- Produce a diffuse, spacious sound due to the uniform vibration across the entire panel surface rather than from a single point source. This gives an open, enveloping soundstage[1].
- Excellent dispersion characteristics, providing consistent coverage across a wide listening area. The sound is not as directional as traditional speakers[2][3].
- Generally a smooth, balanced frequency response across the panel’s operating range. However, low frequency output is limited by the size of the panel[1].
- Low distortion even at high volumes, allowing loud playback levels without harshness[2].
- Despite the diffuse nature, stereo imaging is still perceptible. The open soundstage gives a sense of immersion[2].
- The panel material impacts the sound. Rigid, well damped panels made of materials like aluminum or acrylic sound best[1][4].
- Not capable of deep bass like subwoofers, so a sub is needed for full range reproduction. The panels handle mids and highs[1].
- Overall, DML speakers provide a highly diffuse, spacious sound with wide, consistent dispersion. The openness and envelopment of the soundstage is a defining characteristic[2][3].
Citations:
[1] https://www.instructables.com/Make-Your-Own-Transparent-DML-Speakers/
[2] https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/dml-pa-systems.390363/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk95g2lIB7A
[4] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/8729236/solution-to-cannot-perform-a-dml-operation-inside-a-query
[5] https://cloud.google.com/sdk/docs/release-notes
[6] https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA266046.pdf