Sound
The audio format supported by the headphones.
— Stereo. Two-channel sound that allows you to create a surround sound effect to a certain extent (due to the difference in the right and left channels). The design of the headphones (two speakers, one for each ear) was originally “sharpened” specifically for stereo, so the vast majority of models support this particular sound format.
— Mono. Single-channel sound that does not create a surround effect. This marking means that this model is equipped with
one earpiece ; At the same time, there are two types of such devices on the market. The first is headphones that initially have only one cup and are designed for situations where the second ear needs to be left open (for example, to work on the phone in the office). The second is true wireless devices (see Cable Type), sold singly to replace a lost earphone from the original pair.
— 5.1. Originally, 5.1 was designed to create surround sound that can come from any direction ("surround"). It assumes the presence of 5 main channels (centre, front left / right, rear left / right) and one bass. In headphones, the effect of this sound is achieved through the use of several speakers in each cup. Such models are very convenient when watching movies with multi-channel sound, as well as in games — they provide a powerful immersive effect. On the other hand, such headphones are not cheap, and besides, they require a specifi
...c connection method (for example, via USB).
— 5.1 (virtual). Models with support for 5.1 surround sound (see above), in which the surround effect is achieved not due to the number of speakers, but due to special sound processing technologies. This somewhat reduces the accuracy compared to the "non-virtual" multi-channel, but it can significantly reduce the cost and weight of the headphones. However, there can also be several speakers in such models — for example, for separation by frequency.
— 7.1. The 7.1 format is the multi-channel 5.1 described above, supplemented by two more main channels. The localization of these channels depends on the specific variety of 7.1, but anyway they enhance the effect of volume. On the other hand, full support for this format significantly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the headphones, and content with 7.1 sound is produced much less than 5.1.
— 7.1 (virtual). A “virtual” version of the 7.1 format described above, in which the effect of surround sound is provided primarily through special signal processing, and not due to the presence of separate emitters for each channel. Similar to virtual 5.1, this format of operation somewhat reduces the reliability of the sound, but this difference is often imperceptible, and the headphones themselves turn out to be simpler and more inexpensive. Therefore, most modern 7.1 models support the virtual format of this sound.
— 9.1 (virtual). Further development of the idea of multi-channel sound: 5 channels, as in 5.1 (see above), supplemented by 4 more channels for more accurate localization of audible sound. As in other virtual formats, volume in this case is provided by special processing algorithms.
It is worth remembering that the actual sound will depend not only on the headphones, but also on the signal source: for example, a mono recording even in 9.1 “ears” will not become voluminous.
— 3D sound. Surround sound with the localization of sound sources in three-dimensional space allows you to deeply plunge into the atmosphere of films or immerse yourself in a virtual game world. The mechanics of spatial 3D-sound provides localization of sound sources around the listener and in the vertical scan plane. Algorithms for implementing 3D sound in headphones differ in terms of software and hardware support, but all of them are aimed at achieving the effect of realism of what is happening. Surround sound has long been the standard for movies, and in recent years, 3D sound has become increasingly common in games and music tracks.Ear cushion material
For full-size headphones, ear pads are often made of
genuine leather,
leatherette,
textile, velor, leatherette, memory foam, as well as their combined variations. In the caste of in-ear headphones, completely different materials are used - the most common are silicone pads, which gently adapt to the individual structure of the auricle, and as an alternative to them, foam ear pads with a porous structure (so-called “sponges”) are offered. Here are some features of commonly used ear pad materials:
- Textiles. Fabric ear pads are usually found in budget headphone models, but sometimes they are also used in the premium segment. The tactile textile ear pads are pleasant to the touch, and they also allow air to pass through well. In terms of acoustic properties, these are completely neutral materials. Note that such ear pads can be made from various types of fabrics (for example, microfiber).
- Leatherette. Artificial leather substitutes are used in headphones of all price categories. In fact, the properties of this material depend on the specific type of leatherette: ear pads made of conventional eco-leather can have excellent “breathing” qualities, while low-grade leatherette often provokes increased sweating of the ears (especially in the hot season).
- Genuine Leather. Genuine leather is a premium product used in corresponding flagship-level
...headphone models. Thick leather provides proper sound insulation and deep bass response. At the same time, your ears may sweat when using leather ear pads. To avoid increased sweating, the leather is often made perforated.
— Velor. The most delicate material to the touch with excellent sound-absorbing abilities. Velor ear pads provide good noise insulation, and headphones with them do not cause fatigue even after a long stay on the head. However, the material also has disadvantages: it gets dirty easily, attracts dust and pet hair, and wears out quickly.
- Alcantara. Ear pads made of artificial suede, which are as close as possible in properties and tactile sensations to velor products. However, Alcantara is easier to clean from dirt and lasts much longer. Alcantara ear pads are found in top-level headphones.
