B&W Matrix 1

 The B&W Matrix 1 loudspeaker system incorporates the first radical improvement in enclosure design for many years. Invented by Laurence Dickie (B&W Chief Electronics Engineer) it is an ingenious new type of construction, concealed within the loudspeaker cabinet. This unique construction - the B&W Matrix - virtually eliminates cabinet vibrations, which in ordinary loudspeakers add their unwanted contribution to the final sound.

This is a monitor quality loudspeaker system capable of generating extremely high sound levels. At the same time, due to its wide and balanced frequency response, it will faithfully reproduce the quieter sounds of a solo instrument requiering considerably lower sound level for a faithful reproduction of the live performance.

Quite deliberately, the B&W matrix series of loudspeaker are described as digital monitors. They have been designed for the age of the compact disc, with all the additional reqirements that this material places on the loudspeaker system - such as increased dynamic range, increased transient information, lower noise floor, etc.

B&W Matrix 1 is, however, just as mich at home with good analogue material and essentially will faithfully reproduce whatever signals are fed to it.

 The loudspeaker drive units

Having made this major breakthrough in enclosure design, B&W used their ongoing research programme to incorporate totally new drive units within the Matrix series of loudspeakers. For the bass and bass/midrange units, anew material - homopolymer polypropylene - was chosen. A ferrofluid design was employed for the high frequency transducer, giving an additional 8 dB of clear dynamic range for the increased transient signals of the compact disc.

Crossover, filter network and protection circuits

In any product, when the designer improves one module, others have to be upgraded if the whole is to be superior. Take the example of a car for which a new, improved engine is developed; better brakes and suspension must then complement the improved performance from the power unit if the car is to be a totally better product. Likewise with the B&W Matrix series of loudspeakers: having improved both the enclosure and the drive units, corresponding improvements were necessary both in the components and design of the crossover. The APOC protection circuit on which B&W hold world patents, has also been upgraded.

 The B&W Matrix enclosure.

The newly invented Matrix enclosure, on which patent applications are pending throughout the world, is the heart of this loudspeaker and represents on of the few new inventions related to loudspeaker enclosures for many years. The B&W matrix or honeycomb structure which fills tha air space inside the cabinet prevents the enclosure (as opposed to the loudspeaker drive unit) from radiating sound, almost completely. This has never before been achieved.

Specifications

Frequency Range:  55 Hz - 35 kHz (-6 dB points)

System Resonance:  60 Hz . System "Q" 0,7

Free Field Response:  Listening Axis ±2 dB, 80 Hz - 25 kHz

±30° Horizontal ±2 dB to 10 kHz

±5° Vertical ±2 dB to 20 kHz

Sensitivity:  85 dB (1W, 8 Ω)

Drive Unit:

Bass/Midrange :  150 mm (5-7/8") homopolymer polypropylene cone, 31 mm (1-1/4") voice coil on Kapton former, phenolic bonded and heat cured.

Tweeter :  25 mm (1") Ferrofluid-cooled with laser-optimised polyamide dome.

Distortion (for 90 dB SPL at 1 m):

2an harmonic:  less than 3,0% (20 Hz - 500 Hz); less than 1,0% (500 Hz - 20 kHz)

3rd harmonic :  less than 3,0% (20 Hz - 500 Hz); less than 1,0% (500 Hz - 20 kHz)

Impedance:  modulus 4,5 Ω ±0,5 Ω; Phase ±5° (essentially resistive)

Amplifier Limits:  50 W - 120 W at 4 Ω

Dimensions ( H x W x D):  410 x 230 x 322 mm (16" x 9" x 12-5/8")

Weight:  10 kg (22 lb)

Cabinet Finishes:  Real wood veneers of walnut, black ash, natural oak, rosewood. To special order high gloss lacquered finish within choice of colours.