Exploring Common DIY Terminology - Ribbon

Ribbon

A ribbon tweeter is a type of high-frequency transducer used in loudspeakers to reproduce the treble and upper midrange frequencies. It is called a "ribbon" tweeter because its diaphragm is typically a thin, narrow strip of metal foil or film that resembles a ribbon. The ribbon diaphragm is suspended in a magnetic field, and when an electrical current passes through it, it vibrates back and forth to produce sound. This design comes with several advantages:

• Lightweight Diaphragm: The thin and lightweight ribbon diaphragm allows for fast and accurate response to high-frequency signals. This characteristic enables ribbon tweeters to handle transients and intricate details in the music with precision.
• Low Mass and Inertia: The low mass and inertia of the ribbon diaphragm contribute to lower distortion and reduced breakup modes, resulting in cleaner and more transparent sound reproduction.
• Wide Dispersion: Ribbon tweeters typically have a wide horizontal dispersion pattern, which means they radiate sound over a broad area. This wide dispersion helps create a larger sweet spot for listeners, allowing more people to enjoy the optimal listening experience.
• Extended Frequency Response: Ribbon tweeters can extend their frequency response beyond the capabilities of traditional dome tweeters, reaching into the ultrasonic range. This extension allows them to reproduce harmonics and overtones that contribute to a more detailed and open sound.
• Accurate Sound Imaging: The ribbon tweeter's point-source nature and lack of a phase plug or horn can lead to improved sound imaging and coherence, with a precise and focused soundstage.
• Low Resonance: Ribbon tweeters often have a low mechanical resonance point, which reduces the risk of audible coloration in the upper midrange and treble frequencies.

While ribbon tweeters offer many advantages, they also come with a few potential downsides:

• Fragility: The delicate nature of the ribbon diaphragm makes it more susceptible to damage from excessive power or mishandling. Care must be taken during installation and use to prevent accidental damage.
• Power Handling: Ribbon tweeters may have lower power handling capabilities compared to some dome tweeters. The thin diaphragm can experience thermal compression when subjected to high power levels.
• Cost: Due to their precision manufacturing and specialized materials, ribbon tweeters can be more expensive to produce than some dome tweeters.

Ribbon tweeters are favored by many audiophiles and music enthusiasts for their exceptional detail, transparency, and natural sound reproduction. They are commonly used in high-end loudspeakers and studio monitors, where accuracy and realism are paramount.



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