What are other types of flat panel loudspeaker technologies in existence?

Electrostatic Loudspeaker (ELS)

An electrostatic loudspeaker (ESL) is a loudspeaker design in which sound is generated by the force exerted on a membrane suspended in an electrostatic field. This is a highly resistive device, requiring high voltage amplification, and the design is inefficient compared to DMLs.

Ribbons and Planar Magnetics

Planar magnetic transducers typically consist of two main components: a diaphragm with circuit and magnet arrays. The “planar” in planar magnetics refers to the magnetic field that’s distributed in the same plane (parallel) to the diaphragm. Planar magnetic diaphragms, thin and lightweight, are suspended in the magnetic fields created by the magnetic arrays.

Other Flat Panel Systems

There are hybrid systems, in a flat panel configuration, which are not electrostatic, planar-magnetic or DML based. For example, (-)-Array offers a product that is configured as a flat panel, using conventional drivers and horns. It’s very complex.

(-)-Array (flat panel, conventional mid-high + compression drivers + DSP)

“The (-) uses twelve 8-inch cone drivers with 2.5” voice coils for low-mid frequencies, powered by six power amplifier channels. The mid-high frequency section uses five 1.75” voice coil compression drivers mounted on 1”x 4” constant directivity waveguides. The drivers form an array exactly in the center of the speaker.