Section
4
,
cont.
The Radia Series line-source speakers in horizontal applications
The R Series speakers contain planar-magnetic transducers that behave as line-source speakers distinctly
different from point-source speakers. Careful system design will exploit this characteristic for demanding
installations where highly specific sound coverage is required.
The primary characteristic of which the system designer must be aware is the radiation pattern of line-source
transducers that radiate sound from a seemingly infinite number of points. The perception is that sound is
being emitted by the speaker only from the point exactly perpendicular to the listener. The sound source
largely disappears when the listener, by moving beyond either end of the speaker, leaves a position at right
angles to the face of the speaker. Simultaneously, the dispersion across the narrow width of the speaker
approaches 180 degrees. The cylindrical wavefront propagated expands uniformly across the audience.
A thorough understanding of this phenomenon recommends against the use of a horizontally installed,
line-source speaker for a center channel system in home theater. (The R Series contains specific models
designed for center channel use - see the application chart.)
Listeners placed within the ends of the
speaker will localize the center sound track at a position on the screen exactly perpendicular to them, perhaps
significantly off center. Listeners beyond the ends of the speaker will hear virtually nothing. Furthermore,
ceiling and floor reflections will become significant, resulting in diminished intelligibility. The benefits of the
vertical line-source speaker may become disadvantageous in a horizontally installed speaker.
For commercial projects, however, the horizontal line-source offers tremendous advantages.
Installed
horizontally, this technology will produce the effect of a “travelling sound source”, radiating sound from
150 Hz to 18.5 kHz (+/- 3 dB), while the apparent source “moves” with the listener along the length of the
speaker. Multiple speakers can be used end-to-end for high program intelligibility along an indefinitely long
field. The listener perceives the sound source moving with him, always exactly at right angles to the speaker’s
location.
Using the directional control available from The Radia Series allows unprecedented soundfield control.
Extremely uniform application of acoustic power will provide coverage and intelligibility unavailable from
conventional speaker systems. A demonstration is strongly suggested.
© Copyright 2003 Bohlender-Graebener Corp. All rights reserved. Products, features and specifications subject to change without notice.
the
radia
series
the
radia
series
