In the market of computer accessories there is a huge variety of headphones, among which there are cable, wireless, open or closed type, overhead or monitor. About what they are, by whom and for what purposes the last of the listed types is used and will be discussed in this article.
What are monitor headphones
The content of the article
- What are monitor headphones
- Monitor Headphone Features
- Types of monitor headphones
To an average user of a personal computer, such a name may be unfamiliar, how this accessory is used mainly by professional musicians in the studio, sound engineers, etc. Monitor headphones resemble ordinary overheads in appearance, however, in terms of sound quality several times surpass them, transmitting sound in its original form, which is achieved by full coverage with ear cushions human ear.
It is also worth noting a significant difference in price. The cost of a monitor accessory starts from 7 thousand rubles. Acoustic sound allows the musician or singer to control the recorded sound and modify the shortcomings. For a more complete understanding of the essence of monitor headphones, let's move on to familiarize themselves with their main characteristics.
Monitor Headphone Features
Fundamental when choosing a monitor headphone is their amplitude-frequency characteristic (dependence of signal amplitude on frequency). The best sound quality is considered an indicator in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
With values that go beyond the boundaries of this gap, the sound is perceived by the human ear inaccurately. The lower the frequency, the cleaner the sound. A characteristic feature of the monitor variety of the accessory is its linear frequency response, in which the sound does not improve at all, but is reproduced as it was recorded in the original version. That is why it is not suitable for ordinary music lovers, as heard with the help of such an accessory does not coincide with the usual processed version.
REFERENCE! Monitor headphones designed for sound engineers and professional musicians must certainly have a high degree of detail, reflect even the smallest noise in the recorded sound, provide the ability to distinguish the sound of each of the recording tools.
Another important characteristic of a monitor accessory is a rather high level of resistance (above 100 Ohms, usually about 250). This is due to the fact that when using them, a high input voltage level is assumed, and high resistance will help to reduce the current load for the amplifier and get the best output sounding.
The sensitivity indicator is responsible for the sound volume, but its increase is not a priority for manufacturers, since monitor headphones are used with stationary equipment for sound amplification. The strength of the material, which ensures a long service life, is also important.
These are the main technical characteristics of such an acoustic device, now it’s worth moving on to considering the types.
Types of monitor headphones
Traditionally, the following types are distinguished by acoustic design:
- open;
- half open;
- closed.
Monitor headphones are conveniently placed on the head during use, when worn there is no pressure on the ears, which distinguishes this view as the most comfortable. The quality of the listening sound is preserved, however, due to the open design, there is a large number of extraneous sounds, which often causes inconvenience during their operation. 
The second of the above types of monitor headphones is divided as a type of open. They have a higher level of sound insulation, which allows for a complete immersion in listening to musical works. The sound quality is not inferior to an open type device. 
The closed type of accessory provides the maximum level of noise isolation. It is achieved mainly due to the snug fit of the headband of the headphones to the head, and therefore to the ears. This type is the most suitable for studio recording. 
Summing up the above, we can conclude that the monitor headphones are still a tool for professionals in the musical field and will not reveal all their properties in the process of everyday operation.
