By: Mike Housholder, xMEMS Labs, Inc.
Fiercely Fast Mechanical Response: Unveiling Pulse-true Sound Reproduction
From customers to journalists, from engineers to audiophiles, everyone is left astounded by the unrivaled audio quality delivered by xMEMSโ patented all silicon MEMS speakers. While they readily acknowledge the superior audio experience delivered by our MEMS micro speakers, many of them seek deeper insights into the underlying factors that contribute to this remarkable acoustic performance.
In this blog post series, we delve into the reasons why xMEMSโ true MEMS speakers offer exceptional audio quality and uncover the distinct advantages of our MEMS micro speakers over voice-coil speaker technologies, including dynamic drivers and balanced armature drivers.
The Power of Fast Mechanical Response in xMEMS Speakers
90% of consumers believe that enhanced audio quality is a โmust-haveโ when it comes to streaming music, according to a survey conducted by Dolby Laboratories[1].
But can consumers truly perceive the next-level detail, clarity, and separation promised by the Hi-Res standard when the audio stream is of high quality and at studio production level?
With xMEMSโ all-silicon MEMS micro speaker technology, the answer is a resounding yes!
In the pursuit of achieving exceptional audio quality, xMEMS speakers have emerged as a game-changer, delivering a fiercely fast mechanical response that sets them apart from traditional voice coil speakers. Letโs delve deeper into the significance of this speed and precision, and how it unlocks the full potential of ultra-high-resolution audio.
Understanding Mechanical Response
When evaluating the performance of a speaker, we often prioritize the measurement of amplitude or sound pressure level across different frequencies. However, thereโs another critical factor that deserves attention: time. A high-quality speaker should exhibit an instantaneous start, immediately reproducing the sound, and stop the moment the instrument stops producing sound[2].
One of the defining characteristics of xMEMS speakers is their fast mechanical response. Unlike traditional voice coil speakers, which exhibit a slow and long decay down to zero, xMEMS speakers excel in their ability to attack and decay rapidly. This exceptional speed allows for each sound to have its distinct place and separation within the audio landscape.
Faster Attack and Decay Deliver the most Accurate Sound Reproduction
xMEMS speakers leverage a solid-state design, operating based on voltage rather than current. This design enables them to generate an instantaneous impulse response with an exceptionally fast settling time, introducing the concept of pulse-true sound reproduction, centered around accurately capturing the dynamics and timing of the original recording without any alteration or coloring.
Figure 1: Calculated impulse response of xMEMS speaker vs. typical TWS dynamic drive speaker; derived from the measured stimulus response on a Klippel Analyzer 3 (KA3) system.
Traditional coil speakers, due to their current-driven nature, may continue to vibrate or resonate even after the sound source has ceased, which can result in a smearing effect, muddied sound reproduction and unwanted coloring. In contrast, xMEMSโ voltage-driven solid-state speakers excel in delivering pulse-true reproduction and eliminate any coloring of the original recording. This fundamental difference allows xMEMS speakers to provide a next level of separation and distinctiveness in sound reproduction.
Unmatched Separation Ensures a Captivating Consumer Audio Experience
To fully embrace the rich details and intricacies offered by ultra-high-resolution audio formats, a transduction mechanism capable of delivering fast and precise response is essential. Imagine a listening experience where every instrument and sound are meticulously placed, allowing you to appreciate the true artistry of the music, where every sound is precisely positioned and separated. As a reviewer from headphones.com describes their listening experience with xMEMSโ solid-state speakers at CanJam NYC 2023 โInstruments โฆ had excellent precision with each note dancing spatially around where the main body of the instrument is placed. Needless to say, separation was very good[3].โ This level of separation ensures that each element in the music is delivered with utmost clarity and fidelity enhancing the overall consumer audio experience.
In a constantly evolving audio landscape, xMEMS speakers pave the way for a new era of high-fidelity sound reproduction empowering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create consumer audio experiences that deliver sound in its purest form.
About xMEMS
Founded in January 2018, xMEMS Labs is reinventing sound with the worldโs 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 worldโs 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. Please contact us to learn more.
[1] New Survey from Dolby Reveals Shifts in Music Listening Behavior Among Adults in the U.S.
[2] Understanding Speaker Frequency Response โ ecoustics.com
[3] CanJam NYC 2023: A Look at MEMS โ The Next Step for In-Ear Monitors? โ Headphones.com