Abstract: A speaker includes an outer frame defining a hollow interior space. The speaker includes a distributed mode loudspeaker (DML) member disposed along a front face of the outer frame and an elastic seal that is disposed around a perimeter of the DML member and being disposed between and coupled to the DML member and the outer frame. The elasticity of the elastic seal permits the DML member to move (e.g., vibrate). A passive diaphragm is disposed along a rear face of the outer frame such that an air cavity is formed between the DML member and the passive diaphragm. An electro-acoustic exciter is provided for exciting resonant modes in the DML member. The DML member is thus coupled to the passive diaphragm by air contained within the air cavity resulting in movement of the passive diaphragm due to air movement within the cavity as a result of the excitation of the DML member.

Abstract: A speaker includes an outer frame defining a hollow interior space. The speaker includes a distributed mode loudspeaker (DML) member disposed along a front face of the outer frame and an elastic seal that is disposed around a perimeter of the DML member and being disposed between and coupled to the DML member and the outer frame. The elasticity of the elastic seal permits the DML member to move (e.g., vibrate). A passive diaphragm is disposed along a rear face of the outer frame such that an air cavity is formed between the DML member and the passive diaphragm. An electro-acoustic exciter is provided for exciting resonant modes in the DML member. The DML member is thus coupled to the passive diaphragm by air contained within the air cavity resulting in movement of the passive diaphragm due to air movement within the cavity as a result of the excitation of the DML member.