Induction Dynamics Solid Drive Transducers

Probably one of the cooler displays at CES was at the Induction Dynamics booth which had many CES attendees scratchng their heads. People gathered around a 7' tall and 1/2" thick pane of glass that not only had a video image projected onto it, but was emanating sound. Baffled passersby would inspect the floor or look up to the ceiling, craning for what was surely a hidden speaker somewhere. They'd soon realize that the sound was in fact being produced by small palm size transducers vibrating the very piece of clear glass they were standing in front of.

Induction Dynamics informed me that the technology and product was about a year old, but still manages to wow people. One of the reps walked me over to plasma screen fixed into what looked to be a set-like reproduction of a typical living room. Again, a big sound was emanating from seemingly nowhere. When we walked behind the set, I was shown a clear cutaway of the wall, revealing several of the aforementioned Solid|Drive transducers affixed to the sheetrock via a mounting bracket - effectively turning the wall into a giant loudspeaker. While a professional install was recommended to assist in proper EQ/setup of the units (sound reproduction varies based on the material they are placed on - drywall, glass, plywood, countertops, desks etc), the Solid|Drives hook up to an amp in the same manner a traditional speaker would.,They do not utilize nearly the juice it takes to push some of today's bigger systems. Generally speaking, 5-15 watts is all it takes for an individual Solid|Drive unit to turn a surface into a loudspeaker. While it's most practical application would be commercial usage, and not really geared towards accurate (read: audiophile) sound reproduction, Induction Dynamics has provided an in-wall subwoofer for those who want to incorporate the drives into a practically invisible home theater.

The Solid|Drive produces sound from solid surfaces by utilizing an iron alloy called Terfenol-D, a combination of highly magnetic rare earth elements and iron. Invented by the US Navy 20 years ago, Terfenol D was created to power what would be the next generation of sophisticated sonar equipment. The Solid|Drive expands and contracts in a magnetized environment up to 20,000 times per second. This allows the unit to convert audio signal into a powerful vibration that can be evenly transferred into a solid surface. The device, which featured no moving coils, cones or surrounds, is able to withstand abusive environments and maintain a long service length.

Solid|Drive D Transducer Specs:

• Crossover Frequency: 1,000hz
• mpedance: 6 ohm
• Frequency response: 1,000 hz-18,000 hz
• Recommended Amp: 100 watt music
• Dimensions: 2.28" x 2.08"

These items are available at select dealers worldwide. Check out www.inductiondynamics.com for pricing and more technical specifications.