Monitor headphones are used by professional musicians. Sometimes they find application at home, but the main purpose of models of this type is to control the sound, listen to recordings and mix tracks in recording studios. As a rule, such headphones have a high degree of noise isolation and carefully selected electro-acoustic characteristics (sometimes intended for specific, highly specialized purposes).
Acoustic design
According to the type of acoustic design, monitor headphones are divided into closed, open and half-open.
Closed headphones have the highest possible sound insulation. This option is ideal for recording vocals in the studio. There is a small minus: when the ear pads are loose, models of this type decrease the quality of low-frequency reproduction. Therefore, the pressure on the headband of such headphones is much higher than that of open ones.
Open headphones do not create pressure on the inner ear, therefore, are more comfortable to use. The sound in such models is more natural and transparent, however, people around you can hear it, and in a professional studio, you can catch sound recording equipment.
The semi-open type of headphones provides good sound insulation, while maintaining the positive properties of open-type models. However, there is an opinion that this compromise design option is just a marketing move aimed at increasing the number of customers. The fact is that all open-type headphones are half open. Only the degree of acoustic load plays a role.
Frequency response (AFC)
Frequency response is one of the most important parameters when choosing a monitor headphone. The human ear is capable of picking up sounds from 20 to 20,000 Hz. If the frequency range between these two digits is indicated on the product packaging, then the user will not hear something. At an excessively low rate, the sound in the headphones will gain a noticeable hiss and a metallic tint at very high or very low frequencies. The best headphones have a wide frequency range and a high linearity response.
The fact is that not one device in the world is capable of reproducing sounds of different frequencies with the same volume. The difference can be up to 20 dB or more. However, monitor headphones should have the lowest possible linearity of the frequency response, 1 dB or less. In addition, for models intended for professional use in studios, there is the concept of discreteness in frequency response. This means that all instruments recorded in a reproduced musical composition should sound separately in the headphones, mixing as little as possible.
Sensitivity
Is there any need to explain that the best monitor headphones should have high sensitivity? The volume of the reproduced sound in the device depends on this parameter. At a sensitivity of less than 100 dB, the model will sound too quiet. This parameter is also affected by the material from which the cores in the products are made. The best monitor headphones are equipped with neodymium magnets. In addition, the sound size is affected by the size of the membrane in the device, its diameter must be at least 30 mm.
Resistance
This is an indicator characterizing the nominal resistance to alternating current, depending on the equipment to which the person intends to connect his model. Large monitor headphones have a resistance of 300 ohms or more. If you connect them to a simple player, they will not sound. To overcome such a high impedance, more powerful equipment is required. When connecting high-impedance headphones, the use of a separate amplifier is recommended. Good impedance provides the low level of distortion needed for professional sound processing in music studios.
Type of connection
There are both wired and wireless monitor headphones. The latter will be of interest to those who need to move around the room while listening to music. Avoiding deterioration in sound quality allows modern technology. The wireless headphone transmitter can have up to 27 channels. The user has the opportunity to choose the most comfortable working frequency for him. For using the device outdoors, it is desirable that the transmitter frequency is at least 800-900 MHz.
Modern models provide wireless digital signal transmission, without annoying distortion. Headphones are often equipped with an automatic tuning mode, which allows the user to choose the best option for playing sound. The range of wireless devices is from 5 to 100 meters. Some headphone models have Bluetooth technology. Wireless "ears" are much heavier than wired ones, as they are equipped with rechargeable batteries or batteries.
Design and technical solutions
The best headphones are monitor. These models are subject to special requirements. They should be as convenient, comfortable and durable as possible. This type of headphone is equipped with a large headband, ear cushions fully covering the ears and large membranes that can reproduce the entire frequency range evenly. Monitor headphones often have a rather thick and weighty twisted cord, which during operation is neatly folded into rings and does not get underfoot. Some companies equip devices with a set of light and twisted cord.
Of particular importance is the material with which the ear pads are trimmed. Velor is pleasant to the touch, but quickly get dirty and greasy. Well-known companies like Sennheiser began to trim ear pads with special high-quality synthetic materials. However, better than genuine leather for finishing models have not yet come up with anything.
Large monitor headphones, closed in design, can afford hinged and other structural elements. Lightweight high-strength plastic, resistant to scuffs and scratches, is the best solution for making such models. However, without the use of high-quality steel, real professional devices are not yet complete. And it is not a matter of strength, but of the force of pressure, on which the fixing of the headphones on the head depends. According to modern standards, it should not exceed 5 Newton.
The screed of the ends of the headband in the models is most often achieved due to the elasticity of the product itself. Therefore, in the manufacture of mounts for monitor headphones, springy steel is used. A handle made of pure plastic will not provide proper pressure to the head. Separate elements that carry out the twisting of ear pads in two directions help to firmly fix the device. This should be considered when choosing the type of headphones. Monitor should be equipped with well-defined elements for reliable and comfortable fixing of the product on the head.
Innovative solutions
What does monitor headphones mean? These are constantly improved and rather expensive devices for sound reproduction. Improving the sound quality in modern models is provided by high-tech methods. Standing waves are minimized - absorbed by the special material of the diaphragm. The damping system of closed monitor headphones was developed using expensive scientific research, and its device is kept in the strictest confidence. The size and shape of all structural elements of the device are optimized using computer simulation. Manufacturers are struggling with harmonic and intermodulation distortion in the headphones. A merciless war is also waged to reduce the weight of models.
Top manufacturers
The generally recognized leaders in the manufacture of monitor headphones are Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, AKG, Audio-Technica. The price of products of these manufacturers is quite high, but it is more than paid for by the quality of the goods. For example, the "Beyerdynamic DT880r" and "Sennheiser HD-580" models have very similar (up to ~ 10 kHz) sound, are suitable for professional musicians as well as for ordinary users, and are perfectly compatible with any computer video cards. Monitor headphones "Technics DJ 1210" suitable for gamers and DJs, they have excellent sound insulation and original design. However, ordinary music lovers will not appreciate them. In any case, the final choice is made by the user based on their individual preferences.