Headphones have become a very common usage item. It is important to note that while buying it we should consider its features and specifications as per our needs. Here is how you can analyze the specifications of a headphone.
Acoustic characteristics
Acoustic characteristics allow you to roughly understand how the headphones will sound. However, before buying, it is important to independently check the product and determine the sound quality in different conditions.
Minimum and maximum frequencies
This is the range in which a person hears sound through headphones. Usually, they indicate 20-20,000 Hz, but this is the general range. At some frequencies, the sound will be a little louder, at another, it will be quieter. And it is better that this difference is insignificant. If the range is wider than the standard, then there is more chance that the volume will be the same in the average frequencies.
Device volume
In this context, you need to pay attention to three main parameters: power, sensitivity, and resistance, as well as their combination:
Power
This indicator shows the maximum sound volume. Power in headphones is measured in milliwatts – mW. If you don’t know how to choose headphones for your phone, then we advise you at least not to chase power. The fact is that a smartphone or player is simply not capable of producing sufficiently powerful sound.
This will manifest itself as distortion, the tones will be loose. If the earbud wireless variant will work from a computer or amplifier, you should pay attention to the power indicators that this technique produces.
Sensitivity
This parameter determines how loud different headphones will sound, other things being equal, for example, if the power is the same. Now it is better to choose headphones based on this characteristic. The minimum sensitivity for music is 90-120 dB. The larger it is, the louder the headphones.
Impedance
Otherwise, it is called resistance. Measured in ohms. Impedance matters when you need to connect different acoustic devices to each other. For the sound not to be distorted, it must have a similar impedance. For example, when the resistance of one device is small, it will work with a device with the same impedance and less without problems. But the sound will begin to be distorted if the resistance in the connected device is greater.
If the headphones will be paired with a phone or player, you need to select a device with an impedance of 16-32 ohms. For computers and music centers, headphones with an impedance of 40-60 ohms and higher are suitable.
Microphone attachment methods
Headphones usually have a built-in microphone that allows you to have a conversation with someone. There are several options for its device:
- The microphone can be attached to the headphones using a special bracket, the position of which can be changed. Typically, this method is used on over-ear or over-ear headphones. In this case, the microphone is securely fixed in the desired position, which ensures a stable sound input.
- In the headphone case. Similarly, the microphone is placed in both full-size and TWS devices. The microphone in them is invisible and looks like a hole on the side no larger than a millimeter in size. With this headphone design, windy weather can interfere with communication outdoors.
- On the way. Headphones with this microphone arrangement are often supplied with a smartphone. The microphone in them is at chest level, that is, not very close to the mouth. Accordingly, for the sound to be good, the microphone must be brought closer, especially if it is very noisy around.
- Mono headsets. These are special headphones that are used only for talking. A mono headset is a single device that fits over the ear. This allows you to hear the interlocutor, but not be distracted from the outside world.
Final tips
How to choose good headphones? First, you need to understand which type of them suits you best – wireless, compact or providing excellent sound quality.
If the gadget will be frequently used for communication, it must be equipped with a microphone. If this is a model for home or work, the microphone may be on a bracket.
