At first glance, one might assume that the history of headphones is hardly any different from that of loudspeakers. After all, it seems reasonable to assume that headphones simply emerged in parallel with loudspeakers. But that is not entirely true. The origins of headphones can be traced back to the late 19th century. It is recorded, for example, that the first devices occasionally caused small electric shocks if used carelessly. We recall some notable milestones in the history of headphones.
Late 19th century: The first “headphones” appear
Who exactly was the forefather of the first portable headphones is not known. However, the period in which they emerged is relatively well established. In 1878, a patent for an electrodynamic sound transducer was granted – the birth of loudspeakers.
Since headphones at that time were based on a similar functional principle, it can be assumed that the first headphone-like prototypes were little more than normal loudspeakers that were initially held to one ear. The reason for this was the low output volume at the time, as better amplifiers were lacking.
The US American Nathaniel Baldwin is considered a headphone pioneer, as he connected two mono loudspeakers with a headband. Originally, this design was intended for military purposes, but the devices colloquially known as “Baldy Phones” quickly filled the order books. However, these predecessors of headphones were only insufficiently insulated and delivered electric shocks to the wearer if not used properly. A “teething problem” that is no longer imaginable today.
1930s: Advances in wearing comfort and design
The 1930s – and we are happy to mention it at this point – were the birth era of the company Beyerdynamic. The company was founded in Berlin and was the first in history to tackle the industrial production of headphones and has remained successful in this field to this day.
When comparing Baldwin’s first headphones with those from Beyerdynamic, it becomes clear that Beyerdynamic made significant improvements primarily in design and wearing comfort. Interestingly, the basic shape of the first headphones already resembled today’s models. In fact, the headphones known as the “DT-48” remained available in stores until 2012, of course with continual technical updates.
Fun fact: After World War II, the successor model “DT-49” was developed, which became known as the “Stielhörer” and looked like a mix of a shower head and a telephone.
Headphones from Teufel for the best sound
From 1950: The economic miracle brings stereo headphones
In the 1950s, vinyl records became established. These usually already featured stereo tracks. During this time, the first stereo headphones were also introduced by John C. Koss, at the time a well-known jazz musician from Milwaukee, USA.
This innovation was an important milestone in the history of headphones, as it allowed music to be played in stereo for the first time. The surprisingly comfortable fit of the headphones also made them a real success. Koss’s invention became the new industry standard, which virtually everyone followed. Koss Corporation dominated the US headphone market for the next 20 years and thus played a decisive role in the further development of headphones.
1960s: Milestone in transistor technology
The introduction of transistor technology in the 1960s enabled the development of the first battery-powered, portable headphones. Since headphones had previously been found mainly in living rooms, the new technology created demand for devices that were also suitable for use on the go.
1970s: The ghettoblaster takes over the streets
In the 1970s, huge portable devices that young people used to take over the streets caused parents to shake their heads. Ghettoblasters of every shape and size lived up to their name and blasted sound from every street corner – first in Brooklyn, later also in Europe. The successful conquest of urban living space made history and gave headphones their first big stage on the streets.
The 1980s: The Walkman gives new momentum to the development of headphones
In 1979, Sony launched the Walkman, the first portable cassette player in a mini format. Unlike ghettoblasters, the small, compact playback device was permanently portable and made listening to music on the go socially acceptable.
Another fun fact: Allegedly, the German-born emigrant Andreas Pavel, who moved to the USA in 1977, wanted to patent a “body-worn compact system for high-quality reproduction of listening events” – a device similar to the Walkman. Only in 2004 did Sony acknowledge this inventive spirit after a long legal dispute. Pavel thus became another part of the eventful history of headphones.
As a result of the Walkman’s breakthrough, and thanks to new technologies, headphones became smaller and smaller. Portable sound suddenly fit into carry-on luggage and every backpacker’s rucksack. It was therefore hardly surprising that headphones soon appeared in every corner of the world. The earbuds introduced as early as 1983 – predecessors of in-ears – still had to wait a few more years for their breakthrough.
