Tag: xMEMS

xMEMS Labs Debuts Cutting-Edge Reference Designs for True Wireless Stereo Earbuds and In-Ear-Monitors

Accelerating the adoption of solid-state micro speakers in consumer audio products, MEMS audio and semiconductor pioneer xMEMS Labs today announced the availability of two innovative reference designs for purchase at the xMEMS web store. 

The first unit, known as Harding, serves as xMEMS’ reference design for 2-way True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, while the other is for audiophile-level full-range in-ear-monitors (IEMs). Both are available for a limited time and in extremely limited quantities, with the goal of providing interested audio brands and manufacturers with accelerated time-to-market leveraging xMEMS’ patented designs. 

According to xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development Mike Housholder, by making these reference designs available for purchase, the company is giving brands the best possible starting point so they and their customers can immediately begin reaping the benefits of the world’s first all-silicon, monolithic MEMS micro speakers. 

“As we continue to build momentum and awareness around our MEMS-based technologies that deliver a better sounding speaker with greater production efficiency and uniformity, we’re doing everything we can to support every customer who understands the value of making MEMS speakers part of their future product story,” Housholder said. “That’s why we’re making available for purchase a limited number of our TWS earbud and IEM designs to any forward-looking brand or manufacturer seeking a roadmap for the fastest possible adoption of xMEMS technology.” 

In addition to the design itself, those who make a purchase will be able to request the complete xMEMS design files for each solution, including their acoustic, mechanical and electrical components. 

The Harding 2-way TWS earbud design delivers superior high-frequency response and clarity featuring Cowell, the world’s smallest solid-state micro speaker. Cowell serves as the tweeter for highly realistic mids and highs and is paired with a custom-designed 9-mm dynamic driver woofer that delivers thumping bass. This ANC-ready (Active Noise Canceling) design embeds a Qualcomm Bluetooth Audio SoC and three microphones per earbud for noise canceling.

All told, Harding is a turn-key ODM design that’s fully integrated with all the needed components and expertly tuned acoustics to enable a seamless transition from legacy coil speakers to all-silicon micro speakers in TWS earbuds. 

Montara Plus, the world’s highest output MEMS micro speaker, is the ideal full-bandwidth transducer for an IEM reference design that delivers sound pressure levels up to 120 dB @ 200 Hz. This USB-C IEM design embeds a hi-res audio DAC from Synaptics and a voice microphone for phone call and web support.

Furthermore, Montara Plus’ lightning-fast transient response and wide bandwidth (20Hz to >40kHz) achieve the highest fidelity and clarity in a simplified, single speaker IEM, creating a path to smaller, lighter, simpler IEM designs without the phase alignment and design complexities of multi-driver IEM implementations.

“We’re seeing demand for xMEMS speakers grow exponentially as brands all over the globe try to stand out in the market and streamline their production efforts. By selling these reference designs, we’re doing our part to ensure the switch to MEMS speakers is as smooth and efficient as possible so more brands, manufacturers and their customers can soon benefit from xMEMS’ industry-changing innovations,” Housholder concluded.

Tech Review – Creative Aurvana Ace 2

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 are the next step up from the Creative Aurvana Ace which we recently reviewed here on techbuzz and given the shape and size of the case are the same the looks are not giving us a peep inside of the technology, transparent tech is now a thing and we have check quite a few bits of tech showing their inner glory. Though this one has a slightly smoked tint to it which still looks great.

The inside of the case is also surrounded in a copper colour which looks really neat and matches the earbuds looks and gives them a premium look there is a USB-C port on the bottom and indicator light and a button for pairing/resetting.

The fit is the same as before so no difference there at all and give a good seal with the right earbuds again I always say this with any earbuds and the better the seal the better the fit and the better the sound. These are again IPX5 rated so for outdoor use is no issue here at all where half of my testing was done anyway.

The tech inside this time around gives you more although they still use 10mm drivers but have the all new xMEM technology inside which really gives your earbuds a boost which they did with the Aurvana Ace. There is 6 mics this time over the Aurvana Aces 3 mics giving you crystal clear calls and from my testing both ends seemed top notch here and powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice capture) noise cancellation technology.

