No, they are designed by Higher Order Quarterwave Society, these are the plans: https://www.thesoundguy.co.za/PARAFLEX-TYPE-O 2x12_CRAM-35Hz
Been a very busy end of summer. I did my usual festival with the new system, and then had a few days to prepare to drive down to Hungary to play a festival. Just before I should drive home I got a stomach flu and then the fuel pump in my camper died just before reaching the ferry back to Sweden :\
And had a lot of things to look after since I been focused on the sound system and the party for a few months, but finally catching up 🙂
Party went well, and system sounded really amazing. However there where a couple of issues that made it a bit stressfull, which as meant I could not record and document as I had hoped.
First of all the electronics in my generator failed when I was doing a second soundcheck. Luckily it was in last minute for me to be able to get hold of some generators late on a Friday afternoon, so could get everything up and running in time, but unfortunately I did not have time to tweak levels and set limiter carefully. I had of course hope to do this all before the actual event, but of course even if I been trying last year to make sure I had the system ready in good time before the event, it was done just in time 🙂
The initial impression when running the full system at high levels was that the bass was very intense, much more so than earlier events where we had the same number of elements but 18" instead of 12", but reflex designs like JBL VRX, L'Acoustics SB218, Yamaha DSX18. The transition between the plates and the subs at around 100Hz just sounded extremely tight and solid. People told me they been to 100's of parties and festivals but never heard a better sounding system. And I could handle the subs and amps on my own as a 50+ untrained man 😉
However considering how loud the plates seemed before when running the same number of plates, but with the Dayton exciters, I was not as impressed with the output of the new plates. First of all some plates would start distorting on loud levels. Seems like the clamping placement I used allows too much travel in the corners, and starts touching the frame. It was only at very nigh levels with some frequencies being strong, and the system was playing fine on a level lower then when the distortion happened.
Worse though, one plate was badly glued and an exciter came loose after some time. I remember that I tried to glue two plates in one go, and the glue was getting a bit to thick on the last exciter I glued. I tested that the plate seemed fine after drying, but obviously it needed some prolonged usage at high levels before becoming an issue.
And on top of that, another plate had an issue with the bonding between the clamping and the plate. It is a bit tricky to do the mounting with the current design without putting stress on the styrofoam surface causing the plate no longer being clamped and vibrating against the clamping pads instead.
So with a couple of plates out of commission I tried to scramble together so I had as many plates playing as possible, which is a bit tricky when you have four plates connected in series-parallel for each stack. I managed to get the plates playing at 75% capacity, and worked fine first night and late into the morning. However I had to sleep a bit during daytime, and when I came back a few exciters was melted. Not really sure why, but of course leaving a system unattended without limiters in place is taking a big risk, and with different stacks having different impedance and power handing things was a bit messy.
So, the subs, amps and plates was a big success in how they performed, but my current design needs a bit of work to make them consistent and reliable. I have made great plans for next revision though! 🙂
Going to make myself a little space where I can put a larger format printer so I can make a design that is much quicker and easier to mount, which should solved the issues that appeared. And of course I will be ready well ahead of the party this time so I can test them properly in advance ;D
And had a lot of things to look after since I been focused on the sound system and the party for a few months, but finally catching up 🙂
Party went well, and system sounded really amazing. However there where a couple of issues that made it a bit stressfull, which as meant I could not record and document as I had hoped.
First of all the electronics in my generator failed when I was doing a second soundcheck. Luckily it was in last minute for me to be able to get hold of some generators late on a Friday afternoon, so could get everything up and running in time, but unfortunately I did not have time to tweak levels and set limiter carefully. I had of course hope to do this all before the actual event, but of course even if I been trying last year to make sure I had the system ready in good time before the event, it was done just in time 🙂
The initial impression when running the full system at high levels was that the bass was very intense, much more so than earlier events where we had the same number of elements but 18" instead of 12", but reflex designs like JBL VRX, L'Acoustics SB218, Yamaha DSX18. The transition between the plates and the subs at around 100Hz just sounded extremely tight and solid. People told me they been to 100's of parties and festivals but never heard a better sounding system. And I could handle the subs and amps on my own as a 50+ untrained man 😉
However considering how loud the plates seemed before when running the same number of plates, but with the Dayton exciters, I was not as impressed with the output of the new plates. First of all some plates would start distorting on loud levels. Seems like the clamping placement I used allows too much travel in the corners, and starts touching the frame. It was only at very nigh levels with some frequencies being strong, and the system was playing fine on a level lower then when the distortion happened.