- Foam rubber. Foam ear pads are the prerogative of budget over-ear headphones. The fact is that this is a short-lived material that often requires replacement due to its low strength. Partially, special impregnations solve the problem, but foam rubber still retains its structure for a relatively short time.
- Fur. Quite a rare type of material for making ear pads. Headphones with characteristic fur ear pads perform a practical function - they warm the listener’s ears during the cold season.In box
Among the equipment, it is worth highlighting
silicone and
polyurethane tips, relevant for in-ear headphones,
additional fixation nozzles and behind-the-
ear arms for better attachment in the ear,
interchangeable ear pads,
additional cable,
dongle,
aircraft adapter,
case / case and
docking station. There are also other accessories. More details about them:
- Silicone tips. Replaceable silicone tips used in in-ear headphones. Usually, several nozzles of different sizes are supplied in the kit, which allows you to adjust the headphones to a specific user. The practical advantages of silicone are softness, durability, general convenience and at the same time low cost.
- Polyurethane nozzles. Replacement tips for in-ear headphones made of foamed polyurethane. This material is somewhat more expensive than silicone, it requires regular cleaning and has a shorter service life - including due to deformation as it wears. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal in terms of acoustics; it is these tips that are considered the best choice for lovers of in-ear “ears” with high-quality sound.
- Ear hooks. Removable devic
...es designed to additionally secure each earpiece to the ear. Note that such devices should not be confused with behind-the-ear mounts (see above). The main difference is that the arms are used exclusively in some models of in-ear headphones and earbuds as an additional option. In other words, you can wear such headphones without a bow, while the behind-the-ear mount is usually made non-removable and, in principle, you can’t do without it.
— Nozzles of additional fixation. Auxiliary caps for a tighter fit of the in-ear headphones. They are used to provide better fixation of headphones during sports or provide additional volume to users with a large auricle.
- Replaceable ear pads. Comes with interchangeable ear tips. In general, the ear pads are the part with which the headphones come into contact with the listener's ears. In full-size and on-ear headphones, they are soft pads on the inside of the cups.
— Case (case) / cover. Covers are usually called soft rag bags, they protect the "ears" mainly from pollution and take up a minimum of space. Cases are made of hard materials, they are a little more bulky, but they protect well from shock, pressure and contact with sharp objects. In any case, the complete case or case is optimally suited for the headphones and is more convenient than an impromptu protective casing.
- Charging case. Case - a case made of hard material - simultaneously playing the role of a charger. This feature is very popular on true wireless models (see "Cable Type"). The charging case usually has its own battery and the headphones are already charged from this battery; this design provides additional convenience in several moments at once. Firstly, the case, in fact, also performs the function of a power bank - an autonomous power source; the capacity of such a “power bank” may be different, but it is usually enough for several full charges of the “ears” (for more details, see “Capacity of the case”). Secondly, the ability to charge the headphones directly in the case reduces the risk of losing them. Thirdly, the charging procedure itself is quite convenient - just connect the cable to the case.
- Dock station. Stationary stand with the possibility of placing headphones and contacts for charging them. Also, docking stations are often used to transfer the sound track to headphones - they are connected directly to the sound source via a wire, and the sound is transmitted to the ears wirelessly within a certain radius of action.
— Clip for carrying. A clip designed to fasten the wire to a pocket, collar, lapel of clothing, etc. It provides additional convenience: thanks to the clip, the wire does not hang out, the likelihood of touching it with careless movement or catching on the surrounding object is reduced.
- Additional cable. An additional cable provided in addition to the main one may have different features and specializations. So, complete cables can vary in length, connector type, wire type, additional equipment (microphone, volume control), etc. These details should be specified separately in each case. Here, we note that almost all headphones with this configuration have a detachable cable (it makes sense to supplement a non-detachable wire with an extension cable, and it is considered a separate accessory - see below).
- Extension. A type of additional cable designed solely to increase the overall length of the wire. Due to the extension cord, you can adjust the headphones to the specifics of the situation: for example, “build up” the cable if you need to switch from a laptop to a TV or a stationary audio system.
— Airplane adapter. Dedicated headphone adapter for use with modern airliner entertainment systems. In such systems, a special way of connecting headphones is used - through two 3.5 mm jacks (and we are talking about classic "ears", without a microphone). Models with a traditional single 3.5 mm plug can only be connected to this output through an adapter; such adapters may initially be included in the delivery.
- Windproof microphone. Devices in the form of a foam rubber or "shaggy" lining on the headphone microphone capsule. Cut off unnecessary ambient noise and minimize the effect of direct exposure to air currents on the microphone, which can cause interference in speech transmission.
— Dongle. The dongle is used to simplify the organization of connecting wireless headphones to other devices. In fact, this is a radio transmitter (less often a Bluetooth transmitter) that non-contactly broadcasts sound to headphones from a connected device.
This list is not exhaustive and may include other optional items.
