Uncompromising design and versatile applications
Their flexible design allows you and your company to create spaces without compromises: structure-borne sound drivers are ideal for modern offices, conference rooms or sales areas. They allow sound to be directed to specific surfaces, which is particularly beneficial in business environments with different sound requirements. They are also easy to maintain and service, saving manpower and costs. Their concealed installation means they are protected from the elements, such as detergents and water, and cannot be knocked over or otherwise damaged like a freestanding loudspeaker.
Invisible sound for any room
Structure-borne sound drivers are true acoustic wonders that can be used in a variety of ways. Bass sounds, such as the sound of an engine or an explosion, are not only audible but also tangible. Because of the haptic experience, they are popular with home cinema, gamers, sim racers and DJs. They are also gaining new fans in the do-it-yourself (DIY) community who want to upgrade their homes at a low cost. Exciters make it possible to create a better sound experience at a lower cost than standard speakers in the same or even higher price range.
They can be used anywhere where good sound is desired but the sound system should remain invisible. Examples include galleries behind paintings, in the car behind the door panel, in the bathroom on the shower or bathtub wall, in the kitchen, on cupboards, on ceilings – basically anywhere a surface can be made to vibrate.
A custom loudspeaker to suit your needs
Structure-borne sound drivers consist of three main components: an oscillating mass, a connection terminal for the amplifier and a mounting plate that allows the exciter to be mounted on an object of your choice. When a signal is received via the terminal, the oscillating mass vibrates in response. This then transmits the signal to the mounting plate, stimulating the desired surface. It is important to note that the material on which the exciter is placed will affect the sound characteristics.The exciter works in a similar way to a standard loudspeaker. However, the sound radiation follows a different principle: structure-borne sound drivers have a harder time making thicker objects vibrate – so-called bending waves propagate. This is like throwing a stone into water and seeing its ripples reflect off the side of the pool. A chaotic wave pattern is created on the surface. The sound quality is therefore very much dependent on the properties of the plate being excited.
How the VISATON exciter works:
Suitable objects and materials for structure-borne sound drivers
The exciters produce a good sound thanks to their wide dispersion characteristics and are easy to install. However, there are a few things to consider during installation to ensure the best possible sound experience.An exciter can be mounted on various objects, provided they meet certain requirements: sufficient strength, light weight and a certain thickness. It’s important to remember that any material will affect the sound quality, whether it’s a textured object such as grained wood or a smooth object such as glass. Magnetic materials should be avoided, as the exciter is a permanent magnet and would otherwise be biased. The size and shape of the record is also important: the sound of a record increases with its size, as larger records reproduce more low-frequency sound. Conversely, the sound becomes thinner when the record is smaller, because less low-frequency sound is reproduced. In principle, many different shapes are possible.
The mounting should allow free vibration, for example on a suspended ceiling. Other materials that give good results are HDF panels, plexiglass, real glass, rigid foam or plasterboard. If the distance to the wall is too close, low frequencies will be muffled by sound radiation from both sides. Depending on the type, the speaker is either screwed to the panel or glued to it with glue, silicone or similar, depending on the material. Adhesive pads, for example, are ideal for structure-borne sound drivers. The mounting plate must lie flat. If the exciter has a threaded hole, a suitable threaded bolt is fitted to ensure a secure fit.
Placement of the exciter is not in the “golden mean”
If possible, an exciter should never be placed in the centre of a square surface, but always slightly offset. The 2/5 – 3/5 rule has proved to be useful here: if the exciter is moved slightly to a corner, possible waves in the frequency response can be avoided. It is advisable to test different positions of the exciter on the material to determine the most suitable location for attachment. For example, double-sided tape can be used for such tests. In theory, these tests can also be carried out on the front.
When wiring the exciter, make sure that the cables do not cause any noise, for example by vibrating against a sheet of metal. If this is the case, the cables can be covered with foam to minimise noise. A special amplifier is not required; the exciter can be connected to conventional amplifiers, but will require slightly more amplifier power due to its lower efficiency.
Other structure-borne noise exciters from VISATON are now available in the reichelt shop.
Images: Adobe Stock, VISATON
