All items in category Theory Articles
Acoustic Resistance, Secret Sauce for Speakers
by Mike Klasco and Steve Tatarunis

Acoustic Resistance, Secret Sauce for Speakers

The application of acoustic resistance as a design element in the optimization of transducers and enclosures has been given short shrift in audio engineering. Controlling the acoustic resistance of the driver radiation is a quality factor that is overlooked in most loudspeaker predictive modeling software. This article explores applications of acoustic resistance for audio.
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Measurement and Perception of Irregular Loudspeaker Defects
by Wolfgang Klippel and Robert Werner

Measurement and Perception of Irregular Loudspeaker Defects

Loudspeaker defects caused by manufacturing, aging, overload, or climate impact generate a special kind of irregular distortion commonly known as rub & buzz, which is highly audible and intolerable for the human ear. This article, originally published in Voice Coil, June 2011, discusses how to measure and detect those defects.
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Measurement and Perception of Regular Loudspeaker Distortion
by Wolfgang Klippel and Robert Werner

Measurement and Perception of Regular Loudspeaker Distortion

This article discusses the physical causes of regular loudspeaker distortions, their modeling by using lumped and distributed parameters, the objective assessment using modern measurement techniques, and the perception by the human ear. Article originally published in Voice Coil, May 2011
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Audio Testing With Noise
by Ron Tipton

Audio Testing With Noise

Usually we think of noise as a signal to be eliminated, or at least reduced, in any audio system. However, noise can be a very useful test signal because it is inherently broadband, which is faster and perhaps more accurate than spot or swept frequency testing. Article originally published by Voice Coil, December 2010
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Power Transformers for Audio Equipment
by Pete Millett

Power Transformers for Audio Equipment

In this article, author Pete Millett explores the different types of power transformers, and why you might choose to use each type in audio equipment. The article addresses issues with low-frequency (50–60Hz) line transformers, but many of the same issues apply to audio-frequency transformers as well.
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Using All-Pass Filters
by Charlie Hughes

Using All-Pass Filters

All-pass filters are perhaps one of the most overlooked and misunderstood tools for the general audio practitioner. Much has been written about their use to yield more linear phase response through the majority of a loudspeaker’s passband. They can also be used to optimize the directivity and magnitude response of a loudspeaker system. Perhaps we should first look at exactly what an all-pass filter is.
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Loudspeaker Sensitivity: What’s a Watt, Anyway?
by Charlie Hughes

Loudspeaker Sensitivity: What’s a Watt, Anyway?

The specification of a loudspeaker’s sensitivity is probably one of the most common, yet perhaps one of the most misunderstood. In the past, and still today, it is common to see the magnitude response of a loudspeaker system reduced to a single number as a sensitivity rating. Article originally published by Voice Coil, April 2010.
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Understanding Horn Directivity Control
by Charlie Hughes

Understanding Horn Directivity Control

Horns are often used in loudspeaker systems for a variety of reasons. One may be to provide increased acoustical loading to the driver attached to the horn. This helps to increase the sensitivity/efficiency. Another may be to provide some control over the radiation pattern of the driver attached to the horn. Article originally published by Voice Coil, November 2010.
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Acoustic Diffraction: Does It Matter?
by James Moriyasu

Acoustic Diffraction: Does It Matter?

An excellent article from the audioXpress archive, published originally in February 2003, James Moriyasu offers a complete study examining speaker cabinet edge diffraction and what we can do to reduce it. The author attempts to measure the extent of acoustic edge diffraction and test possible solutions for reducing its levels
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Stuffing Effects on Transmission Line Speakers
by audioXpress Staff

Stuffing Effects on Transmission Line Speakers

Do you plan to work with transmission line speakers? Before you begin, consider the effects of stuffing on your transmission line speakers. In this article, you'll learn about the effects, as well as a test setup with mics in a cardboard tube, a preamp, scope, sweep/function generator, and mini receiver.
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