Press Releases

Knowles Balanced Armatures Power SB C&S's New Premium GLIDiC TW-9100 True Wireless Earbuds

ITASCA, Ill., May 16, 2025 — Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN), a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components for innovative technologies, including capacitors, radio frequency ("RF") filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature speakers, announced that SB C&S Corp., a SoftBank Corp. group company, has selected Knowles balanced armature (BA) drivers for its latest premium true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds under the GLIDiC audio brand.

Launching today in Japan, the high-end GLIDiC TW-9100 earbuds feature Knowles BAs in a hybrid configuration with dynamic drivers to deliver exceptional sound performance across the entire frequency spectrum. The Knowles BA drivers handle the critical high-frequency reproduction, while dynamic drivers deliver rich mid and low frequencies, creating a comprehensive soundstage that reveals intricate musical details with natural tonal balance.

Tuned to the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, the TW-9100 earbuds incorporate audio innovations backed by substantial research indicating that consumers of varying ages and hearing capabilities gravitate toward enhanced high-frequency performance extending past 10 kHz, resulting in significantly richer musical enjoyment. Through the implementation of Knowles' BAs, GLIDiC delivers the extended frequency range necessary for superior sound reproduction while maintaining the authentic sonic signature that sound enthusiasts prize.

"The GLIDiC TW-9100 represents the culmination of years of sound creation expertise, bringing together our unique audio know-how with Knowles' industry-leading BAs," said Satoru Takeshita, Head of Product Division 1 Consumer Business Unit at SB C&S Corp. "Our goal with this first hybrid design for the GLIDiC TWS earbuds was to create a high-resolution sound experience that truly resonates with listeners, delivering realistic details from delicate, clear treble to rich, powerful bass in a premium package."

In addition to superior sound quality, the GLIDiC TW-9100 features an elegant design and advanced capabilities, including adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation that automatically adjusts based on ambient noise levels, AI noise reduction for crystal-clear calls, and multipoint connectivity allowing simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices.

"Our collaboration with SB C&S demonstrates how Knowles BAs can help audio brands create truly exceptional listening experiences," said Jon Kiachian, President of Medical and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. "For more than 75 years, Knowles has pioneered balanced armature technology that enables unprecedented sound performance for its size, and we're proud to see this heritage continue in premium products like the GLIDiC TW-9100."

The GLIDiC TW-9100 will be available starting today, at ‘SoftBank’ stores across Japan, as well as through Trend Tech SoftBank SELECTION. https://glidic.jp/tw-9100/

Press Image provided by SB C&S Corp.

About SB C&S

We inherited the IT distribution business, which is where it all began for the SoftBank Group, and continue to swiftly generate new business models in response to changes in the market environment. For corporate clients, we provide product solutions by leveraging advanced technologies, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence, through the largest sales network in the country. For consumers, we harness our own planning and development capabilities to expand a product lineup that consists of everything from software and mobile accessories to IoT products and services. Please visit our website for more information. https://cas.softbank.jp/

About Knowles

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across MedTech, Defense, and Industrial markets. Our high-performance capacitors, RF/Microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries. For more information, please visit knowles.com. 

Press Release in Japanese