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I’ve been in audio and computer technology to see many “next big things” fizzle when an interesting concept turns into a real-world product. After spending some quality demo time with the xMEMS company and their silicon micro-speakers, I can say that this concept has the potential to deliver audiophile-quality headphones at a very consumer-friendly price.
xMEMS derives its name from MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), a technology that incorporates both electronic and mechanical components at the microscopic level. MEMS are already used in many applications, including miniature microphones. My xMEMS demo was about using MEMS to build high quality but inexpensive audio products, including headphones.
The company’s micro-speakers have silicon chips mounted above piezo-electric flaps that break down and relax quickly when hit by transmitted electrical signals. The resulting vibration moves the air, creating sound. Basically, the silicon chip on which the micro-speaker is built performs the same function as a magnet in a conventional speaker, and the flaps perform the role of a traditional speaker cone.
What are the details behind xMEMS technology?
Even before hearing the demo, I was impressed by the xMEMS specs: flat frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz–or more, if you want; Fast response and settling times (ie, the speed at which the speaker starts and vibrates, respectively), device resonance above 10kHz, where the output is low, are all better than the best specifications I’ve seen for traditional speaker designs.
The xMEMS Montara, Cowell, and Montara Plus microphones are manufactured on silicon wafers at TSMC’s fab at a cost per unit that should allow a headphone-quality product to be built with a retail price in the $125 to $200 price range.
xMEMS claims that microscopic production on wafers will save sonic uniform suppliers a lot of money. Typically, speakers must be sorted according to their relative importance before they can be treated as a stereo pair. Inconsistencies in frequency response, resonance, and/or transient response can wreak havoc with a set of speakers’ integrity.
MEMS micro-speakers also have other advantages: the absence of magnets means speaker designers don’t need to compensate for interference generated by magnetic fields.
And the xMEMS product is rated IP58 to protect against dust (the filter material does not cause a fall) and water (they can be immersed in up to three meters of water for 30 minutes). And this is for the parts themselves, even before they enter the enclosure. So if you forget to take your xMEMS-based headphones out of your pocket before tossing your pants in the wash, you won’t be ruined when you find them damaged after a spin cycle. Want more in-depth information about IP codes? Just click on the previous link.
xMEMS also implements a solid-state, dynamic (open/closed by signal) Skyline, a physical shutter that OEMs employ to receive or accept ambient noise. Skyline can enable more versatile, combination open-ear/closed-ear headphone designs.
The last component he showed me was a small speaker called the Aptos, which can be seen in the diagram below. That image shows how xMEMS speakers can be integrated with traditional speakers to increase bass response.
Today, xMEMS microspeakers are designed only for captive-air (in this case, the cavity in your ear) audio devices such as headphones and hearing aids; But the company is working on a free-air design (essentially no enclosure required) for applications that require more air movement, such as portable Bluetooth speakers or bookshelf speakers.
The xMEMS display delivers amazing sound
The sonic quality I heard from the xMEMS 3D-printed headphone prototype proves the company’s specs aren’t just empty numbers. The three things I look for when reviewing audio products – punchy bass, easily discernible and realistically crafted acoustic instruments and accurate high-end frequencies with some sparkle, if you will – are all accounted for.
I’ll put much of the credit on the lightning-fast transient response and resolution times for the tight bass and midrange accuracy, but xMEMS plays up the lack of phase distortion and, of course, the product’s ultra-high resonant frequency.
Note that I’ve heard both the Montara Plus blank and the Cowell, the latter as a full-range speaker sitting on top of a traditional 9mm speaker (pictured above) providing extra thump and sub-bass.
I also checked out the Skyline vent, which works as advertised. Ambient noise had a bit of quality, but I’m guessing that’s at least partly due to the 3D-printed earplug housing.
The future of MEMS technology in speaker design
There are simply too many advantages to MEMS speakers from influencing the headphone market in a big way, not the least of which is the incredibly accurate sound of comparable retail products. I suspect audiophile headphone vendors will soon be crying into their beer due to the advent of cheap quality sound for the masses. To that I say “strong.”
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