Noble Audio debuted the Lu Ban at the recent AXPONA trade show in Chicago. The all-new Lu Ban is touted by Noble Audio as a precision-engineered hybrid in-ear monitor and, according to the company, combines natural materials with advanced innovation in planar magnetic drivers.
Noble Audio Lu Ban
The new in-ear monitor (IEM) is named after the legendary Chinese craftsman Lu Ban, and according to Noble Audio, the physical design reflects precision in construction and respect for materials. The earbuds are made from a combination of Cocobolo wood, selected for its structural stability and distinctive grain pattern, with a highly precise 3D-printed internal resin frame. According to Noble Audio, this guarantees accurate driver placement and consistent acoustic geometry in every unit.
The Lu Ban features a configuration with three drivers per earbud, consisting of a dynamic driver with a 10 mm wood composite diaphragm, coupled with two newly developed Super-Magnetic planar drivers. This combination has a sensitivity of 108 dB SPL/mW and an impedance of 27 Ohms, thereby the designers deliver power, speed, and refinement across a wide range of sources.
The dynamic driver with a 10 mm wood composite diaphragm should provide the Lu Ban with a deep, controlled, and detailed bass response. Noble states that the sub-bass extends confidently without reverb, while the mid-bass remains clear and balanced. Additionally, the company claims that voices sound natural and full, while acoustic instruments retain their natural reverb and weight.
The planar drivers utilize a supermagnetic architecture featuring a new generation of ultra-high magnetic energy neodymium-iron-boron material. This advanced magnetic circuit design apparently ensures a faster transient response, better rendering of micro-details, and improved precision in the higher frequency range. The specified frequency range extends from 5 Hz to 20 kHz.
“Where the wood dynamics provide weight and musicality, the dual planar system contributes to speed and technical precision. Together, they form a cohesive hybrid reproduction that balances natural tonality with analytical precision,” according to Noble Audio’s explanation.
The Lu Ban comes with a 4-conductor OCC cable with silver plating (0.78 mm 2-pin, 4.4 mm copper gold-plated connector), plus a box with nine pairs of sockets.
The Noble Audio Lu Ban is now available for a price of just under 1,500 euros.
