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Once primarily used by stage performers, modern in-ear monitors (IEMs) have expanded into the personal audio space over the past decade, transforming how we experience music, games, and digital content through unprecedented levels of sonic detail and spatial accuracy. This interest from audio enthusiasts, gamers, and a growing segment of consumers requires manufacturers to meet higher demands for premium sound.

At the heart of these immersive listening experiences lies a sophisticated engineering approach: multi-driver design. While traditional earphones rely on a single driver to reproduce all sounds, today’s premium IEMs employ arrays of specialized drivers, each precisely tuned to handle specific frequencies.

Leading manufacturers are pushing these boundaries further—from FiiO’s FA19 with its intricate 10-driver architecture to Earsonics’ EM96 featuring a refined three-way crossover system. As consumer demand for premium audio experiences grows, the multi-driver IEM market has evolved from its roots in the professional stage to become a pillar of high-fidelity personal audio.

This evolution brings both opportunities and challenges, requiring manufacturers to master complex acoustic engineering while delivering comfortable, practical designs for daily use. Success in this competitive landscape demands more than just adding drivers—it requires a deep understanding of how to harmoniously integrate these components to create superior listening experiences, requiring a deep understanding of acoustics, crossover integration, and component synergy.

To succeed in this evolving market, brands must navigate technical complexities in multi-driver design—ensuring seamless integration, optimizing crossovers, and balancing comfort with performance—without compromising on sound quality.

Why multi-driver designs?

Unlike single-driver IEMs, which are tasked with reproducing the entire frequency range within one transducer, multi-driver designs distribute the workload across specialized drivers. This approach mirrors full-sized speaker systems, where woofers, midrange drivers, and tweeters work together to create an immersive soundstage.

By assigning dedicated drivers to specific frequency ranges—such as bass, midrange, and treble—manufacturers can achieve exceptional clarity and depth. This targeted separation ensures each frequency range is handled by specialized drivers, reducing distortion and delivering a cohesive, high-fidelity listening experience.

A key component of modern multi-driver IEMs is the balanced armature (BA) driver. Originally developed for hearing aids, BAs have since become a cornerstone of in-ear audio due to their compact size and precision tuning capabilities. BAs use stationary coil and pivoting armature, which enables them to reproduce detailed frequencies with remarkable efficiency.

Figure 1 BAs are becoming critical for in-ear audio designs. Source: Knowles

Because of their small form factor and specialization, BAs are ideal for multi-way driver configurations, where multiple units work together to optimize frequency response, enhance clarity, and improve overall sound separation.

In fact, multiple BAs are the industry standard, though some manufacturers introduce alternative technologies—such as planar drivers, dynamic drivers, or even microphones—for novelty. Highly versatile and available in several variations for specialized applications, BAs can function in multiples or in tandem with other technologies, as often seen in hybrid-driver true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones.

Addressing design challenges

Integrating multiple drivers into an IEM presents both opportunities and engineering challenges. While multi-driver designs enable more refined tuning and enhanced performance, they require precise crossover implementation, seamless driver integration, and compact form factor solutions to deliver the best user experience. Manufacturers must balance sound quality, consistency, and ergonomic constraints while also delivering a competitive and signature sound experience.

1. Crossover design

Multi-driver IEMs rely on crossover circuits to distribute frequencies across different drivers. Poorly executed crossovers can cause phase issues (cancellation of energy rather than addition and vice versa), frequency dips, and distortion, particularly in the midrange, where driver overlaps are most sensitive.

By strategically distributing the audio signal across multiple drivers, each driver operates within its optimal range, reducing the likelihood of distortion. This ensures that no single driver is overburdened, leading to cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction with better clarity and separation compared to single-driver IEMs.

For additional ease of integration, choosing multi-way drivers with pre-configured crossover implementations can reduce the complexity of designing systems from scratch and ensure clean performance upfront.

