Daniel J SaitHabitech has introduced the Sonance Motion Flex Invisible speaker range to UK integrators.
Two years of research into the physics of flat diaphragms has allowed Sonance engineers to develop a ‘completely invisible’ speaker design that reproduces the sound quality of a visible speaker.
Traditionally the drivers inside all invisible speakers, including Sonance models, are mounted to a metal frame and drive the diaphragm directly and simultaneously. However, there’s nothing to stop waves from the mid driver rippling outwards to interfere with those from the bass driver on the same radiating surface, boosting distortion and colouration. In a breakthrough for invisible speaker design, Sonance has found a way to isolate discrete wave patterns on a single diaphragm for optimum fidelity.
Blending proprietary diaphragm, drivers, isolating baffle and CDX crossover, Sonance’s new ‘Motion Flex’ technology is able to preserve the bending wave motion of the wide response ‘Wave Flex’ mid/HF driver and the pistonic output of the ‘Air Flex’ woofer on the same panel without interference.
The baffle holding the drivers is permanently bonded to the diaphragm at the periphery and between the drivers, allowing the area in front of the drivers to radiate freely. Effectively the Motion Flex design divides the diaphragm into two discrete radiators, isolating the output of the Wave Flex driver from the Air Flex woofer, which produces significantly lower levels of distortion and coloration.
Installation practicality has also taken a giant leap forward. At 12mm the Motion Flex baffle is the same depth as the surrounding plasterboard so installs effortlessly flush without the need for shims to compensate for depth disparity.
Install flexibility is boosted by a narrower rear profile, compatible with stud and joist spacing down to 12in (305mm). And to keep contractors honest, the new range incorporates the Sonance Depth Identification Sensing Calibration (DISC) feature, which measures finish depth to confirm that the ideal finish thickness of 1-1.5mm has been applied.
As many as six new Motion Flex invisible models will be available for the widest range of home sound applications – including home cinema – according to room size and required bass level.
The smallest IS6 is suitable for invisible multi-room music, along with its companion IS10W sub alongside to extend bass response when necessary. The IS8 is the best full-range option in larger rooms, and for the largest spaces, the IS10 is the best option.
Also planned are a 100V line IS8T and the IS15W, an 818 x 818mm panel for use with IS6 and IS8 to create a dynamic but completely invisible cinema sound system for luxury media room projects. All models have a mounting depth of 68mm save the IS15W at 86mm.
Commenting on the new range Sonance Chief Engineer Todd Ryan said, “I have 100% confidence that if these were put behind a screen and you had no idea what was playing, in a million years you would not guess that this was an invisible speaker product, even when compared with any of our competitors’ visible speakers.”
Sonance is supporting the rollout of its Motion Flex Invisibles with an easy to set up, completely mobile and self-contained demo kit, allowing the direct comparison of Motion Flex technology with flagship architectural speakers. Integrators should contact Habitech to arrange a demo at a time and place of their choosing.