Planar Magnetic Technology in Headphones: What’s the Deal? @Audeze
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This post was created in partnership with Audeze. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!
You might have heard about ‘planar magnetic headphones' that have made waves across the globe because of their uniqueness. Even though they are gaining popularity, many people stick to standard headphones which is a shame.
Still, there are wired headphones brands that you can find on MusicCritic that are cheaper but durable and can provide quality sound. You can check out their unbiased reviews if you're looking for a buying guide on the best headphones in the market today.
However, if you want a more natural and clear sound, planar magnetic headphones are the way to go. They give you an excellent bass experience too and are enriched with all the modern-day tech features you crave.
To learn more about planar magnetic technology, let's get along with the article and discuss the features that make it different from regular headphones.
Planar Magnetic vs. Dynamic Driver Headphones
Did you know headphone speakers are powered by electromagnets? This is true for both planar magnetic headphones as well as standard versions, with a few differences.
Typical headphones feature a cone or dome-like diaphragm whereas planar magnetic headphones have a flat diaphragm as the name suggests. It's the diaphragm that moves between the magnets causing sound.
In planar magnetic headphones, there's a thin, flexible, electrostatic material suspended between the magnets. The tiny wires within the film vibrate and create noise when a current is passed through it.
Plus, they also have a fixed conductor on the diaphragm that permits it to react to the magnetic field more efficiently.
Due to the flat design, the planar magnetic headphone cups generally have a larger circumference than dynamic headphones but are thinner.
2- Bass Difference
In the past planar magnetic headphones were thought to have better bass than other headphones but that is no longer the case. Nowadays, a lot of people prefer dynamic headphones for bass because they can get that loud punch sound they want.
Audeze Mobius Headphones
Audeze Mobius Headphones boast such technology. With its 3D audio, room emulation, and head-tracking, the sound moves with you giving you a more in-person experience.
Sort of like the difference of being at a concert versus listening to the CD.
Mobius allows you to feel like your right in the middle of the action with danger all around you. It's truly a next-level experience that's great for music and movies too!
You also have the option of downloading the Audeze HQ Gaming App so you can set parameters and create sound profiles. However, our favorite part of the app is the head gesture keybindings.
It allows you to take advantage of hand free buttons using only the motion of your head. We love that this can allow those that are physically disabled to take part in video gaming with ease.
These headphones are nice and sleek looking too. We much prefer this as it allows us to use these headphones on the go too.
Whereas some gaming headphones feel like they were dropped out of an alien spaceship onto your head. A look that's only suitable for gaming but with Mobius we can wear them anywhere and not look like we command a spaceship.
Despite us being spoiled by Bose and their comfort level, Mobius has a good range of movement for your head and offers a decent amount of long-term comfort.
The mic is flexible and again allows for on-the-go capability too by being detectable.
You can connect Mobius to your devices with wired and non-wired options. They work with our Xbox and PS4—my son couldn't be happier!
Pros of Planar Magnetic drivers
Let's proceed to the advantages/pros of the Planar magnetic driver that makes them amazing. The pros include:
Faster response times
More controlled sound
Resistant to audio distortion
Even, clear, and more natural sound without amplifiers
Clean sounding bass
Cons of Planar Magnetic drivers
Though they are considered one of the highly recommended headphones of the modern world, there are a few cons/disadvantages that need to be considered before buying them. The Disadvantages include:
They are considered a bit heavy and bulky as compared to standard or in-ear Headphones.
Pricey. With modern innovations and functions, you can't expect them to be cheap.
Bass does not pack a punch
Do you prefer clear sound or do value a bass slam during a listening experience?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
It alarms me when my kids have headphones on and I can still hear what they are listening to, because the volume is high.These seem to be ideal to control the volume.It’s a plus that they can be used on various devices.
In a gaming audio headset I’m looking for clear, seemingly unaltered sound. I don’t want background noise, I don’t want echoing from other players, or lag.
I look for good high quality audio quality and a good microphone. Some previous headphones I’ve had has made my voice sound… very off putting than any other ones, lol. So, that’s usually a big must for me when I shop for new headsets.
These look like amazing headphones!! When listening to music, I love headphones with a rich bass. When gaming I would love to have headphones that help me track small details like footsteps and where they are coming from!
What I look for most in headphones is clear highs and punchy bass. The other concern is of course comfort, have to be comfortable if you’re planning on wearing them for a long time!
