Paper
Historical reference for vocal naturalness. Low mass, high damping, limited stiffness.
Stiffness35
Damping75
Mass35
Article 01
Cone Geometry
Shape, material, and stiffness. Three constraints, a single radiating surface.
The Starting Point
It all starts with the surface that moves the air.
The cone of a speaker is the single most visible part of an audio system, and it is also the most misunderstood. We often look at it as a cosmetic detail. It is in fact the organ that translates the motion of a voice coil into acoustic pressure inside the cabin.
Change its shape and the attack of percussion will change. Change its mass and the low-frequency extension will change. Change its material and the midrange color will change. None of this is ornamental.
Composites compared
Polypropylene
Acoustic plastic with balanced damping and mass. Warm sound, neutral midrange.
Stiffness55
Damping80
Mass50
Kevlar
Aramid fibre with high mechanical damping. Controlled detail, handles power well.
Stiffness80
Damping60
Mass65
Carbon-Aramid
Hybrid composite with maximum stiffness and intrinsic damping. Our choice for high-dynamics woofers.
Stiffness95
Damping70
Mass60
Design Pillars
What this article is built on
Stiffness Without Mass
A cone must behave as a rigid piston within its useful band. Stiffer means lower distortion. Lighter means faster response. The challenge is achieving both in the same material.
Internal Damping
An over-resonant material returns energy in uncontrolled ways. We select composites with a high mechanical loss factor, because what does not resonate does not colour.
Geometric Profile
The radial profile — straight, curved, or NAWI — determines where the cone begins to break up. We measure break-up with laser interferometry; we do not leave it to chance.
The Materials We Choose
For cabin woofers we select aramid-carbon composites. The aramid fibre provides intrinsic damping, the carbon contributes stiffness. The result is a cone that does not colour the lower mid and does not collapse on transients.
For midrange drivers we use treated cellulose membranes, with ad-hoc impregnation for each driver family. Cellulose, when properly processed, remains the reference for naturalness in vocal tones.
Measure, Don't Guess
Every cone geometry is validated in an anechoic chamber with pressure, acceleration, and step-response measurements. It does not enter production until the measured behaviour matches the simulated behaviour.
Measured Datum
−12dB
Residual out-of-band resonances
Measured on MS-W165 with aramid-carbon membrane, 0° axis, 1 kHz reference.
“The shape of a cone is not industrial design. It is an acoustic decision.”
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