Multiactuator Panels for Wave Field Synthesis: Evolution and Present Developments

Abstract

A technical review is presented of the development of a special type of planar loudspeaker array for wave field synthesis, known as multiactuator panel. It consists of a thin, stiff panel with a small back volume, which vibrates by means of a group of mechanical exciters, each driven by a different signal. Multiactuator panels are used as alternatives to arrays of classic loudspeakers with conically shaped diaphragms for wave field synthesis, with added benefits such as low visual profile and diffuse radiation. However, the use of multiactuator panel arrays poses some problems and technical challenges that have been described in the literature. A historical review of the evolution from single- to multi-excited panels is given, followed by a technical discussion of the current developments in the field of wave field synthesis reproduction by means of multiactuator panels.