MartinLogan CLX - Manual (Page 17)

XStat™ Transducer
MartinLogan's award winning Curvilinear Line Source™
XStat™ electrostatic (ESL) technology, including CLS™,
MicroPerf, Generation 2 Diaphragms, ClearSpars™, and
Vacuum Bonding, allows smooth unencumbered disper-
sion of sound throughout the listening area. The result?
Perfectly etched imaging and focus achieved through
minimal room interaction; optimum natural reproduction
of sound with full level response from ultra-linear trans-
ducers; reliable operation in open air; compatibility with
all electronics; and seamless dispersion of precise sound
throughout your listening environment.
CLS™ (Curvilinear Line Source)
Since the beginning of audio, achieving smooth dispersion
has been a problem for all designers. Large panel transduc-
ers present unique challenge because the larger the panel,
the more directional the dispersion pattern becomes.
Wide range electrostats have long been one of the most
problematic transducers because they attain their full
range capabilities via a large surface area. It looked as if
they were in direct conflict to smooth dispersion and
almost every attempt to correct this resulted in either poor
dispersion or a serious compromise in sound quality.
After extensive research, MartinLogan engineers discovered
an elegantly simple solution to achieve a smooth pattern of
dispersion without degrading sound quality. By curving the
horizontal plane of the electrostatic transducer, a controlled
horizontal dispersion pattern could be achieved, yet the
purity of the almost massless electrostatic diaphragm
remained uncompromised. After creating this technology,
MartinLogan developed the production capability to bring
it out of the laboratory and into the market place. You will
find this proprietary MartinLogan technology used in all
of our electrostatic products. It is one of the many reasons
behind our reputation for high quality sound with prac-
tical usability. This is also why you see the unique “see
through” cylindrical shape of MartinLogan products.
Generation 2 Diaphragm
CLX’s diaphragm employs an extremely sophisticated
conductive coating applied to the polymer surface at an
atomic level using a plasma bonding process. A proprietary
compound is driven into the surface of the polymer film
in an oxygen free argon chamber. This process allows
extremely uniform surface resistivity characteristics, an
optically transparent surface, and a nearly massless dia-
phragm. This uniform surface resistivity controls the
electrostatic charge on the diaphragm surface and regulates
its migration. As a result, no discharging or “arcing” can
occur.
MicroPerf Stator
Sleek. Compact. MicroPerf stator technology, featured in
all XStat™ transducers, reveals more open playable area
in each panel, offering increased performance from even
more compact stat panels. It is significant to note that the
XStat™ transducer in the radical new CLX loudspeaker
supports the bandwidth and dynamics associated with
traditional electrostatic panels nearly twice its size.
Vacuum Bonding
To achieve the power, precision, and strength of the
XStat™ transducer, two insulated high-purity carbon steel
stators along with a proprietary plasma bonded diaphragm
and ClearSpar™ spacers are fused into a curved geometry
with an aerospace adhesive whose strength exceeds that
of welding. Our proprietary Vacuum Bonding process
guarantees uniform diaphragm tensioning and extremely
precise construction tolerances, resulting in unequivocal
precision, linearity and efficiency.
Uniform Full Surface Drive
Uniform drive across the transducer’s light-weight
ultra-responsive diaphragm material and simultaneous
push-pull operation enable the diaphragms to trace even
the most delicate sonic details with absolute precision.
Dipole Dispersion
By utilizing electrostatic dipole dispersion patterns for
both transducers, CLX provides full benefits of electrostat-
ic technology from the highest frequency to the lowest.
Dipole design minimizes side-wall reflections with short
arrival times that tend to interfere with perception of
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