Introduction

Assessing Loudspeaker Systems in the Large Signal Domain

The behavior of electro dynamical loudspeakers at high amplitudes can not be described by a linear model. This conventional model suggests a transfer response independent of input signal amplitudes. In fact thermal and nonlinear mechanisms cause signal distortion and limit acoustical output. New techniques are developed for the identification of nonlinearities. They allow measurement and prediction of nonlinear transfer behavior and also the subjective evaluation of the nonlinear distortion in audio-signals. The tools give valuable information about the correlation between the physical characteristics of driver and perceived sound quality. It is possible to recognize the physical causes of distortion by understanding the measured loudspeaker parameters.

scratch	motor design
		parameter		calculation
driver	parameter measurement
		prediction
system	response measurement
		auralization
perception	listening test	Sensations preferences sound design