MartinLogan pmn - Manual (Page 15)

Since the beginning of audio, achieving smooth dispersion
has been a problem for all loudspeaker designers. Large
panel transducers present even more of a challenge because
the larger the panel, the more directional the dispersion
pattern becomes.
Full range electrostats have long been one of the most prob-
lematic transducers because they attain their full range
capabilities via a large surface area. It looked as if they were
in direct conflict to smooth dispersion and almost every
attempt to correct this resulted in either poor dispersion or
a serious compromise in sound quality.
After extensive research, MartinLogan engineers discovered
an elegantly simple solution to achieve a smooth pattern
of dispersion without degrading sound quality. By curving
the horizontal plane of the electrostatic transducer, a
controlled horizontal dispersion pattern could be achieved,
yet the purity of the almost massless electrostatic diaphragm
remained uncompromised. After creating this technology,
MartinLogan developed the production capability to bring it
out of the laboratory and into the market place.
You will find this proprietary MartinLogan technology used
in all of our products. It is one of the many reasons behind
our reputation for high quality sound with practical usability.
This is also why you see the unique “see through” cylindrical
shape of all MartinLogan products.
MicroPerf TM Stator
The MicroPerf stator design reduces the size of individual
holes in a stator, allowing more openings per square inch
than a standard MartinLogan stator. This maximizes efficien-
cy and dispersion of small stat panels and also increases
optical clarity. In addition, the tighter grid of holes permits
the MicroPerf stator to drive the diaphragm very uniformly.
The diaphragm in the Clarity employs an extremely sophis-
ticated conductive coating that has been applied to the
polymer surface at an atomic level using a plasma bonding
process involving an oxygen free argon chamber. This process
allows extremely uniform surface resistivity characteristics,
an optically transparent surface and adds no mass to the
diaphragm. This uniform surface resistivity controls the
electrostatic charge on the diaphragm surface and regulates
its migration. As a result, no discharging or “arcing” occurs.
Transducer Integrity
All MartinLogan transducers begin with two pieces of high-
grade, cold rolled steel. These steel pieces are then custom
perforated and insulated with a unique composite coating.
This proprietary coating insulates the stator to three times
its actual needed working voltage and gives the Clarity a
wide margin of safe operation. In addition to the electrical
insulation properties, this coating also provides the Clarity
with a durable, attractive finish that dampens the steel to
prevent ringing. These pieces then sandwich a proprietary
diaphragm and spacers into a curved geometry, and bond
together with aerospace adhesives whose strength exceeds
that of welding.The result of these advanced technologies
is a transducer that is attractive, durable, highly rigid, well
dampened, and neutral.
Low Voltage DC
To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and
broaden ease of installation, especially for custom installers,
the Clarity features a low-voltage DC power supply.
NAC TM
NAC (natural ambience compensation) reveals larger-than-
life sound by eliminating dispersion problems inherent to
small electrostatic transducers. By expanding off-axis high-
frequency dispersion, Clarity assures listeners of a perfect
performance no matter where they’re seated or standing.
A true audiophile solution, the NAC is parallel to the signal path
and features an on/off switch to adjust for listener preference.
Curvilinear Line Source (CLS TM ) Plasma Bonded Diaphragm
MartinLogan Exclusives 15
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