ribbonhögtalare

Ribbonhögtalare, often translated as ribbon loudspeaker, is a type of loudspeaker that uses a thin, electrically conductive ribbon as the diaphragm. This ribbon is suspended in a magnetic field, typically created by strong permanent magnets. When an audio signal is applied to the ribbon, it vibrates back and forth, creating sound waves. The ribbon itself acts as both the voice coil and the diaphragm, which simplifies the transducer's design.

This design offers several potential advantages. The low mass of the ribbon allows for very fast transient response, meaning it can accurately reproduce sudden changes in sound, leading to a detailed and precise sound reproduction. The large surface area of some ribbon designs can also contribute to good dispersion of sound, especially at higher frequencies. Furthermore, the absence of a separate voice coil and cone structure can reduce mechanical distortion.

However, ribbon loudspeakers also present challenges. The thin ribbon is fragile and can be easily damaged by excessive power or physical contact. Many designs are also relatively inefficient, requiring powerful amplifiers to achieve high volume levels. Their impedance can also be complex and vary with frequency, which can be challenging for some amplifiers. Ribbon elements are most commonly used for mid-range and treble frequencies, with separate drivers often used for bass reproduction, though full-range ribbon designs exist. Despite these challenges, ribbon loudspeakers are appreciated by many audiophiles for their sonic characteristics.