"Oh yeah - I saw those flat speakers years ago - is that what this is?" people often ask. This note helps to differentiate between loudspeakers of a similar "Form Factor" and how a Distributed Mode Loudspeaker is in a class by itself.
As more of the world discovers that Distributed Mode Loudspeakers from FlatPanel Audio are huge problem solvers for acoustically difficult rooms, it is easy to forget that in a well-behaved (acoustically) room, DML500 delivers a phenomenal experience difficult to achieve with Point-Source loudspeakers
This article helps to explain why there are no GLL files and EASE models for Distributed Mode Loudspeakers
The Inverse Square Law is a common tool used in professional audio to assist in predicting loudspeaker behavior in rooms, with regard to SPL. Due to a Distributed Mode Loudspeaker's mostly non-destructive room interaction, DMLs respond differently, and generally outperform the Inverse Square Law. This article seeks to help the reader understand why DMLs don't directly follow the Inverse Square Law.
The best traditional point-source loudspeaker in a difficult (acoustically) room can still provide unsatisfactory results.
Distributed Mode Loudspeakers can provide significant coverage benefits in rooms over traditional point-source loudspeakers.
Distributed Mode Loudspeakers (DML) are a truly different type of loudspeaker and they take a little bit of study to understand what makes them different. This article is a simple intro into the world of DML, but should help explain how it is that we get so many benefits from DML.
Have you ever wondered how, if a DML is a diffuse sound source, how does my brain even identify where the sound is coming from?