Is there anyone who can tell if this invention can be applied to HI-FI ?
https://newatlas.com/feng-thin-flexible-speaker-microphone/49562/
https://newatlas.com/feng-thin-flexible-speaker-microphone/49562/
Seems like every few years there's a new version of the thin film sandwich speaker idea using a different technology. They typically have limited excursion, so will need to make for that with area, which only gets you so far and has its own set of challenges.
So far, most of them have been compromised from an audiophile perspective. But audiophiles are only a small sliver of the population, so most of the time they're not the target market anyway. The more telling aspect is that so far none of them (or various other alternatives) seem to have achieved significant market penetration in less demanding applications. Turning a whiz-bang prototype into something that can compete sonically and economically with standard speaker technology isn't easy. And standard speakers aren't stagnant - they're getting better all the time too.
Of course predicting disruptive technologies is typically difficult, so you never know which new thing is going to be the one.
Another similar sandwich:
https://jalopnik.com/lg-wants-to-transform-every-surface-in-your-cars-interi-1849808103
"LG, who is hoping to use slim vibrating panels to turn your car’s dashboard, roof and pretty much just about any surface into something that could create sound.
This is possible with a new product the company’s dubbed the “Thin Actuator Sound Solution.” Unlike traditional speakers with their discrete parts, materials and coil exciters, TASS employs film exciters. It’s an approach similar to what LG already uses in its thin OLED TVs, which quite literally pulsate their displays to produce audio. TASS’ passport-sized panels are just 10 percent of the thickness of a typical automotive-grade speaker — 2.5 millimeters — and 30 percent as heavy."
So far, most of them have been compromised from an audiophile perspective. But audiophiles are only a small sliver of the population, so most of the time they're not the target market anyway. The more telling aspect is that so far none of them (or various other alternatives) seem to have achieved significant market penetration in less demanding applications. Turning a whiz-bang prototype into something that can compete sonically and economically with standard speaker technology isn't easy. And standard speakers aren't stagnant - they're getting better all the time too.
Of course predicting disruptive technologies is typically difficult, so you never know which new thing is going to be the one.
Another similar sandwich:
https://jalopnik.com/lg-wants-to-transform-every-surface-in-your-cars-interi-1849808103
"LG, who is hoping to use slim vibrating panels to turn your car’s dashboard, roof and pretty much just about any surface into something that could create sound.
This is possible with a new product the company’s dubbed the “Thin Actuator Sound Solution.” Unlike traditional speakers with their discrete parts, materials and coil exciters, TASS employs film exciters. It’s an approach similar to what LG already uses in its thin OLED TVs, which quite literally pulsate their displays to produce audio. TASS’ passport-sized panels are just 10 percent of the thickness of a typical automotive-grade speaker — 2.5 millimeters — and 30 percent as heavy."
Thanks to Mattstat for great exposition.
Seems odd, we use electret microphones almost everywhere. But why can't we reverse them? Low bass aside, electrostatic films make great speakers provided they are driven two-sided with a high-voltage bias.
My guess is that the FENG electret is an ordinary magic pre-charged electret film with a ferric coating to enhance some properties. Sounds like the design is half-way to a Mag.
Disclosure: a buddy of mine was the guiding spirit for early electret evolution; so I am biased in their favour.
Seems odd, we use electret microphones almost everywhere. But why can't we reverse them? Low bass aside, electrostatic films make great speakers provided they are driven two-sided with a high-voltage bias.
My guess is that the FENG electret is an ordinary magic pre-charged electret film with a ferric coating to enhance some properties. Sounds like the design is half-way to a Mag.
Disclosure: a buddy of mine was the guiding spirit for early electret evolution; so I am biased in their favour.
While fine for a microphone, seems like the typical electret materials can only get up to hundreds of volts, which pretty severely limits excursion for an electrostatic-style speaker. Even the old Janszen tweeters were around 1000 V bias. I don't keep up with electrets though, so I'm not sure if anything stable with greater voltage capabilities is around now.
I have seen several patents for similar speakers using electrets though, so the idea has been kicking around awhile.
I have seen several patents for similar speakers using electrets though, so the idea has been kicking around awhile.