Wow these seem awesome. I look for headphones that always have these qualities and are are helpful for gaming. I also love the 3D feature and how it seems high quality.
When it comes to headphones, I look for a clean and crisp sound. Also look for a bass sound that is not distorted, some times bass can be very loud and sound like someone pounding a drum. Also something that is lightweight and not hard on the ears.
The two most important things I look for in headphones is the sound quality and play time between charges. I also look at reviews to see how people rate the comfort because if they are too tight they can give you a headache or too lose and they fall off constantly.
I love clarity in head phone so I can hear the music I’m listening to clearly. They have to be balance not so much bass that i cant hear everything else.
I love my headphones to fit me properly, to be snug on my ears without hurting them. It should have clear sound, maybe even to cancel out what is happening around me but not too much so I can hear anything important. It should not rip or break within the first year. These headphones sound great!
What I look for most in purchasing a pair of headphones are quality, brand and price. These headphones sound so amazing and I would freak out if I won these thank you for the chance.
When I look at headphones, I make sure that they’re comfortable to wear as well as noise-cancelling. I love to escape to another world when I listen to music!
The two major qualities I look for in headphones are clear sound and comfort.I sometimes fall asleep easier with nature sounds, music, or movies on my phone or laptop, therefore I count on comfort the most.
If you sleep with your headphones than comfort is even more important. I don’t think I could sleep with any regular headphones but they make specific ones for sleeping which I maybe could. Have you seen (aff link) these? We enjoy them too.
If you are looking for gaming headphones look no further than Audeze. My son has also been using these for his remote classes too and they have done great.
I look for great sound quality first and foremost. Second- I look for comfort. The headphones have to be comfortable and fit well. If they slip off or are too tight and constricting- then they’ll end up unused in the closet. These headphones sound awesome for sure.
I make sure it is clear and I can hear it okay. I need to be able to hear the bass and feel it to be good with the headphones. They also need to be comfortable for me to wear.
I rock to a bunch of awesome music. I also love to have it crystal clean and hear the different sounds. I hate when headphones hurt the ears after wearing them, so hope this one is awesome!
Two most important features that I always look for in a headphone set is comfort and sound quality. Part of sound quality for me is being able to block outside noise. And comfort is crucial as I have gotten headaches from certain headphones before due to discomfort.
I usually look for comfortability in my headphones, but as far as sound goes, I have to hear good bass! There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing something that sounds flat and one dimensional. No thank you! My poor headphones are on their last legs. Thank you for the great review!
These are very nice looking headphones. I think my son would love them as he is an avid gamer. I know that the quality of the microphone is very important to him and comfort.
I’m sorry to hear that. My husband got hearing aids not too long ago and you play music through them as well. They connect to your phone and everything.
These sound so nice. We love great clear sound. Bass is really important especially for my grandchildren. We don’t mind a little more expense if they are what they claim to be. Thank you so much for sharing
These headphones hit all of the points needed for an exceptional headphone experience. I like to be able to control as many options as possible. In addition, as I sometimes like to listen at a louder volume, I like that is no distortion when you turn up the volume. Thanks for the super giveaway opportunity.
Dependability is the most important thing. I can’t count how many earphones and earbuds my kids have gone through! SOunds is also, of course, a top concern.
I am an aspiring music producer and I often have to work with sound in headphones with a laptop and smartphone. Therefore, the sound quality is very important for me (especially clear, non-dulled bass) also I need as little stress on the ear and overall comfort as possible.
I’m a southern gospel singer, and I wear these for a long time, sometimes to just hear beats and lyrics. I get ear exhaustion, so what I look for is comfort for long term use, plus enhanced sound.
I look for two things in sound quality for my headphones – the first one is a headphone that can block out outside noise well. The second is a headphone that has very clear audio – no static or muffled audio.
As far as gaming headphones, the lack of static or echos is important. No disturbance in sound when you move around. Plus noise cancellation would be good.
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I am going to have to check these out. We are in the market for a new set of gaming headphones, my son uses them for pc gaming.
These headphones are worth looking into. My son uses them for gaming and virtual school
My family prefer the over the ear headphones like this. I dont know much about different ones but my son does and he says these are great.
I agree with you – we prefer over the head earphones too!
