New multi-way balanced armature driver family simplifies premium IEM design

Knowles Corporation now offers a new family of multi-way balanced armature driver combinations designed to streamline the development of premium in-ear monitors (IEMs), gaming earphones, and high-resolution audio products.

For decades, designing high-performance IEMs has demanded the careful selection and integration of multiple individual drivers, along with complex crossover tuning to attain the desired sound signature. The company's new multi-way driver family simplifies that process by combining advanced BA technologies into compact, pre-configured packages with integrated crossover circuits, allowing faster development and consistent, world-class audio performance.

Each multi-way driver combination incorporates the company's most advanced balanced armature innovations, delivering full-spectrum clarity, improved tuning flexibility, and premium sound staging.

Key technology features include:

• Dual-diaphragm woofers, delivering bass output comparable to dual receivers while using only a fraction of the space
• Automated receivers, offering tightened performance tolerances, improved traceability, and supply continuity
• High-resolution tweeters, engineered for superior clarity and detailed playback
• Supertweeters, providing extended treble response through 40kHz for true lossless and high-resolution audio applications

Balanced armature technology also allows simplified crossover design through impedance control, venting options, and acoustic dampers, giving engineers greater flexibility in compact form factors.

The company's multi-way driver family includes four distinct configurations optimised for different performance levels and end products:

• T202 – Versatile two-way foundation

A compact two-way, two-driver combination using Knowles automated receivers, ideal for entry-level universal earphones and gaming IEMs. The T202 delivers flat bass response, clear mid-range, and extended high-frequency performance suitable for hi-res audio.

• T303 – Enhanced bass extension

A three-way, three-driver configuration that adds a dual-diaphragm woofer for punchier low-end performance while maintaining an ultra-small footprint. Designed for high-end universal earphones, mid-tier custom IEMs, and premium gaming products.

• T404 – Audiophile-grade reference design

A four-way, four-driver combination featuring a Knowles supertweeter for treble extension up to 40kHz. Tuned closely to the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, the T404 delivers punchy bass, transparent mids, and airy, detailed highs, ideal for professional performers and studio IEMs.

• T408 – Best-in-class multi-way performance

A four-way, eight-driver flagship configuration with dual dual-diaphragm woofers and dual supertweeters for maximum bass enhancement and high-frequency extension. The T408 is engineered for top-tier custom IEMs, audiophile-grade products, and uncompromising premium gaming applications.

While each model is pre-tuned to align with the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve for transparent sound reproduction, designers retain the ability to customise capacitor values and adjust amplitude with additional resistors to achieve unique sound signatures. With integrated crossover circuits, the drivers can be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of earphone shell designs, greatly decreasing development time and complexity.