Manger Audio Introduces the Next Generation of Its Star-Shaped Bending Wave Transducer

Manger Audio, the specialized speaker manufacturer from Mellrichstadt, Germany, announced the sixth generation of its globally recognized star-shaped transducer, the W06. The Manger driver works on the principle of bending waves, featuring a flat, flexible diaphragm, and unique coil assembly. In its six major redesign, the Manger W06 transducer now features an optimized motor, new damping system, and a new chassis design, delivering improved linearity, lower distortion, and even more impressive dynamics.

In this patent review, James Croft (Croft Acoustical) looks closely at a new patent of a multilayer voice coil plate and a flat speaker including the same type of multilayer voice coil plate, granted to three inventors from South Korea, on behalf of ICUBES Co., Ltd., Gyeongi-do, Korea. Detailing multiple configurations of this interesting concept, this patent offers an interesting take on the quest for the realization of a high-performance, one way, full-range electrodynamic transducer.

Robert Munnig Schmidt is intrinsically connected with advanced motion systems and motional feedback applications. He is now retired from his own consultancy business, following an outstanding career that includes key R&D positions at Philips, being part of the ASML founding team, and teaching Mechatronic System Design at the Delft University of Technology. In this interview, Schmidt revisits the theory and practice of motional feedback, silicon wafer steppers, voice coils, Class-D amplifiers, and much more.

Stratton Acoustics, the UK-based manufacturer of the extremely original high-end Elypsis 1512 loudspeaker, inspired in the iconic, main studio monitors that shaped recording in the 1970s and 1980s, has now launched the Element 12, a smaller 2-way, reflex-loaded design with integral stand. The Stratton Acoustics Element 12 is a passive design that employs advanced driver technologies, crossover techniques, and enclosure construction, polished with a touch of artisanal refinement.

James Croft reviews a published design submitted on behalf of Harman International Industries on January 2017. The design details an important approach to solving the everlasting problems of heat generation that limits the power handling capacity and the distortion-free acoustic output capability of loudspeakers, as well as their efficiency as electroacoustical transducers. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, September 2018.​​​​​​​

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Alcons Audio introduced the latest LR15 Pro-Ribbon Ultra-Compact Line-Array, relieving its predecessor from duties after 20 years. The new LR15 is a 2-way, line-source sound system with high SPL capabilities and throw in a very compact form factor is considered an evolution in all key performance metrics by the Dutch pro-ribbon transducer innovator. At the heart of the new design is the patented RBN502rs 5” pro-ribbon transducer, combined with next-generation 6.5" woofers with FlowVent loading for full-range performance.

Mike Klasco (Menlo Scientific) provides an overview on how to specify or manufacture voice coils. In this reference article, Mike Klasco recaps on voice coil basics, bobbin materials and sizes, collars, winding techniques, configurations, tips and tricks and wire types and considerations - a valuable, concise compendium of unique knowledge. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, August 2020.