In case you are wondering both models support a variety of audio codecs, including LE Audio featuring the LC3 Codec for superior wireless audio quality, SBC, AAC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive, ensuring compatibility with various devices and offering high-quality audio streaming.

Coupled with Qualcomm for the integration of Snapdragon Sound’s aptX Lossless technology, the audio codec delivers hi-fidelity audio at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, providing a CD-level experience that faithfully recreates the original recording right in your ears.

Overall there is not much difference between the Ace and Ace 2, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 supports AptX Lossless audio codec and has Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and you can tell the difference if you are a regular user of earbuds and can hear the distinct intricacies with the sound and you will not be disappointed by any means here at all and the same goes for the Ace too, you can’t go wrong for the money here with what you pay for either.

 

Check the video review below for more.

 

The Creative App

Creative Aurvana controls – techbuzzireland

Features and specs

Driver Frequency Response: 5–40,000 Hz / Type: xMEMS Solid-state x 2 Type: Dynamic x 2

Bluetooth Version/5.3

Wireless Codecs / LC3, AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless, aptX, AAC, SBC

Profiles / (HFP) Hands-free Profile, (A2DP) Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, (AVRCP) Audio / Video Remote Control Profile, TMAP, HSP

Operating Frequency/ 2402–2480 MHz

Operating Range/ Up to 10m / 33 ft*, *Measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device.

Battery Life / Up to 24 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 16 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode on), Up to 6 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 4 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode on)
Based on moderate volume level. Actual battery life will vary with usage settings and environmental conditions.

 

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Aurvana Ace earbuds

The Creative Aurvana Ace earbuds are the latest on offer from a duo announced not so long ago and we have been putting them the test over the last while and have been eagerly awaiting to do so due to the new xMEMS drivers that come inside them.

The design and build are pretty standard and this also applies to the ACE 2 which has a smokey transparent finish, the case is an average size and same for the buds themselves which have small stems and sit in the ear perfectly giving a secure fit and some passive noise isolation so in short ideal for anyone.

The earbuds are touch controlled and have settings to adjust them to your needs which is good to see you have all the features required from a pair of earbuds here such as play and pause skip and reverse tracks and of course your voice assistant plus an EQ in their app which is simple to use and navigate which you can see in the video review below.

There is 3 mics each side and there is 10 mm drivers inside these which might seem small for some but average for earbuds but they have solid state xMEMS drivers which gives you better sound quality and aptX and for the money the sound is excellent here and decently loud too which is how I like it.

There is also a low latency mode for gamers here and overall with the sound you can here more instruments and distinguish between the highs lows and mids and other noises you might not pick up on other earbuds giving more clarity all round and an enjoyable listening experince overall with no lag latency noted either or tinny sound when maxed out as how I use my earbuds, calls also crisp and clear both ends during my testing.

The Creative Aurvana Ace series, powered by xMEMS drivers, has been expertly tuned to deliver remarkable audio clarity with a wider frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 40 KHz. With this comprehensive range, users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether it’s for music, movies, or conference calls

The App 

Creative App – Aurvana Ace -techbuzzireland

 

  • POWERED BY xMEMS DRIVERS – Enjoy a rich, detailed sound profile across all genres, from booming bass to crisp highs. Coupled with high-quality aptX Adaptive audio codecs, the Creative Aurvana Ace deliver great audio performance on the go
  • UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO STREAMING – the next-generation Bluetooth LE Audio offers exceptional wireless audio quality with lower bitrates and power consumption, delivering a more immersive high-definition listening experience
  • NOISE CONTROL FEATURES – Tune out with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), allowing you to enjoy your music without interference. Tune in with Ambient mode lets you connect to the world around you
  • LONG BATTERY LIFE – Comes with a battery life of up to 24 hours total playtime, 6 hours on a single charge, and recharge via the included USB-C cable
  • BE HEARD CLEARLY – Featuring a total of six built-in microphones and powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice capture) noise cancellation technology, these integrated mics ensure crystal clear voice calls

 

Creative Aurvana Ace is priced at US$129.99 and is available at Creative.com.

