Monaural (Mono): Designates single source sound reception. Mono sound can be described as a sound that seems to come from one
direction only. Mono headphones should be used with mono sound source products such as cassette player/recorders and record players. Mono
headphones should not be used with stereo sound source products such as PCs, televisions or portable CD players. Using mono headphones
with a stereo sound source can create an electrical short circuit in one of the stereo channels which may damage connected equipment. Using
mono headphones with a stereo sound source also limits the audibility. The listener only hears out of one of the ear cups/pieces.
Stereo: Designates sound reception to both ears. Stereo sound can be described as a sound that is 3 dimensional or sound that comes from
all directions. Stereo headphones should be used with stereo sound source products such as PCs, televisions and portable CD players. Stereo
headphones are not meant for use with mono sound source products such as cassette player/recorders and record players.
Please Note: Mono/stereo switchable headphones are available. This technology allows you to switch from mono to stereo at the flip
of a switch. This feature enables the use of headphones with all sound source products. Simply flip the switch to mono for use with
cassette players/recorders and record players and to stereo for use with PCs, televisions and portable CD players.
Personal Headphones: A smaller, lower cost, lightweight alternative to standard educational
headphones. The lower cost enables each student to have their own set of headphones and some personal headphones offer storage means, which prevent the
spreading of head lice. Personal headphones are available with or without volume control.
(A) Plug: The headphone plug or headphone jack on the end of the headphone cord that plugs into the sound source.
This jack plug is either 1/4” in diameter or 1/8” in diameter.
(B) Plug Adapter: An attachment that slips over the plug making it useful with
more sound sources. An adapter can convert a 1/8” plug to a 1/4” plug or a 1/4” plug to a 1/8” plug. Most headphones come with a 1/4” and a 1/8” plug which
eliminates the need for an adapter.
(C) Ear Cushions: The portion on the inside of the headphone ear cup that
rests on your skin and around your ears. Ear cushions are available in foam or leatherette which is a man-made leather-like material. Some ear cushions are
washable with isopropyl alcohol, some ear cushions are replaceable and some are permanent.
(D) Ear Cup: The portion of the headphones that is placed over the ear and
houses the speaker.
Lab Pack: Many headphones that are stored in a carrying case and allow, for example, 24 individuals to
access the same sound source.
(A) Listening Center: Listening centers are available with
or without a sound source; with or without a jack box; with or without a carrying case, and with or without a remote control. All listening centers include
headphones. The number of headphones differ and range in number from 4 headphones to 24 headphones.
(B) Jack Box: A box which allows multiple headphones to be connected to the same
sound source. Jack boxes may be purchased with various headphone positions (number of headphones you are able to connect to the jack box at the same time) such as
6 position or 8 position. Jack boxes are also available with or without volume control. If you purchase headphones with volume control you would not need volume
control on the jack box. If you purchase headphones without volume control you would want to purchase a jack box with volume control.