Comparison HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless vs Logitech G Pro X Wireless

This parameter is indicated only for specialized models that are not related to “ears” for general use. Nowadays, in headphones you can find the following specialization options: gaming, for active sports, office, monitor(aka studio), for DJs, for children's, for sleep. Here is a more detailed description of these varieties:

- Gaming. Headphones designed primarily for use in games - primarily with PCs and laptops (a separate type is available for consoles, see below for details). Externally they stand out primarily due to their design - usually quite bright and aggressive. Most of these models have an overhead design, most often in a full-size “Over Ear” format (see “Design”) - this provides maximum immersion into the gaming. There are other design options, but much less common. An almost mandatory part is a microphone - for voice communication in online games. In addition, most multi-channel models fall into this category (see “Sound”) - such sound is most important for games.

— For active sports. Headphones good for sports. Such devices must, firstly, have additional fixation in the ears or on the head so as not to change their position during active movements...; secondly, don’t be afraid of sweat (and ideally, rain, snow and other precipitation). With rare exceptions, headphones for active sports do not have a wire that could create inconvenience when moving. Sports headphones include earbuds models, earbuds, and some on-ear headphones. They share key character traits - a secure fit and at least some degree of IP water resistance (see "Protection (IP) Level").

- Office. Office headphones are designed for consultants, support operators and other employees who constantly have to deal with voice communications over the phone or the Internet. Accordingly, one of the main features in such models is the presence of a microphone. Also very popular among office headphones are models for one ear (see “Sound - mono”), which allow you to hear both the interlocutor on the line and the surrounding environment at the same time. Many “ears” for this purpose use a USB connection (see “Connection”) - in the expectation that inexpensive office computers may not have specialized audio outputs at all. In this case, a small control panel for working with IP telephony can be provided directly on the USB plug; it allows, in particular, to accept and reject calls. There are also wireless models (usually with a connection via a radio channel, less often via Bluetooth), as well as specialized solutions connected to telephone sets using specific connectors.

— Monitor (studio). Headphones designed for use in professional sound recording and when setting up audio equipment. They are made only wired. However, the key feature of such models is different: they have the most even frequency response, which gives almost the same sound volume in all frequency bands, and a wide operating range, often exceeding the limits of frequencies audible to humans. Thanks to this, headphones for this purpose are able to clearly identify all the flaws in the sound signal - including nuances that are not noticeable on traditional “ears”; Such capabilities are indispensable in professional work with sound. On the other hand, for the same reason, there is no point in using monitor models for everyday listening to music: they not only reveal various shortcomings of the recording, but also give the sound a specific coloring that is unusual and even unpleasant for the average user.

— For DJ. Headphones originally intended for use by professional DJs when mixing tracks. In many ways they are similar to the monitor ones described above - in particular, they have a very smooth frequency response, providing the most reliable sound, and a wide frequency range. In addition, DJ headphones are usually made in a closed acoustic design and generally have high quality sound insulation, which allows you to maintain good audibility even in quite noisy environments.

- For children's. They differ from “adult” models primarily in appearance - both in smaller sizes and (in most models) in their characteristic bright design. In addition, children's's hearing is more sensitive to loud sound, and too high a volume is extremely undesirable for a child (including for psychological reasons). In light of this, children's's headphones may have corresponding features - for example, slightly reduced sensitivity, which does not allow the sound to be “boosted” to a high level, or a volume limiter, which can only be controlled by an adult.

- For sleep. Miniature headphones of a special anatomical shape, which allows you to calmly fall asleep lying on your side without discomfort in the ear. To reduce ambient noise levels, they are usually designed with passive noise reduction. These headphones can be used both for listening to music and for broadcasting white noise, nature sounds or waves. Advanced models also monitor sleep quality, and the alarm function turns on a melody to wake you up at the appointed time. Such headphones are often called electronic earplugs.

Range of wireless-capable headphones (see "Connection type").

When evaluating the range, it should be taken into account that this parameter is rather conditional and the actual range may differ slightly from the claimed one (usually in a smaller direction). So, when connecting via a radio channel, the range is indicated for perfect conditions — without interference and obstacles in the signal path. For Bluetooth models, the range also depends on the power of the Bluetooth module in the device to which the “ears” are connected. And the effectiveness of the IR channel may be reduced in hot weather or in bright sunlight. So when choosing according to this indicator, it's ok to take a certain margin.

On the other hand, there are two points worth noting. Firstly, in general, the specified range accurately describes the capabilities of the headphones, and it is quite possible to evaluate and compare different models with each other. Secondly, even in the most modest wireless “ears”, the communication range is about 8–10 m, 11–20 m is considered an average, and a fairly large number of devices can operate at distances of tens and even hundreds of metres. So paying attention to the range makes sense mainly in cases where you plan to move away from the signal source at a considerable distance — from 5 m or more — or listen to sound through walls.

The audio format supported by the headphones.

— Stereo. Two-channel sound that allows you to create a surround sound effect to a certain extent (due to the difference in the right and left channels). The design of the headphones (two speakers, one for each ear) was originally “sharpened” specifically for stereo, so the vast majority of models support this particular sound format.

