Patent Review: Improved Speaker Structure by Jazz Hipster

This article reviews a patent application submitted in 2010 by to two inventors, on behalf of Jazz Hipster Corp. (Taiwan), regarding an improved structure of a speaker using the surround to reduce the resistance of the diaphragm excursion, which helps to generate a more linear diaphragm movement, with less resistance, and reduced distortion. As James Croft noted, the approach had been used in the past, but its use decreased due to the high-performance achieved with well-designed roll-surrounds, at a lower cost. No surprisingly this patent was subsequently abandoned.

In this article, Scott Dorsey shares his unique experience-based tips for converting a classic Brüel & Kjær measurement microphone system into a valuable recording microphone. Vintage instrumentation Bruel's (the ancestors of the DPA's) are great microphones that can be found on the surplus market and are appropriate to use for recording applications, if you know which ones and how to convert them. This article was originally published in audioXpress, July 2016.

The driver in this Test Bench is not so much an OEM product as an installer product, but it is a very interesting transducer: the Revolution Acoustics SSP6 actuator, which transforms nearly any panel structure into an audio speaker. As promised, I am doing a brief review of the this driver, primarily marketed to Custom Electronic Design & Installation (CEDIA)-type installers. However, that said, it is definitely an interesting transducer.

The 8” 8NSM64 is a rather unique new pro sound midrange driver from B&C Speakers. It’s a closed-back midrange! Closed-back midranges are often associated with cheap speakers because by using a frame with no relief holes in the back, you don’t have to build a midrange chamber. In this case, the 8NSM64 is a very high-power handling (500 W continuous) 8” midrange for professional PA applications, with a reasonable volume that can be damped with absorption material. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, July 2016.

Much to read in Voice Coil July 2016, starting with an article by Mike Klasco about protection treatments for speakers and mobile electronics, followed by a discussion about “Boundary Effects on Sources at Low Frequencies” by Christopher J. Struck. James Croft reviews a patent of an improved speaker structure and Vance Dickason looks at one ribbon tweeter from Fountek, a new 1” dome tweeter from Tang Band Speaker and a closed-back midrange driver from B&C Speakers, and then reviews Revolution Acoustics’ SSP6 actuator, which is able to transform any panel structure into an audio speaker.

The July 2016 issue of audioXpress is now available and includes something for everyone. We visit Sinar Baja Electric — the birthplace of speaker driver brand SB Acoustics, report on AXPONA 2016, Mark Driedger shares his amazing D70 Stereo Tube Amplifier project, and we explain how to test Dante-enabled audio devices. And that’s just the start! Download the July 2016 issue now!