Owner`s manual

PAGE 13 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual
5.1.3 Low Frequency Drivers
The low frequency drivers in the larger SLS and SBS loudspeakers are triple spider, high sensitivity cone
type transducers. The 6.5” (165 mm) driver used in the SLS915 and SLS918 and the 8” (203 mm)
SLS920 LF drivers are dual spider designs. The multiple spider suspensions provide superior
mechanical damping for the cones resulting in “tight” low frequency reproduction at very low distortion
levels. Distortion is further reduced by using high linearity edge suspensions made of a newly
developed material called Santoprene™. Power handling and clean reproduction are further enhanced
by large magnetic structures, edge-wound voice coils, high stiffness-to-mass cones, and high
temperature Kapton voice coil formers.
5.1.4 Ferrofluid Cooling
All Community Solutions drivers are specifically designed to be Ferrofluid-cooled. Ferrofluid is a
viscous liquid that is attracted by magnetic fields. The liquid is injected into the voice coil gap during
manufacturing and is permanently retained by the magnetism in the gap. Different Ferrofluid
formulations are used for the LF and HF drivers to match the particular physics of their operation.
Ferrofluid provides several important benefits for the SLS and SBS drivers. It improves the focusing of
magnetic field in the voice coil gap to maximize efficiency and adds mechanical damping to the
moving assembly to lower distortion. Its heat conducting properties transfer heat away from the voice
coil to maximize power handling and improve reliability by preventing heat-induced voice coil
deformations. This also minimizes power compression that normally results from increased
impedances due to voice coil heating at high power levels. A final benefit of Ferrofluid is that it helps
keep the voice coil centered in the magnetic gap during high excursions avoiding the common
problem of voice coil rubs that typically cause noticeable distortion.
5.2 Wavefront Coherent™ Design
All SLS full-range models use Wavefront Coherent designs. This technology consists of a one piece,
hand-laminated, fiberglass baffle that becomes an integral part of the enclosure during
manufacturing. The baffle is shaped to provide the horn-loading for the drivers. In addition the baffle
precisely positions the individual drivers in the vertical plane parallel to the front of the enclosure.
This controls the relative positions so that the wavefront from the driver for each frequency range
leaves the enclosure acoustically synchronized with the sound from the other drivers. Thus the sound
in the individual frequency ranges all arrive at the listener’s ears at the same point in time. This is
especially critical in the at the crossover points where sound from two different drivers overlap to some
extent. Without proper alignment, frequency response and phase anomalies will occur in this overlap
region.
5.3 Pattern Control Horns
The horn-loading for the SLS drivers is accomplished using mathematically correct Pattern Control
designs. In addition to providing high efficiency, this ensures tight, consistent, predictable horizontal
and vertical coverage throughout each driver’s operating range. Unlike two-way bass reflex / horn
driver combinations, full frequency Pattern Control technology projects articulate transient response
and high intelligibility over long distances. This is particularly true in difficult acoustic conditions
where Pattern Control keeps the sound focused to help prevent energizing reverberant fields and
generating unwanted sound reflections.
5.4 Input Panels
The steel input panels have Neutrik Speakon and dual banana jack input connectors. The panels also
contain important printed information about the particular loudspeaker model including power rating,
impedances, frequency response, and connector wiring.
5.5 Internal Crossover
Each SLS series loudspeaker has an internal crossover constructed of high quality components such as
250 Volt film capacitors, precision wound inductors, high current resistors and high grade circuit
boards. The characteristics of the crossover and physical alignments of the drivers within the
enclosure ensures that the outputs of the drivers are seamlessly integrated into a coherent acoustic