THIS IS the Artcoustic technology
Let’s start with the obvious
Our speakers are small, barely noticeable. For a hi-fi novice that might lead to the conclusion that small speakers cannot deliver a high output. Creating a speaker with high output is a straightforward task when there are no restrictions on its size or shape. Artcoustic is born out of a Danish design tradition. When we embarked on this journey 25 years ago, our mission seemed impossible: to deliver industry-leading sound performance in the slimmest cabinet available.
As the unrivaled leaders in sound engineering, our loudspeaker brand stands out with a powerful combination of unique selling propositions. From being an industry leader in SPL per watt with high sensitivity loudspeakers for excellent dynamic range, to delivering a timbre-matched range of products that are one of the most scalable and can deliver an optimal spatial resolution, our commitment to audio perfection defines us.
Invest 11 minutes...
…and fully understand the 11 factors that distinguish the Artcoustic technology. Explore the cutting-edge technology that places us at the forefront of immersive sound experiences.
ONE SPEAKER
tech#1
Same look and same tonality throughout the entire space
The Artcoustic range comprises essentially one loudspeaker. The sole distinction lies in the number of drivers and the cabinet size. All of our loudspeakers adhere to a modular format, sharing the same form factor, the same high-grade components, and exceptionally high sound pressure levels.
This means we can offer a speaker for any application, always ensuring the quality and tonality of the sound remain the same, whatever the size of the different rooms.
When determining the suitable speaker sizes for an installation, we conduct a thorough analysis of the room, considering its dimensions and the preferences for audio level. Subsequently, we ascertain the required number of drivers. The outcome may involve smaller or larger loudspeakers. Insufficient drivers in a room can yield subpar results, while an excess of drivers may also lead to an unsatisfactory solution. Our approach involves a precise assessment of the specific requirements and results in a fully timbre-matched solution at reference level.
Hybrid between HiFi and Pro Audio
tech#2
We have merged the best from two worlds
Artcoustic is an interior-friendly loudspeaker with professional qualities and characteristics – a hybrid between HiFi and Pro Audio
HIFI
- High frequency driver and single dome tweeter
- Works well within smaller spaces and shorter distances
- Their dispersion pattern is very wide
- They don’t output anywhere near what’s needed for larger, over distance applications
pro audio
- Compression horn drivers (aggressive and require deeper cabinets)
- Very high output
- Travels well over distance with more narrow dispersion
Artcoustic Array Speakers
- Designed around the dome tweeter as HiFi
- We use multiple driveunits, placed in a very specific order, both electronically and physically
- The mid-woofer drivers are also carefully aligned with higher frequency units
- The result is a truly unique speaker housing qualities otherwise impossible to achieve
LINE ARRAY
tech#3
Inspired by professional concert halls & cinemas
Artcoustic speakers are of the line array or line source type, known from professional venues. We have refined this concept by meticulously aligning multiple tweeters according to a mathematically and geometrically calculated formula.
By doing this, we get a large increase in speaker sensitivity and power handling, and we minimize unwanted ceiling and floor reflections. The result is a very high maximum output even over a long distance and a much cleaner sound with improved mid-range.
Types of arrays used by Artcoustic
Below illustrations are showing the differences between the HI-FI dome tweeter, the horn-loaded design, and types of line array designs used by Artcoustic.
Illustration with a 30W light bulb
The typical omnidirectional light bulb, which in many ways is similar to the typical HI-FI dome tweeter.
Illustration with a ceiling lamp
A more controlled light source, with guided directivity from a lamp shade illustrating the more pro audio-oriented horn-load design.
Illustration of a 120W straight line array
Using Spitfire A6/A4 and smaller Evolve speakers
Illustration of a 120W TIME-ALIGNED array
Using larger Evolve speakers
Illustration of a 120W angled line array
Using Spitfire array speakers
Traditional ‘point source’ speakers are typically rectangular, come in a variety of sizes and usually contain a horn designed to cover a very specific vertical and horizontal angle. They work well within smaller spaces and shorter distances.