It alarms me when my kids have headphones on and I can still hear what they are listening to, because the volume is high.These seem to be ideal to control the volume.It’s a plus that they can be used on various devices.
Yeah if you can hear what they hear their volume is definitely too loud
I look for a pair of headphones that are comfortable for hours and lightweight. They also must have great sound quality that blocks out other sounds.
Yes – all great features to look for in headphones!
I want headphones that make me feel surrounded. I also would like them to fit snug so no one else has to hear.
These headphones def make you feel like you are in the word you are listening to!
I love clarity in head phone so I can hear the music I’m listening to
2 things I look for in headphones is the quality and reasonable price
Do you currently use headphones often?
I look for sound quality and noise cancelling features. I also need headphones that are comfortable and not too tight.
What headphone brand is currently your favorite?
Cant wait to try them .always looking for a pair that are comfortable for hours of raiding and have great sound quality.
Ohhh, raiding…what game do you play??
In a gaming audio headset I’m looking for clear, seemingly unaltered sound. I don’t want background noise, I don’t want echoing from other players, or lag.
Echoing from other players is annoying! What game do you play with headphones?
I look for good high quality audio quality and a good microphone. Some previous headphones I’ve had has made my voice sound… very off putting than any other ones, lol. So, that’s usually a big must for me when I shop for new headsets.
Did the other headphones make your voice high pitch?
I look for high sound quality. I also want the mic to be sensitive enough to pick up my quiet voice!
I feel you – I have a soft voice too and people often can’t hear me
I don’t require much of headphones….just no static or feedback…oh, and they have to fit right! Thanks and God Bless!
What headphones do you currently like?
i much prefer headphones over earplugs. looks like a nice one!
I do too! In-ear headphones hurt my ears.
These look like amazing headphones!! When listening to music, I love headphones with a rich bass. When gaming I would love to have headphones that help me track small details like footsteps and where they are coming from!
These would be the headphones for you then! They make you feel like you are in that world.
I want crystal clear sound with no background noise.
Something that is a must in headphones!
I do like a natural and clear sound in headphones. I also like noise cancellation and good fit.
Do you have a favorite headphone brand?
What I look for most in headphones is clear highs and punchy bass. The other concern is of course comfort, have to be comfortable if you’re planning on wearing them for a long time!
Agreed – headphones have to be comfortable!
Wow these seem awesome. I look for headphones that always have these qualities and are are helpful for gaming. I also love the 3D feature and how it seems high quality.
Do you play video games often with headphones?
These look like they would be great for music. I need something that will fit my kids’ ears and think these could work.
How old are your kids? If your kids are extremely small these headphones might not work.
I want my headphones to have good, clear sound and block out any outside noise.
Those are all good features to look for in headphones. Have you found any that meet your expectations?
I look for comfort, depth, user friendly aspects.
What user-friendly aspects do you look for in headphones?
i look for the sound quality, noice cancellation and general features
Noise cancellation is a must for us with headphones as they are used to work from home
When it comes to headphones, I look for a clean and crisp sound. Also look for a bass sound that is not distorted, some times bass can be very loud and sound like someone pounding a drum. Also something that is lightweight and not hard on the ears.
Sounds like you know your headphones. What’s your favorite brand so far?
It’s always a good sign when headphones are good for gaming. I also like the technology and companies that contributed to making them.
Yes, gaming headphones often have more features and customizations than regular headphones
I would use these!
Great headset with best features and some good BASS
I love good bass in headphones
It’s all about the bass! These sound great!
Bass is very important in headphones!
I look for clear sound in my headphones. I also prefer over the ear and a comfortable lightweight feel to my sound device.
Over the head headphones are more comfortable I think
The two most important things I look for in headphones is the sound quality and play time between charges. I also look at reviews to see how people rate the comfort because if they are too tight they can give you a headache or too lose and they fall off constantly.
Charge time is important. You want to be able to actually use your headphones not just constantly charging them
I love clarity in head phone so I can hear the music I’m listening to clearly. They have to be balance not so much bass that i cant hear everything else.
Agree – too much bass can be bad. The right balance is key in headphones
I love my headphones to fit me properly, to be snug on my ears without hurting them. It should have clear sound, maybe even to cancel out what is happening around me but not too much so I can hear anything important. It should not rip or break within the first year. These headphones sound great!
Good quality headphones shouldn’t break within a year as long as you are taking care of them
Price is important, sound quality of course but also not too heavy.
