How does sound travel from the musical device to the heaphone

In summary, sound travels from the musical device to the heaphones through the wire by way of an AC current. Different headphones have better sound quality because of various factors, including the materials used in the construction of the headset and the quality of the speaker.
  • #1
Maxwell
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How does sound travel from the musical device to the heaphones through the wire? I'm trying to understand the process the music/sound goes through along the wire to the headphones.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Do you know how or what A/C (alternating current) is? Do you know, or have you looked for information, how a speaker works?
 
  • #3
faust9 said:
Do you know how or what A/C (alternating current) is? Do you know, or have you looked for information, how a speaker works?

Yup, I know what an AC current is. I understand somewhat how a speaker works, though I'm no expert.

By the way, I'm not looking for a technical description of what I asked in my question, a simple layman's explanation would suffice. This was a question I thought of while I was walking back from class today.

Thanks
 
  • #4
The sound is represented by a changing voltage on the wire. If the sound is middle A, for example, the voltage on the wire will be changing sinusoidally, with a frequency of 440 Hz. The loudness of the sound is represented by the amplitude of waveform.

- Warren
 
  • #5
chroot said:
The sound is represented by a changing voltage on the wire. If the sound is middle A, for example, the voltage on the wire will be changing sinusoidally, with a frequency of 440 Hz. The loudness of the sound is represented by the amplitude of waveform.

- Warren

Hah, that's pretty cool... thanks.

So why do some headphones sound better than others? Does it have to do with the material the actual headset is made out of, or is there some other method?

Also... let's say I wanted to make my own headphone extension, so I could keep my mp3 player in my bookbag now that I don't wear a jacket anymore. Could I insert 2 new wires into the existing headphone wire and then tape it back up? Would this affect the sound? Would it even work?
 
  • #6
Some headphones sound better than others for a variety of reasons, but mostly because of the speakers they use. Better speakers more faithfully reproduce the sound represented by the changing voltage on the wire connected to them. In addition, good headphones have well-designed earcup shapes and volumes to better channel the sound from the speaker into your ear. The problem is not trivial.

And yes, you could simply splice in new wire in your headphone cable to make it longer. A better solution would be to simply buy an extension cable, which already has the proper connectors on both ends.

- Warren
 
  • #7
Sound quality is a function of headphone materials. A better driving coil(better as in the manufacturer took the time to impediance match the coil) a better--more powerful--magnet on the voice cone, a stiffer material for the voice cone and a very pliable material used to attach the voice cone to the speaker parameter all improve sound quality. Also, the material that surronuds the speaker itself improves sound quality as does the shape of the surrounding material.

As for your quest--you probably don't want to do that. It will work; however, taped up connections are bad for sound quality. You can buy extentions at radio shack for like $5.
 
  • #8
Thanks for the answers, guys.
 

FAQ: How does sound travel from the musical device to the heaphone

1. How does sound travel through a musical device?

The sound travels through the musical device in the form of electrical signals. These signals are created when sound waves from the source, such as a speaker or instrument, vibrate a diaphragm or membrane inside the device.

2. What happens to the sound signals inside the musical device?

The sound signals are then amplified and processed by circuitry inside the device before being sent to the output, typically a headphone jack or speaker.

3. How do headphones receive the sound signals from the musical device?

Headphones have a built-in transducer, such as a dynamic driver or balanced armature, that converts the electrical signals back into sound waves. These sound waves are then directed into the ear canal by the ear cups of the headphones.

4. What factors affect the quality of sound transmitted through headphones?

The quality of sound transmitted through headphones is affected by various factors such as the type and quality of the transducers, the design and materials of the headphones, and the quality of the audio signal being sent from the source device.

5. Can sound travel wirelessly from a musical device to headphones?

Yes, sound can travel wirelessly from a musical device to headphones through technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In this case, the electrical signals are converted to radio waves and transmitted to the headphones, where they are converted back to sound waves.

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