The Rise of Hybrid True Wireless Stereo Earbuds: Exploring Dual-Driver Innovations

The market for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds has seen significant growth driven by advancements in technology and increasing consumer demand for high-quality audio experiences. Hybrid designs, which incorporate two types of drivers, are steadily entering the market as an option that allows OEMs to deliver superior sound quality. This article explores how different hybrid driver configurations enhance audio quality, user experience, and acoustic precision.

Knowles announced a collaboration with Audiodo, the pioneers in personalized sound optimization technology from Sweden, to explore the full potential of Knowles balanced armatures. The Audiodo Personal Sound platform requires the drivers used in over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds to deliver an extra level of precision, and detail across the full range of sound. A requirement that matches Knowles own research in extended frequency response.

French in-ear monitor specialist EarSonics has selected Knowles to provide balanced armature (BA) drivers for its new EM96 Customizable In-Ear Monitor (IEM). Now available, the EM96 is the first IEM from a European manufacturer to utilize two Knowles Supertweeters, working alongside two Knowles woofers and two mid-range BA drivers for a three-way crossover. Leveraging Knowles' patented coil design and high-stiffness, low-mass reed, the Supertweeter achieves an exceptional treble frequency extension without additional amplification.

Knowles Corporation announced that Meizu, a consumer audio brand from China, has selected Knowles balanced armature (BA) drivers and SiSonic high-performance MEMS microphones to produce premium sound for its new LIVE AI Noise Cancelling Hi-Fi Earbuds. Now available in China and other countries in the APAC region, the Meizu LIVE AI earbuds combine the BAs with a coaxial driver, tuned to the Knowles Preferred Listening Curve. Meizu also offers a first-of-its-kind capability that uses artificial intelligence to identify user listening preferences.

JLab has selected Knowles' RAN balanced armature (BA) drivers to deliver premium sound reproduction on the new Epic Lab Edition true wireless earbuds. The Epic Lab Edition are the first True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds to feature the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, powered by the hybrid combination of a dynamic driver for the extended bass response and the Knowles balanced armature for the extended high frequencies.

American audio solutions manufacturer, MISCO, announced the introduction of the BDT-2901, a high performance 29mm soft dome tweeter to add to its growing line of premium and high-performance drivers, all designed and manufactured under the Bold North Audio brand in its St. Paul, Minnesota facility. Expanding the brand's catalog, this new driver was designed to meet requests for a precision 29mm dome tweeter with a low crossover point, ideal for use in a two-way system paired with a 6.5” or 8” woofer.