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.