|
Fountek focus on independent innovation and manufacturing of high performance audio products. Technological excellence, supported by continuing substantial investments in research and development has been the foundation of growth and helps to ensure quality products for their customers. |
What's a ribbon transducer?
The ribbon transducer is quite old as a concept, and was developed by European Acoustic Laboratories in 1928.
Fundamental physics support the ribbon as an ideal type of transducer. A thin, light metal ribbon is suspended in a powerful magnetic field. The signal current passes directly through this ribbon effecting the field thus the electromagnetic circuit has complete control over ribbons motion.
The ribbon itself projects the sound faithfully and instantaneously. Every part of the ribbon is driven directly and simultaneously without any energy storage or mechanical restriction or material influences, so the output sound will always perfectly replicate the input signal.
With maximum speed of transient response, start and stop is instantaneous. This maintains the leading edge of musical sounds and their harmonics. Extremely low intermodulation and harmonic distortion due to low mass. Capable of the highest efficiency known in direct radiator transducers.
Extremely wide, flat frequency response (1kHz through to 100kHz). A flat impedance in usable frequency range for easy to design X-over CCTs.
For the purists who want a genuine 9μm ribbon we stock the original JP3.0 The Neo Series uses new technology with its 20μm Enforced Sandwich Ribbon. with extra strength and reliability, no oxidisation, and controlled dampening.
Summary
Ribbon loudspeakers are superior to other transducers because all design factors are correct. Other high range extenders do not blend easily when added to loudspeaker systems because they add their own distortion by transient smearing, energy and non-linear response. The quality of materials used in ribbon speakers has the ability to "clean up" and "open up" not only the extreme highs, but also the middle tones without adding any distortion. The addition of a pair of ribbon loudspeakers to any quality speaker system is the most cost effective way to improve the performance of a loudspeaker system.
Information supplied by Fountek.