Headphones

Types of headphones

In descending order of size:

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Circumaural

These type of headphones have pads that go around the ears, usually very large and very comfortable. This is the type typically used in recording studios. Examples include: AKG K501, Audio-Technica ATH-A900, Beyerdynamic DT880, Sennheiser HD650, Bose Tri-Port Headphones, and Sony MDR-SA5000.

Related Topics:
AKG - Audio-Technica - Beyerdynamic - Sennheiser - Bose Tri-Port Headphones - Sony

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Supra-aural

These type of headphones have pads that go on top of the ears. They were commonly bundled with personal stereos during the 1980s. Examples include: Grado SR-60, Koss Sportapro, Sennheiser PX-200.

Related Topics:
Personal stereos - 1980s - Grado - Koss - Sennheiser

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Earbuds/Earphones

Earbuds (American English) or Earphones (British English) are small headphones that are placed directly outside of the ear canal, but without fully enveloping it. Earbuds are generally inexpensive and are favored for their portability and convenience. However, due to their inability to provide isolation, they are not capable of delivering the precision and range of sound offered by many full-sized headphones and canalphones.

Related Topics:
American English - British English

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During the 1990s, they became the most common type bundled with personal stereos. For example, the distinctive white headphones included with the iPod are earbuds.

Related Topics:
1990s - IPod

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Canalphones

Professional canalphones (also known as "in-ear monitors") were originally developed for professional audio by Marty Garcia in the early 1980's and designed to be placed inside the ear canal, positioning them closer to the eardrum than other types of headphones. They have excellent isolation quality (up to 32 dBs) because they fit in much the same way as earplugs. Isolation from canalphones is generally superior to that provided by active noise cancellation mechanisms. Hearing aids are a type of canalphone.

Related Topics:
Ear canal - Eardrum - DBs - Earplug - Active noise cancellation

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Canalphones are traditionally used by live performers as an alternative way of monitoring their music as they allow the performer to protect themselves from the high amount of competitive stage noise present, while mantaining audio fidelity. Also, as canalphones can be molded in various colors and sizes, a flesh tone that completely fits inside the ear is commonly preferred by performers for its discreetness.

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Despite their roots in live monitoring, canalphones manufacturers have branched out to cater to the audiophile market. Many manufacturers now offer universal fit tips in contrast to the custom ear molds that were the trademark of canalphones, although offering higher quality, required a trip to a audiologist to make.

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A common misconception with canalphones is the higher risk of hearing loss. However, as canalphones block out large amounts of noise, the listener can enjoy his music without being forced to turn it up to a higher level. This is especially true when canalphones are utilized "on the street". With proper discipline, canalphones actually help to prevent hearing loss if the volume is carefully maintained.

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The main canalphone manufacturers and their more popular models are :

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Audio-Technica

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• ATH-CK5

Shure

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• Shure e2/e2c
• Shure e3/e3c
• Shure e4/e4c
• Shure e5/e5c

Sony

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• MDR-EX71LP

Ultimate Ears

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• Super.fi 3
• Super.fi 5EB
• Super.fi 5Pro
• UE-5c/Pro
• UE-7
• UE-10

Etymotic Research

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• ER-4p/s/b
• ER-6(i)

Sensaphonics

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• Prophonics SOFT 2x

Future Sonics

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• Ear Monitors (R) brand
• Future Sonics Ears (TM)

Koss Corporation

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• The Plug
• Spark Plug
• Koss Hybrid