Fresco Speaker Manuel D’Utilisation
14 ATF (Advanced Thin Film)
ATF (A
DVANCED
T
HIN
F
ILM
)
ATF Operation
The MartinLogan ATF transducer (based on RADIA
planar technology) consists of a micro-thin, low-mass
Kaladex diaphragm with an ultra-light, etched conductive
aluminum surface suspended between two high field
strength neodymium super magnet arrays (see figure 27).
When an electrical current (music signal) passes through
the etched aluminum on the diaphragm's surface it is
simultaneously pulled towards one of the neodymium
arrays and pushed away from the opposing array. When
the direction of current is reversed the diaphragm is
simultaneously pushed and pulled in the opposite
direction, thus producing sound.
planar technology) consists of a micro-thin, low-mass
Kaladex diaphragm with an ultra-light, etched conductive
aluminum surface suspended between two high field
strength neodymium super magnet arrays (see figure 27).
When an electrical current (music signal) passes through
the etched aluminum on the diaphragm's surface it is
simultaneously pulled towards one of the neodymium
arrays and pushed away from the opposing array. When
the direction of current is reversed the diaphragm is
simultaneously pushed and pulled in the opposite
direction, thus producing sound.
Extremely Low-Mass Diaphragm
—Blazing Speed and Inner Detail
—Blazing Speed and Inner Detail
Low-mass diaphragms are crucial to a loudspeakers
ability to accurately reproduce sound. As the mass of a
transducer's diaphragm decreases, its ability to resolve
detail increases. With extremely low-mass characteristics,
the ATF transducer tracks the audio signal with almost
perfect accuracy.
ability to accurately reproduce sound. As the mass of a
transducer's diaphragm decreases, its ability to resolve
detail increases. With extremely low-mass characteristics,
the ATF transducer tracks the audio signal with almost
perfect accuracy.
MartinLogan ATF diaphragms are constructed of
extremely low mass Dupont Kaladex® PEN (polyethylene
naphthalate) —a material chemically similar to the
low-mass PET (polyethylene terathylate) film used in
MartinLogan's generation 2 electrostatic transducers,
yet capable of handling the high thermal requirements
required for stable magnetic thin film operation.
extremely low mass Dupont Kaladex® PEN (polyethylene
naphthalate) —a material chemically similar to the
low-mass PET (polyethylene terathylate) film used in
MartinLogan's generation 2 electrostatic transducers,
yet capable of handling the high thermal requirements
required for stable magnetic thin film operation.
High Field Strength—Superb Control and Efficiency
With a field strength almost 2000% more powerful than
traditional systems, Neodymium iron boron (NIB) rare-
earth super magnets are one of the world's strongest
commercially available magnetic materials. This
incredible field strength proves ideal for maintaining
perfect control over the low-mass Kaladex diaphragm.
Super-low distortion levels, high-resolution, and crystal-
clear transparency are just a few of the benefits resulting
from this superb combination of low-mass diaphragm and
high field strength.
traditional systems, Neodymium iron boron (NIB) rare-
earth super magnets are one of the world's strongest
commercially available magnetic materials. This
incredible field strength proves ideal for maintaining
perfect control over the low-mass Kaladex diaphragm.
Super-low distortion levels, high-resolution, and crystal-
clear transparency are just a few of the benefits resulting
from this superb combination of low-mass diaphragm and
high field strength.
Push-Pull Operation = Ideal Linearity
Linearity is another factor contributing to a loudspeaker's
ability to achieve ultimate clarity, detail and resolution.
By positioning neodymium magnet arrays in a push-
pull configuration, MartinLogan ATF transducer technology
maintains uniform diaphragm control, regardless of
position as it traverses the entire audio signal. The push-
pull concept is a major contributor to the linearity and
sonic superiority of ATF transducers.
ability to achieve ultimate clarity, detail and resolution.
By positioning neodymium magnet arrays in a push-
pull configuration, MartinLogan ATF transducer technology
maintains uniform diaphragm control, regardless of
position as it traverses the entire audio signal. The push-
pull concept is a major contributor to the linearity and
sonic superiority of ATF transducers.
Direct Full-Surface Drive
Provides Outstanding Clarity
Provides Outstanding Clarity
Unlike traditional voice coil driven systems, ATF
diaphragms are directly and uniformly driven throughout
their entire surface. This full-surface drive system results
in ultra-fast transient response with no cone break up
and the ability to accurately reproduce sound with great
delicacy, nuance and clarity.
diaphragms are directly and uniformly driven throughout
their entire surface. This full-surface drive system results
in ultra-fast transient response with no cone break up
and the ability to accurately reproduce sound with great
delicacy, nuance and clarity.
Figure 27. Cut away view of an ATF transducer. Note the simplicity due
to minimal parts usage.
to minimal parts usage.