Knowles Balanced Armatures Pack High-Fidelity Punch into 21-Driver UE PREMIER IEM

As Ultimate Ears Pro rolls out its most ambitious in-ear monitor (IEM) to date, the UE PREMIER, unveiled at the 2023 NAMM show, Knowles revealed the full extent of its collaboration with the Logitech company. The new UE PREMIER features a five-way crossover design with 21 drivers per earpiece, an industry-first. The IEM design features Knowles receivers, including supertweeters and dual-diaphragm balanced armatures, to achieve extended treble range and exceptionally crisp audio.
 
Balanced armatures (BAs) have long been an industry favorite for IEM designs – boasting superior treble output to achieve high-fidelity audio, a small form factor for comfort and design headroom, and lower power consumption than other comparable technologies. The new UE PREMIER from Ultimate Ears Pro combines two revolutionary audio products from Knowles in its design: eight patented Knowles dual-diaphragm BA receivers and four Knowles supertweeters.
 
With unmatched output levels for its ultra-small footprint and a first-peak resonance of 3kHz – the same as the human ear canal – the dual-diaphragm BA achieves warm, natural sound without a substantial size increase. Meanwhile, the Knowles supertweeter achieves high resolution reproduction with an ultra-high frequency extension of up to 40kHz. Together, these technologies deliver the highest quality frequency response encompassing a clear, rich sound with realistic details. "Professional musicians and discerning audiophiles have long-trusted Ultimate Ears Pro to deliver exceptional audio experiences and hearing protection. With over 75 years of audio innovation and manufacturing excellence, Knowles is uniquely positioned to support the artisan engineering and perfect the frequency response of UE PREMIER, helping Ultimate Ears Pro deliver the signature sound their customers crave," says Jon Kiachian, President of Medical and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. "UE PREMIER is the ultimate showcase for Knowles premium sound technology."

In 2022, Knowles unveiled its Preferred Listening Response Curve for earphone design, a research study demonstrating a high consumer preference for extended treble performance to ensure the most satisfying music listening experience. Specialty components from Knowles enable UE PREMIER to exceed listener expectations, with an impressive frequency range of 5Hz to 40kHz. In addition to its expertise in BA design, Knowles employs a highly automated manufacturing operation of BAs that enables consistency, acoustic performance with tightened tolerances, and improved supply chain traceability. This ensures Ultimate Ears Pro has a sturdy supply of quality components for the demanding 21-driver design.
 
"As a pioneer and longtime leader in balanced armature technology, Knowles was a natural fit to collaborate on the design of UE PREMIER," says Philippe Depallens, VP & General Manager, Ultimate Ears Pro. "The dual-diaphragm and supertweeter receivers allow us to define a new dimension of sound, achieving the best possible frequency response and acoustic resonance for an airy, rich and versatile listening experience."
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For more information about Knowles BAs and premium sound technologies, visit www.knowles.com/premium-sound
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