Since 2009: Teufel launches Sound2Go
Teufel has been successfully active in the audio market since 1980, but it was not until 2009 that the first headphones from Teufel made it into the product range. Since then, many different models have appeared and significantly shaken up the headphone market, including the popular AIRY, the first Bluetooth headphones from Teufel. From in-ears and over-ears to Bluetooth and noise-cancelling headphones – Teufel now offers headphones in almost every segment and for every sound requirement. You can find out how different types of headphones differ from one another in the article about open and closed headphones.
Teufel headphones: Rich sound for audio lovers
Opens in new tabWhether as the perfect companion on the go or as a trusted companion at home: With Teufel, you are on the safe side in all sound-related matters. A comfortable fit and innovative technologies make the headphones the right choice for music fans who never want to go without the rumble in their ears for long.
▶ AIRY TWS 2Opens in new tab: The wireless Bluetooth highlight AIRY TWS 2 from Teufel delivers powerful acoustics without going over the top. With the smart in-ear headphones, which are completely cable-free, you can stream music via Bluetooth 5.2 from Spotify, Deezer and more in top quality. With an endurance of up to 9 hours and, in combination with the practical – and color-coordinated – charging case, the headphones are your reliable urban companion.
▶ SUPREME ONOpens in new tab: The over-ear headphones SUPREME ON bring you the peace and quiet you need to immerse yourself in every note of your playlist and feel every twist, thanks to effective external noise attenuation. Large, soft ear cushions, smart controls including on-ear detection, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX™, and a long-lasting battery with fast-charging function that lasts up to 30 hours make the package so compelling.
▶ REAL BLUE TWS 3Opens in new tab: These in-ear headphonesOpens in new tab give you complete freedom and look great too. Whether jogging, chilling, or just watching Netflix on your notebook: They offer flexible wearing options, over 9 hours of battery life, touch controls for music playback and calls, and of course rich sound with silky highs and tight bass. Thanks to IPX4 splash protection, they stay true to their sound even in the rain.
▶ You can find out which model is right for you with our comprehensive headphone comparisonOpens in new tab.
The history of headphones: An outlook
In the future, many manufacturers will continue to develop ever more wireless headphone models that will gradually replace wired ones. Wireless headphones connect to the playback device via Bluetooth and often offer a significantly better and more flexible wearing experience. The well-known problem of cable breakage is also a thing of the past with Bluetooth headphones.
Another trend that will establish itself is headphones with noise reduction. Noise-cancelling headphones shield you and your hearing almost completely from the environment, enabling uninterrupted music listening with a more intense sound experience. An additional plus point: Your surroundings won’t hear the thumping bass of your favorite songs.
On the ears, in the ears: Over-ears and in-ears from Teufel
The history of headphones: A conclusion
- The history of headphones is inextricably linked to the development of the first loudspeakers at the end of the 19th century.
- The first models consisted of two mono loudspeakers connected by a headband. They could easily give their wearer an electric shock.
- The introduction of records with multiple audio tracks in the 1950s set the development of the first stereo headphones in motion.
- The Walkman sparked a new trend: the previously quite large headphones became smaller and smaller.
- The history of headphones is far from over: thanks to the latest technologies, music can now be listened to wirelessly via Bluetooth headphones. Noise-cancelling models take the sound experience to an even higher level.
- Image 1: ©No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit, Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Image 2: ©Beyer Dynamic, certain rights reservedOpens in new tab. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOpens in new tab
- Image 3: ©Daderot. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Image 4: ©Hihiman, certain rights reservedOpens in new tab. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOpens in new tab
- Image 5: ©krakenimages. Source: UnsplashOpens in new tab
- Image 6: ©Xray40000 Certain rights reserved. Source: flickrOpens in new tab
Leave a Reply