Worse though, one plate was badly glued and an exciter came loose after some time. I remember that I tried to glue two plates in one go, and the glue was getting a bit to thick on the last exciter I glued. I tested that the plate seemed fine after drying, but obviously it needed some prolonged usage at high levels before becoming an issue.
And on top of that, another plate had an issue with the bonding between the clamping and the plate. It is a bit tricky to do the mounting with the current design without putting stress on the styrofoam surface causing the plate no longer being clamped and vibrating against the clamping pads instead.
So with a couple of plates out of commission I tried to scramble together so I had as many plates playing as possible, which is a bit tricky when you have four plates connected in series-parallel for each stack. I managed to get the plates playing at 75% capacity, and worked fine first night and late into the morning. However I had to sleep a bit during daytime, and when I came back a few exciters was melted. Not really sure why, but of course leaving a system unattended without limiters in place is taking a big risk, and with different stacks having different impedance and power handing things was a bit messy.
So, the subs, amps and plates was a big success in how they performed, but my current design needs a bit of work to make them consistent and reliable. I have made great plans for next revision though! 🙂
Going to make myself a little space where I can put a larger format printer so I can make a design that is much quicker and easier to mount, which should solved the issues that appeared. And of course I will be ready well ahead of the party this time so I can test them properly in advance ;D
Hi Leob,
Nice to hear it went well even with a few hiccups.
Sounds like some refinement of mounting will be on the cards, did you see Xcite sell a mounting system now? They are on the Soundimports page. Not sure if they would help for your design though. I'm glad the subs lived up to expectations and they integrated well with the plates.
Nice to hear it went well even with a few hiccups.
Sounds like some refinement of mounting will be on the cards, did you see Xcite sell a mounting system now? They are on the Soundimports page. Not sure if they would help for your design though. I'm glad the subs lived up to expectations and they integrated well with the plates.
Thanks Joska! Saw those and the 8 ohm exciters. The actual mounting of the exciters worked really well though (apart from the gluing issue on one plate), so those would be unnecessary cost for me. It is more the mounting of the plate to the frame that is an issue.
With a larger printer I can make two parts that I just screw together like a sandwich so there wont be any strains in wrong directions during mounting, and will try making a construction where I print TPU thin like a sheet to have a softer constraint around the whole perimeter like with a canvas.
With a larger printer I can make two parts that I just screw together like a sandwich so there wont be any strains in wrong directions during mounting, and will try making a construction where I print TPU thin like a sheet to have a softer constraint around the whole perimeter like with a canvas.
Hi Leob,
Hope you are going well, have you had your system out again?
You have probably seen the new Xcite Xtreme XTB40 low frequency exciter 160W? Doesn't seem like anyone over on the full range thread has tried them yet but am curious how they will perform. Apparently FR is 25-1000hz but at what SPL and on what panel who knows, would need to be a two way system then anyway.
Even if they can play in the low range I doubt they would have the kick and power of your paraflex subs for live shows but could be interesting for home.
Hope you are going well, have you had your system out again?
You have probably seen the new Xcite Xtreme XTB40 low frequency exciter 160W? Doesn't seem like anyone over on the full range thread has tried them yet but am curious how they will perform. Apparently FR is 25-1000hz but at what SPL and on what panel who knows, would need to be a two way system then anyway.
Even if they can play in the low range I doubt they would have the kick and power of your paraflex subs for live shows but could be interesting for home.
Hi Joska,
No, been making plans for a new revision and got a massive printer, but still working on setting up the space. Going to get a small house on wheels to use as my workshop, and taking a lot of time with permissions and delivery of that.
I really want to avoid a crossover in the mids, so don't find the XTB40 interesting really. Maybe it could make for a more compact system with a mid and top plate since you could increase power density, but adding the crossover is a big sacrifice IMO.
And increasing the power density might not be so easy. One XTB40 could replace the cluster of 4x40w exciters I have now, but not sure if the plate could handle 4xXTB40. So in practice I think you might only save some cost, but wont be able to make a system with less plates. Maybe one could get 2xXTB40 to work out, but 4x40w was already pushing it with the design I was using. The excursion of the plate with several XTB40 will be very large, so you need a design with plenty of clearance and a plate material that can handle the forces.
