Non-Linear Amplitude Modulation of Loudspeakers

Even a perfectly linear loudspeaker produces two types of distortions because of the movement of its membrane. First Doppler distortions, a.k.a. Phase Modulation (which the author addressed in his October 2024 article for audioXpress), and secondly distortions stemming from the Nonlinear Amplitude Modulation, characterized in this article. More importantly, this article also addresses how these harmonic and intermodulation spectral line distortions can be minimized and eliminated in loudspeakers.

This November 2024 issue of audioXpress explores perspectives on signal processing, and sound reproduction. Read a review of the PSI Audio AVAA C214 digital active bass absorber, learn about the exciting possibilities of Audioscenic's Amphi Technology and how to explore the Boundaries of Active Noise Cancellation. J. Martins interviews Andreas Ehret from Dolby Laboratories. Expanding on speakers, we explore Field Coil speaker drivers, Non-Linear Amplitude Modulation distortion and more.