Distributed mode loudspeaker

Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) is a flat panel loudspeaker technology, developed by NXT^{[citation needed]}, in which sound is produced by inducing uniformly distributed vibration modes in the panel through a special electro-acoustic exciter. Distributed mode loudspeakers function differently than most others, which typically produce sound by inducing pistonic motion in the diaphragm.

Exciters for distributed mode loudspeakers include, but are not limited to, moving coil and piezoelectric devices, and are placed to correspond to the natural resonant model of the panel.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Broad frequency range (100 – 18000 Hz for 0.6m² panel).
• Less fading with distance. (For example, at 3.5 meters distance, whereas fading would be 4dB for a DML, a comparable dynamic moving coil loudspeaker would exhibit 11dB fading, compared to the signal level at 1 meter.)
• The air radiation resistance is small and constant with frequency. This means that directivity is not affected by size of speaker.^[1]
• Bipolar (radiates sound in 2 directions), but may be made forward directed.
• Flat, may be produced in different shapes, may be decorated etc.
• Some DML units are designed to be plastered into walls and completely hidden.
• Don't require enclosing.

Disadvantages

• Problems radiating low frequencies. Increase in size makes it possible to radiate sound with lower frequencies.^[2]
• Low directivity and slow fading may lessen stereophonic sound impression because sound from same speaker in one ear almost does not differ from sound in other ear

Applications

NXT licenses two classes of distributed mode loudspeaker: SurfaceSound for traditional flat-panel applications, and SoundVu for applications in which sound is produced directly in front of the display (either through a projection screen which functions as a DML or a transparent DML overlaid on the display). SurfaceSound technology has been incorporated into a number of novel products such as school equipment,^[3] portable folding cardboard speakers (SoundpaX, an OEM product manufactured by a number of different companies), and high-end musical greeting cards.^[4] Aside from projection screens, SoundVu has been integrated into computer and mobile phone displays.

NXT also licenses the Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR), a hybrid technology that blends DML technology with that of traditional pistonic-action loudspeakers.^[2] According to NXT, the resultant speakers feature the low-frequency performance of a traditional loudspeaker, but with a wider directivity and shallower profile, as well as the mid-range and high-frequency performance of a DML. The two types of BMR offered are: the Audio Full Range (AFR), a full-range optimized circular speaker; and the High Aspect Ratio Panel (HARP), a long and thin form factor for use in narrower spaces.^[5]

Some DMLs are compatible with traditional amplifiers.^[6]

Initial testing by researchers at the Delft University of Technology concluded that DML panels are good potential candidates for use in wave field synthesis applications, as they are light and can be placed close to walls.^[7]

References

1. ^ Mapp, Peter (1999-08-01). "A flat response". Sound & Video Contractor. Penton Media. http://svconline.com/mag/avinstall_flat_response/. Retrieved 2007-02-10. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Azima, Henry (2004-08-05). "Flat speaker delivers volumes of sound". EDN (magazine). Reed Business Information. http://www.edn.com/article/CA438300.html. Retrieved 2009-02-10. 
3. ^ "MeadWestvaco lines up major marketing campaign for new NXT-based products". NXT plc. 2007-07-17. http://www.nxtsound.com/index.php?id=335&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=400&cHash=a12665342e. Retrieved 2009-02-23. 
4. ^ Everard, Andrew (2008-10-11). "Hong Kong: What NXT did next…". What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision. Haymarket Media Group. http://community.whathifi.com/blogs/industry_insider/archive/2008/10/11/hong-kong-what-nxt-did-next.aspx. Retrieved 2009-02-23. 
5. ^ "Balanced Mode Radiator". NXT plc. http://www.nxtsound.com/index.php?id=420. Retrieved 2009-02-23. 
6. ^ "Official FAQ". NXT plc. http://www.nxtsound.com/index.php?id=480. Retrieved 2007-02-10. 
7. ^ Marinus M. Boone; Werner P.J. de Bruijn. "On The Applicability of Distributed Mode Loudspeaker Panels for Wave Field Synthesis Based Sound Reproduction". http://www.soundcontrol.tudelft.nl/Personnel/Rinus%20Boone_files/RB_AES2000.pdf. Retrieved 2007-02-10. "Hence, it can be concluded that the DML speakers are worth to be further investigated for WFS-applications." 

External links

• NXT website
• NXT Technology Review.01