There’s a strong possibility that the in-ear headphones you own use technology that is several decades old. Although various exotic-sounding systems such as electrostatic, planar magnetic, and even bone conduction have been tried, most in-ear monitors, or IEMs, still use dynamic or balanced armature drivers. Another competitor, though, claims to have excellent fidelity, minimal power usage, and a small physical footprint. The catch is that you’ve been carrying this technology around in your pocket for ten years already.
Micro-electromechanical systems, or MEMS, are the technology under discussion. Since the 2010s, MEMS has been incorporated into practically every cell phone microphone. There are numerous advantages when used with headphone drivers, which are the opposite of microphones. However, the technology wasn’t developed enough for headphones to be widely used until recently. One business advancing the technology is xMEMS, based in California, and consumer goods with its solid-state MEMS drivers are now available for purchase. In addition, Creative has confirmed that a pair of TWS headphones with xMEMS drivers will be available in time for the holidays. We tested the luxurious Oni from Singularity.
MEMS uses piezos and silicon, whereas traditional speakers and drivers usually use magnets and coils. If the hype is correct, the end product will be more consistent in fidelity, more resilient, and more responsive. Additionally, MEMS drivers can be constructed on a production line with little to no driver matching or calibration required, which streamlines their production process compared to balanced-armature or dynamic drivers. For its manufacturing process, xMEMS, for instance, has teamed up with TSMC, one of the biggest manufacturers of microprocessors.
Naturally, MEMS drivers are compatible with any wearable that generates sound, such as VR goggles, AR glasses, and hearing aids. For the majority of us, though, the biggest effect will come from headphones. Not least because fast response times and precise phase matching—that is, two headphones perfectly calibrated to one another—are critical for related technologies like spatial audio, where the consistency and precision of MEMS should blend in flawlessly.
Although xMEMS aims to change that, MEMS is currently best suited to earbuds, IEMS, and TWS-style headphones. Mike Householder, the company’s manager of marketing and business development, told Engadget that “the North Star of the company was to reinvent loudspeakers.” However, producing that full bandwidth audio in the open air will require some additional development work and time. Entering the personal audio market was a simpler transition for us, and the result is the product we have today.
Singularity’s Oni, the first in-ear monitors to use solid-state drivers for xMEMS, appear to be ordinary, fashionable high-end in-ear monitors from the outside. But there was an obvious difference as soon as the music began. Electronic music had a clearer, more powerful sound than other genres. The quick transient response of the MEMS drivers can be heard in the punchy, sharp percussion of the Chemical Brothers’ “Live Again” and RJD2’s “Ghostwriter.” Particularly the mid- and high-end portions of the latter were extremely clear. Although it wasn’t the best aspect of the experience, the bass response was good, particularly in the lower mids.
I was instantly struck, as I had never heard before, by the hi-hats pushing through in Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” I can only characterise it as “splashy.” It was noticeable, but it didn’t sound strange. When I questioned Householder about it, he seemed less shocked. Indeed, you’re going to hear the hi-hats, cymbals, and percussion with a new depth to which you’re truly unaccustomed. He continued by saying that the improved clarity of the high frequencies from the MEMS drivers will be combined with the EQ of the headphone amplifier that is provided (made by iFi).
Another surprise with the included amp/DAC was that it featured a unique “xMEMS” mode. Although I had intended to use my own DAC, it turned out that I required this particular one because the MEMS drivers require a 10-volt bias in order to function. I questioned Householder about whether all headphones would need DACs, thereby eliminating their prospects of becoming widely used. However, it appears that xMEMS has created an amp “chip” that can function as both a speaker driver and a source of 10-volt bias. For instance, it goes without saying that Creative’s upcoming True Wireless buds won’t require any extra hardware.
Things start to get interesting at this point. Although the cost of Creative’s TWS buds with xMEMS drivers is unknown, we can be certain that they will be far less expensive than Singularity’s $1,500 IEMs. Householder said to Engadget, “You know, they’re appealing to a certain consumer, but you could just very easily put that same speaker into a plastic shell, and retail it for $150.” It’s a bold claim that xMEMS can democratise personal audio at all price points. Not least because most audiophiles aren’t accustomed to seeing the same technology in wireless products that cost less than $200 as well as in their IEMs. We are unable to comment on the unique qualities that each manufacturer can impart on them, though, until we have another set to test.
