595Chapter 17
Loudspeakers
by Jay Mitchell
17.1 Introduction............................................................................ 597
17.1.1 Uses of Loudspeakers................................................................. 597
17.1.2 Loudspeaker Components.............................................................. 597
17.2 Transducer Types....................................................................... 598
17.2.1 Electrodynamic Transducers............................................................ 598
17.2.2 Diaphragm Types.................................................................... 598
17.2.3 Suspension Methods.................................................................. 599
17.2.4 Mechanical Construction............................................................... 600
17.3 Compression Drivers..................................................................... 600
17.4 Electrostatic Transducers................................................................. 602
17.5 Piezoelectric Loudspeakers................................................................ 604
17.6 Motor Design Considerations.............................................................. 605
17.6.1 Output Limitations................................................................... 606
17.6.2 Heat Transfer Designs for High-Power Woofers............................................ 609
17.7 Radiator Types......................................................................... 609
17.7.1 Direct Radiators...................................................................... 610
17.7.2 Cone Radiators...................................................................... 610
17.7.3 Dome Radiators...................................................................... 610
17.7.4 Ring Radiators....................................................................... 611
17.7.5 Panel Radiators...................................................................... 611
17.7.6 Horns.............................................................................. 611
17.7.6.1 Radial Horns.................................................................... 612
17.7.6.2 Multicell Horns.................................................................. 612
17.7.6.3 Controlled Directivity Horns........................................................ 612
17.7.6.4 Voice Warning Horns............................................................. 613
17.7.6.5 Asymmetric Directivity Horns...................................................... 613
17.7.6.6 Acoustic Lenses...................................................................... 614
17.7.6.7 Folded Horns.................................................................... 614
17.7.6.8 Special Considerations for Low-Frequency Horns....................................... 617
17.8 Loudspeaker Systems.................................................................... 617
17.8.1 Configuration Choices................................................................. 618
17.8.2 Types of Loudspeaker Systems.......................................................... 618
17.8.3 Performance Issues in Multiway Systems.................................................. 619
17.8.4 Line Arrays......................................................................... 620
17.8.5 Crossovers.......................................................................... 622
17.8.5.1 Effect on Maximum Output......................................................... 623
17.8.5.2 Effect on Loudspeaker Response.................................................... 623
17.8.5.3 Two-Way Crossovers............................................................. 624
17.8.5.4 Beyond Two-Way Systems......................................................... 625