The theory of bounded-ripple loudspeaker systems

This paper describes an investigation of the low-frequency performance of an electrodynamic direct radiator loudspeaker mounted in a vented or an unvented enclosure. The goal of the investigation is to determine if the maximally flat system (see Thiele [1] or Lea and Lampton [2]) can be improved by permitting small uniformly bounded departures from flat response. A figure of merit is defined that permits systems of different types to be compared. A class of bounded-ripple loudspeaker systems is discussed; these systems have figures of merit at least as good as that of the triple point system. The numerical results of the investigation are presented graphically. A procedure is described with which maximally flat or bounded-ripple systems satisfying given performance specifications may be designed.