a planar magnetic speaker is proper positioning in a room. A variety of sound characteristics are affected by this, including the bass response, imaging, and soundstage depth and width. Toe-in can negatively affect the midrange and the higher frequencies. In the ideal scenario, the speaker should be located at the point where the central image is at its thinnest.