Headset Categories

, Just like buying a new camcorder, there are several terms and options to become familiarized with before you buy a pair of headphones. There are three basic Supra Society Tk styles: circum-aural (around the ear), supra-aural (on the ear) and in-the-ear types, often called ear buds.
In most Supra Society Tk recording applications, audio professionals prefer circum-aural headphones. They are usually large with thick, padded cushions that completely surround your ear. The cushions are made from vinyl or leather and help to isolate your ear from outside sounds and provide a comfortable fit. Most often, circum-aural headphones have a closed back to increase isolation and bass performance. Of course, there are drawbacks to circum-aural models. These phones are bulky and heavy, reducing comfort after long listening periods; plus, the cushions have a tendency to make your ears sweat.

Supra-aural headphones, typically lightweight models supplied with portable cassette, CD and MP3 players, rest on the outside of your ear. Their ear pads are made of replaceable cloth or foam that deteriorates over time. Many people prefer the sound of supra-aural headphones due to their open and transparent character. This sound quality comes with a price, though. Without a closed back, outside sounds easily blend with the sound you want to hear, making mix decisions difficult in high-noise environments. In addition, there is a tendency to turn the volume up to compensate for the added background noise. In extreme cases, this leads to temporary or even permanent hearing damage. The upside of supra-aural headphones is the wide variety of headband options. Ranging from standard, over the head to behind the head, and even without a Supra Society Tk headband, these phones are very comfortable to wear during a long shoot or edit session.