Driver-complement design, Tweeter design, Midrange design – Sonance SILHOUETTE II User Manual
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DRIVER-COMPLEMENT DESIGN
The symmetrical placement and use of 4" midrange drivers above and below the tweeter were chosen
to widen the vertical dispersion which is critical for a wide off-axis listening window.
The use of small diameter midrange drivers and a low crossover frequency to the tweeter combine to
produce the desired flat room response.
Magnetic shielding of the midrange and tweeter array eliminates potential interference with video monitors
in close proximity.
TWEETER DESIGN
Sonance Silhouette's high frequency driver is a custom Focal® tweeter featuring a concave titanium
dome with a titanium dioxide coating designed to dampen unwanted resonance. This element delivers
high definition, high frequency information while maintaining a low resonant frequency. This tweeter
was specifically designed for the Sonance Silhouette's novel crossover design. Its elevated breakup
frequency results in high frequency articulation without coloration. The tweeter design also features:
• High-pressure, injection-molded face plate with 5 mm thickness
• Titanium dome employing super high Youngs modules dioxide coating
• 20mm diameter voice coil with aluminum former ensures high power handling
MIDRANGE DESIGN
Sonance Silhouette's 4" midrange driver is essential to the overall design. This specific approach was
chosen after months of research into the resonant characteristics of stud wall construction and
interaction between wall components and loudspeakers. Research reveals that the typical drywall/stud
interface is most susceptible to acoustical resonance in the 150 Hz to 200 Hz band. The 4" midrange
drivers allow a crossover point at 135 Hz, which is below this resonant frequency. Additionally,
mounting the midrange tweeter array in its own MDF back box eliminates coloration induced by
driver/wall interaction. Additional features include:
• Die-cast aluminum basket for maximum mechanical integrity as a rigid device
• Concave, one-piece magnesium cone, for designated polar response to generate uniformity both on-
and off-axis
• Vented pole piece design selected to ensure voice coil cooling and eliminate air pressure build-up
behind the driver element assembly. This results in the required high power handling capability.
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