Simulation Techniques: SonicEdge Ultrasound Speaker - Modeling and Application

The SonicEdge transducer - a cutting-edge microspeaker based on a unique MEMS technology that generates sound using active ultrasound modulation - introduces a completely new class of devices that can deliver constant volume velocity across audio frequencies and beyond. The article details how to model the transducer in lumped-element and finite-element acoustic simulations and how to tailor a desired SPL response using acoustic features. As originally published in audioXpress, August 2023.

As anticipated in early August 2023, Garmin announced it has completed the acquisition of JL Audio, the privately-held US company that designs and manufactures audio solutions including speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and other audio components for marine, aftermarket automotive, powersports, home and RV applications. The acquisition was intended to add premium audio integration solution across a broad range of Garmin markets and products.

This article discusses a patent originally claimed in 2013 on a Double Coil Speaker design, which was granted in 2017 to Friedrich Reining (Vienna, Austria), on behalf of Sound Solutions International. The abstract from the patent details an audio system comprising an electro-acoustic transducer having two stacked voice coils mechanically linked to a membrane. James Croft discusses multiple approaches in similar concepts, and notes that the current state of technology might finally create a way to explore it in commercial products. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2018.

This patent, granted to MrSpeakers, the company from San Diego, CA that is now Dan Clark Audio, was granted in the same month that this review was published in Voice Coil. The patent details a headphone driver that should also be of note for the speaker industry. As Croft notes, the patent office initially rejected the claims due to prior patents, eventually accepting the inventor's arguments, in 2016. The review provides the historical context for planar magnetic transducers, and explains why this is an important patent.

Resonado Labs announced the completion of its transition to the new Res-Core Gen 2 speaker technology. As the Chicago-based company had anticipated, the new generation of Resonado's unique topology is now fully implemented, tested, and slated to be available through licensed manufacturers in fall 2023. The new technology is now available in two flagship driver platforms, namely the Resonado Neo Full 3 (NF3) Gen 2 and the Resonado Neo Woofer 7 (NW7) Gen 2.

This review looks at a speaker patent, awarded to inventor Shengbo Li from Guangdong, China, on behalf of Harman International. The abstract from that patent details a speaker including one or multiple transducers, an enclosure, and a suspension mounted on the enclosure, wherein the suspension and the enclosure are configured such that the enclosure is capable of vibrating as a result of operation of the transducer so as to produce audible sound. You read it right, the enclosure is also a passive radiator!

Following Elettromedia's opening of a new sales and logistical center in Old Hickory, TN (Nashville), to support the activities of Lavoce Italiana, the company now announced the appointment of Andrew Pernetti to the new position of Distribution Sales Manager for North America. Lavoce offers a full range of HF and LF transducers for professional audio, and a full catalog of guitar and bass speakers for the MI market.

Lavoce products are now available in North America directly from the company's group US division Elettromedia Corp. new sales and logistical center in Nashville, Tennessee, to supply and support its manufacturer and distribution partners. Lavoce Italiana offers a full range of HF and LF transducers for professional audio, and a full catalog of guitar and bass speakers for the MI market. Its Italian R&D Center is based in Potenza Picena, Macerata, and all products are manufactured at their wholly owned modern production facility near Shanghai.

The always busy Global Sources trade shows are poised for a triumphant return to Hong Kong in April, occupying all ten exhibition halls at AsiaWorld-Expo, twice over. Featuring over 4,000 suppliers and more than 8,000 booths with over 300,000 creative products, innovative technologies, and design concept applications, the two-phase exhibition anticipates an attendance of over 60,000 professional buyers from 150 countries and regions worldwide.

Spatial has confirmed that its Space Kit, announced in November 2022, is available to order. This is being promoted as the first all-in-one immersive audio hardware and software solution for health and wellness applications - where the company has add great success - all the way to commercial work spaces. Space Kit will be shipping with dozens of fully-immersive soundscapes that promote well-being and productivity, reduce stress and enable new types of therapies for healthcare and wellbeing.