Speakers used in professional concert halls and cinemas are based around compression horn drivers, which have the quality of very high output and travels well with their narrower dispersion over distance.
Compression horns can come across as sounding a bit aggressive and require deeper cabinets. The Artcoustic TAAT – Time Aligned Array Technology is a hybrid right in between the two. It is as hi-fi speaker designed around the dome tweeter instead of compression horns, but we use multiple of them, placed in a very specific order, both electronically and physically. Same goes for the smaller mid-woofer drivers, carefully aligned with higher frequency units, with the result of a truly unique speaker, housing qualities otherwise impossible to achieve.
With the TAAT, sound pressure is affected less by distance, allowing for clearer, more consistent sound reinforcement. The key to a line array is that the speakers face slightly different vertical angles, allowing them to consistently cover a greater depth of field than a point source speaker can.
Instead of going to all the walls reflecting in all sorts of directions, our speakers project in a straighter line.
"Upon experiencing the Artcoustic line array speaker system, it leaves an unforgettable impression. The sound is expansive, and the numerous drivers deliver an indescribable level of dynamic headroom."
SUB-SAT SYSTEM
tech#4
Small speakers. big sound.
A speaker’s cabinet size mainly dictates how low (bass frequencies) it can play – not how loud it can play. So, the main reason most loudspeakers are big is because they need room for the woofers.
Instead of designing full-range speakers (mid-range drivers, tweeters, and woofers in one cabinet), Artcoustic is using a sub-sat concept where one or more separate subwoofers handle the low frequencies. This allows us to focus 100% on perfecting mid-range and high frequencies in a smaller separate cabinet – and likewise engineering a new and incredibly versatile bandpass type design for our subwoofers. The sub-sat concept adds a lot of advantages.
When placing larger full-range speakers close to a wall, they start to behave very unpredictably in the lower region, as sub-frequencies are very room dependent, so by going sub-sat and line-source, Artcoustic achieves two important things:
- By cutting the low frequencies, our speakers do not couple with close walls and will as a result sound much cleaner, especially with improved mid-range ally.
- By using line-source design, our speakers end up with a narrower vertical dispersion pattern, which close to eliminates unwanted ceiling and floor reflections, and again gives us a much cleaner sound and improved mid-range.
Our subwoofer range has also been engineered to perfection. Instead of a typical bass-reflex design, we have engineered a versatile bandpass-type design. With this, the cabinet size of our subwoofers is close to half of normal and still achieves almost double the output. On top of that, we end up with an incredibly minimalistic and simple form factor, which fits well within most interiors.
So in short, very small and very loud mid and high-frequency speakers and relatively small and very loud subwoofers.
BANDPASS SYSTEM
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Artcoustic Bandpass Subwoofers
More than 20 years of subwoofer technology and acoustic evolution has developed into the most advanced and powerful subwoofer series ever produced by Artcoustic.
The Artcoustic Subwoofer Series is a low resonance frequency 4th order bandpass design, which ensures powerful and clean bass. Ideal for professional applications such as recording and film studios, dedicated cinemas, and fixed installations.
EFFICIENCY
The bandpass subwoofer is a specially designed subwoofer where the drivers are placed within a dedicated chamber. This process ensures that the cone produces a smoother sound while contributing more volume and output. The Artcoustic bandpass subwoofers produce both deeper bass and extended sound pressure levels, from a very small form factor.
Bandpass subwoofers produce incredibly consistent sub-bass and bass soundwaves in virtually any environment, primarily since the ports work as an effective low-pass filter and since the enclosure only releases at the desired frequency range.
SUB SONIC QUALITY
Bandpass subwoofers have a profound deep bass extension, with outstanding harmonics and detailed material reproduction.
REDUCED CONE EXCURSION
The bandpass subwoofer lets you control the cone motion, ensuring that lower excursion occurs. Since there is limited movement, you’ll experience less air circulation than other subwoofer designs, which results in a higher acoustic output.
DURABILITY
Since a bandpass box doesn’t push the drivers to the limit, you’ll notice higher long-term durability rates with these subs compared to other types. A bandpass subwoofer is built to provide low-frequency support for an extended time.
