2.Curvilinear Line Source
Since the beginning of Audio, achieving smooth dispersion has long 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 dispersion pattern becomes.
Full range electrostats have long been one of the most problematic transduc- ers 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 compro- mise in sound quality.
After extensive research, Martin-Logan 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 dia- phragm remained uncompromised. After creating this technology, we developed the production capability to bring this technology out of the labora- tory and into the market place.
You will find this proprietary Martin- Logan 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 Martin- Logan products.
3. Hybrid Technology
When Martin-Logan introduced the Monolith back in 1982, it was the first company to commercially recognize the performance potential available by mating the air-moving capabilities of a dynamic woofer with the inherent speed and accuracy of an electrostatic panel.
Since then, refinements in the actual driver assemblies, crossover compo- nents, and materials used in the construction of our hybrid speakers have brought this concept to its full potential.
4.Vapor Deposited Film
The diaphragm material used in all Martin-Logan speakers employs an extremely sophisticated conductive surface that has been vapor deposited on the polymer surface at an atomic level. Copper oxide and palladium have been vaporized and electrostatically driven into the surface of the polymer film in a vacuum chamber. This process allows an optically transparent surface adding no mass to the diaphragm that is extremely uniform in its surface resistivity characteristics. This uniform surface resistivity controls the electro- static charge on the diaphragm surface and regulates its migration. As a result, no discharging or “arcing” can occur.
5. Transducer Integrity
All Martin-Logan transducers begin with two pieces of high grade, cold rolled steel. The rear stator is manufactured from 16 gauge material while the front stator from 18 gauge. These steel pieces are then custom perforated and insulated with an exotic nylon compos- ite coating. This proprietary coating insulates the stator to 3 times its actual needed working voltage and gives the Monolith a wide margin of safe opera- tion. In addition to the electrical insula- tion properties, this coating also provides the Monolith with a durable, attractive finish that dampens the steel to prevent ringing. These pieces are then sandwiched with our exclusive vapor deposited diaphragm and spacers into a curved geometry and bonded together with aerospace adhesives whose strength exceeds that of welding.
When all of these various techniques are combined, we get a transducer that is attractive, durable, highly rigid, well dampened, and neutral.
