Analysis and Development of Hybrid Earphone Combining Balanced-Armature and Dynamic Receivers

Abstract

With the rapid progress in the development of multimedia devices, earphones have become increasingly important as audio output tools. Hybrid earphones combining balanced-armature (BA) and dynamic receivers can produce better performance over a wider range when compared to the earphones with BA receiver alone (BA earphones) or dynamic receiver alone (dynamic earphones). BA and dynamic earphones are multi-physics products that exhibit coupling between the electromagnetic, mechanical, and acoustic domains. In this study, an analysis tool is developed to design a hybrid earphone based on the conventional BA and dynamic earphones. Using the developed analysis tool, an acoustic tube is optimized to match the earphone target curve and obtain improved sound quality. A prototype is manufactured and tested, and the experimental results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed analysis tool. The root-mean-square value of the sound pressure level (SPL) deviation of the hybrid earphone with the optimized acoustic tube is 4.60, whereas those for the dynamic and BA earphones are 8.94 and 6.04, respectively. Thus, it is verified that the frequency response is improved using the hybrid earphone developed herein.

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“…In terms of the sound process, the dynamic driver and balanced armature driver are alike. Both rely on the vibration of the diaphragm in a permanent magnetic field to produce sound [1]. The most significant difference lies in the construction principle and position of the drivers in the earphone.…”