ITASCA, ILLINOIS — Knowles Corporation has announced the availability of a new family of multi-way balanced armature (BA) driver combinations aimed at simplifying the development of premium in-ear monitors (IEMs), gaming earphones, and high-resolution audio products.
The new driver family features pre-configured multi-driver combinations with integrated crossover circuits, designed to reduce development complexity while supporting consistent, high-performance audio output.
Simplifying Multi-Driver IEM Development
Designing high-performance IEMs has traditionally required careful selection and integration of multiple individual drivers, along with complex crossover tuning to achieve a desired sound signature. According to the company, the new multi-way BA driver family addresses this challenge by combining multiple balanced armature technologies into compact, pre-configured packages with integrated crossovers.
This approach is intended to accelerate development timelines while maintaining tuning flexibility across a range of premium audio applications.
Integrated Balanced Armature Technologies
Each multi-way driver combination incorporates several balanced armature technologies developed by Knowles to support full-spectrum audio reproduction and compact form factors.
- Dual-diaphragm woofers designed to deliver enhanced low-frequency output with reduced space requirements
- Automated receivers to support tighter performance tolerances, improved traceability, and supply continuity
- High-resolution tweeters engineered for detailed high-frequency playback
- Supertweeters providing extended treble response up to 40 kHz for high-resolution audio applications
The company also noted that balanced armature technology enables simplified crossover design through impedance control, venting options, and acoustic dampers, offering additional flexibility in compact designs.
Four Configurations Targeting Different Performance Levels
The multi-way driver family includes four configurations intended to support a range of premium audio products:
T202 — Two-Way, Two-Driver Configuration
Designed for entry-level universal earphones and gaming IEMs, the T202 uses automated receivers to deliver a flat bass response, clear mid-range performance, and extended high frequencies suitable for high-resolution audio.
T303 — Three-Way, Three-Driver Configuration
The T303 adds a dual-diaphragm woofer to enhance low-frequency output while maintaining a compact footprint. It is intended for high-end universal earphones, mid-tier custom IEMs, and premium gaming products.
T404 — Four-Way, Four-Driver Configuration
Featuring a supertweeter with treble extension up to 40 kHz, the T404 is tuned to align with the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve and is positioned for professional performer and studio IEM applications.
T408 — Four-Way, Eight-Driver Configuration
The flagship T408 configuration incorporates dual dual-diaphragm woofers and dual supertweeters, targeting top-tier custom IEMs, audiophile-grade products, and premium gaming applications.
Integration and Availability
While each configuration is pre-tuned to align with the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, designers can further customize sound signatures by adjusting capacitor values and amplitude using additional resistors.
The integrated crossover design is intended to support faster integration into a variety of earphone shell designs.
The multi-way balanced armature driver family is available now through DigiKey. Knowles is also sampling the drivers with customers, with additional information available through company representatives.
About Knowles
Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) is a market leader and global provider of advanced micro-acoustic microphones and speakers, audio solutions, and high-performance capacitors and RF products, serving the consumer electronics, communications, medtech, defense, electric vehicle, and industrial markets. Knowles uses its leading position in SiSonic™ MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) microphones and strong capabilities in audio processing technologies to optimize audio systems and improve the user experience across consumer applications. Knowles is also a leader in hearing health acoustics, high performance capacitors and RF solutions for a diverse set of markets. Knowles’ focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, proprietary manufacturing techniques, and global operational expertise, enables it to deliver innovative solutions at scale across multiple applications. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles is a global organization with employees in over a dozen countries. For more information, visit knowles.com.
Source: Knowles