However, I have been thinking about adding some small extra plates for added brilliance in the top end, and saw Xcite also have a new model focused on HF response. I don't think adding such a plate with a low pass to match the natural slope of the main plates should be an issue, at least not compared to having a crossover at 1kHz.
No, been making plans for a new revision and got a massive printer, but still working on setting up the space. Going to get a small house on wheels to use as my workshop, and taking a lot of time with permissions and delivery of that.
I really want to avoid a crossover in the mids, so don't find the XTB40 interesting really. Maybe it could make for a more compact system with a mid and top plate since you could increase power density, but adding the crossover is a big sacrifice IMO.
And increasing the power density might not be so easy. One XTB40 could replace the cluster of 4x40w exciters I have now, but not sure if the plate could handle 4xXTB40. So in practice I think you might only save some cost, but wont be able to make a system with less plates. Maybe one could get 2xXTB40 to work out, but 4x40w was already pushing it with the design I was using. The excursion of the plate with several XTB40 will be very large, so you need a design with plenty of clearance and a plate material that can handle the forces.
However, I have been thinking about adding some small extra plates for added brilliance in the top end, and saw Xcite also have a new model focused on HF response. I don't think adding such a plate with a low pass to match the natural slope of the main plates should be an issue, at least not compared to having a crossover at 1kHz.
Yes makes sense about over powering the plates as even with one exciter they can move a lot at volume. I was also thinking the crossover was adding complications in a crucial frequency range. I am still curious but for the price could be better off with 4x of their new HF 25mm exciters.
My use is home and workshop but would like to be able to push them a little harder than 1x exciter is happy with. Most electronic music I listen to can go as loud as I can handle but rock or music with more going on in the midrange can heat up the exciter if it's played at high spl.
My use is home and workshop but would like to be able to push them a little harder than 1x exciter is happy with. Most electronic music I listen to can go as loud as I can handle but rock or music with more going on in the midrange can heat up the exciter if it's played at high spl.
I have two plates with 4xXT32 and one of my 2x12 paraflex subs in my little studio, with an Aiyima A08 for the plates and an A07 Max for the sub. It does go way too loud if I push it, but sounds fantastic at more relaxed levels.
I do like to blast really loud occasionally, but never push the plates to the max in my small space, and would probably could get away with 2 exciters per plate and still have some headroom. But with 4 exciters they have the bonus of being able to cover a small indoor party at full level for a long time should the need arise 🙂 But if I would build plates for studio use only I would probably go with 4xXT25.
I do like to blast really loud occasionally, but never push the plates to the max in my small space, and would probably could get away with 2 exciters per plate and still have some headroom. But with 4 exciters they have the bonus of being able to cover a small indoor party at full level for a long time should the need arise 🙂 But if I would build plates for studio use only I would probably go with 4xXT25.
Thanks Leob,
I do have a couple of spare exciters so will try having 2 per plate to see if it helps with headroom.
My workshop is double garage sized, currently I have a giant front loaded horn 12inch sub (16HZ) a 10inch home theatre sub and a couple of 15inch PA speakers (45-160Hz) so bass is no problem but the panels with 1xXT32 each need a bit more. Not that I listen at club/party level often but I like the option as I'm sure you understand.
I do have a couple of spare exciters so will try having 2 per plate to see if it helps with headroom.
My workshop is double garage sized, currently I have a giant front loaded horn 12inch sub (16HZ) a 10inch home theatre sub and a couple of 15inch PA speakers (45-160Hz) so bass is no problem but the panels with 1xXT32 each need a bit more. Not that I listen at club/party level often but I like the option as I'm sure you understand.
Finally got a space next month to set up my large printer so I can start testing out a new revision of the design, and also test LWPLA for printing plates!
But just when starting to get ready with the design for print, of course I start rethinking everything 🙂 As previously discussed I had planned to stick with a cluster of 4x Xcite XT32. However when looking at the Xcite website for the dimensions I was reminded of their new models again.
Good comparison and response graphs at the bottom of this doc:
https://www.xcite-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/XT25-8_Specification_v1.1-5.pdf
I have been somewhat resistant to the idea of splitting up systems to 3-way, since one of the things I think I like about the sound from DML is the lack of a x-over in the middle of the most sensitive area of hearing. But on the other hand, DML does handle both eq and blending of multiple sources well, and could perhaps work well to mix plates using very gentle x-over curves, with more or less overlap to adjust the response.
And looking at the response for the XTB40 it actually does handle quite well up to 8K. So I'm thinking to hold several plates in one frame, one low and one or two for high, and very gently crossover since they should blend well anyway.
