Wed Nov 02 21:25:23 CST 2022
Traditional audio interface is 3.5mm jack as below. But now the Type-C audio interface has appeared on the market.
The audio jacks was invented in the 19th century for the purpose of use in telephone switchboards and still used widely to transfer Analog audio signals. Nowadays 3.5mm is the universal audio jack size to be found in Smartphones, PC and Laptops. Also, for hobbyists 3.5mm audio jack is a useful components for projects that plug into headphone jacks.
USB-C audio transmits a digital signal. The conversion of digital to analog signals usually occurs in the headsets, reducing the distance required for the analog signal to reach the headsets, which also reduces the distortion caused by wires and outside electromagnetic interference during transmission.
So the biggest difference between Type-C Audio Port and 3.5 mm Audio Jack is that the signals transmitted are digital / analog.
In addition to this, the adoption of the USB-C interface has several benefits that make headset manufacturers increasingly inclined to phase out the 3.5mm interface.
By eliminating the 3.5mm jack and the Type-C charging port sharing a common connector for audio output, smartphone manufacturers have more space to work with. This allows them to create thinner devices. It also provides space for other components within the phone, such as the speaker, microphone or battery.
The USB-C connection also allows you to bypass the relatively mediocre DAC chip (Digital to Analog signal chip) of your phone or the normal on-board sound card of your computer and install a better quality DAC and headphone amplifier, or even a dedicated DSP chip, directly at the headphone end to further improve the sound quality, which is much easier than laboriously tuning the circuitry part of the sound generating unit.
Analog signals tend to deteriorate over long distances, which can introduce static and noise into your audio, or make the signal sound weaker. This is especially true for 3.5mm jack headsets, as the analog signal must travel from your phone to your headsets, making it prone to attenuation and interference along the way.
Digital signals are more robust and reliable. They are not attenuated by distance because the binary code that makes up the signal can be easily recovered. The conversion from digital to analog is performed through the DAC in the headset, so it is not susceptible to unwanted signal interference.
USB-C connectivity is not limited to transferring audio data, but can also accommodate other types of advanced signal communication. This allows headphone manufacturers to integrate better hardware and software features into their devices, such as active noise cancellation, EQ equalization customization, gesture playback capabilities and other complementary application features.
Now you understand why Type-C headsets are starting to hit the market: it represents the completion of digitalization in audio devices.
Sound quality is always an important priority when choosing a headset. Since USB-C headsets are usually designed with better DACs and amplifiers, expectations for better sound should be higher and it is best to check the following factors when shopping.
Drive units, or horns, come in different types and sizes ranging from 20 mm-50 mm.In general, larger drive units provide louder sound and clearer bass response because larger diaphragms produce more and more powerful sound waves. Ultimately, however, the overall sound quality of a drive unit depends on the balance between size, type and tuning.
Frequency response is the range of frequencies that are accurately reproduced by headphones. The standard range is usually 20-20kHz, which is the range that the human ear can hear. However, some headsets will go beyond this range (10-45kHz) to ensure that there is no audio clipping distortion in the frequencies you can actually hear, giving you a better sound quality experience.
Impedance is the resistance of headphones, which is really how much power they need to overcome how much resistance to work properly. Low impedance headphones (32-80 ohms) don't require much power and can be used with your phone or computer. Conversely, high impedance headphones (100-600 ohms) require more input power to properly push the driver, so they may only be used with a computer or even with an additional ear amplifier.
Sensitivity tells you how loud a pair of headphones can be for a given power level. High-sensitivity headphones (110 dB or more) require more voltage to produce more sound, while lower-sensitivity headphones require less power and are best used with portable devices.
Headphones with ANC function minimize distracting noise, allowing us to focus or hear audio better.
Another great feature to consider when buying Type-C headphones is the companion application. Software installed on your smartphone or computer can work with the DAC or DSP chip at the headset's end to help you customize features and maximize the headset's performance.
By HornmicLink_Henry @221102 21:38