A Whole New Hybrid IEM
Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern have earned the recognition of audiophiles around the world thanks to their excellent technology introduced with the first collaboration model, AK Solaris X, which is a celebrated product that recreates the deep, rich sound of Astell&Kern.
Now, Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio join forces once again to present PATHFINDER, a new hybrid IEM that offers amazing technology and sound.
Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio take innovation to a new level by combining their advanced technologies and designs to create a product worthy of the name PATHFINDER.
To realize this dream, they repeatedly tested numerous designs to produce a structure different from existing IEMs and added an innovative Dual-Chamber Balanced Armature Driver, finally achieving the best sound.
Enjoy a unique experience through PATHFINDER, a more advanced Hybrid IEM.
The Combination of a Perfect Balance
A completely new design was needed for a wider frequency range, realistic reproduction, and a perfect balance.
To achieve this, PATHFINDER has a completely new Dual-Chamber BA Driver from Knowles for the key part of the midrange, and two BA drivers for high frequencies, as well as two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragm that create bass and midrange.
A Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber newly developed by Campfire Audio is applied to achieve a perfect harmony of Dynamic drivers that create different sound ranges, offering precise control of all drivers for minimal phase shifts and harmonised and natural sounds.
Precision-milled Aluminum Shell
The precision-milled aluminum shells made with high-quality aluminum are anodised into a pitch-black “Night Sky” color.
The stainless steel parts and aluminum shells used in the body increase the product's durability and suppresses unnecessary vibrations for minimal noise, and offers a secure fit so that users can enjoy a comfortable audio environment.
New Level of Performance - Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C.
The newly customised Dual Balanced Armature Drivers present clearer and more precise expressions with T.A.E.C. (Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber) that expresses high frequencies without fatigue or sibilance through a specially designed audio technology.
The World's First, All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology
To create a higher quality of acoustic performance and listening experience, we needed a new technology that the previous products did not have.
Knowles’ new ‘Dual Chamber’ Balanced Armature Driver, the world's first applied to PATHFINDER, is an innovative driver in which a single coil operates two individual diaphragms. It’s like a twin cylinder engine – delivering more horsepower and smoother operation compared to one with a single, larger piston.
Compared to a traditional BA with a single, larger diaphragm, the all-new design incorporates two chambers, each housing its own diaphragm and drive rod actuated by a single coil, resulting in a higher, more powerful output for its size than any other BA
and is excellent at expressing a warmer and more natural midrange.
Rich and Visceral Bass - All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers
Dual Custom Dynamic Drivers with PU + LCP Hybrid Diaphragms present a clean and balanced low to midrange with quick response.
The Dual 10mm Dynamic Drivers contained in the innovative 3D-printed chamber design provide a rich and high-definition low to midrange. The acoustic chamber is an all-new design by Campfire Audio, creating a faster and more powerful low frequency response without unnecessary pressure or exaggeration. Each driver creates rich reverberations through the vent holes located on the front of the drivers. This new design dramatically improves the expression of the drivers. With this design, we are able to create a magnificent low-note frequency while preserving the unique sound of the BA driver.
Beryllium / Copper MMCX Connections
Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors are more resilient against wear and tear than regular brass connectors, providing a robust mating mechanism; one that is typically made from soft brass. This selection of a harder material extends the life of the component and the earphone.
Silver Plated Copper and a Flat Cable
PATHFINDER comes with three Silver Plated Copper cables allowing the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The silver-plated OFC copper Litz cable is produced as a completely new flat cable, with enameled silver-plated copper wire conductor to offer clearer, extended sounds.
The flat cable prevents tangling, can be wound for easy storage, and has minimal cable distortion. It is over-molded for increased durability and finished with a metal housing.
Design
The combination of the design of Astell&Kern, which expresses the purity of original sound with its philosophy of ‘light and shadow’, and the design of Campfire Audio, which expresses its awe of nature, gave birth to the ‘Mountain Peak’ inlay design.
The inlay is produced individually from stainless steel and consists of six different sides that depict light and shadow. Together, these luminous sides form the shape of a brilliant mountain that rises from the earth. PATHFINDER, with its precision production, expresses dynamic beauty and displays the value of the premium craftsmanship and innovation that Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern pride themselves in.
T.A.E.C - Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber
Our tuned acoustic expansion chamber technology allows us to deliver extended high frequencies without sibilance or fatigue. We optimise our driver performance by adjusting the volume of space available in front of the driver. This is superior to the typical "Tube+Dampener" system because it provides a direct passage from the driver to your ear, which results in unsurpassed clarity and extension.
Radial Venting Technology
3D printed acoustic tuning for dynamic drivers.
This allows our dynamic drivers to vent to the entire circumference of the driver. The practical impact is a larger soundstage and more presence without increasing pressure or bass bloat.
3D Printed Interior
Carefully designed for optimum sonic performance.
Close attention to detail is critical to delivering you the superior musical experience from our earphones. Pathfinder features an acoustically optimised interior model that allows each driver to deliver the very best sound quality. When heard together, the drivers ofer a seamless musical experience as a result of this process.