The main characteristic of bandpass enclosures, which is universal, is that they exert greater control over cone motion over a wider frequency band than conventional designs. Due to controlled, rapidly changing air pressure on either side of the woofer, the woofer is capable of producing high levels of acoustic output without physically moving very much. This means that the woofer is less likely to encounter excursion limits in the main part of the sub-bass range.
DYNAMIC RANGE, SPL & SENSITIVITY
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Artcoustic delivers the required dynamic range better than most speakers
We understand dynamic range in photography, where we see details better in a bright image than in a dark image. Audio is no different. Our starting point is Dolby who state that the reference level we need to achieve is 105dB.
This figure is based on the calculation of 85dB (talking volume) plus 20dB detail, ie the peaks, from loud to quiet, that film demands. Essentially, dynamic range is the difference between the highest and the lowest peaks – the broader the range the more detail you will hear.
Detail enriches the film experience and elevates it from bland to extraordinary.
It is always important when designing your system to incorporate headroom to allow for EQ, low distortion levels and to retain the dynamic range.
Artcoustic is industry leader in SPL per watt
Artcoustic loudspeakers deliver the required dynamic range better than most speakers due to the high sensitivity, which also makes us industry leader in Sound Pressure Level per Watt. Speaker sensitivity is a measurement of how well a speaker converts the amplifier power to acoustic energy. This means you can drive our speakers to incredible levels and achieve reference dynamic range even with very low amplifier power.
A speaker with low sensitivity and low SPL will deliver a poor dynamic range = less detail. A lower SPL means it will not achieve the target output, impacting the quality of the audio experience.
TIMBRE-MATCHING
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CLARITY AND BALANCE
Through design consistency, timbre matching provides clarity and a balanced audio experience. Artcoustic deploys the same high-grade components throughout the range to ensure a timbre-matched experience, no matter the size of the project.
Timbre-matching refers to the process of ensuring that audio components, such as speakers or audio equipment, produce sounds with a consistent and harmonious tonal quality. In the context of speakers, timbre-matching is particularly important when using multiple speakers in a sound system.
Each speaker or audio device has its own unique sonic signature or timbre, influenced by factors like the materials used, design, and construction. When multiple speakers are used together, especially in a home theater or audio system, it’s essential to match their timbre to create a seamless and cohesive sound experience. Timbre-matching helps avoid discrepancies in sound quality that could arise if speakers with different tonal characteristics are used together.
Artcoustic designs all loudspeakers with identical timbre characteristics, making it easier for our partners and clients to achieve a consistent sound when using multiple speakers. This ensures that the audio produced by each speaker blends well together, providing a more immersive and accurate listening experience.
DISPERSION
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Concentrated & detailed sound
Much like the beam of a torch, the audio ‘beam’ is hugely important. Referred to as dispersion, the wider the beam, the less concentrated the audio, which can cause unwanted reflection and loss of SPL. In a fixed seating position, a narrower, more focused vertical beam is far more effective. With most traditional speakers, a broader vertical dispersion is used, typically 80° to 90°.
In below example we can see that early reflection and energy loss means a reduction in audio information ond subsequent dynamic range.
By using line source design, our speakers end up with a narrower vertical dispersion pattern, which close to eliminates unwanted ceiling and floor reflections, and again gives us a much cleaner sound and improved mid-range.
Looking at this dispersion example, we can see the importance of a focused audio ‘beam’ to our seating position. The Artcoustic Spitfire A6 is configured through a narrower dispersion and can ‘target’ the listener in the most efficient way. It is this, together with output, that ensures that the audio is directed to the listener with minimal sound ‘wastage’, delivering an outstanding experience.
In cinema sound, dispersion is key to an immersive experience. It dictates how sound waves spread within a space, influencing various aspects. Artcoustic’s precision-engineered loudspeakers prioritize controlled dispersion, ensuring audiences experience cinema sound that is consistently clear, balanced, and immersive.
Effective dispersion ensures even sound distribution, eliminating dead zones and excessive loudness.
Maintains clear and intelligible dialogue throughout the seating area.