— Mono. Single-channel sound that does not create a surround effect. This marking means that this model is equipped with one earpiece ; At the same time, there are two types of such devices on the market. The first is headphones that initially have only one cup and are designed for situations where the second ear needs to be left open (for example, to work on the phone in the office). The second is true wireless devices (see Cable Type), sold singly to replace a lost earphone from the original pair.

— 5.1. Originally, 5.1 was designed to create surround sound that can come from any direction ("surround"). It assumes the presence of 5 main channels (centre, front left / right, rear left / right) and one bass. In headphones, the effect of this sound is achieved through the use of several speakers in each cup. Such models are very convenient when watching movies with multi-channel sound, as well as in games — they provide a powerful immersive effect. On the other hand, such headphones are not cheap, and besides, they require a spec...ific connection method (for example, via USB).

— 5.1 (virtual). Models with support for 5.1 surround sound (see above), in which the surround effect is achieved not due to the number of speakers, but due to special sound processing technologies. This somewhat reduces the accuracy compared to the "non-virtual" multi-channel, but it can significantly reduce the cost and weight of the headphones. However, there can also be several speakers in such models — for example, for separation by frequency.

— 7.1. The 7.1 format is the multi-channel 5.1 described above, supplemented by two more main channels. The localization of these channels depends on the specific variety of 7.1, but anyway they enhance the effect of volume. On the other hand, full support for this format significantly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the headphones, and content with 7.1 sound is produced much less than 5.1.

— 7.1 (virtual). A “virtual” version of the 7.1 format described above, in which the effect of surround sound is provided primarily through special signal processing, and not due to the presence of separate emitters for each channel. Similar to virtual 5.1, this format of operation somewhat reduces the reliability of the sound, but this difference is often imperceptible, and the headphones themselves turn out to be simpler and more inexpensive. Therefore, most modern 7.1 models support the virtual format of this sound.

— 9.1 (virtual). Further development of the idea of multi-channel sound: 5 channels, as in 5.1 (see above), supplemented by 4 more channels for more accurate localization of audible sound. As in other virtual formats, volume in this case is provided by special processing algorithms.

It is worth remembering that the actual sound will depend not only on the headphones, but also on the signal source: for example, a mono recording even in 9.1 “ears” will not become voluminous.

— 3D sound. Surround sound with the localization of sound sources in three-dimensional space allows you to deeply plunge into the atmosphere of films or immerse yourself in a virtual game world. The mechanics of spatial 3D-sound provides localization of sound sources around the listener and in the vertical scan plane. Algorithms for implementing 3D sound in headphones differ in terms of software and hardware support, but all of them are aimed at achieving the effect of realism of what is happening. Surround sound has long been the standard for movies, and in recent years, 3D sound has become increasingly common in games and music tracks.

Impedance refers to the headphone's nominal resistance to AC current, such as an audio signal.

Other things being equal, a higher impedance reduces distortion, but requires a more powerful amplifier — otherwise the headphones simply will not be able to produce sufficient volume. Thus, the choice of resistance depends primarily on which signal source you plan to connect the "ears". So, for a portable gadget (smartphone, pocket player), an indicator of 16 ohms or less is considered optimal, 17 – 32 ohms is not bad. Higher values — 33 – 64 ohms and 65 – 96 ohms — will require quite powerful amplifiers, like those used in computers and televisions. And models with a resistance of 96 – 250 ohms and above are designed mainly for Hi-End audio equipment and professional use; for such cases, detailed recommendations for selection can be found in special sources.

The range of audio frequencies that headphones can reproduce.

The wider this range — the more fully the headphones reproduce the spectrum of sound frequencies, the lower the likelihood that too low or too high frequencies will be inaccessible. However, some nuances should be taken into account here. First of all, we recall that the range of perception of the human ear is on average from 16 Hz to 22 kHz, and for the full picture it is enough that the headphones cover this range. However, modern models can noticeably go beyond these limits: in many devices, the lower threshold does not exceed 15 Hz, or even 10 Hz, and the upper limit can reach 25 kHz, 30 kHz, and even more. Such extensive ranges in themselves do not provide practical advantages, but they usually indicate a high class of headphones, and sometimes they are only given for promotional purposes.

The second important point is that an extensive frequency range in itself is not a guarantee of good sound: the sound quality also depends on a number of parameters, primarily the frequency response of the headphones.

Rated headphone sensitivity. Technically, this is the volume at which they sound when a certain standard signal from the amplifier is connected to them. Thus, sensitivity is one of the parameters that determine the overall volume of the headphones: the higher it is, the louder the sound will be with the same input signal level and other things being equal. However, we must not forget that the volume level also depends on the resistance (impedance, see above); moreover, it is worth choosing “ears” for a specific device first by impedance, and only then by sensitivity. In this case, one parameter can be compensated for by another: for example, a model with high resistance and high sensitivity can work even on a relatively weak amplifier.

