A lot of time and energy is required when designing a loudspeaker. The manufacturer must ensure the desired sound quality meets the loudspeaker's intended application. Several steps are required before a loudspeaker leaves the design lab, such as specifying the materials and conducting tests and measurements.
Every design decision impacts how a transducer reacts when it is energized. If the speaker is not vibrating correctly, or vibrating in a strange way, then it will produce unintended, arbitrary sounds that will affect what the listener hears. A laser scanning vibrometer allows for the engineering team to see how the speaker is reacting during its intended use, helping to create an optimal final product.
Precision in Design and Testing
The laser-scanning vibrometer measures how the cone, transducer, and enclosures behave and what happens when sound is emitted. It achieves this by playing a frequency sweep through the loudspeaker and using a laser to measure each point on the scanned surface. This data is then reconstructed into a 3D model to see how the loudspeaker reacts to every frequency.
Klippel, a leading provider of acoustic measurement technology, supplies many of the advanced tools used in the testing processes, including laser sensors. These sensors are essential for obtaining accurate measurements, operating based on the optical triangulation principle to ensure precise data collection.
Laser sensors utilize the optical triangulation principle to provide highly accurate displacement data, which engineers use to assess the performance of loudspeakers. This feedback helps identify any irregularities, such as unexpected vibrations or misalignments, which may impact sound quality. If anomalies are detected, the loudspeaker design is adjusted to correct these issues before production, ensuring the final product delivers high-quality sound.
The soft parts of a transducer, such as the diaphragm, surrounds, and spiders, play a crucial role in sound reproduction but can sometimes distort in unpredictable ways. These distortions, which may appear as ripples, twists, or buckling movements, can significantly impact sound quality if they occur within critical frequency ranges. Laser scanning gives engineers precise data on these anomalies, helping them identify problematic frequencies and refine designs to minimize distortion. By ensuring consistent component quality through testing, this process helps deliver loudspeakers that meet the high standards necessary for exceptional audio performance.
From Precision Scanning to Comprehensive Testing
Laser scanning is a foundational step in creating high-quality loudspeakers. By offering unparalleled precision, engineers can uncover intricate details about component behavior and identify areas for improvement that would otherwise remain hidden. This powerful tool helps shape critical design adjustments, ensuring superior performance and reliability. However, achieving consistent, exceptional sound quality requires expanding beyond laser scanning to employ a suite of complementary testing methods. These additional tests simulate real-world conditions, validate refinements, and ensure the loudspeaker is ready to meet its intended application's demands.
Performance Testing and Measurement
Every loudspeaker application has unique testing and measurement requirements to ensure optimal performance in its intended environment. High-quality sound doesn't happen by chance—it results from precise engineering and rigorous evaluation. Integrating laser scanning into the research and development process is a crucial step that separates exceptional loudspeaker manufacturers from the rest.
At MISCO, we don't just employ laser scanning; we've built our reputation around a commitment to delivering consistently high-quality loudspeakers. Our state-of-the-art labs utilize a comprehensive suite of tools and technologies that allow us to measure, test, and refine every aspect of loudspeaker performance, including:
- Klippel analyzer systems for detailed acoustic analysis
- Klippel Near Field Scanner (NFS) for precise anechoic measurements
- Klippel SCN and Near Field Add-on for accurate 2pi measurements
- Klippel vacuum chambers designed for testing micro loudspeakers and tweeters
- Oversized IEC Baffle for evaluating large woofers
- 5m x 5m filled and grouted concrete wall to simulate infinite baffle conditions
- SoundCheck software for thorough end-of-line (EOL) testing and quality control
- True Technologies systems for automated life and durability assessments
- TestEquity Humidity and Temperature Chamber for environmental testing
These advanced tools allow us to identify potential issues, fine-tune designs, and ensure that every product meets stringent quality standards—standards that only a dedicated partner with industry-leading expertise can consistently deliver.
Partnering with Experts for High-Performance Loudspeaker Solutions
Achieving the best audio solutions requires collaboration with a trusted partner who understands the complexities of loudspeaker design. With over 75 years of expertise, MISCO has built a reputation for designing and manufacturing reliable, high-performance loudspeaker systems.
Whether we are designing a custom audio solution for a project or providing an off-the-shelf option, we never compromise on quality. Our comprehensive engineering approach ensures that every product meets rigorous performance and quality standards. By utilizing advanced technologies such as laser scanning and conducting thorough end-of-line testing, we ensure that your loudspeakers will perform flawlessly in any application.
If you're looking for a partner to help you create superior loudspeaker solutions, contact MISCO today. Our team is ready to collaborate and deliver tailored audio solutions that meet your unique needs.