Something xMEMS is calling “Skyline” could be a differentiator for high-end products (and competing MEMS-based products). Householder compared it to a dynamic “vent” that the listener can open or close based on what they need. Similar to how some people prefer open-back headphones for their acoustic qualities, xMEMS-powered IEMs might have features like Skyline, which could open and close to improve passive noise cancellation, prevent occlusion, and provide additional acoustic qualities like a “transparency” mode where you can temporarily let in outside noise.
At least initially, MEMS technology will probably be combined with legacy dynamic drivers for users who prefer over-ear or on-ear headphones. Householder stated, “The first step that we’re taking into headphone is actually a two-way approach.” The theory is that MEMS drivers currently don’t scale up that well, but a smaller dynamic driver can handle the low frequencies. It really is the ideal combination. Let the low end dynamic do its thing, and we’ll have the far better high frequency response [from MEMS], he said. “However, the ultimate goal is to completely replace that dynamic driver.”
Of course, a set of solid-state desktop speakers would be the ideal, but it looks like we’re still a ways off from that. At least for a certain price range, MEMS-based in-ears hold out the alluring promise of modernising and possibly even democratising consumer audio. Not to add, there are other companies in the game besides xMEMS. A MEMS “speaker-in-chip” technology has been developed by Sonic Edge, and last year the Austrian startup Usound debuted its own reference-design earphone. It is hoped that over the course of the next year or so, the number of products incorporating it will rise and get better due to some competition in the market.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review: A new spin on a reliable formula
When it comes to Bose headphones, you can rely on a few things. The first is active noise cancellation (ANC), which is strong and efficient and has been the best in the business for many years. Additionally, you can count on the company’s new cans to be comfortable during a protracted flight or prolonged workday. With the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429), Bose once again checks both boxes, but the standout feature is the company’s original take on spatial audio. All of the other things the company is known for, including updated design and more immersive sound, come at a higher price.
Design
With the 2019 release of the Bose 700 headphones, which featured an updated design, the company went back to its previous look with later models. Bose combined the two styles with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, although it mainly adhered to the QC line’s classic design. The most noticeable similarity between the 700 and earlier QuietComfort models is on the outside of the ear cups. They resemble those on the 2021 QC 45s in shape, but they are more like the 700s in that the physical buttons are nearly completely absent.
Bose replaced the three-button setup for volume and playback with a single multi-function control that can be used to change audio modes, skip tracks, and assign play/pause commands. The power button for the Bluetooth pairing is located on the right ear cup, just below it. The on-board volume control has been relocated by the company to a touch-sensitive strip that you can move your finger across to change the volume. Additionally, Bose lets you designate a shortcut for the volume slider, which you can access by long pressing on it. Despite being touch-based, my thumb swipes were consistently recognised by the slider.
The hinge and headband are two other prominent design changes. Bose used metal to give these a more sophisticated appearance rather than just plastic. When the ear cups are folded in, the hinge is better integrated into the headband, hiding any visible screws. As with earlier models over the years, those ear cups can also rotate flat. Long listening sessions will remain incredibly comfortable thanks to Bose’s ability to maintain comfort despite all the changes. I didn’t notice the additional weight because the earpads and the inside of the headband are both plush and cushiony.
Software and features
The Bose Music app contains all of the settings. Once connected, the software displays the battery life and a volume slider at the top, along with shortcut customization, tips, quick access to audio modes, Bluetooth connections, EQ, and Immersive Audio. In addition, the app features a media player that mirrors whatever you’re playing elsewhere, saving you from having to exit to adjust music or adjust headphone settings.
Bose comes with three default audio modes: Quiet, Aware, and Immersion. In the first, noise cancellation is only active, whereas in the second, transparency is complete. Immersion consists of Immersive Audio and Maximum ANC. Along with wind blocking, immersive audio, and adjustable noise cancellation, Bose also lets you customise your own modes. Once a new mode has been created, you can access it using the on-board controls of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones by favoriting it.
You can select from three options for Immersive Audio. For the stock Bose tuning and to conserve battery life, you can completely disable it; alternatively, you can choose the Still or Motion settings. The former is ideal for sitting, as it maintains the audio at a set position. With head tracking, the latter maintains the sound in front of you at all times and lets the audio follow you around.
You have to enable the long press shortcut for the volume slider in the Bose app before you can use it. From there, you can give the gesture a few different actions. These consist of checking the battery level, navigating the Immersive Audio presets, using a voice assistant, and enjoying Spotify content. In the event that none of those options seem especially beneficial, you can always leave it off.
