In Ear Headphones
The recent and sudden popularity of iPods and MP3 players has resulted in an equal, if not greater, number of in-ear headphones available for use with these personal music players.
It seems with these MP3 players, as with the entire technology industry, the goal is to get everything as small as possible. The accompanying ear buds are no exception. Most of the earbud headphones that are included when you buy an Ipod or MP3 player are small, mediocre sounding, and usually don''''''''t stay in your ears very well. Well fortunately there is also an ever-increasing variety of in-ear headphones that are just as small but sound better and definitely fit better than the stock earbuds that come with the music players.
The newest models of in-ear headphones have frequency responses equal to many or those larger traditional on-ear and over the ear models that have been the standard in high fidelity headphones for so many years. That means that you can still get that tight deep bass and those crisp highs without wearing those big clunky headphones. And while most earbuds use a single driver, a few major manufacturers are now making studio-quality earbuds with three drivers. That''''''''s a tweeter and two woofers inside each earbud. Talk about everything getting smaller!
Another feature favored with those large ear-covering headphones, noise reduction, is also now being shared with the newer smaller in-ear headphones. The manufacturers have listened to the consumer and are creating well-fitting earbuds that mold and form to your ear canal to naturally create an acoustic seal that keeps noise out and your music in. This not only enhances your listening experience, it also keeps you isolated from your neighbors who may not like your playlist quite as much as you do.
While the new softer earbuds creating more isolation can definitely be considered an improvement and beneficial feature, it can also become quite a drag to constantly remove one or both in-ear headphones when someone is trying to talk to you or get your attention. Fortunately the manufacturers have already started addressing this concern. Many of the newer earphones have an inline volume control. This feature means you can just reach down and turn a knob which is built in to the earphone cable to adjust the volume rather than dig out your music player or rip out your earbuds.
One other way the makers of these new high tech headphones are working to make our lives easier is they have cut the cables. Some models now have cables as short as 18 inches. While this may be the perfect length for a few cozy scenarios, you might want a little more length at times. That''''''''s why a three foot extension cable is usually included. The idea is to make it modular so you can customize it to whatever best fits your needs.
Since most in-ear headphones are used with iPods or MP3 players, the headphones come with a standard 1/8-inch stereo mini connector. This is the standard audio connector used by most personal music players and computers. Many models of earbuds also include a 1/4-inch adapter which lets you use your in-ear headphones with devices that use the larger 1/4-inch audio connector. Many home stereo systems and music equipment use 1/4-inch jacks so it''''''''s nice to have an adapter available.
If you''''''''re ready for a better, more stylish, more personal listening experience, try some of the new in-ear headphones available today. You''''''''ll be surprised at how good they sound and how comfortable they have become. Whether you use earphones for mixing music or just listening to your favorite tunes, look around and I''''''''m sure you''''''''ll find the perfect earbuds for you.