Magnets, New Speaker Technologies, Microspeakers, and More in Voice Coil May 2023

In this issue. Mike Klasco looks at the exciting progress happening in magnets and new signal processing options for speaker design. James Croft compares patents of ducted loudspeaker designs for automotive. And for Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the new Russo 44CDN-PK 1" PEEK diaphragm compression driver from SB Audience, and the B&C Speakers DCX354 ring radiator coaxial dual-diaphragm compression driver.

This article takes a closer look at Polyetherether Ketone (PEEK) and comparisons with the PEI (polyetherimide) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) developments, and even standard PET formulas that dominate most cheap earphone and headphone diaphragm applications. The article also references key product implementation and the latest knowledge directly sourced from vendors and patent holders, such as DuPont, Teijin, and Victrex. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, May 2021.

In Voice Coil May 2021, Andrew Taylor explains Klippel’s approach to "Comprehensive Transducer Testing in 24 Minutes," Mike Klasco writes about the use of "PEEK High-Performance Film Diaphragms and Cones," and there are two updated directories on MEMS Speakers and Microspeaker Vendors. James Croft reviews Mikhail Dinaburg’s “Speaker with Dual Diffuser” patent, while Vance Dickason characterizes the NSD1424BTN 1.4” compression driver from Eighteen Sound, and the Twt28_vMS high-end dome tweeter from Kartesian in Test Bench. Now available in print and digital.

For the January 2019 edition of Voice Coil magazine, Mike Klasco and Nora Wong have compiled a special Focus article on New Materials for Earphones and Headphones. For those looking to differentiate their new products, the two Menlo Scientific consultants provide a unique and valuable perspective on multiple possibilities and designs for drivers, materials for assemblies and enclosures, choices for headbands and ear cushions, signal processing, and even cables.

In this month's Test Bench, Vance Dickason examines a new 1" PEEK diaphragm compression driver from Precision Devices, the PD.CD1N. This is a unique design in Precision Devices' UL portfolio, using a PEEK diaphragm/surround material, which also incorporates a three-slot optimized phase plug design and a 44 mm (1.73”) diameter voice coil wound with copper-clad aluminum wire on a Kapton former. This article was published in Voice Coil, March 2018.