3 KM

The diaphragm, the key component of a loudspeaker, is at the heart of our acoustic engineers' research. Shape and materials are essential for high-fidelity reproduction. In 1986, our teams unveiled an aramid fibre sandwich membrane, recognizable by its unique yellow color. It has been extensively renewed over the years, while retaining the characteristics that made it such a success. Today, it consists of an ultra-light foam core sandwiched between a layer of aramid fibre and a layer of glass fibre. It combines the three key factors of a loudspeaker membrane: rigidity, lightness and damping, for a precise, dynamic and uncolored sound.

If the material of a membrane is essential, so is its shape. Focal engineers worked on an "M" profile for the glass fibre "W" membrane. This "M" profile is the fruit of many years of research and our expertise in membrane geometries. Produced in a single piece (without a core cover), it achieves, among other things, a significant reduction in harmonic distortion, better sound dispersion and optimal power handling. A major Focal innovation that can be found on many products.

At the rear of the diaphragm is the spider, which holds the lower part of the cone in place. By working on this essential element of the loudspeaker, and in particular by developing a spider with a progressive profile, our engineers have achieved better damping of the sandwich cone's movements, greatly enhancing the linearity, precision and dynamics of the sound.

While our engineers are experts in the development of exclusive diaphragms, they also innovate in all the components that make up the loudspeakers, such as the surround that connects the diaphragm to the frame, the performance of which must be mastered. Introduced in 2015, Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) technology with harmonic damping consists of the addition of finely positioned toroidal weights to stabilize the surround for even greater sonic neutrality. This technology enhances the midrange and the erratic behavior of the surround between 1 kHz and 2 kHz.