Video Review

First Look – CREATIVE Aurvana Ace earbuds with xMEMS drivers

The Creative Aurvana Ace series, powered by xMEMS drivers, has been expertly tuned to deliver remarkable audio clarity with a wider frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 40 KHz. With this comprehensive range, users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether it’s for music, movies, or conference calls.

These latest wireless earbuds also feature LE Audio with LC3 codec, Bluetooth 5.3, and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) plus Ambient Mode, along with up to 24 hours of total playtime, making them the definitive choice for audio enthusiasts seeking the very best in true wireless earbuds. We have the latest in for review here at techbuzz so if you have any questions feel free to ask as usual while we test the latest from Creative out.

Experience the Power of xMEMS Drivers

At the heart of the Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 lies the cutting-edge solid-state MEMS-based drivers, which play a pivotal role in delivering a truly natural and lifelike sound experience. These specialized drivers, expertly integrated into each earbud, showcase an innovative design with tiny flaps meticulously mounted to silicon chips. What makes this technology stand out is how it replicates sound when these flaps swiftly respond to short electrical signals. In doing so, these drivers are able to generate sound waves that closely mimic the way users naturally hear sounds in the world around them. This results in an audio experience that is not only pristine but also remarkably lifelike, akin to having the performers right beside the users.

BUY 

Unboxing Video

Sound from Ultrasound: Audio Pioneer xMEMS’ New Silicon Speaker Reinvents How Humans Experience Sound

xMEMS Labs, pioneers in solid-state, all-silicon micro speakers, today announced a revolutionary breakthrough in sound reproduction, changing the way mass-market, true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds create ultra high-quality, high-resolution sound experiences across all audio frequencies.

With the introduction of its groundbreaking new Cypress solid-state MEMS speaker, xMEMS engineers have replaced legacy push-air sound reproduction with the company’s ultrasonic amplitude modulation transduction principle. Ultrasonic modulation turns ultrasonic air pulses into rich, detailed, bass-heavy, high-fidelity sound, representing the first no-compromise alternative to the moving-coil concept for high-volume consumer active noise canceling (ANC) earbud micro speakers.

“By shifting to a sound from ultrasound principle, the xMEMS Cypress micro speaker can now officially replace traditional coil-and-magnet speakers in active noise canceling earbuds,” said Mike Housholder, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development for xMEMS. “Cypress maintains all of the benefits of xMEMS’ existing speakers, while being 40x louder in low frequencies, achieving a key requirement for ANC earbuds.”

How Cypress Creates the World’s Best Audio Experience 

Legacy coil speakers generate sound in the audible band, which is intrinsically inefficient. Cypress takes advantage of the characteristics unique to MEMS—speed, precision, and uniformity—to produce high-resolution audio more efficiently.

Sound from ultrasound has been a research topic since the 1960s but has never achieved the acoustic performance required for broad commercial appeal, until xMEMS’ Cypress.

As an air pulse generator, Cypress comprises: a modulator to generate an amplitude-modulated ultrasonic wave (carrier) that faithfully follows the amplitude of the intended audio signal; and a demodulator to synchronously demodulate the ultrasonic wave, transferring the acoustic energy down to the baseband, producing the intended audible sound as a result.

The sound envelope of ultrasonic pulses is an exact acoustic copy of the source signal, meaning across all frequencies, Cypress is more faithful to the original recording than current speaker technologies. As a result of its superior resolution in the time domain, Cypress can more accurately reproduce today’s advanced sound formats, including high-resolution and spatial audio.

“Cypress not only revolutionizes how sound can be reproduced from an electric signal, but it also redefines how it should be reproduced,” said Jemm Liang, xMEMS CTO.

