Owners of full-size and on-ear headphones will sooner or later be faced with the fact that the ear pads lose their original appearance and consistency. It so happens that there is often no way to find or buy new ear pads. Therefore, today we will look at how to sew ear pads with your own hands.
This article is a rewrite of my first article, written specifically for the audio forum lossy.ru. It was decided to rewrite it after discovering it on other Internet resources. Here they are, copyrights in RuNet))
The size and shape of the ear pads affect the sound character of the headphones. If you decide to sew ear pads with your own hands as a replacement for worn ones, then you should choose the sizes based on the original ones.
I sewed ear pads for the TDS-5 being restored, so the sizes were chosen based on recommendations from various sources. I tried to make them as thin as possible and with as large an internal diameter as possible.
To sew ear pads with your own hands you will need:
- To a barb of thin skin or leatherette
- Foam rubber that can be removed from the ear pads of other headphones. Unfortunately, a washing sponge will not work here; the foam rubber should allow air to pass freely. The best way to check is to try to blow through it
- Sewing supplies
- Artboard for creating patterns
- Compass marker, for marking cardboard
More information about the material used
When choosing a material, you should try to find it as thin as possible. In my opinion, sewing from leatherette is easier. In fact, finding it on sale is easier and cheaper. It is better to choose one that has a fabric base. You can also sew from velor - it all depends on your taste and the ability to get the material.
Both leather and leatherette are most often sold by the meter. The used leatherette was sold in rolls, about a meter wide. I bought 20 centimeters and even then there was about half of the material left. As for the price of the issue, such happiness cost about 2 dollars.
What should you do to prevent your headphones from falling out of your ears?
How to wear a headset without the headphones falling out of your ears.
(WF-XB700)
- Insert the headphones
of the headset into both ears. Place the earphone with the mark (left) in your left ear and the earphone with the mark (right) in your right ear. ... - Rotate the headset gradually to fit the earbud firmly in your ear. Advice.
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It's time to sew!
We combine the cut out rings with each other and sew them with small stitches along the inner edge. For greater fixation, the rings were glued together with tape. You can use clothespins, the main thing is to prevent displacement relative to each other.
If your household has a sewing machine, it would be a good idea to use it.
Using the foot on my sewing machine as a guide, I sewed a little further from the edge than with my hands. There is nothing wrong with this, it’s just that the inner diameter will be a little larger, and the ear pad itself will be thinner.
If you don’t have a machine, you can manually flash it a couple of times. The main thing is that the seam is uniform and there are no gaps when stretched.
Since the stitched workpiece will turn inside out, it will be better to cut off the excess along the inner edge.
Reinforcement
Armature headphones are headphones that feature an exclusively in-ear design. They are based on a U-shaped magnetic circuit, in the field of which there is an armature with a voice coil. The diffuser is attached directly to the armature. At the moment when current is applied to the voice coil, the armature leaves its resting state and sets the diffuser in motion.
Armature headphones have a high level of efficiency with compact dimensions. Due to the specific design of the emitter, armature headphones sound clearer and cleaner.
Conclusion: In-ear headphones can be dynamic. In-ear headphones can be dynamic or reinforced. Over-ear headphones are mainly represented by dynamic models. Over-ear headphones can be dynamic, electrostatic, iso- or orthodynamic.
We have more detailed material about armature headphones.
Depending on the design of the housing in which the headphone speakers are enclosed, they are divided into two categories: closed and open .
Add thickness
In order for the ear pads to be thick, we will need to cut another strip, the width of which will determine the future thickness. Just as before, leave 2-3 mm for the seam.
From the recommendations, I chose a thickness of about a centimeter, the remaining half a centimeter was left for the seams.
The length of the strip was cut with a margin, by eye. For a more accurate calculation, you should pick up a calculator and remember your school years, in particular what
Ambient length = 2 * 3.14 * outer radius of embouchure
For a radius of 37.5 it turned out to be about 23.5 cm. So we cut out 25 cm and don’t worry.
Sew the edge of the strip to the edge of one of the rings.
When the circle is completed, leave an overlap of 0.5-1 cm and cut off the excess part of the strip. This is what it looks like after stitching on a sewing machine.
Headphone holders from AliExpress
By tradition, we’ll start with offers from AliExpress, which introduced the fashion for these devices into our lives.
What can you see in the vast expanses of AliExpress? Yes, there are hundreds of models of holders for every taste, color and budget, but below we have collected for you the 10 best offers from various categories, which have already been appreciated by thousands of buyers.
Havit TH630 RGB
Find out the price
Size: 281*120*102 mm
The most popular and highly rated headphone stand on AliExpress with almost 4000 orders and an average score of 4.8 based on 1700+ reviews.
An impressive figure, considering the peculiarities of the gaming industry.
The height of the TH630 RGB stand is just over 28 centimeters, and the base with anti-slip feet measures 12*10.2 centimeters.
