What Are Dynamic Headphones?

Here we’ll explain what Dynamic headphones are, how they differ from other types of audio headsets, and why you should invest in them so you can decide if they are the right option for your needs. The search for a headphone set that will give you the ultimate listening experience can be challenging. Whether you prefer headphones that are noise-cancelling, produce high decibel levels, or simply one with a more comfortable fit, there are many to choose from.

How Do Dynamic Headphones Work?

Dynamic headphones are a type of headphone that uses principles of mechanical acoustics to produce sound. The term “Dynamic” refers to the Dynamic speaker, as opposed to the usual electrostatic or other types of speakers found in common headphones. Dynamic headphones are known for their ability to produce extremely high decibel levels and therefore extremely loud sounds. These types of headphones use moving mechanical parts to amplify the sounds you want to hear and reduce the noise you don’t. They do this by using lightweight drivers with flexible voice coils. Instead of being fixed, as they are in traditional headphones, these moving pieces actively respond to sound frequencies, creating amplification where it is needed. Dynamic headphones are capable of much more than just reducing background noise; they also allow for clearer sound reproduction and better bass response.

What is the Purpose of Dynamic Headphones?

Dynamic headphones are designed to be extremely powerful and loud, but because of this, they are also capable of producing very quiet sounds. Dynamic headphones are great for use in live performance, where it is often necessary to hear all the details of the sound being produced. In the recording studio, Dynamic headphones are often used as “reference” or “monitor” headphones. This means that they allow the sound engineer to hear the music exactly as it will sound to the rest of the world. Additionally, they allow the engineer to hear very quiet sounds that may otherwise be missed with other types of headphones. For this reason, Dynamic headphones can be used for a variety of purposes, including listening to music, and watching videos, recording audio, and monitoring sound in live performance settings.

The History of Dynamic Headphones

Dynamic headphones have been around since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1937, the first pair of Dynamic headphones were created by a young German engineer named Eugen Beyer. Beyer’s company, Beyerdynamic, named these headphones DT 48. Compared to the previously invented headphones, Beyer focused on improving the comfort of the headset for people to use at home. The first Beyerdynamic headphones were so innovative to the world that they remained in production all the way from 1937 to 2012. Although the earlier versions of Dynamic headphones were quite different from the ones used today; they are still considered Dynamic headphones because of the way they produce sound.

The Three Main Groups of Dynamic Headphones

So now you know what Dynamic headphones are, but what are the several types of Dynamic headphones available? There are three main types of Dynamic headphones:

1. Open-backed
2. Closed-backed
3. Semi-open-backed

Each type of Dynamic headphones has a unique design that is suited for a specific purpose.


Open-Backed Dynamic Headphones

Open-backed Dynamic headphones are designed for use in live performance. They allow air to pass through the main gaps in the ear cups which therefore allows the sound to escape freely. The person wearing the headset can hear the music as well as their surroundings. This is useful in situations where it is necessary to hear background noise while wearing headphones, such as mixing music. Open-backed Dynamic headphones are not suitable for commuting, use in recording or in other situations where it is necessary to block out sound. Although many people feel as though they should opt for a more noise-cancelling headphone set, the benefit of this open design gives the listener a sound that has increased space. In other words, rather than feeling as though the sound of the music is “in your head,” you can feel the music all around you, whether you’re out for a stroll or if you’re in the comfort of your home. 

Closed-Backed Dynamic Headphones

Closed-backed Dynamic headphones are designed for use when it is necessary to block sound from escaping. This can be useful when it is necessary to cut out background noise from one’s surroundings. It’s important to note that the process of blocking out sound does not relate to the typical noise-cancelling feature of other headphones. Although there are some types of Closed-back headphones that carry out this specific feature, the ergonomic shape of the ear-cups in Closed-backed Dynamic headphones limit the chance of the sound escaping. This could be used when you are travelling by airplane, subway, train, or car. Alternatively, these types of headphones are extremely useful when recording audio or music in a studio as you can hear yourself whilst recording without the microphone collecting more sound. Closed-backed Dynamic headphones are sometimes used in recording, but they are not ideal for this purpose. 

