Knowles to Focus on MEMS Microphones and Divert from Microspeaker Business - Updated

Knowles Corporation showcased new advanced audio systems for mobile, wearable, hearable, and Internet of Things devices (IoT) at the Mobile World Congress 2016, in Barcelona. The company confirmed that it has shipped more than 8 billion MEMS microphones globally and reaffirmed the decision to sell its speaker and receiver product line segment of the company.

Audio-Technica’s ATH-E70, ATH-E50, and ATH-E40 professional In-Ear Monitors (IEM) are a direct response to the market suddenly being flooded by in-earphones, including many developed and manufactured by fabless lifestyle brands, which also claim to answer the needs of professional musicians or audio engineers. The three new IEM’s from Audio-Technica don’t need to claim anything and are actually quite nice for “non-professionals” as well.

Ultimate Ears Pro announced a renewed collaboration with Capitol Studios with the new UE Pro Reference Remastered custom in-ear monitors. This is the second such product launched in collaboration with the famous Hollywood studios. The UE Pro Referenced Remastered now feature True Tone Drivers with an extend frequency range, optimized for high-resolution audio material.

There are new headphones being introduced in the market practically everyday and, more surprisingly, start-ups designing new headphones. LIFE Acoustics founders decided to launch their LIFE headphones in a different way. Design a new great product and change the lives of deaf children living in poverty. We can support their initiative on Kickstarter.

Among the multiple IEM choices available on the market, balanced armature type drivers are recognized for its natural and transparent sound. Fostex’ new Model TE-07 Inner Ear Headphones sound great, are extremely well designed, the machined aluminum housing is outstanding, there’s a high-quality detachable cable and they sell for a very reasonable price.

Westone’s Elite Series ES60 in-ear monitors are available by special order through authorized audiologists and dealers. Not only they are custom fit, providing the best acoustic seal possible, they also use six individual balanced armature drivers and multistage crossover: Two drivers for the bass, two for the mids and two for the highs.

In-ear audio solutions specialists for consumers and on-stage musicians Westone, announced the availability of its highly acclaimed W50 and W60 in-ear headphones, introduced earlier at the CES 2014. Two new Signature W-Series models, designed with state of the art audio performance in mind.