It is the base of the stand that has bright RGB lighting around the edges with 5 lighting modes and an illuminated logo in the center.
On the right side there are two USB 2.0 ports, 1xAUX and a backlight on/off button.
You can purchase the Havit TH630 RGB stand in the official brand store on AliExpress, including delivery from a warehouse in Russia.
96% of positive reviews (as of January 26, 2021) confirm fast delivery to the door, responsiveness of the seller and full compliance with the stated characteristics!
Havit RGB
Find out the price
Dimensions: 270*160*100 mm
A newer model from the same Havit brand, made in a “hanger” format in the shape of the letter “T”, taking into account the placement of two full-size headphones.
In the center there is a bright blue plastic insert, which is illuminated along with the base.
This model, in addition to its visual beauty, is notable for its attention to detail. So, for example, on the back of this very blue central insert there are two hooks for winding the cable from the headphones, and on the front side there is a small protrusion that acts as a holder for a smartphone.
The “Havit RGB” stand is 27 centimeters high and has a base of 15x10 cm, also has two USB 2.0 ports, dedicated buttons for turning on the backlight of the base and separately turning on/off the backlight of the central blue insert.
The model itself is available for purchase in two colors!
FANTECH AC3001S Hot RGB
Find out the price
Dimensions: 15x14x26.5cm
The “FANTECH AC3001S” headphone stand primarily stands out for its design in the form of a base in the shape of an animal’s paw or a petal of some plant, although the seller positions it simply as triangular, with a hole along the main holder of the headphones themselves.
In terms of functionality, there is only a backlight with 10 lighting modes and an on/off button on the body.
An interesting offer that has already been noted by several dozen buyers from all over the world.
EKSA W1 Gaming Headset
Find out the price
Dimensions: 249*132*117 mm
Havit's main competitor is the headphone holder from the EKSA brand, which has earned itself a good reputation by producing high-quality gaming headsets at an affordable price.
"EKSA W1 Gaming Headset" offers the following solid set of features:
- Aluminum main holder with a total height (including base) of 249 millimeters;
- 3 x 3.5 mm ports on the front side: Audio;
- Microphone;
- Combined.
It should also be noted that there is free and fast delivery from the Russian Federation, which is confirmed by customer reviews.
BINYEAE
Find out the price
Dimensions: 22.5*9.5*9.5cm
A high-quality metal stand that costs a little over 300 rubles.
The base is 95 millimeters wide and 225 millimeters high - the main leg fits quite tightly, the headphones lie well and do not fall over.
The only negative, and not in relation to the seller, is delivery that costs slightly less than the cost of the stand itself.
Befon RGB
Find out the price
Dimensions: 282 mm – height / 128 mm – base diameter
Not everyone likes “All-in-one” devices, but the Befon headphone stand has three main functions that are qualitatively reflected:
- Actually, the gaming headset storage system itself;
- Wireless charging for smartphones;
- Full-fledged USB hub with up to 4 ports.
This model is available in two colors – black and pink, but also has various modifications with 4 USB 2.0 or 4 USB 3.0 ports, as well as with a 10 or 15W charging module itself.
Please note that power supply requires a connection to the mains; a power supply is included in the kit.
TXTB1
Find out the price
The simplest and most budget option is a small hook that is installed on the corner of the monitor using double-sided tape. The cost of such a holder is only a little more than 60 rubles.
The model is available in white and black, size 8x8 centimeters. Let’s also pay attention to the hook width of 2.3 centimeters, which is quite large for thin monitors. This indicator should be measured first.
Despite the minimal cost and simplicity, this holder efficiently fulfills its only task - placing the headset comfortably for the user.
Centechia Earphone Hanger Holder
Find out the price
A collapsible headphone holder consisting of three elements - a base measuring 9x9 cm and an upper platform (the holder itself), made of ABS plastic, and a central stand 20 cm high made of aluminum alloy.
A simple but quite stylish solution costing up to 150 rubles, available in two colors (black and white) with fast delivery from a warehouse in Russia.
QinCoon
Find out the price
“QinCoon” and structurally similar headphone stands are exactly the case when minimalism in execution only benefits visual aesthetics.
The stand consists of a round metal base and main leg, and a wide solid polished wooden arm designed to hold one headphone.
4 colors to choose from and a price that matches the quality!
JINSERTA
Find out the price
A popular headphone holder for mounting on a tabletop or table leg. The holder consists of an aluminum L-shaped base, a solid polished wooden platform and a metal bracket.
Interesting and high-quality execution, and most importantly, fully fulfills its main purpose.
U-shaped headphone holders
So, above we have listed 10 options for headphone holders/stands in different designs and with wide price ranges.
We cannot say that we deliberately avoided U-shaped models made of wood and acrylic. We studied hundreds of offers on AliExpress, looked at some of them live and came to the conclusion that today, taking into account the existing logistics system, there is a high risk of receiving an order made of wood and acrylic with defects formed during transportation.