Semi-Open-Backed Dynamic Headphones

Semi-open-backed Dynamic headphones are somewhere between Open-backed and Closed-backed headphones. They allow a certain amount of sound to escape, but not as much as Open-backed headphones. This makes them the best option for situations where it is necessary to both hear one’s surroundings and block out sound at the same time. Semi-open-backed Dynamic headphones are ideal for casual listening at home. 

What are the Benefits of Using Dynamic Headphones?

There are many benefits to using Dynamic headphones compared to other types of headsets. Dynamic headphones can produce very loud sounds with lots of bass. These types of headphones are extremely versatile and are suited to many diverse types of situations. For example, they can be used for casual listening when you travel or mixing music in the studio. Moreover, they can be used in a variety of different environments, including indoors and outdoors. Dynamic headphones can be either on-ear or over-ear. Both types of headphones are designed to be comfortable for lengthy periods of time. They are also one of the more affordable types of headphones, which is why they are extremely popular for those who are searching for a headset for typical use. 

How to Choose the Right Dynamic Headphones

Choosing the right pair of Dynamic headphones is not as simple as choosing the first pair that catches your eye. To make sure that you get the best possible pair, you will need to consider a few things. Dynamic headphones are usually fairly large and bulky. Therefore, it is important that you choose a pair that is comfortable for long periods of time. Dynamic headphones are sometimes designed to be worn for hours at a time. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you choose a pair that is comfortable to wear. Additionally, you should choose a pair of headphones that produce the best sound for you. It may seem obvious, but it is important to choose a pair of headphones that you like the sound of best. Although they are considered cheaper than the more high-tech headphones, Dynamic headphones can still be considered an investment. You should make sure that you choose a pair that is worth the money by setting a budget while choosing a pair of headphones. It is also important to choose a pair of headphones that you like the look of. Headphones are an important part of your image, so make sure that you choose a pair that you will be proud to wear.

Polar's Top Dynamic Headphones

Polar specialises in high-quality headphones, music equipment and audio-visual products. Our most popular Dynamic headphones are beyerdynamic Headphones. Although their list of products is extensive, the top-selling products are beyerdynamic Open Dynamic Headphones, Closed Dynamic Headphones, and their Open-Back Studio Headphones. 

beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Open Dynamic Headphone (250 Ohm)

The Pro Open Dynamic Headphone, referred to as the “studio legend", is one of the most popular headphones worldwide and they are considered the industry standard. This design of headphones was created specifically for mixing, mastering, and editing music for studios. The DT 990 provides spacious, powerful audio that is fitted with soft velour earpads. What’s more, the padded spring steel headband is adjustable for ultimate comfort, meaning that the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro was designed to wear for long periods of time.

Shop for beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Open Dynamic Headphone - 250 Ohm

beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Closed Dynamic Headphone - 80 Ohm

The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Closed Dynamic Headphone was designed specifically for those who require clear, precise, and accurate audio. Crafted mainly for monitoring and mixing audio, these headphones are commonly found in professional recording studios. Alternatively, these headsets can also be used for more general use such as listening to music through your smartphone or laptop. The DT 770 Pro Closed Dynamic Headphone is available in 250, 80, or 32 Ohms. 

Shop for beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Closed Dynamic Headphone - 80 Ohm

beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Studio Headphone - 48 Ohm

The beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro Open Back Studio Headphones are another extremely popular choice for those who are interested in professional monitoring, mixing, and mastering in the studio. This style of headphone is also extremely popular for its ability to produce loud and powerful audio on all devices including laptops, smartphones, mp3 players and more. Additionally, the mini-XLR cable is detachable and can be replaced by several other cables of varied sizes. These headphones are hand-made in Germany with the highest quality materials. Its’ durable, yet soft over-ear headband structure means you won’t have to compromise comfort for clear audio. 

Shop for beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Studio Headphone - 48 Ohm