Since 2015, Empire Ears has garnered widespread acclaim in the global in-ear monitor (IEM) market for its innovative spirit and exceptional quality. Based in Atlanta, this company was co-founded by father and son duo, Dean and Jack Vang, who lead their team in continually pushing the boundaries of technology, dedicated to crafting the world's most exquisite universal and custom earphones. Empire Ears' latest creation, Raven, represents the culmination of all the learning and innovation since the company's inception. In just eight short years, few other brands have matched Empire Ears in terms of technological innovation. Raven is not only a significant step forward technologically but also a major leap in sound quality innovation. Through a recent interview with the director, Jack, this article brings to the audience more about the story behind the development of Raven.
Q: Jack, could you share why you initially decided to develop the Raven project?
Jack: At Empire Ears, we are constantly seeking breakthroughs and innovations in technology. Our latest masterpiece, Raven, represents a bold attempt to surpass the traditional limits of in-ear and headphone technology. The design concept of Raven is inspired by the two ravens from Norse mythology, Huginn and Muninn. In the mythology, these ravens traverse various realms, gathering wisdom from all over. Similarly, the Raven earphones embody our integration of feedback and opinions from users and professional audio critics worldwide, allowing us to create a product that not only exceeds expectations but also complements our product line with its comprehensive and well-rounded sound characteristics.
In our product lineup, the ODIN earphones are favored by many audiophiles for their prominent midrange and dense sound quality. However, Raven offers a more balanced tuning approach, providing an exceptional sense of envelopment, allowing users to fully relax and immerse themselves in the music. This sound design not only satisfies users' pursuit of Hi-Fi quality audio but also ensures a comfortable and enduring listening experience. The development of Raven is an important milestone in our endless exploration of music and technology. It represents not only Empire Ears' relentless pursuit of excellence but also our sincere commitment to our listeners—to provide an unparalleled auditory experience. We look forward to Raven becoming your daily musical companion, making each listening session a profound journey for the soul.
Q: We’ve seen Empire Ears consistently trying to use multi-unit hybrid technology in new products, including Raven. Could you explain how Empire Ears manages to incorporate different units into the earphones?
Jack: Dean has always had an unimaginable dedication to driver technology and tuning, and with Raven, we have employed the most complex and sophisticated quad-hybrid driver configuration we have ever encountered. This includes the use of our Weapon X bone conduction unit, Weapon 9+ sub-bass dynamic driver, five specially customized balanced armature drivers from Knowles and Sonion, and four modified Sonion ultra-high frequency electrostatic drivers. It also features our EIVEC wide-range electrostatic driver transformer. Our synX crossover technology plays a crucial role here, precisely guiding frequencies to each driver. By integrating units and technologies from different manufacturers, each with their unique specifications, this configuration presents a formidable challenge and explains why such an arrangement is so rare in the industry.
Q: Raven is the first pair of earphones from Empire Ears to feature a metal faceplate. What considerations were made when choosing the materials and manufacturing techniques for Raven? How did these decisions impact the final product’s sound and quality?
Jack: In the development of the Raven, our decision to utilize metal panels was carefully considered, aiming to enhance both the aesthetics and acoustic performance of the earphones. Metal has unique vibration characteristics that significantly alter the overall sound direction. Therefore, when deciding on materials and manufacturing processes, we placed great importance not only on the type and quality of the metal but also on the density and materials used for the coating. These factors are crucial in achieving what we consider the ideal sound. Even the smallest details, such as whether to remove a plastic film, could have profound effects on the acoustic properties. Throughout the production of Raven, each component was specially designed to achieve the most ideal sound. From the internal unit structure to the external panels, every part was carefully selected and tested by our engineers to ensure they work harmoniously together to create an unparalleled auditory experience. This also reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and our ultimate pursuit of sound quality.
Q: Empire Ears has spent a considerable amount of time adjusting Raven. Could you discuss the most challenging aspects or difficulties encountered during the development of Raven?
Jack: During the development of the Raven earphones, we indeed faced significant challenges, particularly in balancing different driver technologies. To ensure that the units responsible for various frequency ranges, as well as the bone conduction units, coordinated perfectly, we conducted numerous tests and fine-tunings. Each iteration brought us closer to the ideal sound stage and clarity provided by Raven. Indeed, every component in Raven contributes to the overall sound change, making it not only a technical achievement but also a piece of art to be admired. From precise acoustic design to elegant aesthetics, every detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure that the final product not only meets the demanding requirements of users but also touches the senses and emotions of every listener.
Q: Many people are curious if there are any differences in sound between the standard Raven and the limited edition gold Raven. Which one do you personally prefer in terms of sound?
Jack: Although the standard edition and the limited gold edition of Raven share the same acoustic architecture, different material choices still bring subtle variations to the sound characteristics. As a member of the team that co-developed Raven, I personally prefer the standard edition. This preference stems from the fact that the standard edition is the result of countless adjustments and improvements. Particularly, in the matte black version, we incorporated titanium metal, which broadened the soundstage and deepened the bass while also quickening its response. After repeated listening tests and adjustments, we are very satisfied with the final outcome of Raven. The standard edition closely aligns with our original design philosophy; it not only retains pure and precise sound quality but also enhances sensitivity to and appreciation of sound details. Whether experiencing the grand depth of a symphony or the delicate texture of jazz, the standard edition of Raven provides an unparalleled auditory experience.
Q: What are the unique aspects of Raven’s sound tuning? How do you balance the playback effects of different music genres?
Jack: Our tuning philosophy has always centered on the balance of the three frequency ranges, offering a comprehensive and rich listening experience across various music genres. Raven's sound not only features powerful, deep bass but also surpasses our previous headphone models in the delicacy of the midrange and the clarity of the treble, faithfully presenting the true nature of the original recordings and avoiding any undue prominence in any single frequency range.
What does innovation mean?
Following an in-depth interview with Jack, I've reflected more on the current advancements in headphone technology and what these innovations represent. To me, it signifies that the brand is continuously pushing the boundaries of existing technology in pursuit of their ideal sound, aiming to provide users with a listening experience like never before, turning each experience into a brand new journey. The innovative spirit of Empire Ears also drives the progress of the entire industry, continuously bringing better auditory enjoyment to users.
