Terms
Monaural (Mono)
Stereo
Plug
Adapter
Jack Box
Lab Pack
Ear Cushions
Ear Cup
Personal Headphones
Selection Guide
Headphone Selection Table |
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.
Plug: The end on the headphone cord that plugs
into the sound source. A plug is either ¼” in diameter or ⅛” in
diameter.
Adapter: An attachment that slips over the plug
making it useful with more sound sources. An adapter can convert a ¼”
plug to a ⅛” plug or a ⅛” plug to a ¼” plug. Most headphones come with
a ¼” and a ⅛” plug which eliminates the need for an adapter.
Jack Box: A box which allows the connection of
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
our 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
jack boxes with volume control.
Lab Pack: Many headphones that are stored in a
carrying case and allow, for example, 24 individuals to access the
same sound source.
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, for
example, in numbers from 4 headphones to 8 headphones.
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.
Ear Cup: The portion of the headphones that is
placed over the ear and houses the speaker.
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.
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