You want your headphones to do everything. Gaming, music, podcasting — the works. In a perfect world that would be possible. But since when do we live in a perfect world? When it comes down to headphones, there's some choices you need to make when searching for a new set of cans. But not to worry, dear reader — it's not that complicated. Today we're going dust off the dictionary and drop a bit of terminology on you, just the sort of thing you need for your next headphone purchase.
A common conundrum when picking out headphones is the choice between a closed or open design. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the pair you choose is based on how and where you plan to use them.
A pair of Sennheiser closed-ear headphones.
Closed headphones do exactly as the name implies, isolating your ears from the world around you. These pairs usually posses earcups that completely enclose the ear, preventing sound from leaking out or in. However, that's not always a good thing. The closed nature of such models means that certain frequencies can resonate more than others, resulting in unwanted distortion or poor sound fidelity. Yet, heir isolating qualities make them a good choice for those listening in noisier environments, or looking for a completely immersive experience free of outside noise or distraction.
Open headphones, on the other hand, do not cover the entire ear, and allow for background noise to seep in. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. That extra air flow is said to reduce the
resonance present in closed-model headphones, resulting in a more natural listening experience, and increased audio fidelity. Also, according to
Plantronics, a popular headset manufacturer, many find the added airflow to be more comfortable than the "box-like" experience of closed models.
An Audio-Technica open-ear model, with airflow through perforated side.
The question is, which is right for you? Because of the added airflow and increased fidelity, most high-end headsets continue to use the open model of construction. Additionally, the fact that sound is still able to penetrate the users' ear makes them particularly attractive in multiplayer gaming environments, where other players may be playing in the same room. However, the same can't be said for other scenarios like podcasting or audio recording. In these situations, it's entirely possible for leaked sound to affect audio captured by a nearby microphone, revealing a subtle echoing effect upon review.
Such leaked sound can also affect audio levels as well. Because closed models keep all the sound trapped within, audio is often perceived as louder. As long as distortion isn't an issue, this can heighten the immersive experience that closed headphone fans favor so dearly.
What it comes down to is a matter of quality and environment. If you're looking for the best sounding headphones with the ultimate in quality, an open model design will probably do you best. However, if you're concerned about sound leakage or other distractions, closed may be the better choice. The only way you can truly decide is to try them out yourself, and see which you prefer. With all this in mind, may your next purchase be an informed one!
Images via Flickr user J A S P E R.
