Research and Development

The 'Beak' was developed to control parasitic vibrations that occur on top of a speaker cabinet. These resonances actually interfere with speaker performance, specifically the lobbing action in tweeters. Implementing a Beak on any speaker; can actually control and provide a better interaction between speaker, tweeter and housing. Much thought and a year of research were poured into the development of the beak. Its precisely defined contour was carefully designed. If any of its properties were altered, it would impact the flux created within and render the unit ineffective

The Shape

The 'Beak' is precision milled in a strictly prescribed form. The shape controls resonance and emanation. These distortions occur within a strict range. The beak can actually channel common distortion and move it through its cavity to the discharge point on top. Hence its shape and name. Like the beak on a bird or whale channels sound; This Beak channels the negative effects created by box shaped speaker housing. A Speaker is round and the housing is box shaped; the beak helps resolve this contradiction.

The Beak Mass and Detail

The mass of the beak is crucial to proper holography and image integration. In addition to the proper size and curve ratio; Tests were done to determine the texture on the surface of the beak. The spacing of the micro ribs increases from the bottom part to the peak. In fact, the line structure (micro ribs) controls the velocity at which the beak dissipates distortion.

Micro ribs actually helping the tweeter extend its range. This surface texture actually helps alter frequency and phase, allowing you to lock in a proper height and correct three-dimensional image.

Placement

The placement of the Totem Acoustic 'Beak' on a smaller speaker is usually towards the outer front corner of a speaker pair. If one looks at the top of the arro (our smallest surface area speaker), the placement of the 'Beaks" are right up front toward the outside, see position 1 below. Other small speakers benefit from approximately the same arrangements. On larger speakers or on units with top mounted tweeters, a proper location must be derived. See picture at right, the 'beak' is actually placed on opposing ends of each speaker. Obviously it can vary a little with room placement. On the staff this location (see same diagram right) seems to benefit imaging and impact most. If one wishes to vary impression; the beak can usually throw the image back if it is placed (as on the Staff) a little farther aft. Experimenting is the key and one always finds (for any speaker made) a location which can help imaging, extension, and musical impression.

Specifications

The high frequency difference when using the 'Beak' is measurable and quite apparent. The tweeter generally has better linearity in the 15K Hz to 20K Hz range (by as much as 1.5dB). Therefore better staging and imaging occurs in the crucial crossover point, the 1 to 2.5 dB. Dip can be alleviated by as much as 1.5 dB. Outcome, better harmony between woofer and tweeter, resulting in enhanced speed, impact and transients.