GAMING SUPPORT – When choosing headphones, you may come across terms that sound foreign. Call it housing, ear pads, and soundstage. In this section, we will discuss the meaning of these terms and the basic points that should not be overlooked when choosing headphones.
Using headphones can make you more comfortable when listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. However, the sound quality produced by each headphone product is of course different. Likewise with the connection, both wired and wireless. In addition, various designs are also prone to sound leakage.
When choosing headphones, you may come across terms that sound foreign. Call it housing, ear pads, and soundstage. In this section, we will discuss the meaning of these terms and the basic points that should not be overlooked when choosing headphones.
Adjust the type of housing with use
Housing is the term used to refer to the ear cups on headphones. The housing also functions as a driver storage area (the speakers inside the headphones). In general, housing on headphones is divided into two types, namely closed-back and open-back. We will briefly explain the two types of housing.
Closed-back, the sound doesn’t leak easily and is suitable for outdoor use
A distinctive feature of the closed-back type housing is that it has a high level of sound insulation. This type is recommended for outdoor use or in places where noise is not permitted because the sound does not leak easily. The ability to reduce noise from outside (noise) is also only owned by the closed-back type.
Another advantage is that you can hear clear sound, even low bass sounds. You can also concentrate more on the music that is being played. But keep in mind that your ears will get tired if you use closed-back headphones for a long time.
The open-back type housing has a low level of sound insulation so it can produce clear sound. This type is recommended for those of you who want to listen to a wider soundstage and relax.
The open-back type housing also doesn’t put too much pressure on the ears. You will not easily feel tired even if you listen to music for a long time. Unfortunately, there are not as many open-back type headphone products on the market as closed-back types.
Because the sound leaks easily and is wide in shape, this housing is not suitable for outdoor use. The weakness of this type is that it cannot produce good deep bass sound. If you want to listen to rock or EDM music, you should choose the closed-back type.
Choose by type of earpad
Ear pads are headphone pads that are in direct contact with your ears. The shape of the earpads greatly affects sound transmission and ear comfort. In general, ear pads are divided into two types, namely over-ear and on-ear. Free that best suits your taste.
Over-ear, stable when worn
Pads of the over-ear type cover the entire ear. These earpads are suitable for long periods of use and are recommended if you want to fully enjoy your music. Over-ear type ear pads have high stability when worn so they don’t shift easily. Another advantage is that it can produce clear sound and you won’t get tired easily when using headphones.
If you choose closed-back headphones with over-ear cushions, you will be immersed in the music you enjoy. However, the cushioning of these headphones tends to put pressure on the ears. If you are wearing a large accessory like earrings, be careful as they can catch on easily.
On-ear, lightweight and recommended for long-term use
Bearings of the on-ear type occupy only royal leaves. Since they do not completely cover the ear, they are comfortable to wear and suitable for observing sound quality. It is also small in size and light in weight so it is easy to carry and does not cause fatigue even if it is used for a long time.
However, you may feel uncomfortable wearing these earpads because your ears will feel like they are pinched. Sound leakage is also more common than the over-ear type. So you have to be careful when wearing it where it’s not allowed to be noisy.
Choose based on the connection method
There are two headphone connection methods that you can choose from, namely wired and wireless. Let’s check the discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each of these connection methods.
Cable type, rare loss of sound quality and delay
The characteristics of the cable connection method are that there is rarely a decrease in sound quality and minimal noise. In addition, there will also be no delay in sound entering the headphones.
This type is suitable for watching movies or videos, playing games, and other things that are concerned with sound quality. Moreover, in the world of professional games, you are required to make a strategy at the right time. Therefore, use these headphones to avoid sound delay.
Unfortunately, the connection cable length is limited, which makes it quite difficult to use. If you pull on the cable, the connection may be lost. However, now there are many products that have replaceable cables (recable). If you want long-term use, make sure the headphone cable can be replaced as needed.
Wireless type, easy to carry and can connect with Bluetooth
The most interesting advantage of the wireless type is that the connection method does not require cables. You can enjoy music while relaxing in bed or walking around the room. The connection will not be interrupted even if you are far from the device, as long as the distance is not more than 10 meters. This type is very comfortable to use and recommended for traveling.
Unfortunately, the wireless connection sometimes causes sound delays. You should also recharge the battery. When watching movies or playing games, there may be a delay between the video and the sound produced. You also have to be diligent about charging or checking the remaining power so that the headphones don’t turn off while in use.
Choose based on the genre and resolution of the music heard
Each headphone has its own sound quality. There are two types of sound, namely bass and treble. To be able to determine the right product, you can see the frequency listed on the headphone specifications. The frequency in the specifications is usually written as a number, for example 40 Hz–20 kHz. The lower the lower frequency limit, the better the headphones produce bass sound.
The sound frequency is related to the genre of music you like. If you are a bass-head, of course the choice is headphones with a frequency of 40 Hz and below. On the other hand, some people prefer to listen to high-resolution audio that is close to how it actually sounds. If you are one of them, choose headphones that can reach frequencies of 40 kHz or more.
Choose based on specialization
You also need to check the specific features of the headphones. If you want to watch movies with true-to-life sound quality, we recommend surround headphones. This type of headphone has 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel speakers which present a three-dimensional audio effect.
In addition, there is a headphone monitor which is a professional type. This type has the characteristics of a flat or flat sound, without EQ (equalizer) settings or tuning from the manufacturer. Therefore, this type of headphone is also commonly called honest in the audio world. These headphones are recommended for those of you who are concerned with sound quality.
Check the noise canceling feature or noise cancellation
Noise canceling is a feature to reduce noise by using the opposite wave. This feature can reduce outside noise, such as the sound of air conditioners, cars, and the sounds of people around you. Those of you who like to wear headphones while studying or working will be greatly helped by this feature. Music can still be enjoyed, even without having to turn the volume up.
While comfortable to wear, you may get a migraine or nausea from tired ears when you wear headphones for too long. This is due to the radiation of sound waves from the opposite direction. If you are interested in this feature, we recommend that you try it directly in the store and choose a product based on your condition.
For a low power portable music player, choose one with low impedance
Impedance is a value that affects sound volume expressed in units of ohms (Ω). The smaller the impedance value, the higher the maximum audio volume. For the use of portable music players or cellphones with small outputs, you should choose headphones with a small impedance value.
However, an impedance value that is too small will result in noise. For this reason, if you play music via a smartphone, choose headphones with an impedance value of less than 30 Ω.
