Since the beginning of audio, achieving smooth dispersion
has been a problem for all loudspeaker designers. Large
panel transducers present even more of a challenge
because the larger the panel, the more directional the dis-
persion pattern becomes.
Full 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
dispersion 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 con-
trolled 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 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 all MartinLogan products.
MicroPerfTM Stator
The MicroPerf stator design reduces the size of individual
holes in a stator, allowing more openings per square inch
than a standard MartinLogan stator. This maximizes effi-
ciency and dispersion of small stat panels and also increases
optical clarity. In addition, the tighter grid of holes permits the
MicroPerf stator to drive the diaphragm extremely uniformly.
The diaphragm in the Cinema i employs an extremely
sophisticated conductive surface that has been applied to
the polymer surface at an atomic level using a plasma
bonding process. A proprietary compound is driven into
the surface of the polymer film in an oxygen free argon
chamber. This process allows extremely uniform surface
resistivity characteristics, an optically transparent surface
and adds no mass to the diaphragm. This uniform surface
resistivity controls the electrostatic charge on the
diaphragm surface and regulates its migration. As a result,
no discharging or “arcing” can occur.
Transducer Integrity
All MartinLogan transducers begin with two pieces of high-
grade, cold rolled steel. These steel pieces are then custom
perforated and insulated with a unique composite coating.
This proprietary coating insulates the stator to three times
its actual needed working voltage and gives the Cinema i a
wide margin of safe operation. In addition to the electrical
insulation properties, this coating also provides the Cinema i
with a durable, attractive finish that dampens the steel to
prevent ringing. These pieces then sandwich a proprietary
diaphragm and spacers into a curved geometry, and bond
together with aerospace adhesives whose strength exceeds
that of welding.The result of these advanced technologies
is a transducer that is attractive, durable, highly rigid, well
dampened, and neutral.
Low Voltage Power
To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and
broaden ease of installation, especially for custom installers,
the Cinema i features a low-voltage power supply.
Curvilinear Line Source (CLSTM) Plasma Deposited Diaphragm
MartinLogan Exclusives 15
MARTINLOGAN EXCLUSIVES