Speaker driver measurement

To enable preliminary prototype constructions, we first had to select specific speaker drivers suitable for use as panel speakers. To narrow down this selection, we measured individual speakers at the Future Art Lab of mdw. Special attention was paid to the frequency response of the speakers, both On-Axis and Off-Axis. When using them in an array, a linear frequency response in the Off-Axis range is essential to implement techniques like beamforming and wave field synthesis.

After the initial analysis of the measurement results, the "FaitalPRO 4FE32 (4", 4Ω, 30W, 91 dB, 2.2L@100Hz)" emerged as the most suitable. The following were compared:

• FaitalPRO 4FE32 (4", 4Ω, 30W, 91 dB, 2.2L@100Hz)
• Celestion AN3510 (3.5", 8Ω, 35W, 87 dB, 1.3L@98Hz)
• Sica 3.5L1SL (3.5", 4Ω, 45W, 87 dB, 1.4L@110Hz)
• Sica 4L1SL (4", 4Ω, 60W, 88 dB, 1.5L@105Hz)
• Peerless NE85W-04 (3.35", 4Ω, 25W, 82 dB, 0.73L@105Hz)

The FaitalPRO driver is characterized by a stable frequency image in the Off-Axis range and provides sufficient volume even at low power, which is significant when used in large quantities. Furthermore, it has the broadest frequency range and also impressed us acoustically.

In the next steps, multiple FaitalPRO 4FE32 units will be ordered to conduct advanced measurements in the array setup. The focus will be on evaluating batch tolerances, calculating equalization filters for On- and Off-Axis, and determining the maximum sound pressure level using AES75 measurement.