1. Tectonic Audio Labs Bringing Resonant Mode Technology
to Sound Reinforcement

2. 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.

3. Fundamentally Different Resonant Traits & Benefits
Form = Thin Flat Panels
Acoustic = Multiple

4. The Plate™
(PL-12)

5. The Plate™
(PL-12)

6. Plate™ Configuration
What’s Inside - Front

7. Plate™ Configuration
What’s Inside - Back

8. Resonant Mode Technology
DML = Distributed Mode Loudspeaker
Not a
Piston
Point-Source
Line Source
Is a - Diffuse Dipole Sound Source

9. 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.

10. DML Bending Wave (example = steel plate)

11. DML Bending Wave (theoretical)

12. Wave Propagation

13. The Tectonic Shift TECTONIC CONFIDENTIAL VS.
Make one statement – don’t read the slide.
TECTONIC CONFIDENTIAL

14. DML Technology - Behavior
Diffuse Source -
Analogous to Spot Light vs Fluorescent Light
Non-Destructive Reflections
Line-of-Sight Coverage
Feedback Resistance

15. 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

16. DML Technology Other Benefits: Increased Intelligibility
Normal Listeners
Hearing Challenged Individuals
Lower Ear Fatigue
Higher Efficiency
Total Energy in Space
Lower Power Requirements

17. DML Technology Sound Reinforcement Benefits -
Highly Reduced Room Reflections
Reduced Drop-Off Front to Back
Wide Stereo Sweet-Spot
Feedback Resistance

18. Feedback
Resistance

19. 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.

20. Form - Physical Benefits
Portable
Flat Pack (semi-trucks off roads)
Reduced Rigging & Setup Times
Fixed Install
Architecture Design & Integration
Lower Weight Infrastructures

21. Tectonic Plate

23. Austin Jenckes
Centerstaging

24. Empress Theater

25. Union Station in Seattle

26. Saddlerack C&W Nightclub

27. Deeper Worship Conference - 2015

28. Wanz – Richard Sherman Pre-Game

29. All Star Guitar Night – NAMM 2015

30. San Rafael
Parish

35. 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