Abstract: Conventional analog loudspeakers have a limited dynamic range as compared to the available dynamic range of digital recordings. Digital recordings use up to 24 bits and this implies a dynamic range of 141 dB. Digital loudspeakers, involving 2N single bit devices (with N=24, this number is 1.7×107) have been proposed. The present improvement is the provision of at least one loudspeaker, a plurality of analog drivers and the audio input supplied to a control processor which in turn drives one or more of the plurality of independent analog drivers. The number of drivers in operation at any one time is determined by the amplitude of the input audio signal to the control processor.

Abstract: A panel form loudspeaker comprises a resonant multi-mode radiator (11) which in turn comprises a plurality of substantially concentric sub-panels (20, 21, 22, 23). A plurality of analogue drivers (10) drive the radiator (11), one or more of the drivers being operational at any time. A signal level measured at the input to the loudspeaker determines the operational state of each of the drivers (10). The concentric sub-panels may take various shapes and have different areas.

Abstract: Conventional analogue loudspeakers have a limited dynamic range as compared to the available dynamic range of digital recordings. Digital recordings use up to 24 bits and this implies a dynamic range of 141 dB. Digital loudspeakers, involving 2?N single bit device (with N=24, this number is 1.7×107) have been proposed. Complexity and poor performance associated with the interaction effects between the different devices have discouraged widespread use of such systems, along with the inability, of most loudspeakers to reproduce realistic absolute levels of sound (up to say 120 dB at 1 m without distortion), so such digital loudspeakers cannot take full advantage of the 24-bit fidelity. This invention provides a loudspeaker with improved dynamic range over prior art systems.

Abstract: A panel form loudspeaker comprises a resonant multi-mode radiator (11) which in turn comprises a plurality of substantially concentric sub-panels (20, 21, 22, 23). A plurality of analogue drivers (10) drive the radiator (11), one or more of the drivers being operational at any time. A signal level measured at the input to the loudspeaker determines the operational state of each of the drivers (10). The concentric sub-panels may take various shapes and have different areas.