Distributed mode loudspeaker

Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) is a flat panel loudspeaker technology, developed by NXT, in which sound is produced by inducing uniformly distributed vibration modes in the panel through a special electro-acoustic exciter. Distributed mode loudspeakers function differently from most others, which typically produce sound by inducing pistonic motion in the diaphragm.

Exciters for distributed mode loudspeakers include, but are not limited to, moving coil and piezoelectric devices, and are placed to correspond to the natural resonant model of the panel.

Applications

NXT licenses two classes of distributed mode loudspeaker: SurfaceSound for traditional flat-panel applications, and SoundVu for applications in which sound is produced directly in front of the display (either through a projection screen which functions as a DML or a transparent DML overlaid on the display). SurfaceSound technology has been incorporated into a number of novel products such as school equipment,[1] portable folding cardboard speakers (SoundpaX, an OEM product manufactured by a number of different companies), and high-end musical greeting cards.[2] Aside from projection screens, SoundVu has been integrated into computer and mobile phone displays.

NXT also licenses the Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR), a hybrid technology that blends DML technology with that of traditional pistonic-action loudspeakers.[3] According to NXT, the resultant speakers feature the low-frequency performance of a traditional loudspeaker, but with a wider directivity and shallower profile, as well as the mid-range and high-frequency performance of a DML. The two types of BMR offered are: the Audio Full Range (AFR), a full-range optimized circular speaker; and the High Aspect Ratio Panel (HARP), a long and thin form factor for use in narrower spaces.[4]

Some DMLs are compatible with traditional amplifiers.[5]

Initial testing by researchers at the Delft University of Technology concluded that DML panels are good potential candidates for use in wave field synthesis applications, as they are light and can be placed close to walls.[6]

Purported advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Business history

NXT created intellectual property for surface transducers. HiWave Audio was created in late 2010 as the rebirth of NXT. Tectonic Elements was founded following the acquisition of HiWave Audio by FLAT Audio Technologies.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "MeadWestvaco lines up major marketing campaign for new NXT-based products". NXT plc. 2007-07-17. Retrieved 2009-02-23.
  2. ↑ Everard, Andrew (2008-10-11). "Hong Kong: What NXT did next…". What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision. Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved 2009-02-23.
  3. 1 2 Azima, Henry (2004-08-05). "Flat speaker delivers volumes of sound". EDN (magazine). Reed Business Information. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
  4. ↑ "Balanced Mode Radiator". NXT plc. Retrieved 2009-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Official FAQ". NXT plc. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  6. ↑ Marinus M. Boone; Werner P.J. de Bruijn. "On The Applicability of Distributed Mode Loudspeaker Panels for Wave Field Synthesis Based Sound Reproduction" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-02-10. Hence, it can be concluded that the DML speakers are worth to be further investigated for WFS-applications.
  7. ↑ Mapp, Peter (1999-08-01). "A flat response". Sound & Video Contractor. Penton Media. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  8. ↑ Tectonic Elements Ltd. "History". Retrieved 31 October 2013.

External links

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