Technology: Ribbon
We use a true transformer-coupled ribbon with very low moving mass: just 12mg. (A dome tweeter with a similar radiating area may weigh 300mg, 25 times as much). Tweeters also have surround suspensions, and often ferro-fluid damping. These introduce compliance, mass and hysteresis (non-linear resistance to motion), damping response to small signals. By contrast the ribbon is only suspended at its ends, and is completely free to move over its length. Also drive force is applied to the whole of the 9 x 50mm driven part of ribbon, not just to the perimeter.
All these advantages give the ribbon extremely fast, accurate and dynamic transients and a frequency response extending well beyond audibility. Being just 9mm wide it also has wide horizontal dispersion across its entire range. The vertical dispersion is slightly curtailed by its 63mm length, but the effect is minimal at distances of 3m or more, whether the listener is seated, standing, or even lying on the floor.
Mounting the ribbon as a direct radiator in free space above the cabinet avoids horn loading and baffle edge diffraction effects. The ribbon is de-coupled from low / mid frequency vibration by a counterbalanced collar. An acoustically transparent mesh provides protection. However, it should be protected from sudden air movements: Don’t blow on it!
