properties of the diaphragm-and-suspension system, and means audio isn’t as clear or precise as intended — a real obstacle to locating sound in virtual 3D spaces. What’s more, because of the way dynamic drivers are manufactured,
their characteristics can vary from speaker to speaker (e.g. left-right magnitude matching, phase, and high-frequency performance), which further erodes clarity and precision in headphones. Silicon-based MEMS drivers use a thin-film piezo technology
(material that converts electrical energy to mechanical) as the speaker actuator, replacing the coil and magnet, plus silicon as the speaker diaphragm. The result is a solid-state speaker uniquely capable of rendering precise spatial audio. By design, MEMS drivers enhance the accuracy of sound
reproduction in 360-degree environments. With minimal moving mass, they’re capable of significantly faster attack and release times. In other words, they respond more precisely to the input signal. And when the signal stops, the transducer stops immediately, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate reproduction of spatial audio, without any added coloration. Specifically, solid-state technology shines in the reproduction of
high-frequency content, which is typically associated with clarity and fidelity. To reproduce high frequencies, headphones need a fast-moving transducer, which is where MEMS speakers excel while traditional dynamic drivers can fall short. In addition, MEMS speakers maintain better phase coherence and
group delay across frequencies, which is critical for accurate spatial audio rendering. The precise timing helps create more defined sound localization cues, improving the perception of 3D soundscapes. Finally, silicon-based MEMS technology ensures manufacturing
consistency from speaker to speaker because the transducers are fabricated using semiconductor processes. This ensures uniform performance across speakers, which is harder to achieve with traditionally assembled dynamic drivers.
PRECISION AUDIO IN THE LAB To validate the technical advantages of solid-state speakers, my team and I conducted studies in which participants were asked to locate sound sources in a 360-degree field using a variety of headphones, including both open- and closed- back models and headphones with xMEMS drivers. Accuracy was
determined by measuring how many degrees off the subjects were when locating the sound source. We also measured how quickly people
could identify the source in space and confusion rate. Test participants
consistently reported that xMEMS-equipped headphones provided localization accuracy comparable to, or even exceeding, high-end professional-grade headphones. They were also extremely quick in helping locate the sound source and exhibited less sound spread, which contributed greatly to their precision. And xMEMS speakers achieved all this performance at a much lower cost.
PRECISION AUDIO IN THE REAL WORLD Of course, high-quality headphones should deliver excellent performance across all types of audio content, whether for gaming, music, or movies. Most gaming headphones struggle to deliver satisfying audio
for music or movies due to poor high-frequency performance. High frequencies are crucial for clarity, detail, and fidelity, which in turn are essential for rich, immersive soundscapes in cinematic or musical content. MEMS speaker systems excel in this area, providing crisp, detailed highs without sacrificing the low-end impact needed for dynamic audio experiences. Personally, I use my own tuned xMEMS headphones for all
content types. The key is to achieve accurate audio reproduction, which enhances immersion and realism regardless of the content. And solid-state speakers are intrinsically more accurate than others. Today’s headphone market is oversaturated with low-grade,
inexpensive models that fail to deliver the best audio experiences. But as the demand for spatial audio increases, especially in gaming, VR, and immersive media applications, headphone manufacturers are recognizing the importance of high-performance audio drivers. For consumers, professionals, and gamers of both stripes, who
prioritize performance, the ability to gain a competitive edge through superior reproduction is a major selling point. Those who rely on precise audio cues for an advantage are looking for products that deliver exceptional spatial accuracy, low latency, and clear sound reproduction. All-silicon, solid-state MEMS speakers deliver.
October/November 2025 MCV/DEVELOP | 31
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