Owner's Manual

10
martInlogan exclusIves
CLS™ (CURVILINEAR LINE SOURCE)
Since the beginning of audio, achieving smooth dis-
persion has been a problem for all designers. Large
panel transducers present unique challenge because
the larger the panel, the more directional the disper-
sion pattern becomes. Wide range electrostats have
long been one of the most problematic transducers
because they attain their full range capabilities via
a large surface area. It looked as if they were in
direct conflict to smooth dispersion and almost every
attempt to correct this resulted in either poor disper-
sion or a serious compromise in sound quality.
After extensive research, MartinLogan engineers
discovered an elegantly simple solution to achieve
a smooth pattern of dispersion without degrading
sound quality. By curving the horizontal plane of
the electrostatic transducer, a controlled horizontal
dispersion pattern could be achieved, yet the purity of
the almost massless electrostatic diaphragm remained
uncompromised. After creating this technology,
MartinLogan developed the production capability
to bring it out of the laboratory and into the market
place. You will find this proprietary MartinLogan
technology used in all of our electrostatic products.
It is one of the many reasons behind our reputation
for high quality sound with practical usability. This is
also why you see the unique “see through” cylindrical
shape of MartinLogan products.
XSTAT™ TRANSDUCER
XStat™ transducers incorporate a myriad of
technology and design innovations including
CLS™, MicroPerf, Generation 2 Diaphragms,
ClearSpars™, and Vacuum Bonding.
MICROPERF STATOR
Sleek. Compact. MicroPerf stator technology,
featured in EM-ESL C’s electrostatic transducer, reveals
more open playable area in each panel, offering
increased performance from even more compact stat
panels. It is significant to note that the electrostatic
transducer in the radical new EM-ESL C loudspeaker
supports the bandwidth and dynamics associated with
traditional electrostatic panels nearly twice its size.
VACUUM BONDING
To achieve the power, precision, and strength of
the electrostatic transducer, two insulated high-
purity carbon steel stators along with a proprietary
plasma bonded diaphragm and ClearSpar™
spacers are fused into a curved geometry with an
aerospace adhesive whose strength exceeds that of
welding. Our proprietary Vacuum Bonding process
guarantees uniform diaphragm tensioning and
extremely precise construction tolerances, resulting
in unequivocal precision, linearity and efficiency.
cannot be driven uniformly because of their design.
Cones are driven only at the apex. Domes are driven
at their perimeter. As a result, the rest of the cone or
dome is just “along for the ride”. The very concept
of these drivers requires that the cone or dome be
perfectly rigid, damped and massless. Unfortunately,
these conditions are not available in our world today.
To make these cones and domes move, all
electromagnetic drivers must use voice coils wound
on formers, spider assemblies, and surrounds to
keep the cone or dome in position. These pieces,
when combined with the high mass of the cone
or dome materials used, make it an extremely
complex unit with many weaknesses and potential
for failure. These faults contribute to the high
distortion products found in these drivers and is a
tremendous disadvantage when you are trying to
change motion as quickly and as accurately as a
loudspeaker must (40,000 times per second!).