Raven: Universal Fit Quadbrid In-Ear Monitors

"In December 2022, we presented the world with Project RAVEN at the prestigious Portable Audio Festival in Tokyo, Japan-a landmark moment in our journey of innovation. Following its grand debut, the RAVEN embarked on a global tour from the bustling metropolis of New York to the vibrant city-state of Singapore, making illustrious appearances at major trade shows such as CanJam and AXPONA. Each stop on this journey was not just a showcase, but an opportunity to shape the RAVEN into an unparalleled IEM, driven by an invaluable variable-customer feedback.

The advanced design of the RAVEN isn't just a testament to our technological prowess, but an affirmation of our commitment to creating products that are truly customer-centric. It encapsulates the ethos of Empire, marking our relentless pursuit of the extraordinary, a journey powered by our core competencies, and shaped by the voices of our esteemed customers.

As we raise a toast, it's to your unwavering support and insightful feedback that we express our gratitude, both of which have been instrumental in crafting the RAVEN into the epitome of exceptional audio experience it is today." -Jack Vang, Co-Founder

QUADBRID DESIGN

Our dedication to superiority guides us to develop and build several of our proprietary drivers, even in lower volumes, rather than sourcing them from other manufacturers. This autonomy allows us to break new ground in technology, unencumbered by industry constraints or compromises. The RAVEN serves as a testament to the extraordinary engineering at Empire Ears.

W10 Bone Conduction Powerhouse

At the forefront of innovation is our W10 Bone Conductor. This groundbreaking driver delivers unparalleled imaging, intricate nuance retrieval, and rich timbre by transmitting sound through bone conduction. The result is an immersive sonic experience that engages the listener on a truly profound level.

Dual W9+ Subwoofers

The heart of the RAVEN's seismic bass response is our custom-designed 9mm W9+ subwoofers. These dedicated low-frequency drivers deliver thunderous power and unmatched control, laying the foundation for a legendary bass experience.

Five Precision Balanced Armature Drivers

Tasked with reproducing the critical mid-range frequencies are our bespoke balanced armature drivers, engineered in collaboration with industry leaders Knowles and Sonion. Their unique design and singular focus render a captivating and pure mid-range that truly brings music to life.

Quad Electrostatic Tweeters

 Ensconced within RAVEN are Sonion electrostatic tweeters, each featuring an ultra-light moving membrane. These precision instruments offer an extraordinarily accurate transient response, allowing for unrivaled clarity, pristine separation, and breathtaking detail.

Proprietary Technologies

Harmonic Resonance Core

RAVEN, Empire Ears' first venture into metallurgy, marks a pivotal point in the quest for sonic excellence. Far from being a mere aesthetic choice, the incorporation of metallurgy, specifically with the 316L stainless steel plate in the RAVEN's faceplate design, demonstrates our profound commitment to elevating the performance of the W10 bone conductor. This steel plate does more than please the eye; it aids in the resonance, amplification, and dispersion of sound waves, synergizing with other elements to achieve a distinctive sound signature and optimize RAVEN's acoustic performance.

Our meticulous engineering led to the creation of a purpose-built polymer acoustic stage known as the Harmonic Resonance Core (HRC), situated strategically between the shell and the plate. Vibrations reverberate through these structures, culminating within an internal polymer basin that holds the plate. This arrangement, boosted by the metal plate, elevates the vibration effect, resulting in an unmatched enhancement in acoustic reproduction. The vibrations manifest tangibly, enriching the bass and treble with unprecedented depth, extension, and clarity, and thereby redefining the summit-fi segment.

RAVEN represents more than an advancement in traditional IEM technology; it's a daring step towards reshaping the future of in-ear monitor excellence. While the metal plate and clever design interplay are key to this remarkable sound experience, the underlying principle of dual conduction remains central to delivering an unparalleled listening experience.

synX

Distinctively engineered to surpass the conventional boundaries of the IEM world, much like the TRITON, RAVEN adopts Empire Ears' exceptional synX crossover network. This unparalleled technology, protected by bespoke methods, ensures a harmonious blend of three distinct driver technologies, orchestrating them into a symphony of sound.

Through the proprietary multi-point synX crossover network, every component is optimized to its full potential, delivering an auditory experience that is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Resonance Manipulation

In our pursuit of perfection with RAVEN, we've elegantly reimagined the application of our renowned ARC (Anti-Resonance Control) technology. No longer confined to the chassis, ARC now targets other key elements such as specific internal components, aligning flawlessly with the Harmonic Resonance Core (HRC). This adaptation eliminates unwanted vibrations and flex, refining and enhancing the sound in a way that feels both revolutionary and inherently Empire. The synergy between ARC and HRC is a testament to our relentless innovation, a sublime interplay that delivers an audio experience unparalleled in purity and depth.

ARC (Anti-Resonance Control) is a proprietary conformal coating that virtually eliminates unwanted vibrations and resonance.

Dual Triport Exhausts

Due to the nature of the W10's extreme output the enclosure's air volume and vent design were especially crucial for proper tuning. Even the slightest change in diameter and positioning had a dramatic effect on sound quality and performance. By mastering the W10's volume requirements we're able to harness its optimal output, capabilities and potential.

EIVEC MKII

EIVEC MKII was developed to ensure optimal timing, phasing and control between the electrostatic and bone conductor - a monumental achievement.

Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control - EIVEC - is Empire's approach to incorporating electrostatic EST drivers into IEMs. For all the incredible range and resolution, electrostatic drivers are notoriously hard to control, often overpowering other drivers. EIVEC is our solution to that, and the degree of control provided by EIVEC is so precise that the electrostatics can operate independently, performing disparate tasks within the sound stage to deliver layer upon layer of detail and texture for unparalleled performance.

