Headphone sealed for bass, open to midrange

  • Thread starter Loren Booda
  • Start date
In summary, when looking for audio headphones, it is important to find ones that are sealed against the ear at low frequencies to reproduce bass and open enough in the midrange to hear surrounding sounds for safety reasons. A passive design, such as the one offered by Sennheiser, can achieve this balance by using drivers that are biased toward the low end and have an open design. While the bass may not be as strong as with sealed headphones, the ability to hear important sounds makes them a suitable option.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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Audio headphones, especially portable ones, need to be sealed against the ear at low frequencies to reproduce bass. They also need to be "open" enough in the midrange to hear traffic and people for safety reasons.

Can you think of a passive design (as opposed to electronic feedback) which would allow the reinforcement of bass, yet allows voice and warning sounds to be readily audible?
 
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  • #2
You need to select headphones designed with drivers that are biased toward the low end and relatively open in design. Sennheiser has been a leader in this technology for over 40 years.
 
  • #3
I have a pair of Sennheisers, and over the years the bass of their products has been improving, but nowhere like sealed headphones. Yours may be the best answer to my problem, though.
 

1. What does it mean for a headphone to be "sealed for bass"?

When a headphone is "sealed for bass," it means that the ear cups are designed to create a tight seal around your ears, blocking out external noise and allowing for more bass to be heard in the music. This type of headphone is also known as a closed-back headphone.

2. How does an "open midrange" affect the sound of a headphone?

An "open midrange" means that the midrange frequencies in the music are allowed to sound more natural and spacious. This is because open-back headphones have openings on the ear cups that allow for sound to escape, creating a more open and airy sound compared to closed-back headphones.

3. What are the benefits of having a headphone that is sealed for bass and open to midrange?

Having a headphone that is sealed for bass and open to midrange allows for a more balanced and accurate sound. The tight seal around the ears provides powerful bass, while the open midrange creates a more natural and spacious sound for vocals and instruments. This type of headphone is great for listening to a wide range of music genres.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using a headphone that is sealed for bass and open to midrange?

One potential drawback of this type of headphone is that it may not provide as much noise isolation as a completely sealed or closed-back headphone. This means that external noise may still be heard while listening to music, which can be a distraction for some listeners.

5. Can a headphone be both sealed for bass and open to midrange at the same time?

Yes, there are headphones that are designed to be both sealed for bass and open to midrange. These types of headphones often have a hybrid design, using a combination of open and closed-back elements to achieve a balanced sound. However, it is important to note that the sound quality and balance can vary depending on the specific design and brand of the headphone.

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