Mobile phones and professional players have given up the 3.5mm headphone port that we have been using for many years to change to Type-C interface, which makes everyone unhappy, but strangely, from first-line factories to Huaqiang North, they have increased the development and shipment of Type-C headphones. How can Type-C allow manufacturers to forcibly promote it under the pressure of users?

     The main difference between the 3.5mm jack and USB-C is the way they transmit audio.

     The 3.5mm jack transmits audio as an analog signal. This means that the conversion of the digital signal to the analog signal occurs at the end of the sound source, such as a computer or smartphone. The analog signal is then transmitted over a wire to your headset.

     On the other hand, the USB-C interface transmits digital signals. The conversion of the digital signal to the analog signal usually occurs in the headset, reducing the distance required for the analog signal to reach the headset, which also reduces the distortion caused by the cable and external electromagnetic interference during the transmission of the signal.

     In addition to this, the use of USB-C interface has several advantages, so that headphone manufacturers are increasingly inclined to gradually abandon the 3.5mm interface:

More equipment space

     By eliminating the 3.5mm jack and charging port for shared audio output, smartphone makers have more room to work with. This allows them to create thinner, leaner devices. It also provides space for other components inside the phone, such as external speakers, microphones or batteries.

Better audio processing components

     In addition to more phone space, USB-C connectivity also allows you to bypass the relatively mediocre DAC chip (digital-to-analog signal chip) of your phone or the ordinary on-board sound card of your computer, and install better quality Dacs and headphone amplifiers directly on the headset end, or even specialized DSP chips, to further improve sound quality. This is much easier than trying to make adjustments in the vocal unit circuit.

     An advertisement for a brand of Type-C headphones highlights the effect of adding a special decoding chip at the end of the C port to improve the sound quality

Better sound quality

     Analog signals tend to deteriorate over long distances, which can bring static and noise to your audio or make the signal sound weaker. This is especially true for 3.5mm jack headphones because the analog signal has to travel from your phone to your headset, making it prone to decay and interference along the way.

     Digital signals, on the other hand, are more robust and reliable. They don't decay with distance because the binary code that makes up the signal can be easily recovered. As mentioned earlier, the conversion from digital to analog is done through the DAC in the headset. Since it is closer to the earphone driver unit, it is less susceptible to unwanted signal interference.

Better software features

     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 companion app features.

     Now, you understand why the Type-C headset is still on the market amid a lot of criticism: It represents the completion of digitalization in the "last centimeter" of audio devices.

Buy: Pay attention to the elements do not step on the pit

     Sound quality is always an important priority when choosing headphones. Since USB-C headphones are usually designed with better Dacs and amplifiers, there should be higher expectations for better sound, and it is best to check the following factors when purchasing:

Drive unit type and size

     The drive unit, also known as the horn, they come in different types, ranging in size from 20 mm to 50 mm.

     In general, a larger drive unit provides a louder sound and clearer bass response because a larger diaphragm produces more and more powerful sound waves. But ultimately, the overall sound quality of the drive unit depends on the balance between size, type, and tuning.

Frequency response

     Frequency response refers to the frequency range that the headset accurately reproduces. The standard range is usually 20-20 KHZ, which is also the range that the human ear can hear. However, some headphones go beyond this range (10-45kHz) to ensure that no audio clipping distortion occurs in the frequencies you can actually hear, giving you a better sound experience.

Impedance

     Impedance refers to the resistance of headphones, which is actually 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. In contrast, high-impedance headphones (100-600 ohms) require more input power to properly push the drive unit, so it may only be used on a computer or even with an extra ear amplifier.

Sensitivity

     Sensitivity tells you how loud a pair of headphones is at a given power level. High-sensitivity headphones (above 110 decibels) require more voltage to produce a louder sound, while low-sensitivity headphones require less power and are best used with portable devices.

Wireless dual mode

     Headphones with an optional wireless feature are great for increased flexibility.

Active Noise Reduction (ANC)

     Headphones with ANC functionality minimize intrusive noise, allowing us to focus or hear the audio better.

Microphone

     If you're going to use it for voice calls or games, it's important to pick a Type-C headset with a good microphone. Over-ear headphones generally use a boom microphone, which allows you to pick up sound more clearly because it's closer to your mouth. In addition, the microphone with noise reduction function is preferred.

Companion program

     Another good feature to consider when buying Type-C headphones is the accompanying app. Software installed on your smartphone or computer can work with the DAC or DSP chip on the headset to help you customize features and maximize the performance of the headset. These apps should have the following features:

     EQ balanced customization. Lets you customize or improve your sound quality using audio presets. Firmware update. Keep all software for EQ, ANC and other controls up to date. Personalized control. Lets you specify actions for specific buttons and gestures on the headset. ANC custom. Allows you to increase or decrease the level of active noise reduction, reducing the phenomenon of "false ear pressure".