Enhances spatial distribution for a cohesive and enveloping soundstage.
Crucial for modern systems like Dolby Atmos, ensuring accurate placement of overhead effects.
Prevents distortions and imbalances, delivering a cohesive and impactful cinematic audio experience.
DIALOGUE
tech#9
Enhancing Dialogue Clarity
Our commitment to delivering crystal-clear and easily understandable dialogue forms the core of each loudspeaker we build. This philosophy resonates not only within our soundbar collection but also extends to our Evolve and Spitfire series, perfectly suited for dedicated home cinemas or systems with identical LCR and drop-down screens.
CROSSOVER FLEXIBILITY
Unlike typical speakers where crossover points are determined by the drive units, Artcoustic speakers are not restricted. The tweeter plays lower than needed, and the mid plays higher than necessary. This freedom lets us choose crossover points far from the sensitive vocal frequencies, enhancing dialogue clarity.
HIGH SENSITIVITY
The high sensitivity of Artcoustic products achieves the dynamic range demanded by Dolby and CEDIA in any room, while also reducing distortion.
SUB-SAT DESIGN
Focusing on mid and high frequencies eliminates interference from low-frequency disturbances, preserving dialogue clarity. The Sub-Sat design choice, when executed well, ensures outstanding dynamics and clarity. Sub-Sat excels by completely removing the bass from the speaker cabinet. This lets the speaker perform as intended, undisturbed by low-frequency energy. Moreover, it optimizes the bass (subwoofer) placement in the room for optimal performance.
DOLBY ATMOS, DARDT & SPATIAL RESOLUTION
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CINEMA SOLUTIONS WITH ARTCOUSTIC DELIVER THE HIGHEST STANDARD
ARTCOUSTIC & DOLBY DARDT
Dolby Atmos is recognized as the highest standard in audio technology that allows sound engineers to create an immersive and three-dimensional sound experience. It adds height and dimension to traditional surround sound systems by introducing overhead speakers and advanced audio processing algorithms.
Instead of simply placing sounds around the listener, Dolby Atmos allows for specific three-dimensional locations, creating a more realistic and enveloping soundscape. This technology also allows for individual sound objects to be moved around in real time, providing a more dynamic and flexible audio experience. This is also referred to as Spatial Resolution.
Dolby Atmos is important because it significantly enhances the quality and realism of audio content, providing a more engaging and immersive experience for the listener. It allows viewers and listeners to experience sound as if they are truly in the middle of the action, which can greatly enhance the emotional impact of movies, music, and other content.
With its object-based audio, adaptability to various setups, and dynamic rendering capabilities, Dolby Atmos offers a premium audio experience for movies, TV shows, gaming, and music.
The Dolby Audio Room Design Tool (DARDT) is an interactive tool that allows the user to input speaker layout dimensions, speaker locations, and speaker and amplifier details to help design and model a Dolby Atmos Home Entertainment configuration to Dolby recommendations.
Artcoustic is recognized by Dolby being part of the DARDT, and our loudspeakers meet the Dolby requirements for reference-level cinema design. Furthermore, our modular concept is ideal for creating an optimal Spatial Resolution.
We have created a tool to help you design your Artcoustic cinemas with Dolby Atmos. Follow the link below to download the tool.
MADE BY HAND
tech#11
Entirely made by hand to secure the quality
At Artcoustic, we celebrate the artistry and precision that goes into creating audio experiences of unparalleled quality. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail at our factory in Europe, our handmade loudspeakers epitomize excellence in both design and performance.
The unique craftsmanship sets our handmade loudspeakers apart. Each speaker is a testament to the expertise of skilled artisans who bring passion and dedication to every stage of the manufacturing process. The result is a collection of speakers that not only deliver exceptional sound but also embody a commitment to craftsmanship that is second to none.
Artcoustic is a showcase of the benefits of investing in handcrafted loudspeakers. From the selection of premium materials to the precision in assembly, our handmade speakers offer an elevated auditory experience that discerning audiophiles and clients seeking excellence will truly appreciate.
Elevate your offerings with our exquisite handcrafted loudspeakers!