 

Based on Proven Innovation in MEMS Design

Cypress leverages the same production-proven MEMS platform used for all existing xMEMS products and exploits all the benefits of xMEMS’ established solid-state speaker designs when compared to legacy coil architectures, including:

  • Faster mechanical response for unrivaled detail, clarity, and separation
  • Near-zero phase shift for the most accurate, unaltered sound reproduction
  • Superior part-to-part phase consistency for unparalleled spatial imaging accuracy
  • Rigid silicon diaphragms eliminate speaker breakup for unmatched mid/treble clarity
  • Non-magnetic, for lower weight and reduced electromagnetic interference
  • Superior quality, reliability and part-to-part uniformity from the solid-state semiconductor process

Now Cypress, in a 6.3 x 6.5 x 1.65mm package (9mm-diagonal), brings the added and significant benefit of being 40x louder in low frequencies compared to xMEMS’ prior generation speakers, providing stronger, deeper bass that is consistent with the best 10-12mm legacy coil speakers, including sound pressure levels (SPL) greater than 140dB as low as 20Hz.

MEMS and Ultrasonic Modulation Ideal for ANC Performance

This additional low frequency SPL is most critical for ANC earbuds. With Cypress, xMEMS brings unique advantages over legacy coil to further improve ANC applications. Cypress’ faster electrical-to-acoustic conversion can contribute to wider ANC bandwidth (i.e., extension of ANC to cancel higher frequency noise sources, like a crying baby). Plus, Cypress’ near-constant electrical-to-acoustic conversion time (group delay), can reduce DSP filter complexity which, in turn, leads to shorter DSP latency, rounding errors, and power consumption when processing ANC.

Availability

Full-function Cypress prototype silicon is now sampling to select early customers. Production-candidate samples of Cypress and the companion Alta controller/amplifier ASIC will sample in June 2024. Mass production is planned for late-2024.

xMEMS will demonstrate Cypress by appointment only January 9-12 at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, NV.

For more information about xMEMS and its solid-state fidelity solutions, visit xmems.com.

Audio Pioneer xMEMS Accelerates Global Growth with Launch of New Seminar Series: xMEMS Live – China 2023

Semiconductor pioneer xMEMS Labs today announced the launch of xMEMS Live – China 2023, a two-day seminar aimed at demonstrating the company’s ongoing support for Chinese consumer tech and audio brands through product demos, keynotes and in-depth tech-talk presentations that will take place on September 18th at the Renaissance Caohejing Hotel in Shanghai and on September 20th at the Westin Nanshan in Shenzhen. 

The announcement comes at a time when xMEMS is accelerating its global expansion to provide a growing customer base with advanced solid-state MEMS speakers for integration into True Wireless Stereo (TWS), In-Ear Monitor (IEM), hearing assistance and other personal audio devices. The seminar will feature xMEMS’ executives and engineering leaders who will review best practices for achieving end-product design success with xMEMS’ ground-breaking Solid-State Fidelity Solutions. 

“xMEMS is reinventing the way people experience sound through the world’s only all-silicon, monolithic MEMS micro speakers for personal audio products,” said Mike Housholder, VP of Marketing and Business Development of xMEMS. “With its dynamic tech ecosystem and strong audio manufacturing base, China represents a significant growth opportunity for the company as we continue to scale. xMEMS Live – China 2023 is an extraordinary way to engage with the brightest minds in this robust market to fully capitalize on our growth potential and solidify xMEMS’ position as the world leader in silicon-based MEMS speaker technology.”

xMEMS’ patented silicon-based speaker technology is slated to replace century-old coil speakers, allowing for high-volume, reliable mass production of solid-state speakers using semiconductor fabrication methods and resulting in more precise, higher fidelity, high-resolution audio.

Unlike conventional coil speakers, xMEMS speakers are monolithic with silicon membranes which offer 95x better material stiffness, leading to improved clarity and eliminating the muddy midrange and treble response created by traditional speaker membrane materials.

The silicon architecture also operates with a 150x faster impulse response compared with conventional speakers to allow for the most pulse-true and accurate sound reproduction, which is not possible with the slow attack and decay of coil architectures. 

Following its first product collaboration with Creative Technologies, a TWS earbud manufacturer in Singapore, xMEMS is continuing to accelerate customer momentum in key markets around the world, with new customer announcements slated for later this year. 

“As manufacturers try to stand out in the market and streamline their production efforts, xMEMS is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and style to consumers, while our customers benefit from the inherent efficiencies unlocked by our world-first solid state semiconductor manufacturing process, which delivers a better sounding speaker with far greater production efficiency and product uniformity,” Housholder concluded. 

