Patent Review: Acoustical Window Assembly for Vehicle and Home Theater Solution

James Croft reviews two patents for a new type of subwoofer architecture. The first is intended for use in an automobile and the second, for use in a domestic listening room. The first patent relates to an “Acoustical Window Assembly for Vehicle,” while the second describes a home-theater solution using essentially the same concept, adapted to one or more home windows. Both patents were awarded to Magna International, Inc. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, October 2015.

Danish loudspeaker innovator Lyngdorf Audio announced the launch of the new Lyngdorf Custom Installation speakers. The new range includes the LS-1000, D-500, D-5 and BW-20 base models, each one bringing a unique concept on its own, as the company founded by Peter Lyngdorf brings its expertise in home cinema and loudspeakers to custom installation speakers. A total of eight models to suit different installations, from a modern living room with in-wall speakers next to the TV up to the largest home theater with a big screen and immersive audio.

This Test Bench explication characterizes the 15DS100 15” professional subwoofer from B&C Speakers. This new transducer from the Italian company is a very high power handling design, able to deliver 3kW continuous (1.6W nominal), thanks to B&C's latest generation of very long voice coils - a great asset in applications from discreet PA subwoofers to three-way PA speakers. The B&C 15DS100-4 uses a proprietary 12-spoke cast aluminum frame with cooling vents for the neodymium FEA motor, which uses a 4” four-layer voice coil wound with round aluminum wire on a non-conducting glass fiber former. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, October 2021.

M&K Sound, the subwoofer pioneers recognized globally in the film mixing studios and home theater markets, announced the availability of three brand new THX Certified subwoofers, the X15+, X12+ and X10+. The new subwoofer series, which includes the company’s first THX Certified Dominus 15-inch X15+ model, offers increased power output and new drivers, ready to boost any audio environment with reference bass.

In the December 2021 edition of Voice Coil, Vance Dickason details the possibilities of the CrossLite+ DSP filter software, while James Croft reviews an interesting invention to improve the bass response in automotive audio applications. And this edition includes an updated measurement microphone directory, and two interesting low-frequency drivers on Test Bench, with the Dayton Audio Epique MMAG E150HE-44 subwoofer, and the powerful 10NW76 high-SPL woofer from B&C Speakers.

The latest development from Precision Devices International, following the seismic abilities of the 24-inch and 21-inch sub bass woofers launched earlier in June 2021, the new 18” PD.1845-1N introduces clear design refinements, resulting in an ergonomic, vented cast aluminum chassis that offers improved thermal control, also featuring an aluminum demodulation ring for ultra-low distortion. The 4.5" split winding copper clad aluminum voice coil and vented long-throw motor system leverages a voice coil gap for reduced power compression and an optimized double silicone suspension system for ultimate cone control.

Successful British loudspeaker manufacturer Void Acoustics continues to expand its range of installation oriented products, in parallel with its incredibly popular clubbing designs. Part of its recently updated Venu V2 loudspeaker series, Void has now added an ultra-compact subwoofer equipped to overcome challenging installations. Using dual 8” high excursion woofers, the Venu 208 subwoofer is ideal for low-frequency extension in distributed or background music systems.

This edition celebrates 35 years of Voice Coil, the Periodical for the Loudspeaker Industry. We discuss a new earphone technology for Balanced Frequency Range, Mike Klasco writes about Subwoofers and Bass, and James Croft reviews a new loudspeaker patent from Tymphany. Finally, Vance Dickason places Purifi Audio’s PTT4.0X04-NFA-01 Home Audio Midbass, and Eighteen Sound’s AMT200P AMT driver and XMT200 waveguide on the Test Bench. Now available in print or download.

The Lovesac Company, the home furnishing brand best known for its Sactionals, “The World’s Most Adaptable Couch,” announced the launch of Sactionals StealthTech Sound + Charge with immersive surround sound by Harman Kardon. This complete “under-the-couch” sound and haptics solution offers convenient wireless charging and is seamlessly embedded and hidden inside the endlessly adaptable Sactionals platform.

This Test Bench characterizes the Beyma 12LEX1300Nd 12" driver from Beyma's new LEX Series. This latest design features a FEA-optimized neodymium magnet structure and 4" voice coil, and is targeted at two- and three-way PA speakers, or band-pass subwoofer designs. The entire woofer is optimized with a substantial set of features for very high-performance, including the company's unique Maltcross forced convention cooling system. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, July 2021.