Latest Technologies & Trends in Modern Speakers
Speaker design is evolving science. Over years, material upgrades significantly improved woofer/tweeter quality. Simultaneously, internal electronics became more robust, adding new features. These improvements go beyond swapping a voice coil cone.
High-end audio has no bad systems. Different products have supporters/critics; sound differences are largely taste-based. Thus, brands once winning projects on sound/reputation now compete differently. They must offer installers excellent solutions: quickly deployable by non-experts, remotely manageable/controlled, and price-attractive. This means packing technology inside the cabinet.
Installations vary; solutions don't fit all needs – hanging systems aren't for nightclub main PA. This article explores common trends in modern speaker design.
Intelligent Systems
Audio networking is common, but only recently flourished. In the 90s, it was expensive, giving installers an edge. Later, rapid processing power growth and standards (AES 67, OMNEO, Ravenna, Dante) made networking expected.
Internal electronics reform means new speakers lacking this tech stand out. Reasons are clear: From quick install to simple control, reporting/diagnostics enhance user experience. Finding manufacturers avoiding networking is hard.
Audio networking is part of a broader electronic picture. Most speakers include electronics/DSP ensuring each unit can be tuned for its coverage area and the venue. Beam steering exemplifies this; digitally controlled sound distribution is vital for challenging spaces. JBL's Intellivox series is a prime example, widely used globally. Internal processing combines outputs from multiple drivers (often a column array) to direct sound only where intended. This technique, by moving sound away from reflective surfaces, offers great acoustic benefits in reverberant spaces like airports/churches.
Historically, system processing occurred in rack rooms. For latest tech (immersive/object-based audio), this remains, but Moore's Law enables significant processing inside speaker cabinets. We can imagine speakers launching with more features soon.
Size Matters
A common designer challenge: conflict between audio systems and interior design. Audio systems rarely win; good design often yields to "clean lines." While this tests project priorities, it motivates manufacturers to help the audio industry shed the "black box on wall" image.
Material science advances helped greatly. Large, heavy ferrite magnets are replaced by smaller, lighter rare-earth magnets (e.g., neodymium), providing more energy from smaller devices.
This enables sleeker, more stylish designs, blending with interiors while delivering necessary SPL and clarity. Most common are slender, elegant designs customizable via RAL charts. Larger subs hide within installations. Recently, compact sub designs emerged.
Despite shrinking high-frequency drivers, subs remain large. One reason: full-range audio dispersion. With smaller systems becoming affordable, subs occupying less floor space is expected.
Safety Concerns
The last crucial factor: importance of safety standards. As European EN54 evacuation standard gains global recognition, manufacturers seek certification.
Many countries adopted this standard, adding music systems for public safety. This rigorous process boosted business for certain manufacturers. It also satisfies interior design needs, as BGM and PA/VA use the same system, reducing speaker count.
After the initial surge, more brands include safety features as standard, elevating audio design's status. Audio has a long way to match stage design attention, but this factor helps.
While core speaker components remain, added features ensure continuous evolution. These trends are likely just the beginning.
High-end audio has no bad systems. Different products have supporters/critics; sound differences are largely taste-based. Thus, brands once winning projects on sound/reputation now compete differently. They must offer installers excellent solutions: quickly deployable by non-experts, remotely manageable/controlled, and price-attractive. This means packing technology inside the cabinet.
Installations vary; solutions don't fit all needs – hanging systems aren't for nightclub main PA. This article explores common trends in modern speaker design.
Intelligent Systems
Audio networking is common, but only recently flourished. In the 90s, it was expensive, giving installers an edge. Later, rapid processing power growth and standards (AES 67, OMNEO, Ravenna, Dante) made networking expected.
Internal electronics reform means new speakers lacking this tech stand out. Reasons are clear: From quick install to simple control, reporting/diagnostics enhance user experience. Finding manufacturers avoiding networking is hard.
Audio networking is part of a broader electronic picture. Most speakers include electronics/DSP ensuring each unit can be tuned for its coverage area and the venue. Beam steering exemplifies this; digitally controlled sound distribution is vital for challenging spaces. JBL's Intellivox series is a prime example, widely used globally. Internal processing combines outputs from multiple drivers (often a column array) to direct sound only where intended. This technique, by moving sound away from reflective surfaces, offers great acoustic benefits in reverberant spaces like airports/churches.
Historically, system processing occurred in rack rooms. For latest tech (immersive/object-based audio), this remains, but Moore's Law enables significant processing inside speaker cabinets. We can imagine speakers launching with more features soon.
Size Matters
A common designer challenge: conflict between audio systems and interior design. Audio systems rarely win; good design often yields to "clean lines." While this tests project priorities, it motivates manufacturers to help the audio industry shed the "black box on wall" image.
Material science advances helped greatly. Large, heavy ferrite magnets are replaced by smaller, lighter rare-earth magnets (e.g., neodymium), providing more energy from smaller devices.
This enables sleeker, more stylish designs, blending with interiors while delivering necessary SPL and clarity. Most common are slender, elegant designs customizable via RAL charts. Larger subs hide within installations. Recently, compact sub designs emerged.
Despite shrinking high-frequency drivers, subs remain large. One reason: full-range audio dispersion. With smaller systems becoming affordable, subs occupying less floor space is expected.
Safety Concerns
The last crucial factor: importance of safety standards. As European EN54 evacuation standard gains global recognition, manufacturers seek certification.
Many countries adopted this standard, adding music systems for public safety. This rigorous process boosted business for certain manufacturers. It also satisfies interior design needs, as BGM and PA/VA use the same system, reducing speaker count.
After the initial surge, more brands include safety features as standard, elevating audio design's status. Audio has a long way to match stage design attention, but this factor helps.
While core speaker components remain, added features ensure continuous evolution. These trends are likely just the beginning.