Figure 2 BAs allow finer control over the interaction between drivers. Source: Knowles

BAs are helpful for crossover design, as they enable finer impedance control, ensuring seamless transitions between drivers. Due to their stationary coil design, which can be wound with different impedances, BAs enable finer control over the interaction between drivers. Specialty BAs with closed-back designs can further reduce acoustic irregularities, producing more natural sound even in complex setups.

2. Signature sounds

Modern IEM manufacturers distinguish themselves through unique sound signatures that define their brand identity. The precision and flexibility of multi-driver configurations enable manufacturers to create these distinctive audio profiles with unprecedented control. BAs play a pivotal role in signature sound development.

Specialty BAs engineered for specific acoustic tasks—such as extended treble or enhanced midrange—allow manufacturers to tailor sound signatures precisely. Each BA configuration can be customized to achieve different target sound signatures in a multi-driver layout, making it easier for manufacturers to create distinctive audio profiles without extensive R&D time.

Figure 3 BAs can be engineered for specific acoustic tasks. Source: Knowles

Multi-way drivers can deliver pre-tuned frequency ranges, alleviating the work of internal teams and enabling faster progression in product development. Selecting multi-way BA models with dedicated drivers optimized for bass, midrange, and treble reduces the need for extensive manual tuning. Properly tuned BAs ensure each driver operates within its ideal range, avoiding common issues like frequency dips or distortion in the midrange.

The multi-driver designs also offer manufacturers greater flexibility in tuning their unique signature sound. By integrating newer technologies and adjusting the crossover points of different driver types, engineers can define specific characteristics—such as enhanced bass, detailed midrange, or sparkling highs—to make their output one-of-a-kind.

3. Form-factor flexibility

Despite advancements in miniaturization, integrating multiple drivers into a compact, ergonomic earpiece remains a challenge. Comfort and versatility are essential for an optimal user experience, and sound quality must be balanced with design and functionality.

The compact size of BAs offers greater flexibility in placement within an earpiece, freeing up valuable space for designing with multiple drivers. This enables the incorporation of specialty BAs—engineered for high impact in exceptionally small sizes—maximizing room for additional drivers and advanced crossover designs.

Unlike other driver types, which require larger enclosures for optimal functionality, BA drivers are significantly smaller. They also have adjustable port placements. This allows multiple units to be arranged within the same IEM shell.

Pre-configured multi-way BA configurations help manufacturers create ergonomic, form-fitting IEMs without needing large nozzles or vents. These factors allow for a more minimalist design, making it easier to achieve a comfortable form factor.

4            Scalability across multiple markets

As demand for high-performance in-ear monitors continues to grow across various listener segments, manufacturers must develop scalable solutions that cater to a wide range of users. Achieving this requires flexible driver configurations that maintain high sound quality standards while accommodating different price points.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this scalability is through multi-way driver configurations and hybrid technology. By combining drivers, manufacturers can fine-tune crossover points to create sound profiles suited for different applications. This versatility allows brands to produce IEMs that offer precise, high-fidelity audio at multiple tiers—whether for entry-level consumer models or high-end audiophile monitors.

Reliability and consistency in production also play a crucial role in meeting market demand. Automated manufacturing processes ensure tight tolerances, reducing batch-to-batch inconsistencies in multi-driver designs. Additionally, the availability of pre-configured multi-way BA systems simplifies product development, allowing manufacturers to expand their product lines efficiently without extensive redesigns.

By leveraging these scalable design strategies, companies can provide high-quality IEMs across various market segments, ensuring a balance between performance, affordability, and accessibility without compromising sound integrity.

IEMs shaping personal premium sound

Multi-driver designs have redefined what’s possible in IEM performance, enabling richer, more detailed soundscapes than ever before. Through advancements in BA technology and thoughtful integration of multiple drivers, manufacturers are overcoming traditional limitations to meet the rising demand for premium audio experiences.

For research and development teams in the personal audio space, mastering the complexities of multi-driver design is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in today’s rapidly evolving market. If done well, new IEM designs could shape the future of personal premium sound.

