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Headphones (also known as earphones, earbuds, stereophones, headsets, or by the slang term cans) are a pair of transducers that receive an electrical signal from a media player or receiver and use speakers placed in close proximity to the ears (hence the name earphone) to convert the signal into audible sound waves. In the context of telecommunication, the term headset is also commonly understood to refer to a combination of headphones and microphone used for two-way communication, for example with a mobile phone.

History

Headphones date from the beginnings of the history of the telephone and the radio. The weak electrical signals of the early instruments were enough to operate only headphones audibly. Beyerdynamic is considered to have officially invented headphones in the late 1930s, and was the first company to market headphones to the public.

Applications

Headphones are normally detachable, using a jack plug. Typical products to which they are attached include the walkman, mobile phone, CD player, Minidisc player, digital audio player, (mp3 player), and personal computer. Headphones can also be used with full-size stereo components. Some headphone units are self-contained, incorporating a radio receiver. Other headphones are cordless, using radio (for example analogue FM, digital Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or infrared) signals to receive signals from a base unit.

Another application is in the professional audio sector. Here, headphones are used in live-situations by DJ's and sound engineers for monitoring channels independently from what the public hears. An effect can also be previewed this way. In radio-studios diskjockeys use a pair of headphones when talking in the microphone while the speakers are turned off, for reduced feedback and monitoring of their own voice. In studio-recordings, musicians and singers use headphones to play along a backing track. These headphones tend to be of better quality than 'normal' headphones.

The two common connectors are 1/4" and 3.5 mm plug. Headphones designed for home stereo systems and recording studios use the older 1/4" connector. Sony introduced the 3.5mm connector in 1979, adapting the older monophonic 3.5mm connector for use with its Walkman personal stereo. Advantages of the smaller connector include lower bulk, weight and cost. This smaller connector is more prevalent today due to the popularity of portable music devices, although aftermarket headphones sometimes include an adapter for compatibility with the larger connector. Please note that in the professional world, only 1/4" is used. Therefore, professional phones are actually 1/4" oriented and always include an adapter to 3.5 mm.

Read more at Wikipedia.org