This of course also opens up to using different dimensions and materials for the low and high plates. When framing the plate with TPU suspension rim, the response down to 100Hz can be good even with quite small dimensions since it can have unhindered piston action in the low region.
My experiments so far has been with free hanging or more rigidly clamped plates, and there small size (around 30cm smallest side) meant lack of response in bottom mid. But for a plate with good suspension, going down to 100Hz should probably not be a problem even around 30cm.
What I'm not that sure about are the requirements of a plate specialized in HF. If only wanting it to cover 4-20kHz, I'm not at all sure what size and material is optimal. While Polycarbonate falls of less then EPS at the top, is it generally efficient in that range? Is one XT25 enough to match a XTB40 if x-over at 4kHz, or do I need two?
Also, how to do x-over? Active would be nice so one can tune it from DSP, but becomes a lot of extra cabling and amp/DSP channels, so is not practical. Since I want gentle slopes, I guess using very basic first order passive filters should be good enough to get a decent response, and then I have to tweak the overall signal in DSP.
Lots of questions, but it seems like it is worthwhile to explore. The suspension rims adds a bit to the size now, but I could have something like a 300x320 plate for low, and 300x160 for high, without making it much larger than the previous version. But it should handle 30-60w more depending on if I use one or two XT25, so similar power density.
Cost for exciters per plate would go down from €120 to €67, but components for HPF/LPF would add a little cost, and construction would become a bit more complicated. Main question is how it will affect the sound though.
But just when starting to get ready with the design for print, of course I start rethinking everything 🙂 As previously discussed I had planned to stick with a cluster of 4x Xcite XT32. However when looking at the Xcite website for the dimensions I was reminded of their new models again.
Good comparison and response graphs at the bottom of this doc:
https://www.xcite-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/XT25-8_Specification_v1.1-5.pdf
I have been somewhat resistant to the idea of splitting up systems to 3-way, since one of the things I think I like about the sound from DML is the lack of a x-over in the middle of the most sensitive area of hearing. But on the other hand, DML does handle both eq and blending of multiple sources well, and could perhaps work well to mix plates using very gentle x-over curves, with more or less overlap to adjust the response.
And looking at the response for the XTB40 it actually does handle quite well up to 8K. So I'm thinking to hold several plates in one frame, one low and one or two for high, and very gently crossover since they should blend well anyway.
This of course also opens up to using different dimensions and materials for the low and high plates. When framing the plate with TPU suspension rim, the response down to 100Hz can be good even with quite small dimensions since it can have unhindered piston action in the low region.
My experiments so far has been with free hanging or more rigidly clamped plates, and there small size (around 30cm smallest side) meant lack of response in bottom mid. But for a plate with good suspension, going down to 100Hz should probably not be a problem even around 30cm.
What I'm not that sure about are the requirements of a plate specialized in HF. If only wanting it to cover 4-20kHz, I'm not at all sure what size and material is optimal. While Polycarbonate falls of less then EPS at the top, is it generally efficient in that range? Is one XT25 enough to match a XTB40 if x-over at 4kHz, or do I need two?
Also, how to do x-over? Active would be nice so one can tune it from DSP, but becomes a lot of extra cabling and amp/DSP channels, so is not practical. Since I want gentle slopes, I guess using very basic first order passive filters should be good enough to get a decent response, and then I have to tweak the overall signal in DSP.
Lots of questions, but it seems like it is worthwhile to explore. The suspension rims adds a bit to the size now, but I could have something like a 300x320 plate for low, and 300x160 for high, without making it much larger than the previous version. But it should handle 30-60w more depending on if I use one or two XT25, so similar power density.
Cost for exciters per plate would go down from €120 to €67, but components for HPF/LPF would add a little cost, and construction would become a bit more complicated. Main question is how it will affect the sound though.
Hi Leob,
Sound like there are things to consider and you could be on the right track with a simple first order filter high up and dsp to tune the overall response, I am still curious as to how the XTB40.
Have you been following the full range forum and seen the videos on the PETTals software for DML modeling? Sounds like it could be a great help in predicting outcomes.
Looking forward to hearing how they work out and am curious on your printed edge suspension.
Sound like there are things to consider and you could be on the right track with a simple first order filter high up and dsp to tune the overall response, I am still curious as to how the XTB40.
Have you been following the full range forum and seen the videos on the PETTals software for DML modeling? Sounds like it could be a great help in predicting outcomes.
