The
4344MkII
also features a 10" (254mm) mid-frequency transducer.
The voice coil is 3" (76mm) in diameter and wound on edge from flat
copper ribbon wire on a thermoset composite
™
form. Its very high-power
capability and freedom from breakup make it an ideal midrange in a system
that is designed to play at high levels with absolutely no signs of distress. It
makes the transition from the woofer at 340Hz, providing excellent response
throughout the important vocal range.
Throughout the history of high-frequency transducer design, the goal of
extended frequency response has been at odds with the need for high
power handling. The
4344MkII
utilizes a 2" compression driver with
an Aquaplas-coated titanium dome. JBL has long chosen titanium as the
material for its highest-quality high-frequency transducers and the
4344MkII is no exception. Titanium possesses the essential requirements
for a high-frequency transducer. First, titanium is extremely light, yet
rigid. The goal is to maintain a piston-like action as high in frequency as
possible. Should the material flex easily, the diaphragm will break up into
random vibrations. Second, titanium is virtually immune to fatigue,
unaffected by the cumulative effect of millions of flexures over long
operating periods. These factors coupled with the higher power handling
that titanium affords, allow us to produce an extremely smooth high-
frequency transducer with extended frequency response that can handle all
the demands of today’s digital programs. The Horn/Lens assembly ensures
controlled distribution of the high frequencies, resulting in a wide sound-
stage with pinpoint imaging.
For the ultrahigh-frequency transducer, we chose a 1-3/4" compression
driver with an edge-wound aluminum voice coil. This driver reproduces
all of the ultrahigh frequencies above 8000Hz with incredible clarity
and detail.
High-Frequency Transducer
No.
5
Mid-Frequency Transducer
ultrahigh-Frequency Transducer
4344 MK 11 Manual 7/21/98 3:18 PM Page 4