Cristina Downey is senior electroacoustic engineer for R&D at Knowles Corp.

Related Content

• Audio design and technology
• TWS reference design features hybrid dual speaker
• Hear This: ‘Ear-Worn Computing’ Around the Corner
• Exploring Trends and Opportunities for True Wireless Audio
• Understanding superior professional audio design: A block-by-block approach

The post Designing better listening experiences with multi-driver IEMs appeared first on EDN.

The showcase also includes a new 240kW DC fast EV charger designed to foster e- mobility for India’s sustainable cities

Delta, a global leader in power management and a provider of IoT-based smart green solutions, announced today its participation in ELECRAMA 2025 under the theme of Smart Manufacturing by launching its new D- Bot series Collaborative Robots (Cobots) in the Indian market. These 6-axis cobots boast payload capacities up to 30 kg, and speeds as fast as 200 degrees per second, thus, designed to empower industries with smarter, more efficient production processes, such as electronics assembly, packaging, materials handling, and even welding. At the event, Delta will also unveil its new 240kW DC Fast EV Charger and the Industrial Power-protect Transformer-based UPS – further strengthening its commitment to energy conservation and the development of sustainable cities across India.

Jimmy Yiin, Delta’s Executive Vice President of Global Business Operations, said, “India is a key market for Delta, and we are committed to driving its industrial and energy transformation with our advanced solutions. Delta’s strategic investment in the Krishnagiri facility underscores our dedication to local innovation, manufacturing excellence, and sustainability. Through this investment, we aim to strengthen India’s self-reliance in smart manufacturing and energy infrastructure while contributing to global industry standards.”

Benjamin Lin, President of Delta Electronics India, stated, “Delta is proud to showcase our innovative smart manufacturing solutions at Elecrama 2025. Our focus has always been on delivering solutions that advance industries to become more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. The new solutions we are introducing – from the D-Bot Cobots to the Ultron IPT Series UPS – are designed with these values in mind, and we are committed to driving the transition to smart and sustainable manufacturing across India and beyond.”

Across the Delta booth, visitors will engage on a journey with a live demonstration of intelligent infrastructure across Industrial Automation, EV Charging, Smart Building Automation Solutions, Data Centers, Smart Energy Infrastructure, ICT Infrastructure, and many more innovative solutions.

Newly-Launched Smart Green Solutions by Delta at ELECRAMA 2025 are:

• D-Bot Series Collaborative Robots (Cobots) are an integral part of Delta’s broad portfolio of Smart Manufacturing Designed for smart factory automation and equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, these cobots detect contact and instantly reverse movement to prevent accidents, ensuring safe human-robot collaboration. With payload capacities ranging from 6 kg to 30 kg, 6-axis flexibility, speeds up to 200 degrees per second D-bot provides precision, efficiency, and rapid deployment across industries in a broad range of applications that require smart manufacturing capabilities, including packaging, pick and place, electronics assembly, materials handling, welding, machine tending, and more. Moreover, these D-Bot series cobots integrate seamlessly with Delta’s VTScada SCADA system, DIATwin digital twin platform, machine vision systems, and more, to help customers upgrade the productivity, reliability, and efficiency of their factories.
• 240kW DC Fast EV Charger – A high-speed dual-vehicle charging solution developed locally by Delta India’s own R&D and engineering These advanced EV charger boasts 95% efficiency, OCPP compatibility, and wired/4G GSM connectivity, ensuring fast, seamless EV charging for commercial applications, fleet operators, and public charging networks.
• Industrial Power-protect Transformer-based UPS (IPT series)- It redefines power reliability with Zig-zag transformer, advanced PFC converter, and exceptional short-circuit protection. With IP43 optional enclosure protection, it ensures robust performance and optimizes frontend investment for harsh industrial environments.