Price is an important factor when purchasing anything even headphones. Quality and affordability have to find a middle ground.
These are great. I love the clear sound of these head phones. I like also where it is hands free.
Audeze headphones allows you to take advantage of hand free buttons using only the motion of your head. It’s very cool!
I look for clear natural sound. I want to be able to listen to my music without static or distortion.
Yes, agree – static and distortion is a no go in headphones
I like clear high tones and great bass. I also like microphones that work well.
Microphones are becoming more popular in headphones especially with more people working at home these days
i like good sound quality and a resonable price, thanks much!!
Both important features in headphones!
I have been trying to find a good headphone. This sounds like a good technology.
These headphones are amazing. You should give them a shot.
I’m not sure really I like something that has good bass. I think that is just the type of music that I like. Can I feel it?
I feel you. I think good bass is important when watching a movie in a home theater. I love feeling it.
i will be the best f*****g look guy in this headphones. i look similar to mr beast in the headphones.
Wow – you need to get these headphones and post a picture. I would love to see you in them 😉
What I look for most in purchasing a pair of headphones are quality, brand and price. These headphones sound so amazing and I would freak out if I won these thank you for the chance.
Audeze does make amazing headphones. Do you currently have a favorite headphone brand?
I look for headphones that are clear and also that is comfy to wear
Do you currently have any favorite headphones?
I like a deep bass with good sound in my headphones. I prefer over the ear because ear buds drive me nuts.
Earbuds cause my ears too hurt too. Over the head headphones are much more comfortable.
As far as I know, planar magnetic headphones cause less hearing fatigue. And they sound great. It is very likely that this is what I need.
SO true! Planar magnetic headphones are amazing!!
When I look at headphones, I make sure that they’re comfortable to wear as well as noise-cancelling. I love to escape to another world when I listen to music!
Headphones are great for listening to music. What’s your favorite music genre?
I look for headphones that are comfortable for my ears. I also want ones that reduce noise and have adjustable volume.
All must-have features in good headphones!
The two major qualities I look for in headphones are clear sound and comfort.I sometimes fall asleep easier with nature sounds, music, or movies on my phone or laptop, therefore I count on comfort the most.
If you sleep with your headphones than comfort is even more important. I don’t think I could sleep with any regular headphones but they make specific ones for sleeping which I maybe could. Have you seen (aff link) these? We enjoy them too.
Looking for a good headset for my sons gaming
If you are looking for gaming headphones look no further than Audeze. My son has also been using these for his remote classes too and they have done great.
I like noise cancelling headphones. I think everyone can agree that the sound needs to be clear without any static or feedback.
Yes, totally agree with those points. Noise-canceling is a must too if you don’t want the sound mixing with background noises.
I like a head set with crystal clear sound. Too much background noise is distracting. 🙂
Background noise is annoying. Sound cancelation is a must in headphones.
I like deep bass when listening to music and love the option to go wired or wireless and multiple hookup choices.
You’ll love these Audeze headphones then. You can connect them in multiple ways.
SOUND QUALITY IS NUMBER ONE. THE TWO NEXT ARE PRICE AND COMFORT
Yes, sound quality should come first when it comes to headphones. You can weed your way down from there.
2 things I look for in headphones is the quality and reasonable price
Well, these headphones have amazing quality but is a bit expensive.
Very interesting about the differences in headphone designs. I was not aware of this. This pair seems like it would be very good for music.
They are excellent headphones for gaming and music.
I look for realistic surround in headphones. Clarity is also very important to me! 🙂
These headphones would be perfect for you then!
I look for great sound quality first and foremost. Second- I look for comfort. The headphones have to be comfortable and fit well. If they slip off or are too tight and constricting- then they’ll end up unused in the closet. These headphones sound awesome for sure.
Yes, headphones have to be comfortable to wear too!
I look for clear communications with my teammates. A decent amount of bass is also nice. These look like great headphones.
These headphones work very well in chat!
I make sure it is clear and I can hear it okay. I need to be able to hear the bass and feel it to be good with the headphones. They also need to be comfortable for me to wear.
These headphones have good bass, just not always that boom some people look for.
I look for headphones that provide a clear crisp sound and noise cancelling capabilities.
Noise-canceling is a must for headphones used for working at home
I rock to a bunch of awesome music. I also love to have it crystal clean and hear the different sounds. I hate when headphones hurt the ears after wearing them, so hope this one is awesome!
