Innovation in Horn Speaker Design

I just finished the first version of the Cafe Sound multicellular horn speakers. The speakers use a slotted bass enclosure, an 8 cell horn, and a horn tweeter. While only modern components are used in the speaker, the design is an homage to vintage Altec Voice of the Theater designs.

While there aren't a lot of companies currently building Altec style systems, I don't consider this work to be highly innovative. I work in software, and the closest parallel to software and speaker design I would draw is system integration. The speakers brings together 3 driver elements combined with a common crossover design.

Where I am hoping to innovate with Cathode Bias is in the business model. I believe listening rooms in the US are at the early stages of implementation, and I would like to see Cathode Bias leading the way forward in audio system implementations for these spaces.

Regarding speaker design, I think is important to recognize the pioneering efforts of the past. Inventors, engineers, and audio manufacturers of earlier decades laid the foundation for the advancements we enjoy today. From the initial invention of horn speakers to the exponential horns, multi-cell designs, compression drivers, and optimized horn geometries.

By appreciating the groundbreaking work of the past, we gain a deeper understanding of the principles and innovations which drive horn speaker design forward. The history of horn speakers serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and dedication of the past.

With that said, there are some modern innovations in the commercial space – specifically with