Creative introduces its MEMS-based true wireless earbuds, the Aurvana Ace series
Remember when Creative said it was partnering xMEMS Lab to make MEMS-based drivers for wireless audio?
Creative finally announced the release of its highly-anticipated, true wireless MEMS-based earbuds: the Creative Aurvana Ace and Aurvana Ace 2.
These new Aurvana Ace series TWS (true wireless stereo) earbuds use solid-state, all-silicon MEMs-based drivers to deliver immersive and lifelike audio while packing everything you’d expect in flagship-tier true wireless earbuds.
What is MEMS?
MEMS stands for microelectromechanical systems, which encompasses all electronics at a microscopic level with moving parts. As explained previously, Creative said its MEMS partnership with xMEMS Labbrings drivers that have seven times better phase consistency than conventional drivers, on top of other MEMS benefits like having a lighter and sleeker design.
MEMS-based microspeakers for listening enjoyment were previously in the domain of audiophile-tier personal audio — such as wired IEMs (in-ear monitors) or microphones. The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 breaks new ground because it’s a wireless implementation of MEMs-based drivers, despite its shortcomings (traditionally, constant voltage is needed to drive MEMS-based drivers).
The crucial difference between typical audio drivers and MEMs-based drivers is that the latter doesn’t use magnets and coils to produce sound. Instead, MEMs-based drivers use silicon and the piezoelectric effect to “make” sound. What you hear comes directly from silicon being deformed by electricity, and not from magnets driving a coil.
The mechanical differences between MEMS and regular drivers also give them their distinctive audio characteristics.
"xMEMS drivers represent a significant leap forward in audio technology. They enable the Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 to reproduce sound with stunning accuracy and fidelity. Users can expect a level of immersion and clarity that redefines their perception of premium audio," said Song Siow Hui, CEO at Creative.
Creative Aurvana Ace series
In the Creative Aurvana Ace and Ace 2’s case, Creative said that electrical currents enter the solid-state silicon, which is mounted with “meticulously mounted” tiny flaps that respond to the short electrical signals. In turn, the flapping of silicon membrane generates your sound waves, providing audio that mimics life-like, real-world performances.
Both models come with 10mm dynamic drivers, have Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Modes, and pack six microphones with Qualcomm cVc for online or phone calls. Both also offer up to 24 hours of playback (six hours on the buds and the rest in its charging case), and come with IPX5 certification for water resistance (X stands for no dust resistance).
Given its exotic audio technology, the Creative Aurvana Ace series earbuds’ audio profiles and codecs would also be under scrutiny. Creative said both support LE Audio (LC3 codec), SBC, AAC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive, supporting a wide range of low-to-high-quality audio streaming.
What’s the difference between Aurvana Ace and Aurvana Ace 2?
Aurvana Ace 2 comes with a few additional tricks up its sleeves.
First, it uses Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation for its ANC duties. This ANC technology factors in ear fit and real-time environmental conditions to provide the ideal amount of cancellation, regardless of ANC mode you’ve chosen (full on ANC, or Ambient Mode).
Second, it supports an additional and highly prized wireless audio codec. Aurvana Ace 2 has Qualcomm AptX Lossless, supporting 16-bit/44.1kHz sampling and bitrate with zero data discarded. That’s CD-like listening quality, and it works automatically if AptX Lossless detects the user playing a lossless source file.
(In case you’re wondering, flagship Android phones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and up are compatible, since they also support AptX Lossless).
Finally, Aurvana Ace 2 comes in a smoked translucent skin with copper highlights, while its sibling uses a simpler, sleek-black finish.
Creative Aurvana Ace series pricing and availability
Creative Aurvana Ace retails at S$189, over at Creative’s website.
Creative Aurvana Ace 2 retails at S$219. You can also find it on its official store.
Pre-orders begin on 10 November 2023.
< PrevPage 1 of 1 – Creative introduces its MEMS-based true wireless earbuds, the Aurvana Ace seriesPage 1 of 1 – Creative introduces its MEMS-based true wireless earbuds, the Aurvana Ace seriesPage 1 of 1 Page 1 of 1 – Creative introduces its MEMS-based true wireless earbuds, the Aurvana Ace seriesNext >