Abstract: A loudspeaker and components for use in the construction thereof is provided. In one aspect, the present invention relates generally to a new type of loudspeaker comprising a driver having a sound radiating element, at least two motor elements which, in operation, cooperate to move the sound radiating element in response to an applied signal, and mounting elements coupled to the sound radiating element and motor elements, where the first motor element is mechanically coupled to the sound radiating element, and where the driver comprises at least two mechanical masses which, in operation, move independently in response to the applied signal. The mechanical masses are mechanically coupled such that in operation, the driver has at least fourth order frequency characteristics. This facilitates, for example, the construction of a fourth order loudspeaker system that performs like a vented enclosure system without employing a vent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved electro-dynamic loudspeaker.

Abstract: A system for distributing a source voltage from a signal source to a number of drivers or loudspeakers is disclosed. The system includes at least one autotransformer for connection to the signal source, and a number of drivers electrically connected to the autotransformer. The autotransformers distribute the source voltage across each of the drivers. The autotransformers produce an output voltage across each of the drivers, such that the sum of the output voltages is substantially equal to the source voltage multiplied by the number of drivers.

Abstract: A cone suspension is for mounting a speaker cone to a housing. The cone suspension has an inner periphery supporting the speaker cone, an outer periphery mounted to the housing, and a resilient central portion extending between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. In cross section, the resilient central portion is separated from a base plane extending between the inner periphery and the outer periphery, and has a central apex spaced from the inner periphery and the outer periphery and spaced from the base plane by a selected height. The inner periphery and the outer periphery are separated by a selected width. The selected height is substantially greater than ½ of the selected width.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved electro-dynamic loudspeaker.

Abstract: A cone suspension is for mounting a speaker cone to a housing. The cone suspension has an inner periphery supporting the speaker cone, an outer periphery mounted to the housing, and a resilient central portion extending between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. In cross section, the resilient central portion is separated from a base plane extending between the inner periphery and the outer periphery, and has a central apex spaced from the inner periphery and the outer periphery and spaced from the base plane by a selected height. The inner periphery and the outer periphery are separated by a selected width. The selected height is substantially greater than ½ of the selected width.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distortion reduction system and method for reducing an acoustic distortion in an loudspeaker. The invention involves: a) generating a first sensor signal based on longitudinal displacement of the voice coil from the initial rest position; b) generating a second sensor signal based on longitudinal acceleration of the voice coil; c) processing and combining the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal to generate a feedback control signal; and d) adjusting an audio drive signal supplied to the voice coil to generate the acoustic waveform wherein the audio drive signal is adjusted based on the first feedback control signal.

Abstract: A system for distributing a source voltage from a signal source to a number of drivers or loudspeakers is disclosed. The system includes at least one autotransformer for connection to the signal source, and a number of drivers electrically connected to the autotransformer. The autotransformers distribute the source voltage across each of the drivers. The autotransformers produce an output voltage across each of the drivers, such that the sum of the output voltages is substantially equal to the source voltage multiplied by the number of drivers.

Abstract: The invention provides an equalizing circuit for a loudspeaker system. The circuit includes an output amplifier connected to the circuit output, and a feedback amplifier connected to the circuit input. A plurality of filter elements are connected in series to the output of the feedback amplifier and the outputs of each of the filter elements are connected to inputs of both the output amplifier and the feedback amplifier, the amplifier inputs defining scaling factors for achieving a desired target response function for the loudspeaker system. The circuit generates a circuit transfer function having a numerator and a denominator. The numerator defines sufficient zeroes for cancelling all poles of the known transfer function of the loudspeaker system. As a result, when the circuit is connected in cascade to the loudspeaker system, the desired response function can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and circuit for achieving reduced signal distortion in a filtered signal. The method involves connecting an input signal to a main path and a side chain path. The signal carried on the side chain path is then processed to generate a complementary signal which, when combined with the input signal carried by the main path, will produce a target output signal. The circuit includes a side chain processing stage, having a filter stage and a first subtraction stage, and a final processing stage. The input signal is carried on the side chain path to a filter path and a processing path. The signal carried on the filter path is filtered through the filter stage to generate a first filtered signal. The first filtered signal is then subtracted from the input signal on the processing path at the first subtraction stage to generate a complementary processed signal. The complementary processed signal is then subtracted from the input signal on the main path to generate the target output signal.