Sound reproduction system having enhanced low frequency directional control characteristics

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Turning now to FIGS.
2A-B, an improved sound reproduction system 38 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, thereby achieving improved pattern control by eliminating the dramatic drop-offs in sound level which characterize prior sound reproduction systems will now be described in greater detail.
The sound reproduction system 38 includes first, second, third and fourth loudspeakers 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, each having a cone diaphragm, mounted in a support structure 42.
The loudspeakers 40a-d are arranged as an array, i.
e.
, the general center of each loudspeaker 40a-d is located along axis 39.
As illustrated herein, the loudspeakers 40a-d are arranged in a vertical array, i.
e.
, the general center of each loudspeaker 12a-d is located along a vertical axis.
It should be noted, however, that while the illustrated embodiment discloses four loudspeakers arranged in a vertical array, it is specifically contemplated that the invention may encompass any sound reproduction system which includes any greater even number of loudspeakers arranged along a single axis orientated in any direction.
The loudspeakers 40a-d of the sound reproduction system 38 are arranged in loudspeaker pairs.
More specifically, the loudspeakers 40b and 40c form an inner loudspeaker pair, the general center of each of which is spaced, along the vertical axis 39, a first distance "a1" from center line 41 while the loudspeakers 40a and 40d form an outer loudspeaker pair, the general center of each of which is spaced, along the vertical axis 39, a second distance "b1" from the center line 41.
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the ratio of the second distance b1 to the first distance a1 is 3:1.
Thus, in the example disclosed herein, the center of each loudspeaker 40b, 40c of the inner loudspeaker pair is spaced 0.
75 feet from the center line 41 while the center of each loudspeaker 40a, 40d of the outer loudspeaker pair is spaced 2.
25 feet from the center line 41