We will not say that this is inevitable, but there is a possibility.
Be sure to take this into account when ordering. And for those who are looking for just such holders, here are 5 popular models.
| Model | Average mark | Number of orders / reviews | Store link |
| QIGOM | 4,9 | 16 / 8 | View price |
| LEORY SKUA61440 | 4,9 | 43 / 13 | View price |
| JINSERTA | 4,7 | 14 / 6 | View price |
| KOQZM | 4,6 | 286 / 80 | View price |
| Nemobub | 4,4 | 158 / 54 | View price |
Canyon CND-GWH200B
Find out the price
This model combines two gadgets - a headset holder and a computer mouse wire holder, the so-called bunge, which holds the wire in the direction desired by the user, which prevents accidental snagging and slipping of the mouse.
The gadget, measuring 126 x 251 x 126 mm, is equipped with an eye-pleasing backlight with 7 modes, as well as two USB ports version 2.0.
Stylish, high-quality and functional gadget.
Reddragon Scepter Pro
Find out the price
Redragon Scepter Pro is in many ways similar to the products of the Havit brand, which was cited above as a leader in this category.
The height of the holder is 24.7 cm, and the plastic base measuring 11x11 cm with anti-slip feet has 10-mode RGB backlighting and 4 USB ports version 2.0.
Bright, stylish and at a reasonable price.
COUGAR BUNKER S RGB
Find out the price
Well, our selection is completed by products.
The key distinguishing feature of “BUNKER S RGB” is the patented TotalSuction vacuum suction cup, which allows you to install the holder not only on a horizontal surface, but also on a vertical one. To do this, the kit includes two replaceable holders - one main one for horizontal installation with a height of 25.5 cm, the other for vertical use with a height of 9 cm.
There is also a bright RGB backlight with 14 modes and two USB ports version 2.0.
This is exactly the case when you can pay a little extra for beauty and functionality.
Insert foam rubber
Our blank is beginning to resemble an embouchure more and more. Now it comes to foam rubber.
We thread the workpiece into the foam ring and install it. The matter remains small.
The second seam will be on the outside. Therefore, it is worth sewing the strip with the second ring by attaching them with the wrong sides to each other. Do not allow the seam to go through the foam.
After the next circle is completed, we move the embouchure in different directions. This is necessary so that the foam rubber is evenly distributed inside.
Main stages of headset assembly
The headphone assembly process consists of four stages:
- checking the integrity of the cable and the functionality of the speakers with a multimeter;
- soldering the wire to the plug;
- soldering bifurcated wires to the speakers;
- installation of parts inside the housing.
If you decide to assemble a headset for a mobile phone, one more item is added to the assembly process - soldering the microphone. All parts are taken from old broken headphones or bought in a store. The second option is not profitable, since the costs will exceed the cost of a new headset, and there is no point in assembling it yourself.
Recommendations: How to properly warm up your headphones and whether you need to do it
, Headphone wiring
, DIY headphone repair
Key moment
This part of the headphones is in direct contact with the human body, which means it is largely responsible for the feeling of comfort or discomfort.
In addition, the ear pads actually form an acoustic chamber for which the headphone emitter operates. Well, the third factor that directly depends on them is the degree of suppression of external noise. Unless, of course, we are talking about open headphones. All this applies equally to both in-ear and full-size models. At first glance, their ear pads have nothing in common - they also differ tens of times in size. But from the point of view of the functions they perform, they are as close as possible.
The essence of the question: For sound, ear pads are no less important than speakers.
Life hack: If you want to choose the right headphones, you can’t do without trying them on; you don’t buy clothes or shoes based on the picture.
Lots of foam
An alternative to silicone ear pads is foam ear pads. This is a significantly more expensive material, but it also provides a wider range of possibilities. By changing the characteristics of the foam, manufacturers can achieve either the highest noise insulation or the opposite effect - good fixation in the ear with the ability to hear surrounding sounds. The shapes of foam ear pads also come in different shapes. Mostly spherical or truncated cone predominate. Size also matters. The foam used in most cases is heat-sensitive and memory foam. When heated by body heat, they become softer, and after compression they gradually return to their previous shape. This increases the degree of physical wearing comfort. Although some people find any foam ear pads uncomfortable due to specific tactile sensations.
But what is absolutely objective and indisputable is their higher cost. A set of foam ear pads costs significantly more than a similar set of silicone ear pads. However, foam ear pads are not durable and require regular replacement. Porous material gets dirty more easily and quickly, and it is very difficult to wash, clean and disinfect it without damaging it. Over time, the foam begins to crumble and becomes unusable. In short, the love for foam attachments becomes an additional expense.
The essence of the question: Pleasure cannot be cheap. You have to pay for comfort.
Lifehack: Cheaper in bulk. Decide on your favorite model of ear pads and buy them in packs of several pairs.
