AMPACS has unveiled a prototype of a two-way on-ear headphone using solid-state microdrivers, created in collaboration with MEMS audio and semiconductor company xMEMS Labs. The proprietary two-way module architecture improves spatial accuracy and reduces weight compared to a traditional single-driver configuration. Pre-production prototypes are already in production, with a production-ready solution expected by September 2024.
The concept of using xMEMS’s Cowell MEMS driver in a two-way headphone design was first unveiled at CES 2024 in January, intriguing many industry professionals who visited the xMEMS Labs booth. This modular architecture offers many benefits to both consumers and headphone manufacturers, such as improved spatial accuracy of the soundstage, improved mid- and high-frequency reproduction, lighter weight for improved wearing comfort, and a much simpler acoustic design for the rear volume of the cups.
The concept uses a solid-state MEMS Cowell microdriver from xMEMS as a tweeter and a 35mm to 40mm AMPACS dynamic driver for deep bass. The result is a ready-made modular solution that headphone makers can use in virtually any headphone design, including open, closed, wired, and wireless, for gaming and music.
According to Mike Housholder , vice president of marketing and business development at xMEMS, the company developed the two-way headphone reference concept to provide audio brands with a faster-to-market solution that reduces manufacturing costs. “Our collaboration with AMPACS is driven by our firm belief that solid-state MEMS speakers will change every aspect of personal audio ,” says Housholder. “And by creating this two-way design, we are bringing the headphone market one step closer to a solid-state future. We encourage all interested brands to contact AMPACS so they can immediately begin producing headphones faster and more affordably, while ensuring that their products are lighter and sound better than anything currently available . ”
In addition, despite the use of the latest solid-state technology, replacing dynamic drivers with exotic diaphragm materials with this simple 2-way system can reduce production costs. The low frequency range can be reproduced by a smaller than usual (for high-end headphones) 40 mm dynamic driver from AMPACS, and existing headphone models can be adapted with a replacement module for a 50 mm dynamic driver.
“As a global leader in ODM headphone design, AMPACS is uniquely positioned to bring the industry-changing innovation of xMEMS to audio brands and manufacturers around the world ,” said James Hsu , vice president of AMPACS. “Using our robust R&D team and advanced manufacturing technologies, we have developed a truly breakthrough solution that sounds better and costs less than single-driver headphones on the market today . ”
