xMEMS Labs was founded in 2018 and designs and manufacturers xMEMS micro-speakers for use in earbuds, in-ear monitors, and other audio devices. Their innovative, monolithic transduction architecture implements both actuation and diaphragm in silicon that eliminates spring and suspension components of coil speakers.
For previous reports on xMEMS technology, check out the Related Reading section at the bottom of this article.
Two New Designs
Accelerating the adoption of solid-state micro speakers in consumer audio products, MEMS audio, and semiconductor maker xMEMS Labs are offering up two new reference designs for use in TWS (True Wireless Stereo) Earbuds and IEMs (In-Ear Monitors)
The Harding is an xMEMS reference design for 2-way TWS earbuds while the Montara Plus is targeted for use in audiophile-level full-range in-ear-monitors (IEMs).
xMEMS claims that these new offerings provide TWS Earbud and IEM brands the best possible starting point with the end goal of providing their customers the benefits of the world’s first all-silicon, monolithic MEMS micro speakers.
From xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development Mike Housholder: “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… 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.”
The Harding
The Harding is a 2-way TWS earbud design that delivers superior high-frequency response and clarity featuring Cowell, the world’s smallest solid-state micro speaker. Cowell serves as the tweeter for realistic mids and highs and is paired with a custom-designed 9-mm dynamic driver woofer that delivers the bass. This is also an ANC-ready (Active Noise Canceling) design that embeds a Qualcomm Bluetooth Audio SoC and three microphones per earbud for noise canceling.
Montara Plus
The Montara Plus is designed to be the world’s highest-output xMEMS microspeaker. It is a full-bandwidth transducer for use in IEMs. The Montara Plus delivers sound pressure levels up to 120 dB @ 200 Hz. The USB-C IEM design embeds a hi-res audio DAC from Synaptics and a voice microphone for phone calls and web support.
The Montara Plus also provides fast transient response and wide bandwidth (20Hz to >40kHz). In a single speaker IEM this supports a smaller, lighter, and simpler implementation without the phase alignment and design complexities of multi-driver IEM.
More from Mike Housholder: “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,”
Note: These designs from xMEMS Labs are available for purchase and shipping to TWS and IEM brands. Consumer products are expected to become available in the coming months or in 2025.
Price & Availability
- Cowell Earbud EVK (EVK-XSC-2100-S) – $500 at store.xmems.com
- Montara Plus Buds IEM Reference Design (REF-XSM-2400-CA) – $988 at store.xmems.com
Related Reading
