Tectonic Audio Labs Bringing Resonant Mode Technology to Sound Reinforcement
The Math (kidding) The boundary conditions do not need have a frame – no frame is also a BC (i.e. Free). There are 3 primary BCs: Free, Simply Supported and Clamped. When we put foam or a roll surround on the panel edges the BC is known as a modified Free and is commonly called “Free + Impedance”. With Free conditions the panel edge can translate and rotate. With Simply Supported the panel edge can only rotate. With Clamped neither translation or rotation is allowed.
Fundamentally Different Resonant Traits & Benefits Form = Thin Flat Panels Acoustic = Multiple
The Plate™ (PL-12)
The Plate™ (PL-12)
Plate™ Configuration What’s Inside - Front
Plate™ Configuration What’s Inside - Back
Resonant Mode Technology DML = Distributed Mode Loudspeaker Not a Piston Point-Source Line Source Is a - Diffuse Dipole Sound Source
DML Technology - Comparison Conventional Piston Ideal Uniform Piston (w/ no anomalies) “Beams” w/ Frequency Sweep Multiple Drivers w/ X-Overs in Voice Region DML Ideal is Resonant (infinitely random breakup) Does not “Beam” w/ Frequency Sweep The two main effects that limit bandwidth of conventional speakers are beaming and break-up. The core radiation zone of a DML automatically (via the bending physics) adjusts its size so that the ka=2 beaming limit of a piston speaker is not seen by a DML. (k = wavenumber and a = radius of diaphragm). Cone speakers achieve their stiffness via geometry (i.e. the cone). While this enables a light material (e.g. paper) to be made stiff, when it breaks up it does so catastrophically. A DML uses breakup modes in a precisely controlled way – and they no longer limit the bandwidth.
DML Bending Wave (example = steel plate)
DML Bending Wave (theoretical)
Wave Propagation
The Tectonic Shift TECTONIC CONFIDENTIAL VS. Make one statement – don’t read the slide. TECTONIC CONFIDENTIAL
DML Technology - Behavior Diffuse Source - Analogous to Spot Light vs Fluorescent Light Non-Destructive Reflections Line-of-Sight Coverage Feedback Resistance
DML Technology - Results Wide, Stable Dispersion in Bandpass - Approx. 165 Degrees, All Directions No Beaming w/ Higher Frequencies No Crossover in Vocal Range Near Zero 3rd Harmonic Distortion
DML Technology Other Benefits: Increased Intelligibility Normal Listeners Hearing Challenged Individuals Lower Ear Fatigue Higher Efficiency Total Energy in Space Lower Power Requirements
DML Technology Sound Reinforcement Benefits - Highly Reduced Room Reflections Reduced Drop-Off Front to Back Wide Stereo Sweet-Spot Feedback Resistance
Feedback Resistance
DML Technology DML Feedback Resistance – How? - No Dominant Resonant Modes Benefits Mics Safe in Front of Panels Reduces “Expertise” Requirements Work as Stage & Side-Fill Monitors Also, the feedback is reduced in two other (though related) ways: Due to the size of the panel (large area) any given region is generally not moving as much as a piston would be, so close up the local pressure is more evenly distributed over the panel surface. At a distance the lack of strongly phase coherent wave-fronts (the DML is a diffuse source) reduces the likelihood of interference.
Form - Physical Benefits Portable Flat Pack (semi-trucks off roads) Reduced Rigging & Setup Times Fixed Install Architecture Design & Integration Lower Weight Infrastructures
Tectonic Plate
Austin Jenckes Centerstaging
Empress Theater
Union Station in Seattle
Saddlerack C&W Nightclub
Deeper Worship Conference - 2015
Wanz – Richard Sherman Pre-Game
All Star Guitar Night – NAMM 2015
San Rafael Parish
The Demo What to Look For - Listen for Reflected Sound Move About Space Experience Coverage Listen for Off-Axis Stereo Image Conduct Personal Feedback Demo Be Aware of Perceived Loudness & Fatigue View Processing & Setup