These headphones are comfortable but we think Bose are a little more so
i look for tight fit and comfy fit first n foremost in earphones. then i also look for great bass sounds with out reverb.
Sounds like you know what you want in your headphones
Two most important features that I always look for in a headphone set is comfort and sound quality. Part of sound quality for me is being able to block outside noise. And comfort is crucial as I have gotten headaches from certain headphones before due to discomfort.
We can’t stand headphones that hurt either
I usually look for comfortability in my headphones, but as far as sound goes, I have to hear good bass! There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing something that sounds flat and one dimensional. No thank you! My poor headphones are on their last legs. Thank you for the great review!
Bass is very important in headphones. A good sound oomph is always at must.
These are very nice looking headphones. I think my son would love them as he is an avid gamer. I know that the quality of the microphone is very important to him and comfort.
Sounds like your son would love these headphones! My son is a fan.
I am going deaf and sound quality is lost on me. But I do pick up bass well. I need to look into these headphones!
I’m sorry to hear that. My husband got hearing aids not too long ago and you play music through them as well. They connect to your phone and everything.
I look for good quality sound. I want something comfortable.
Yes! All headphones should at least have those features.
I always look for comfort in my headphones. I also look for the weight. I don’t like them to feel heavy.
I agree that light headphones are typically more comfortable
I look for comfort in headphones. I also look for clarity, and a loud volume.
Clarity is important in headphones. You want to understand what is being said.
I look for comfort for my head/ears and bluetooth enabled.
I love that these Audeze headphones have multiple ways to connect to them
It’s a very nice headset. I hope I win.
Great headset with best features
Ha – Yes!!
These sound so nice. We love great clear sound. Bass is really important especially for my grandchildren. We don’t mind a little more expense if they are what they claim to be. Thank you so much for sharing
Price and quality really do go together especially with headphones
In a headphone what I always look for is good bass,build quality and battery life.
Totally look for all those things in headphones too!
These headphones hit all of the points needed for an exceptional headphone experience. I like to be able to control as many options as possible. In addition, as I sometimes like to listen at a louder volume, I like that is no distortion when you turn up the volume. Thanks for the super giveaway opportunity.
With these headphones, you can control so much since they hook up to an app on the computer
Dependability is the most important thing. I can’t count how many earphones and earbuds my kids have gone through! SOunds is also, of course, a top concern.
Did your old headphones just stop working? Kids can be so hard on things.
I look for clean highs. I have to have clean highs or I can’t hear anything. Also look for no static. That can be a major annoyance.
Totally agree – static can be super annoying when listening to things with headphones.
I always look for headphones that are comfortable to wear. I also make sure the sound quality is good and blocks out noise.
All a must for great headphones. Audeze works perfectly!
I am an aspiring music producer and I often have to work with sound in headphones with a laptop and smartphone. Therefore, the sound quality is very important for me (especially clear, non-dulled bass) also I need as little stress on the ear and overall comfort as possible.
Sounds like you would love these Audeze headphones. They should give you the features you need for your work.
yep, I think you are right
These look like amazing headphones. I agree with both the need and desire for Bass and gaming capacity.
Are you a gamer? These headphones were made for just that.
I’m a southern gospel singer, and I wear these for a long time, sometimes to just hear beats and lyrics. I get ear exhaustion, so what I look for is comfort for long term use, plus enhanced sound.
Comfort in headphones is so important especially when you will be wearing them a long time
Looking for headphones that have solid bass while not impacting clarity. Also comfort and long lasting charge.
Those are all important features of headphones. Sounds like you would enjoy Audeze!
I look for two things in sound quality for my headphones – the first one is a headphone that can block out outside noise well. The second is a headphone that has very clear audio – no static or muffled audio.
Cant wait to try them .always looking for a pair that are comfortable for hours of raiding and have great sound quality.
I look for crisp clear sound. I want headphones that block out other sounds.
As far as gaming headphones, the lack of static or echos is important. No disturbance in sound when you move around. Plus noise cancellation would be good.
What a amazing headset!!!
I like the sound to be able to be adjusted easily. I also like a nice full sound with good bass.
It’s interesting technology. I like clear sound for TV shows.
These sound like great headphones. I prefer a sound where the bass is not emphasized by the headphone or speaker.