Test Bench: BDNC’s BGF-46166-18-4-003 Glass-Composite Flat Diaphragm Woofer

This article characterizes a cutting-edge product from BDNC, a patented “race track” shaped driver, and the first of its kind to use a glass diaphragm composite made up of two layers of “Schott AS87 Glass” with an internal layer of viscoelastomic damping material and aluminum alloy foil. The motor structure uses two neodymium bar magnets driving a two-layer race track-shaped voice coil wound with round copper wire on an aluminum former. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2021.

Exploring the Standard Method of Measurement for Subwoofers (ANSI/CTA-2010-B R-2020), Brent Butterworth discusses how this might be a better method for avoiding the confusion on measuring bass extension of subwoofers. The article details how CTA-2010 measures usable output at 1/3-octave intervals within the subwoofer’s operational range, instead of measuring frequency response at a low sound pressure level. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2021.

This Test Bench article characterizes the SB Acoustics Satori MW16TX-8 TeXtreme Cone 6.5” Woofer, the third diaphragm transducer in Test Bench using this material, following the Eminence N314X-8 compression driver, and the SB Acoustics TW29TXN-B-4 dome tweeter. TeXtreme diaphragms are definitely finding acceptance among loudspeaker manufacturers. The MW16TX-8 is part of the SB Satori line of high-end transducers and has a substantial feature set. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2021.

For the audioXpress 2021 Automotive Audio Solutions update, Roger Shively (JJR Acoustics and Co-Chair of the AES Automotive Audio Technical Committee) wrote an expanded overview of the many ways in which the audio industry is increasingly interacting with car manufacturers, particularly in the transition to fully-electric powered vehicles. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2021.

In September 2020, British brand KEF updated its extremely popular LS50 speaker design and introduced the LS50 Meta, an improved version of the original LS50 passive design, now featuring a new Uni-Q driver that is coupled to an interesting new metamaterial absorber in the back. audioXpress requested a pair of the loudspeakers for review. Oliver Masciarotte did the listening, and Kent Peterson confirmed their impressions with extensive measurements. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2021.

After conducting a serious listening session of the KEF LS50 Meta with Oliver Masciarotte and Pete Quirsfeld, Kent Peterson took the speakers to Warkwyn to determine if their listening impressions could be confirmed with actual measurements. The KEF LS50 Meta was measured at Warkwyn’s facility using the Klippel Near-Field Scanning (NFS) system. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2021.

Originally published as part of the Automotive Audio Solutions Market Update feature in audioXpress June 2021, this article offers an overview on how British audio pioneer Meridian Audio is transforming listening experiences with new technologies for the car. For more than 10 years, Meridian has built a strong presence within the automotive market, with outstanding recent examples available for McLaren Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover, Human Horizons, Rivian, and Kia. The article details the company's approach with 3D surround sound and immersive in-car audio systems that combine all its digital processing solutions.

Voice Coil June 2021 explores the CTA-2010 Standard Method of Measurement for Subwoofers, and follows with a scheduled directory of Headphone Test & Measurement Equipment suppliers and solutions. James Croft reviews an interesting patent exploring a combination design with dual-diaphragm compression drivers, and Vance Dickason characterizes the much-anticipated SB Acoustics Satori MW16TX-8 Textreme Cone 6.5" Woofer, and the very original BDNC BGF-46166-18-4-003 Glass-Composite Diaphragm Woofer. Now available in print and digital.

audioXpress June 2021 offers the most complete overview of the fascinating world of automotive audio. This series of articles discusses all the key technologies, platforms, and innovations that should be on every developer's radar, with perspectives from Meridian Audio, Roger Shively (JJR Acoustics), and Krunal Maniar. This edition also includes a detailed review of the KEF LS50 Meta loudspeaker and many more great audio electronics and practical projects.