Performance-Based Measurement of Peak Displacement Xmax
Accurately defining a loudspeaker’s peak displacement limit is essential for optimizing performance and ensuring reliability. Traditional methods, such as AES 2-1984, rely on motor linearity deviations and often produce ambiguous or inconsistent results - ignoring key physical behaviors and nonlinearity sources.

This Application Note AN4 introduces a modern, performance-based definition of Xmax, implemented using KLIPPEL’s 3D Distortion Measurement (DIS) module. Instead of relying solely on motor parameters, this approach evaluates total harmonic distortion (THD) and intermodulation distortion (IMD) in the radiated sound pressure under defined test conditions. The method aligns with IEC 62458 and expands on techniques described in IEC 60268.

By analyzing the driver's near-field sound response to a two-tone excitation - combining signals at the resonance frequency (f₁ = fₛ) and a higher tone (f₂ = 8.5 fₛ) - the DIS module identifies the displacement at which distortion exceeds a defined threshold (typically 10%). This enables a more comprehensive and application-relevant assessment of Xmax that accounts for both motor and suspension behavior.

📘 Interested in modernizing your transducer testing approach?
Download the full Application Note AN4 and dive deeper into the method in the companion paper: “Assessment of Voice Coil Peak Displacement Xmax” by Wolfgang Klippel.

The 2-day seminar is designed to enhance your knowledge of the KLIPPEL Analyzer System. Divided into two parts for R&D and QC measurement applications, each day will focus on basic information, best practices, tips and tricks, which are useful for the daily work with dB-Lab and respective KLIPPEL tools. Regular participation fee for one day is 500€ (incl. VAT) and for two days 1.000€ (incl. VAT).

Don’t miss this opportunity! Further information and registration are available on our website.

Introducing the Max SPL Bundle
Unlock the true performance of your loudspeakers with the KLIPPEL Max SPL Bundle -  the all-in-one testing solution designed to ensure full compliance with IEC 60268-21, ANSI/CTA and AES 75 standards. Accurately measure and analyze key output-limiting factors such as distortion and compression, while accelerating design iterations with streamlined, standardized test routines.  

Already using KLIPPEL hardware? NFS users can gain even more value by pairing the bundle measurement modules with our ISC module to enable fully anechoic-equivalent Max SPL and distortion measurements. Book your free consultation today and start testing smarter, faster and with greater confidence. 

For more details or a personal consultation to find out how this bundle fits into your R&D workflows, feel free to reach out to our Customer Experience Manager Danny Rieger -  d.rieger@klippel.de. 

The latest issue of Voice Coil featured an intriguing article by our colleague Jonathan Gerbet!

It introduces our new software module, Fast Large Signal Identification (FLSI), which can automatically identify linear and nonlinear parameters. By providing deep insight into the dominant sources of distortion, FLSI significantly advances loudspeaker measurement and modelling capabilities. In the article, Jonathan primarily focuses on how FLSI works, while also highlighting its advantages over Large Signal Identification (LSI) and Linear Parameter Measurement (LPM) software tools. We are proud to be able to share this significant breakthrough with you! To discover all the exciting details and get a deeper insight, read the full version in the August edition of Voice Coil.