Dipolhögtalare

Dipolhögtalare, also known as dipole speakers, are a type of loudspeaker that radiates sound from both the front and the back of a speaker diaphragm. Unlike typical box or cabinet loudspeakers that are designed to contain the rear sound wave, dipoles allow it to propagate freely into the room. This creates a specific sound dispersion pattern.

The sound radiated from the front of the diaphragm is typically in phase, while the sound from the rear is out of phase. As the diaphragm moves forward, it pushes air in front and pulls air from behind. This characteristic means that dipoles tend to radiate sound more broadly horizontally, but with a significant cancellation effect directly behind the speaker, creating a figure-of-eight radiation pattern.

This unique dispersion pattern can have several effects on the listening experience. The direct sound is less affected by room reflections compared to omnidirectional speakers, potentially leading to greater clarity and a more open soundstage. However, the rear-radiated sound interacts with the room in a different way, exciting room modes and reflections at different times than a box speaker. This can contribute to a sense of spaciousness and depth, but also requires careful placement within the listening room to achieve optimal results.

Dipole speakers are often favored by audiophiles for their perceived realism and natural sound reproduction. They are commonly used for full-range sound reproduction, but also for surround channels in home theater systems where their dispersed sound can blend well with the room's acoustics. Examples of dipoles include planar magnetic speakers and electrostatic speakers, though conventional cone drivers can also be used in a dipole configuration.