Delta is also showcasing a wide range of cutting-edge solutions across its key business verticals:

Industrial Automation Solutions

Delta is also showcasing articulated and SCARA robots at ELECRAMA 2025, delivering high- speed pick-and-place capabilities and smart screwdriving solutions for mobile phone manufacturing. Additionally, Delta is featuring its Next-Gen CNC Controllers for precise motion control, PMa Synchronous Reluctance Motor MSI for energy savings, Active Power Filter APF3000 for clean power with THDi below 5%, and the Fan, Pump, and Compressor Solution with Fluid Industry Drive VP3000, integrating IE4/IE5 MSI motors for enhanced performance. Delta also offers VTScada SCADA software for Industry 4.0 by optimizing smart manufacturing and energy management through real-time monitoring, control, and predictive maintenance.

EV Charging Solutions

Delta continues to drive India’s EV charging ecosystem and showcasing, high efficiency charging solutions, designed for residential, commercial, and fleet applications. The AC Cordset 3.3kW offers a compact home charging solution, while the AC Miniplus 7.4kW provides smart connectivity-enabled AC charging. The 240kW DC Fast Charger allows simultaneous charging of two EVs with 95% efficiency and OCPP compatibility, making it ideal for commercial applications, parking lots, service stations, and bus depots. As a total solutions provider, Delta commonly integrates power conditioning systems (PCS), battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar PV inverters, and EV chargers, enabling renewable energy- powered EV charging infrastructure for smart cities.

Data Center, Telecom & Mission-Critical Infrastructure Solutions

Delta is transforming data center infrastructure with high-efficiency solutions such as the 33kW 1OU ORv3 Power Shelves, which achieve 97.5% efficiency to ensure stable power for AI servers. The InfraSuite Data Center Infrastructure Solutions helps data centres achieve PUEs below 1.2, reducing energy losses, especially with Delta’s with new liquid cooling solutions. Delta’s 18kW High-Power Rack-Mounted Systems support network communication and AI servers with 97.5% energy conversion efficiency, while the DC Power Converter achieves 98.3% efficiency, meeting the high-power demands of AI GPUs. Delta also has DC first solution with UPS, Busway, Cooling, and containerized data centre solutions for reliable, efficient infrastructure support.

Delta’s telecom power solutions include Power Distribution Units (PDU), HE Rectifiers, and Outdoor Cooling Cabinets, ensuring network efficiency and reliability. Additionally, Delta’s Mission-Critical Infrastructure Solutions (MCIS) portfolio features the Active Harmonic Filter (AHF), iCool Row, Li-Ion Battery Solutions, and IPT for next-gen power transmission.

EV Powertrain Solutions

Delta is also advancing EV Powertrain Solutions with compact, high-efficiency power solutions for electric two- and three-wheelers. These include On-Board Chargers (OBCM), DC/DC Converters, OBG, and EVCC products, which support bi-directional charging and V2X integration to enhance EV functionality.

Smart Building Automation Solutions

Delta revolutionizes buildings through integrated smart solutions, combining energy-efficient HVAC control, smart lighting, and AI-powered video surveillance. Our comprehensive building portfolio includes industry-leading brands such as LOYTEC, Delta Controls, VIVOTEK, March Networks and Amerlux, delivering advanced technologies that optimize both energy use and operational performance.

Commitment to Sustainability

Delta remains dedicated to sustainability through high-efficiency energy solutions. Between 2010 and 2023, Delta’s products and solutions deployed worldwide saved customers an estimated 45.5 billion kWh of electricity, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by nearly 23.84 million tons. Additionally, from 2006 to 2024, Delta has built 35 green buildings and 2 certified green data centers worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to energy conservation and sustainability.

Visit Delta at ELECRAMA 2025

Experience live demonstrations and interact with Delta’s latest innovations at Booth #A3B4, Hall 16. Discover how Delta is driving smart manufacturing with its advanced robotics, automation, and energy solutions.

The post Delta Launches its New Collaborative Robots for the Indian Smart Manufacturing Market at ELECRAMA 2025 appeared first on ELE Times.