R7 Cable

At the heart of the RAVEN's custom-designed R7 cable, crafted in collaboration with PWAudio, is the Limerence 60's proprietary OCC structure copper conductor. This masterful combination delivers unparalleled purity of signal, enriching every auditory nuance. Thoughtfully designed, the conductor gauge melds a 26 AWG core with a 25 AWG 2nd layer, harmonizing together in a symphony that unlocks the full potential of RAVEN. Boasting 4 core conductors integrated seamlessly with 4 additional 2nd layer conductors, the R7 elevates the audio journey, orchestrating a sound experience that must be heard to be believed.

Adorned with a premium 4.4 rhodium connector and Satin Black finish, the R7 cable's elegance transcends mere function, offering a touch of refined aesthetic to the listening experience. The "7" in its name signifies the meticulous journey of creation, marking the seventh iteration of versions and tuning, a testament to the rigorous development process that went into crafting a cable worthy of the Raven.

The Eye Of Odin

With a nod to the mythical EYE of ODIN and the iconic Empire Ears wingspan, RAVEN's industrial 316L stainless steel faceplates becomes a mesmerizing canvas, skillfully crafted through precision CNC techniques. The meticulous process continues with hand-polishing and perfecting every detail, culminating in a lavish physical vapor deposition coating that exudes opulence.

What's in the box?

From the very beginning of our history, IEMs have represented dreams, hopes and aspirations. For Empire, a brand that aims to provide customers enlightened moments of pure listening euphoria, the development of Odin and Hero was an indispensable step. As a further highlight of over 30 years of excellence and our 5th anniversary year, we're ecstatic to present the Founder's Editions as a sincere, heart-felt Thank You to all those whom helped us come this far in The Pursuit of Extraordinary.

• In Ear Monitor & Cable
• IEM Case
• Empire Cleaning Cloth
• Empire Cleaning Tool
• Final Audio Type E Tips - SS, S, M, L, LL

Technical Specifications

• 12 Driver Quadbrid, Dual-Conduction Flagship
• Dual W9+ Subwoofers
• Five Precision Balanced Armature Drivers
• W10 Bone Conductor
• Proprietary Multi-Point synX Crossover Network
• DCA - Dual Conduction Architecture
• EIVEC MKII - Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control Technology
• HRC - Harmonic Resonance Core
• ARC - Resonance Mitigation Technology
• Impedance: 2 ohms @ 1kHz
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 100kHz
• Sensitivity: 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW

Designed, Engineered & Assembled in the USA

A select group of Empire's visionary artisans undertakes the prestigious task of handcrafting the illustrious Raven at our state-of-the-art facility in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Every stage of Raven's meticulous production is an artisanal masterpiece, painstakingly crafted by one master technician and engineer. Each pair embarks on an enchanting journey through ten intricate stations, guided by the hands of these skilled artisans, devoting a remarkable 9 hours of meticulous attention to detail per set.

Raven stands as the pinnacle of Empire's technological prowess, a testament to our ceaseless pursuit of the extraordinary. Beyond its unrivaled technical capabilities, Raven exudes an aura of exclusivity, making it a rare gem cherished by discerning professionals and audio enthusiasts alike.

Every Empire Ears in-ear monitor is proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in Norcross, Georgia USA.

FAQ

• What is the RAVEN?
  The RAVEN is a flagship quadbrid in-ear monitor from Empire Ears, featuring 12 drivers, advanced proprietary technologies, and a design shaped by extensive customer feedback. It represents the pinnacle of innovation, combining bone conduction, subwoofers, balanced armatures, and electrostatic drivers for an unparalleled audio experience.

• What makes the RAVEN unique?
  The RAVEN incorporates a hybrid quadbrid design with 12 drivers, including W10 bone conductor, dual W9+ subwoofers, five balanced armatures, and quad electrostatic tweeters. Proprietary technologies like the Harmonic Resonance Core, synX crossover, and EIVEC MKII ensure precise sound reproduction with unmatched clarity and depth.

• What does the W10 Bone Conductor do?
  The W10 Bone Conductor transmits sound through bone conduction, delivering exceptional imaging, nuance retrieval, and rich timbre. This innovation enhances bass and treble, creating an immersive and dynamic listening experience.

• How does the Harmonic Resonance Core (HRC) enhance sound?
  The HRC utilizes a polymer acoustic stage paired with a 316L stainless steel faceplate to optimize vibration, resonance, and sound wave dispersion. This results in enhanced depth, extension, and clarity in bass and treble frequencies.

• What is the synX Crossover Network?
  The synX crossover network ensures seamless integration of the four driver technologies, maximizing their performance for a cohesive and harmonized sound signature.

• What is EIVEC MKII?
  EIVEC MKII (Empire Intelligent Variable Electrostatic Control) precisely manages the timing, phasing, and control of electrostatic drivers. This prevents overpowering and allows the drivers to perform distinct tasks, layering details for a rich soundstage.

• What is the R7 Cable?
  The R7 cable, designed in collaboration with PWAudio, features a proprietary OCC copper structure for unparalleled signal purity. Its 4-core conductor design includes a second-layer conductor for enhanced performance, and it comes with premium rhodium-plated connectors.

• What materials are used in the RAVEN’s design?
  The RAVEN features CNC-processed 316L stainless steel faceplates, hand-polished with a physical vapor deposition coating. The Harmonic Resonance Core and advanced ARC technology further optimize resonance and vibrations.