While MEMS drivers may be the next big thing for true wireless headphones, the first models with solid-state components will still require a hybrid setup. These products pair MEMS speakers with dynamic drivers to ensure proper bass performance. xMEMS is a California-based audio component development company whose current-generation driver, called Cowell, is already used in earbuds from companies including Creative and Noble Audio.
The next generation of MEMS drivers is called Cypress, and while it won’t appear in new products until 2025, I had a chance to hear the difference between it and Cowell at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, and it was pretty compelling. . Cowell also has bass, but it’s softer and focuses on the highs and mids. It sounds great on both the complete product and the reference design, delivering punchy highs, full mids and excellent clarity. However, when used alone, the Cypress has a layer of warm, bassy bass that really fills the soundstage. This will be a huge improvement in the functionality of wireless headphones using MEMS drivers.
“We use ultrasonic principles to provide ANC earplugs with 30 to 40 times the low-frequency pressure through ultrasonic modulation and demodulation to achieve noise immunity while still providing all the advantages of our solid-state speakers.” Mike Householder, Vice President of Marketing for xMEMS explained. “Wide dynamic range with excellent low-frequency performance for deep bass and noise cancellation.”
In fact, the 30 to 40 times improvement in bass response is evident in the Cypress reference design. The prototype is designed to demonstrate the MEMS driver itself, without the bass-assisted dynamic driver required in today’s true wireless models. The result is the pristine clarity you’d expect from high-end wireless headphones and even some audiophile-grade headphones. The extra bass isn’t loud and boomy, but warm and full, inviting you to stay and listen for a while. And I did: I had a hard time putting down the Cypress prototype even though I felt like I’d outgrown my welcome.
Overall, MEMS drivers have many advantages over coil speakers, which can all result in better audio quality for your earbuds. They’re more efficient in terms of mechanical response, and the faster speed helps increase detail and clarity – something I definitely noticed with the Noble Audio FoKus Triumph Wireless Earbuds. This model pairs Cowell with 6.5mm dynamic drivers, but the increase in midrange and treble fidelity is noticeable. Buying a set of earbuds with MEMS drivers doesn’t mean you have to pay more. Creative has launched two models for $130 and $150 respectively. The same is true for upcoming products equipped with ultrasonic Cypress drivers, Householder said.
“We expect that we will launch the flagship product first,” he said. “As with our current products, we do see a sweet spot in the 150 and above range, [which] It’s easy to do on day one. Then over time and sales increase, the price will drop to $100. “
This is indeed my biggest gain. For years, companies have offered true wireless earbuds with some of the features of higher-end flagship models, but often lacked the sonic performance of more expensive headphones. Thanks to MEMS drivers, audio quality is greatly improved in affordable models that cost half the price of top-tier Sony or Sennheiser noise-cancelling earbuds. With Cypress, xMEMS can provide audio companies with the ability to improve overall sound quality without increasing price.
xMEMS has also developed what it calls DynamicVent to alleviate obstructions in sleep earbuds. This component automatically turns on or off depending on whether the buds detect ambient noise, such as a snoring spouse. When open, the DynamicVent provides a semi-open fit like AirPods, but when closed, the ear is completely sealed. Open vents also prevent the sound of your own breathing or the sound of earbuds rubbing against your pillow from disrupting your sleep. xMEMS demonstrated the DynamicVent in a set of reference sleep headphones equipped with Cowell MEMS drivers at CES.
We will provide live coverage of CES 2024, which will be held in Las Vegas from January 6th to 12th.Get all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/next-gen-mems-ultrasonic-solid-state-earbud-drivers-will-deliver-the-bass-214131547.html?src=rss
Source link