Direct acoustic digital-to-analog conversion with digital transducer array loudspeakers

A research study of a digital loudspeaker composed of an array of transducers explores the requirements for achieving quality sound. Three configurations were tested by both simulation and with empirical prototypes. Key factors, such as transducer mismatch, array size, transducer spacing, baffle diffraction, and configuration, were isolated and quantified. Although harmonic distortion exceeds the theoretic base level, a smooth rolloff in transducer bandwidth improved performance. Path length differences between transducers and the listener are minimized with smaller configurations.