Technology: Radiation
The radiation pattern of a loudspeaker is one of the key determinants of its sound in a room. At one extreme, large monitors, horns and most panel speakers direct their output mostly forward, and in this way they maximise direct sound and minimise reflected sound. This results in a small “sweet spot” where the stereo image can be very good, but the image and tonal balance tend to fall apart if the listener moves even a little. The recreated soundscape is also disconnected from / projected over the natural room acoustics, which can sound unnatural.
At the other extreme are omni-directional speakers. These radiate sound in all directions and the many sonic reflections bring the natural room acoustics into play. This is not a bad thing: The recreated sound “inhabits” the room in a natural way, and there is freedom to move about without the soundscape collapsing. However, room sensitivity is greater. Rooms with lots of reflective surfaces can make omnis sound hard and bright with vague imaging. In heavily furnished rooms they sound dull, although the imaging can be good.
The OmniMon lies between these extremes: It is like a true omni, but uses the small ‘point source’ ribbon above 2kHz to provide spatial cues and detail with a higher degree of direct arrival sound. This reduces sensitivity to room acoustics, and also improves stereo imaging and natural dynamics.