As for specific figures, headphones with indicators of 100 dB or less are designed mainly for use in a quiet environment (in some similar models, the sensitivity does not exceed 90 dB). For use on the street, in transport and other similar conditions, it is desirable to have more sensitive headphones — about 101 – 105 dB, or even 110 dB. And in some models, this figure can reach 116 – 120 dB. and even more.

It is also worth noting that this parameter is relevant only for a wired connection according to the analogue standard — for example, via...a 3.5 mm mini-jack. When using digital interfaces like USB and wireless channels like Bluetooth, the sound is processed in the built-in headphone converter, and if you plan to mainly use this kind of application, you can not pay much attention to sensitivity.

The type of sound emitters installed in the headphones. The type determines the principle of operation of emitters and some features of their design.

— Dynamic. The simplest type of emitters operating on the principle of an electromagnet. Due to the combination of low cost with quite decent performance, it is also the most common, especially among entry-level and mid-range headphones. Such an emitter consists of a magnet, a coil placed in its field, and a membrane attached to the coil. When an alternating current (signal) enters the coil, it begins to vibrate, transmitting vibrations to the membrane and creating sound. From an acoustic point of view, the main advantages of dynamic radiators are a wide frequency range and good volume, the disadvantage is a relatively high probability of distortion, especially with a worn membrane.

— Reinforcing. A peculiar modification of dynamic emitters (see the relevant paragraph), used mainly in high-end in-ear headphones. The basis of the design of such a radiator is a U-shaped metal plate. One of its ends is fixed motionless, the second, movable, is located between the poles of a permanent magnet, and a coil is wound around it (closer to the crossbar), through which the signal current passes. Vibrating under the action of this current, the movable part of the plate transmits vibrations to a rigid membrane, with which it is connected by a thi...n needle. This technology allows you to achieve good volume and low distortion with a very small size of the earpiece itself. The disadvantages of reinforcing radiators, in addition to high cost, are uneven frequency response and a relatively narrow frequency range. However, in expensive headphones of this type, several emitters can be provided at once, including on a hybrid basis (see relevant paragraph).

— Hybrid. Hybrid devices are usually called devices that combine dynamic and reinforcing emitters. See above for more details on these varieties; and their combination is used to combine advantages and compensate for disadvantages. Usually, in such headphones there is only one dynamic emitter, it is responsible for low frequencies, and there can be several reinforcing ones, they share the midrange and high frequencies. This allows you to achieve a more uniform frequency response than in purely armature models, but it significantly affects the price.

— Planar. The design of emitters of this type includes two powerful permanent magnets, between which there is a thin film membrane. The shape of the headphones themselves can be either round (orthodynamic emitters) or rectangular (isodynamic). According to the principle of operation, such systems are similar to dynamic ones, with the adjustment for the fact that there is no coil in the design — its role is played by the membrane itself with applied conductive tracks, to which the audio signal is fed. Due to this, distortions associated with the uneven oscillations of the membrane are practically absent; in addition, the sound as a whole is clear and reliable, and the frequency response is uniform. The main disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones are high cost, increased requirements for signal quality, and rather large dimensions. In addition, they are somewhat inferior to dynamic ones in terms of volume and overall frequency range.

— Electrostatic. Like planar-magnetic (see the relevant paragraph), such emitters are designed according to the "sandwich" principle. However, the membrane in them is located not between the magnets, but between the metal grids, and is made of a very thin metallized film. An audio signal is connected to such a system in a special way, and the membrane begins to oscillate due to attraction and repulsion from the grids, creating sound. Electrostatic drivers achieve very high sound quality, low distortion, and high fidelity, but they are bulky, complex, and expensive to use. And it's not just the high cost of the headphones themselves — their operation requires additional matching amplifiers with a voltage range of hundreds or even thousands of volts, and such devices cost a lot, and have the appropriate dimensions.

The coefficient of harmonic distortion produced by this model of headphones.

This parameter determines the amount of non-linear distortion introduced by the headphones into the reproduced sound. The lower it is, the less such distortions, the cleaner and closer to the original sound is. So, an indicator of 1% or more can be considered tolerable at best, from 0.5% to 1% — good, less than 0.5% — excellent (such indicators are acceptable even for monitor headphones), and less than 0.1% — almost perfect.

Note that a low harmonic coefficient in itself does not guarantee high-quality sound — a lot depends on other features of the headphones, primarily the frequency response.

The range of audio frequencies that the headphone's own microphone can normally "hear".

Theoretically, the wider this range, the more advanced and high-quality the microphone is, the closer the sound transmitted by it is to the real one. In fact, extensive frequency coverage is not always required. So, the working range of the human ear is about 16 – 22,000 Hz, and even then not everyone hears its upper part. And human speech usually covers frequencies from 500 Hz to 2 kHz, at least this range is considered quite sufficient for its transmission. So if you need a microphone for simple tasks like voice communication on the Internet or game chat, you can not pay much attention to the frequency range: even in the most modest models, it is more than sufficient for normal speech transmission.