Abstract:

The design and manufacture of drivers to provide the utmost in sound quality and intelligibility and to offer weatherproof qualities is the challenge. Conventional dynamic drivers with treatment can offer limited protection, but the sound reproduction suffers markedly. An approach is used whereby each part can be chosen for performance and reliability when subjected to the worst elements. Rubber compound surrounds, cast frames, metal--alloy cones, high-tech ferrofluids, elimination of centering spiders, and magnets with special plating, are all considerations for improved design. Centering spiders are one critical component where change in mechanical characteristics is bound to occur with time. Subjected to the elements of heat, cold, humidity, etc., aging is accelerated. A speaker cannot perform for any reasonable length of time under these conditions. A design can be used that does not require the spider. When it is eliminated, the voice coil guidance system (VCGS) becomes the biggest challenge. How to make the ``spiderless'' driver perform under all traditional uses in commercial or consumer sound applications becomes another problem. The proper use of ferrofluid and specially formulated surrounds assures consistent alignment and linear movement. The additional benefits: elimination of spectral contamination caused by the spider; possible improvement in production times.