The DSP Assisted Reflex System - Squeeze More Bass from Every Reflex Design

Vented systems are in chronic overload. This article shows how, by applying low-cost digital signal processors (DSPs) to passive radiators, you can extend bass an octave below what is normally considered practical. At the same time you can increase power handling and maximum output, and squeeze high performance from tiny systems. We all know reflex systems are more efficient and offer deeper bass than sealed systems. However, the vast majority still fall short of their potential by 6 to 12 dB or more. Worse yet, often people don’t realize how vulnerable drivers are to damage. Many abuse woofers without knowing it. Few realize how much more sound output is possible from a DSP Assisted Reflex design.

Startup company Duolink Go just launched its first product campaign on Kickstarter with an interesting design concept. Duolink Go debuted the world's first SpeakerBuds all-in-one design, combining true wireless earbuds and a two-part charging case with in-built speakers. The product differentiation is actually smart, since it offers a larger battery and charging case for TWS, which also serves as a single compact Bluetooth portable speaker or a separate (stereo) pair when opened.

Mike Klasco (Menlo Scientific) writes about "a very cool" concept from Soundmatters, the company's UPstage speaker design, a new speaker product category and the next trend from the people that invented the soundbar. The sophisticated engineering implemented by soundmatters into the UpStage compact high-performance audio system was also the launch platform for BDNC's high-power, flat glass woofer that uses a 0.2 mm glass diaphragm. This article also explains what manufacturers need to know about the BDNC glass diaphragm, high-excursion, ultra-low profile woofer technology.

Imagine a new class of speaker diaphragm position sensors that enable audio engineers to reduce distortion and extend bass response from studio monitors, soundbars, smart speakers, and even smartphone microspeakers. With the precision of laser displacement instrumentation, this sensor is located between a stationary component of the speaker and an appropriate moving part to provide an error correction reference signal back to the amplifier. Well, that sensor has already been developed. ​This article was originally published in The Audio Voice weekly email newsletter.

ATC Loudspeaker Technology announced the availability of the SCM150ASLT, a limited edition speaker system translating the brand's 45-year heritage of innovation and precision engineering. The new 3-way system matches the SCM150ASLT speaker towers incorporating the latest ATC designed and built drivers, with an ATC P6 power amplifier. A complete world-class system with attention to transducer and electronic design engineering, conceived to deliver superior levels of clarity, transient response and effortless power delivery.

Audio technology startup Resonado just revealed its first major technology licensing partnership with original equipment and design manufacturing audio company, Zylux. Resonado's innovative and proprietary Flat Core Speaker (FCS) technology will be manufactured and initially incorporated into a range of Zylux designs within the soundbar category, with the expectation to expand into other Zylux produced audio products in the near future. This marks Resonado’s first integration of FCS technology into a wide range of consumer-facing audio-specific products.

In this report, Klasco once again shares his knowledge with loudspeaker enclosures and reports on the progress in enclosure materials and technologies in 2020. And if someone has interesting things to share about wood enclosures, composites, plastics, improved plastic-based formulas, ABS/PA (polyimide), thermoset and thermoplastic resins, bulk-molded and sheet-molded thermosets and more, it's certainly Mike Klasco. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2020.

Like many other audio manufacturers that haven't had any chance to attend trade-shows or promote events, Focal has been quiet for the past months, while recognizing that home audio in all segments is clearly a growth product category in these shelter-at-home times. Understanding the need to continue to offer more options for consumer's interiors and styles, Focal launched two new stunning finishes for the Kanta No2 floor-standing speakers, with no price premium over the existing models, at $4995.00 each.

This article explores Polyvinylidene Fluoride Film (PVDF), a piezoelectric polymer used in various transducers for headphones, microphones and loudspeakers. It seems that the audio engineering community at large is either not familiar with PVDF film or misunderstands PVDF piezoelectric film technology. Hopefully, this article will serve as an introduction (or reintroduction) to the technology. This article was originally published in audioXpress April 2013.

This Voice Coil Focus article explores the fabrication, materials, and performance aspects of speaker cones, a critical component in driver design. With the author's extensive experience in dealing with innovative speaker designs and bringing concepts into production, the article explains vital aspects of both paper pulp cone fabrication and polypropylene cones, addressing even the lesser known aspects, such as software simulation programs used to model results before starting tooling. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, February 2020.