Looking forward to hearing how they work out and am curious on your printed edge suspension.
Hi Joska,
No, I have not kept up to date in the full range thread, but checked it out now. PETTals seems very promising and could be helpful in getting an idea regarding size and material for HF plate!
The suspension is simply a thin TPU rim around the plate that is fitting into the frame and glued onto the plate. So basically as a rubber border that suspends the plate, like the gasket for a cone. Perhaps I will make it partly folded like an accordion to increase compliance while not having to make it too wide, to avoid increasing speaker size.
No, I have not kept up to date in the full range thread, but checked it out now. PETTals seems very promising and could be helpful in getting an idea regarding size and material for HF plate!
The suspension is simply a thin TPU rim around the plate that is fitting into the frame and glued onto the plate. So basically as a rubber border that suspends the plate, like the gasket for a cone. Perhaps I will make it partly folded like an accordion to increase compliance while not having to make it too wide, to avoid increasing speaker size.
Hi Leob,
The XTB40 has several interesting characteristics like its force factor and the linearity of its magnetic field. So for a same SPL, less input power and less distorsion (by the way, looking at the spec of those exciters, I see that the 25mm model has the less symetric BL). The second side of the coin is its important moving mass (13.3g) where a 32mm is 2.2g. The FR is shown with a 3mm acrylic plate which is a "heavy" material ( = a high mechanical impedance material). Even if it is still an open topic for me (I mean with no practical conclusion), I would be cautious with the HF it can reach with a lighter material.
An other open topic for me is the low frequency. I am convinced that in addition to its limitation by the modes, an open back DML behaves like a dipole with a cancellation of the low frequencies due to the front and rear cancellation. This is not really visible in the FR of the specs. If it is clearly written the panel was in open back condition (I understand with no back load that could modify for example the modes), the baffle conditions are not written. I have in mind that this kind of FR can be done in conditions close to half space, meaning with a large open baffle around the panel.
Christian
Hi Christian,
Yes, I always take FR graphs from an exciter with caution since there are so many factors not accounted for. But at least with Xcite should be using same setup for the different exciters, so the graphs should at least give a hint about the relative capabilities.
My experience with another large exciter was that they drop off quite a lot at a certain point, and then become pretty much incapable of reproducing HF. That falloff is quite sharp, as seen in the graph for the XTB40 where it happens around 8kHz. It will might vary a bit depending on material, but probably be same ballpark for any decent material. Looking at the XTB40 response, compared to 100-1000Hz, the range between 1-8kHz is weak, but actually not bad sensitivity compared to smaller exciters. In fact at 8kHz it is on par with the XT25. So my hope is that I can let XTB40 play out to around 4kHz, and then gradually bring down the top plate to make it a smooth slope from 100Hz down to 20kHz when combined.
With a regular speaker that kind of wide overlap would be a bad idea due to phase issues, but I don't think that will be an issue with DML.
I have been thinking a bit about enclosing the plate. I guess around 100Hz DML has to be treated like a piston speaker, so a sealed box would give me low sensitivity....or I can add a port. While the cancellation between front and rear then is gone, I'm not sure if the result will be sounding too much like a regular speaker. I really love how my plates sound down to 100Hz currently, so in practice I'm not really looking to change that. But efficiency in that range is very important, and who knows, they might sound even better sealed and ported? And otherwise it might be a worthwhile trade-off for situations where you want to have the speakers close to a wall.
I could make it a fully air tight enclosure. The design is modular so there is a front layer with protection grill and then a front frame with TPU suspension slotted in, holding up the plate. Then a middle frame that can be changed to account for different thickness of plates. Then a back frame, and finally a back plate which holds the exciter and that can be made to house connectors or possibly an amp module with DSP. This is screwed together as a sandwich, and I could make it seal. On a closed design, port can be part of the back plate part and extend the height of the speaker to fit the port.
Yes, I always take FR graphs from an exciter with caution since there are so many factors not accounted for. But at least with Xcite should be using same setup for the different exciters, so the graphs should at least give a hint about the relative capabilities.
My experience with another large exciter was that they drop off quite a lot at a certain point, and then become pretty much incapable of reproducing HF. That falloff is quite sharp, as seen in the graph for the XTB40 where it happens around 8kHz. It will might vary a bit depending on material, but probably be same ballpark for any decent material. Looking at the XTB40 response, compared to 100-1000Hz, the range between 1-8kHz is weak, but actually not bad sensitivity compared to smaller exciters. In fact at 8kHz it is on par with the XT25. So my hope is that I can let XTB40 play out to around 4kHz, and then gradually bring down the top plate to make it a smooth slope from 100Hz down to 20kHz when combined.
