Alpine News
Alpine Electronics is revolutionising the car-audio market with the introduction of the industry's first subwoofer systems based on Linear Array Transducer (LAT) technology. The manufacturer of high-performance mobile electronics introduced two new Powered LAT Subwoofer Systems, one for larger vehicles (PLV-7) and one for smaller vehicles (PLT-5). The systems are based on Tymphany Corporation's revolutionary LAT technology and Whise Automotive's innovative Ultra Reflex enclosure design technology. These two incredibly powerful yet compact units integrate Alpine's new advanced digital switching amplifier with a radically new form factor loudspeaker, all housed within a cutting-edge enclosure. The larger Powered LAT Subwoofer System was named an Innovations Award winner at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Both models use Tymphany's LAT subwoofer technology, which has a cylindrical form factor rather than the traditional cone/frame assembly. The LAT subwoofers, paired with Alpine's new PDX digital amplifiers, have been engineered with a patent-pending Ultra Reflex enclosure design from Whise Automotive of Australia. As a result of the development partnership between the three companies, each individual component of the PLV-7 and PLT-5 was specifically designed from the ground up to achieve optimum performance for the car audio market. The resulting systems deliver ground-pounding, tight bass with no mechanical vibration and clean, accurate control for an exceptionally powerful and uncompromised sound experience.
Consumers also no longer have to sacrifice car storage space, thanks to the systems' exclusive compact design. The PLV-7 has a built-in 500-watt RMS digital switching mono amplifier and features six 7-inch cones that produce the same output as two 12-inch subs while using 30 percent less space. The PLT-5 has a built-in 250-watt RMS digital switching mono amplifier and six 5-inch cones whose output is comparable to two 10-inch subs while using 20 percent less space.
"Owners of vehicles such as standard-cab trucks and SUVs can now get the performance they desire," said Darren Gray, Marketing Manager, Alpine Electronics of Australia. "In the past, they had to settle for 8-inch subwoofers when they really wanted the 10-inch or 12-inch sizes, due to space constraints. Alpine's PLV-7 and PLT-5 satisfy their quest for performance with a format that fits in their vehicles."
"The PLV-7 and PLT-5 Powered LAT Subwoofer Systems are the first car audio products to market with our LAT subwoofer technology," said Jennifer Stagnaro, vice president of marketing, Tymphany Corp. "We hope that consumers will come to know and recognize Tymphany as an innovator in loudspeaker technology."
"Whise Automotive is proud to have played a part in developing these new powered subwoofer systems," said Wayne Carey, general manager of Whise Automotive Pty Ltd. "The specially designed Whise enclosures optimize the performance of the Alpine amplifiers and Tymphany LAT subwoofers, and the overall result is outstanding."
Tymphany LAT Technology
The Tymphany LAT is the first audio transducer to bring great bass in a uniquely slim, narrow shape, making it ideal for in-car applications. This efficient form factor is the result of a dramatic departure from conventional cone transducer assembly. Instead of displacing air across a single diaphragm, the Tymphany LAT displaces air using a linear array of multiple smaller diaphragms. These smaller diaphragms are fitted into a streamlined cylindrical shape, packing huge amounts of power into an impressively small space.
The Tymphany LAT is also vibration free, thus eliminating the potential for the rattling or buzzing that vibration can cause in audio systems. The multiple small diaphragms, which are connected to two opposing motor structures by balanced sets of piston rods, work in a push-push operation that cancels both distortion and me
