Wood's Acoustic Characteristics

A material millions of years in the making, wood features unique acoustic characteristics, which make it one of the best materials for musical instruments — and speaker diaphragms.

(1) Sound Propagation Speed and Vibration Attenuation

Wood features high sound propagation speed, which ensures high sound definition, while its sufficient vibration attenuation (internal loss) delivers crisp, clear sound. This combination of attributes is impossible to achieve with conventional materials.

(2) Uneven Sound Propagation Speed

Another advantage of wood is the uneven sound propagation speed. Usually, sound propagates at the same speed in all directions, causing standing waves, resonant points, and poor sound pressure frequency response. Wood is free of such drawbacks, because the sound propagates at diverse speeds — faster along the grain than across.

Properties of Diaphragm Materials

Sound Propagation Speed