Sound quality and Immersive Audio
Immersive Audio is the standout feature, but Bose has also enhanced the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones’ stock tuning. I could tell right away that the sound was much clearer, warmer, and had more bass even before I turned on spatial audio. Bose lagged slightly behind companies like Sony and Sennheiser in terms of overall sound quality, but the company is undoubtedly catching up.
Bose’s approach to spatial audio does not rely on third-party content, such as Sony 360 Reality Audio or Dolby Atmos in Apple Music. The purpose of those formats is to precisely simulate the sound of the instruments playing in your immediate vicinity. For Immersive Audio, Bose combines newly developed signal processing with headphone components. It is more convenient because it is compatible with any type of content because of virtualization.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the sound is louder, just like with the specialised spatial audio formats. Not only does immersive audio give music a more substantial overall quality, but it also enhances detail and clarity. Bose claims to place you in the acoustic sweet spot, as if you were seated perfectly in front of a set of high-end speakers, as opposed to surrounding you with sound. The band does, in fact, succeed in this, as evidenced by albums with atmospheric depth like TesseracT’s prog-metal War of Being, which preserves minute details like the drummer’s subtle nuances and the texture of the singer’s growl.
Bose’s spatial audio occasionally degrades the quality of songs. The vocals on Tyler Childers’ “In Your Love” are harsh and tinny, and the reverb is amplified to the point where it overpowers the rest of the song. Furthermore, the vocals have become noticeably louder than the instruments. This audio technology is enjoyable to listen to when it works, but because Bose relies more on signal processing than carefully crafted content, the outcomes can differ significantly.
Transparency mode is another area in which Bose keeps making improvements. The company offers notably clearer audio on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones when piping in your surroundings and letting you hear your own voice. Although no one really comes close to what Apple does with the AirPods Max, Bose is making progress. That is undoubtedly helpful when you have to pay attention to your surroundings or answer calls.
Exceptional noise cancellation capabilities are nothing new for a pair of Bose headphones. When it comes to shutting out the outside world, the company is always the best, and the QC Ultra Headphones are no exception. An air conditioner or white noise machine’s continuous hum is hardly audible. The headphones perform exceptionally well when it comes to human voices and TV sound, including the deadly combination of a nine-year-old playing Fall Guys.
Call quality
With the QC Ultra Headphones, Bose makes the same promise as almost every other headphone manufacturer: “amazingly clear calls.” Although I wouldn’t characterise the audio quality as such, it works well for routine voice and video conversations where all you need is to be heard. Although it’s not perfect, it doesn’t sound like you’re on speakerphone either. That’s about the best you can get on wireless headphones and better than what many competitors have to offer.
Battery life
With ANC turned on, Bose says you can expect up to 24 hours of use. That number decreases to 18 hours if you choose to use both immersive audio and noise cancellation. Nevertheless, after 20 hours of testing with the latter option, the Bose app and macOS were both indicating 30% remaining. Thus, even though the company’s new spatial audio has an effect on battery life, the QC Ultra Headphones still outperform the specified figures.
The QC Ultra Headphones will automatically switch off after 10 minutes of no audio playback to help you save battery life. Additionally, there is a quick-charge function that allows you to use the device for 2.5 hours in just 15 minutes. But that’s with Immersive Audio turned off and ANC enabled. According to Bose, you should anticipate 30 minutes less battery life following the fast top off if you require spatial audio during this time.
The competition
Despite significant progress, Bose’s feature set is still inferior to Sony’s on the WH-1000XM5. Since no other company does, the M5 always ranks highest on our list of the best wireless headphones. While Sony’s Speak-to-Chat feature of automatic pause and changing audio mode based on activity or location is nice, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones do provide more effective noise cancellation. Additionally, Sony’s DSEE Extreme, which employs AI to enhance compressed audio and add depth and clarity, is compatible with the M5. Compared to Bose’s Immersive Audio, the outcomes are far more reliable.
Wrap-up
Bose continues to be in the lead in headphones with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Even though immersive audio works really well sometimes, certain albums and songs don’t always produce the best results. Nevertheless, the default tuning is better, bringing these headphones sonically closer to the calibre of Sony and Sennheiser. This is primarily because the default tuning has more bass, more clarity, and more warmth. To help defend the higher price, Bose needed to nail its new trademark feature, but it was unable to do so. Even though the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are an improvement over earlier Bose models, they still can’t unseat the king.
