MARTINLOGAN EXCLUSIVES
Curvilinear Line Source (CLSTM)
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 dispersion 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 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 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.
Bass Control System
One of the principal challenges faced by loudspeaker designers are the room interactions produced by bass fre- quencies. These
Bass frequencies radiate in all directions, including behind the speaker. The low frequencies reflected from the front wall and back to the listening position subtract from the original audio material. Typically, this produces a dimin- ished
The Odyssey solves this problem using its unique bass control system that consists of two opposing bass drivers supported by reference electronics. An
Vapor Deposited Film
The diaphragm material used in all MartinLogan speakers employs an extremely sophisticated conductive surface that has been vapor deposited on the polymer surface at an atomic level. A proprietary compound is vaporized then 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 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 Odyssey a wide margin of safe operation. In addition to the electrical insulation properties, this coating also provides the Odyssey 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.
The result of these advanced technologies is a transducer that is attractive, durable, highly rigid, well dampened, and neutral.