Creative Labs Partners With xMEMS to Unlock Full Audio Potential

Creative Technology is excited to announce a strategic partnership with xMEMS Labs, the pioneers in solid-state fidelity, bringing in a new era of audio excellence for users worldwide by incorporating xMEMS’ cutting-edge micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) solid-state speaker technology into Creative’s True Wireless Stereo (TWS) products.

xMEMS technology is a breakthrough in the audio industry, bringing unparalleled sound quality and efficiency to audio devices. Currently, traditional audio devices use conventional drivers to produce sound, which can sometimes result in distortion or loss of audio fidelity. Whereas, with xMEMS’ tiny yet powerful hardware, Creative’s TWS earbuds are set to deliver crystal-clear sound that reproduces every nuance of music and audio content with astounding accuracy. Users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether they are listening to their favourite songs, watching movies, or engaging in conference calls.

The solid-state, all-silicon MEMS-based drivers also boast exceptional phase consistency (7x better than conventional drivers), offering superior spatial audio experiences with improved detail and separation. Furthermore, with the integration of xMEMS’s compact hardware, users can expect lighter, sleeker, and more ergonomic Creative TWS earbuds that provide better wearability for users on the move.

“We are excited to partner with Creative to revolutionize the true wireless audio experience,” said Joseph Jiang, CEO and Co-Founder at xMEMS Labs. “By integrating our advanced solid-state MEMS speakers into Creative’s TWS products, we are confident that users will enjoy an unprecedented level of audio quality and efficiency. Together, we aim to redefine the way people listen to music, communicate, and immerse themselves in audio content.”

“As an audio company committed to delivering superior sound experiences, Creative is excited to partner with xMEMS Labs to integrate their innovative MEMS technology into our TWS products,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative. “By doing so, we are confident that our TWS products will stand out in the market, delivering exceptional sound quality, comfort, and style to our users.”

The partnership between Creative and xMEMS Labs marks a significant milestone in the audio industry, raising the bar for True Wireless Stereo audio devices. The first series of Creative TWS products powered by xMEMS technology are expected to hit the market later this year, promising a game-changing experience for audio enthusiasts and casual users alike.

About xMEMS Labs

Founded in January 2018, xMEMS Labs is reinventing sound with the world’s first solid-state True MEMS speakers for TWS and other personal audio devices. xMEMS has over 100 granted patents worldwide for its technology. The innovative, monolithic transduction architecture implements both actuation and diaphragm in silicon producing the world’s fastest and most precise micro speakers, eliminating spring and suspension recovery of coil speakers. This results in the most accurate time domain music reproduction, unmatched sound clarity, and an elevated sense of space. For more information, visit https://xmems.com.

About Creative

Creative is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products. Famous for its Sound Blaster® sound cards and for driving the multimedia revolution – which established a user base of 400 million – Creative drives digital entertainment with cutting-edge audio solutions that include premium wireless speakers, wireless headphones, powerful audiophile-grade digital amplifiers and next-generation home-theatre systems. Aiming at the new mobile networked generation by bridging the worlds of the computer, smartphones, and tablets, Creative continues to reinvent the Sound Blaster, with its ground-breaking Sound Blaster Roar series and USB-audio class of products such as the Sound Blaster X7.

In 2016, Creative unveiled the X-Fi Sonic Carrier: a brand-new concept in hi-res audio and video delivery for home entertainment. This technology powerhouse dubbed ‘the soundbar of the gods’ personifies the Audio of Tomorrow.

In 2018, Creative launched an all-new game-changing technology for headphones called Super X-Fi® Headphone Holography. This technology uses computational audio to recreate the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker system in a professional studio, and delivers the same expansive experience – with the same original depth, detail, realism, and spaciousness – in headphones. Super X-Fi further uses Artificial Intelligence to compute a custom audio profile based on a person’s unique anthropometry. Super X-Fi has won multiple accolades worldwide, including an unprecedented 23 awards at CES 2019-2020.