Glossary of Audio Terms

AC. Abbreviation for alternating current.

Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, ICs, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate.

Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually mea- sured from the average to the extreme.

Arc. The visible sparks generated by an electrical discharge.

ATF. The abbreviation for advanced thin film.

Bass. The lowest frequencies of sound.

Bi-Amplification. Uses an electronic crossover, or line-level passive crossover, and separate power amplifiers for the high and low frequency loudspeaker drivers.

Capacitance. That property of a capacitor which deter- mines how much charge can be stored in it for a given potential difference between its terminals, measured in farads, by the ratio of the charge stored to the potential difference.

Capacitor. A device consisting of two or more conducting plates separated from one another by an insulating material and used for storing an electrical charge. Sometimes called a condenser.

Clipping. Distortion of a signal by its being chopped off. An overload problem caused by pushing an amplifier beyond its capabilities. The flat-topped signal has high levels of harmonic distortion which creates heat in a loudspeaker and is the major cause of loudspeaker component failure.

CLS. The abbreviation for curvilinear line source.

Crossover. An electrical circuit that divides a full bandwidth signal into the desired frequency bands for the loudspeaker components.

dB (decibel). A numerical expression of the relative loudness of a sound. The difference in decibels between two sounds is ten times the Base 10 logarithm of the ratio of their power levels.

DC. Abbreviation for direct current.

Diffraction. The breaking up of a sound wave caused by some type of mechanical interference such as a cabinet edge, grill frame or other similar object.

Diaphragm. A thin flexible membrane or cone that vibrates in response to electrical signals to produce sound waves.

Distortion. Usually referred to in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD) which is the percentage of unwanted har- monics of the drive signal present with the wanted signal. Generally used to mean any unwanted change introduced by the device under question.

Driver. See transducer.

Dynamic Range. The range between the quietest and the loudest sounds a device can handle (often quoted in dB).

Efficiency. The acoustic power delivered for a given elec- trical input. Often expressed as decibels/watt/meter (dB/w/m).

ESL. The abbreviation for electrostatic loudspeaker.

Headroom. The difference, in decibels, between the peak and RMS levels in program material.

Hybrid. A product created by the marriage of two different technologies. Meant here as the combination of a dynam- ic woofer with an electrostatic or ATF transducer.

Hz (Hertz). Unit of frequency equivalent to the number of cycles per second.

Imaging. To make a representation or imitation of the original sonic event.

Impedance. The total opposition offered by an electric circuit to the flow of an alternating current of a single fre- quency. It is a combination of resistance and reactance and is measured in ohms. Remember that a speaker’s imped- ance changes with frequency, it is not a constant value.

16 Glossary of Audio Terms

CW10 specifications

The MartinLogan CW10 is a sophisticated in-wall subwoofer that redefines the boundaries of audio performance while seamlessly integrating into any living space. Designed for those who value both sound quality and aesthetic appeal, the CW10 delivers deep, impactful bass without sacrificing room aesthetics.

One of the main features of the CW10 is its advanced subwoofer technology, which includes a high-performance 10-inch cone driver. This driver is engineered to reproduce low-frequency sounds with immense accuracy and power, allowing users to experience thumping bass that is both rich and controlled. The driver operates within a carefully crafted enclosure, optimizing its performance and ensuring minimal distortion, which is critical for both music and home theater applications.

The CW10 also employs MartinLogan's patented Vojtko crossover technology. This feature is integral in managing the transition between high and low frequencies, ensuring that every note and nuance is captured and delivered seamlessly. The crossover helps maintain the dynamic range and tonal balance that listeners demand, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the primary characteristics that sets the CW10 apart is its compact and discreet design. The subwoofer is intended for in-wall installation, allowing it to blend effortlessly into wall spaces while freeing up valuable floor space. The flush mount installation maintains the room's visual integrity, making it an ideal solution for modern living environments where design is just as important as performance.

Moreover, the CW10 is equipped with an adjustable low-pass filter, allowing users to tailor the subwoofer's response to suit their specific room acoustics and personal preferences. This level of customization enhances the listening experience, ensuring that the subwoofer works harmoniously with existing speakers and other audio equipment.

The CW10 also features a durable and aesthetically pleasing grille that can be painted to match your wall color, further enhancing its ability to integrate into any home decor.

In conclusion, the MartinLogan CW10 is a feature-rich in-wall subwoofer that combines advanced audio technologies with a sleek, unobtrusive design. With its powerful driver, innovative crossover technology, and customizable settings, the CW10 is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience while maintaining the elegance of their living space.