With a regular speaker that kind of wide overlap would be a bad idea due to phase issues, but I don't think that will be an issue with DML.
I have been thinking a bit about enclosing the plate. I guess around 100Hz DML has to be treated like a piston speaker, so a sealed box would give me low sensitivity....or I can add a port. While the cancellation between front and rear then is gone, I'm not sure if the result will be sounding too much like a regular speaker. I really love how my plates sound down to 100Hz currently, so in practice I'm not really looking to change that. But efficiency in that range is very important, and who knows, they might sound even better sealed and ported? And otherwise it might be a worthwhile trade-off for situations where you want to have the speakers close to a wall.
I could make it a fully air tight enclosure. The design is modular so there is a front layer with protection grill and then a front frame with TPU suspension slotted in, holding up the plate. Then a middle frame that can be changed to account for different thickness of plates. Then a back frame, and finally a back plate which holds the exciter and that can be made to house connectors or possibly an amp module with DSP. This is screwed together as a sandwich, and I could make it seal. On a closed design, port can be part of the back plate part and extend the height of the speaker to fit the port.
Sounds like it might be worth buying 1 x XTB40 and an XT25 to experiment with? Shipping from Soundimports is quick and you are in Europe so shouldn't be too expensive
I think we have reached the end of the line for these dml systems, the truth is that to achieve results that can really satisfy you have to do so many tests that are actually infinite and perhaps you will never find a solution, now they propose systems with exciters for various frequencies when we know that perhaps the only real positive feature is precisely the fact that there is only one type of exciter. Don't get angry but it's just my opinion
It is a not a must to split up to several plates, but it is a possible optimization in cost and power density. Like I said, not needing a crossover is not the only advantage of DML, but being able to easily blend multiple sources is another strength that could make it worth exploring splitting it up to two bands. If that kind of gentle blending of two plates sounds good, it is great news, since it will significantly bring down the cost per plate. In theory it should also give a bit better HF reproduction for those that do want full reproduction to 20kHz, but IMO lack of response above 17kHz is not much of an issue for a PA.
I will make a new revision using a cluster of four exciters to compare with, and I suspect it might be preferable to have such a version for non-PA applications at least. I'm using DML in the studio as well, and something like 4x XT25 will be both cost efficient and should give good HF...just lacking a bit of power for serious PA applications.
But if you want PA speakers without crossover that is completely doable. I had some issues with the construction of my last revision as well, but not due to using a cluster of exciters, and it is no surprise that someone like me without previous experience in this field of engineering to have to make a few revisions before coming up with a solid design. But the plates that was properly put together held up being blasting at full power for a couple of days at the festival, and I'm using a few of them in studio and living room since then. So those do work, are still very cheap for what they can do, and can be made reliable and easy to assemble without mistakes with some updates to the design.
I will make a new revision using a cluster of four exciters to compare with, and I suspect it might be preferable to have such a version for non-PA applications at least. I'm using DML in the studio as well, and something like 4x XT25 will be both cost efficient and should give good HF...just lacking a bit of power for serious PA applications.
But if you want PA speakers without crossover that is completely doable. I had some issues with the construction of my last revision as well, but not due to using a cluster of exciters, and it is no surprise that someone like me without previous experience in this field of engineering to have to make a few revisions before coming up with a solid design. But the plates that was properly put together held up being blasting at full power for a couple of days at the festival, and I'm using a few of them in studio and living room since then. So those do work, are still very cheap for what they can do, and can be made reliable and easy to assemble without mistakes with some updates to the design.
Leob, I like your innovative and creative energy. Although I am not really interested in PA applications, I think the PA market is potentially a huge market for (affordable) flat panel speakers.
I think you are on the right track with a 3 way system. Whether all 3 ways can be dml panels remains to be seen, or developed.
We've all seen these videos long ago, but just a refresher on the Tectonic PA speakers. Up to 70Hz they use pistonic subs. From 70Hz up to only 7KHz is dml panel, and it looks like the XTB40 can do that for you. From 7KHz upwards they use ribbon tweeters. This seems to be the challenging bandwidth for dml panels, especially high SPL?
Hope you find satisfactory solutions soon.