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Features to look for in open air headphones

Tamara Avatar By: Tamara | Last updated January 12, 2021

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When it comes to open back headphones the basic features are important to know before deciding which model you want to buy. You want to be immersed into the music, but at the same time you want to stay a part of the world around you and to have control over it? You also want headphones that are durable and light weight so you can wear them anytime you want and not feel the weight? Is it possible to have all that and have the superb sound quality at the same time? With open back headphones you will have it all and plenty models to choose from. Here are the basic features of open back headphones.

Airy – Open back headphones have an open design on the ear cups allowing the air to pass. Unlike the closed back design, open back headphones let any sound from the outside interfere with the sound you’re currently listening. Many people describe this sound as a noise that sometimes can be understood as a negative feature of this type of headphones. However, not every sound that comes from outside is a bad thing for the listeners.

Wider soundstage effect feature – Allowing the sound to enter through the ear cups the sound quality is more natural allowing you to experience spaciousness and a soundstage effect. This means that every different instrument as well as low and high tones can be perceived separately with a quality definition. The above-mentioned airy feature creates a soundstage effect making you feel like the sound is transcending through the space creating natural and a wider sound experience. Depth of the sound is one more important part of this feature and it comes together with the spaciousness. The better the depth of the sound, the better you will hear the near-by sounds and the ones that are far.

High sound quality – Sound quality with open back design is more detailed with a wider frequency spectrum. This feature is crucial for a critical listening because it is the best way to make sure that every detail is present.

Balance – The right measure of low, mid and high tones is important when you’re looking for a balanced output when choosing the right headphones. This means that every tone will have its place in the sound universe and that dominance will be avoided.

Good for studio recording and mixing – Open back headphones are not good for listening on the street where there is too much noise, but they are recommended for studio recording and mixing because no outside noise will disturb your sound experience.

Lack of heat retention – Since the ear cups have an open back design, letting the air pass, they also reduce heat retention. This feature is very good for many hours of listening to the music because you won’t have the feeling of warmth and tiredness in your ears.

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