October 29, 2001 - Star Micronics Co., Ltd., announced today that it will shortly begin sales of a new small, lightweight insertable-type headphone set, the PH-001A model, that is perfect for listening to high-quality recordings of music or audiovisual information. The PH-001A headphones will be supplied to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) companies globally, beginning in November
The new compact headphones incorporate Star Micronics' revolutionary ultra-small balanced armature (BA) magnetic receiver,*1 and have been designed to ensure the reproduction of clear, high-quality music and audio recordings. The compact BA receiver, which was originally developed by the company for an American firm for use as a hearing aid component, allows the earplug to be placed much closer to the eardrum than with conventional earphones, thereby minimizing the distance that sound must travel from receiver to eardrum. Its proximity to the eardrum minimizes the sound distortions that inevitably occur with conventional insertable-type headphone systems, whose larger receivers require the earplug to be placed farther from the eardrum, resulting in space gaps that distort the sound.
To further ensure high-quality sound, the PH-001A's soft earplugs fit easily into the ears and completely seal them off, reducing interference from external noises without hurtful pressure. Star Micronics believes that the new product will enhance the listening pleasure for the high-quality 3D sound reproduction made possible by such systems as Binaural Sound,*2 Dolby Headphone Sound*2 and 3D Sound Middleware "S-FORCE 3D Sound Library."*3 The company also expects the PH-001A to provide an ideal connection for "silent" electric musical instruments that minimize acoustic sound, thereby enriching the player's practice sessions.
While translucent earplugs are standard, they can be made to order in a variety of colors. The earplug cables come in translucent and black. In addition, substitutions can be made for certain parts and specifications of the PH-001A, in accordance with the needs of OEM companies. Star Micronics projects annual sales of 100,000 units.
PH-001A specifications
Format: Sealed balanced armature magnetic-type receiver
Frequencies: 20Hz-16kHz
Impedance (ohm): 400 ohms
Sensitivity: 110dB per 1mW 1 kHz
Standard input: 1mW
Plugs: 3.5mm stereo mini-plugs
Weight: 12g
For product inquiries, please contact the Sales and Marketing Department, Component Operating Division (tel: 054-261-8176; fax: 054-261-8195; email:
bsales@cp.star-micronics.co.jp).
NOTES:
1. The ultra-small balanced armature (BA) magnetic receiver, shielded by a protective case to reduce magnetic radiation, consists of two primary parts: a vibration source composed of magnets, fine wire coil and a delicate needle, or armature; and a diaphragm that converts vibrations to sound. The movement of the armature is triggered by input signals and then transmitted to the diaphragm, which in turn reproduces the sound. Although the basic mechanism of the BA receiver is similar to that of regular electric receivers, it differs in that the movement of the armature is mechanically transmitted to the diaphragm. One of the prime benefits of the BA type is the miniaturization of the receiver; however, its mass production had previously been deemed impossible because it requires highly sophisticated production technology to place the armature precisely in the middle of the magnets. Star Micronics successfully developed mass production technology for BA receivers by fully utilizing the company's established expertise in the area of precision machining and processing.
2. Binaural Sound and Dolby Headphone Sound systems are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
3. 3D Sound Middleware "S-FORCE 3D Sound Library" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.
