Enhancing Loudspeaker Efficiency and Bl(x) Symmetry with Virtual Voice Coil, Part 2

This is the second article detailing the design and simulation possibilities of the SpeakerLAB software and its Virtual Voice Coil (VVC) module for speaker designers. This simulation includes complete temperature management involved in loudspeaker calculus. The article also expands on audio transducer parameter prediction such as maximum SPL, analyzes key design components such as the magnetic circuit, and analyses the resulting simulated metrics that could help determine the highest efficiency.

This first article in a two-part series details the design and simulation possibilities of the SpeakerLAB software for speaker designers. In this article, the author explores its Virtual Voice Coil (VVC) module, for designing voice coils and predicting audio transducer parameters with maximum accuracy. The detailed analysis also explains one of the keys that allow the accuracy of VVC prediction, given by a complete temperature management involved in loudspeaker calculus.

in this issue, Mike Klasco offers a renewed perspective about speaker cabinets and enclosures. Nora Wong compiled a highly sought-after Speaker Enclosure Vendors Directory for 2025. In Part 2 of his article, Dario Cinanni concludes his exploration of the SpeakerLAB software to simulate and predict speaker efficiency. In Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the Dayton Audio Ultimax II 8-22 8" subwoofer and the very unique GAIT BGD-D72-64-4-0A1 glass diaphragm super tweeter.

This issue includes a new product review in Vance Dickason’s Outboard DSP series, exploring the miniDSP Flex audio processor. And Dario Cinanni explains how to Enhance Loudspeaker Efficiency and Bl(x) Symmetry with the Virtual Voice Coil software from SpeakerLAB. As scheduled, Mike Klasco and Nora Wong compiled the 2025 Cone and Dome Directory. For this month’s Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the Faital Pro 5PR120 5” Pro Midrange Driver.

Dario Cinanni details its acoustic simulation study about high-frequency horn driver transducers. Using a novel equation that correlates the matrix of a virtual horn and measured compression driver pressure, it is possible to easily predict the absolute sound pressure level (SPL) of the real horn driver frequency response. The results showed a good match between simulations and measurements up to 15 kHz. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, December 2019.

Voice Coil December 2019 features an outstanding article on constant directivity horn design from Dario Cinanni, followed by a new Spotlight feature on MEMS loudspeakers by Mike Klasco (Menlo Scientific), and a new vendors directory. Next up, James Croft reviews a new loudspeaker enclosure patent recently awarded to Bang & Olufsen, and Vance Dickason offers two complete characterizations of new pro sound drivers from Dayton Audio and BMS.