The problem with vertical driver stacking

In conventional systems, multiple drivers are stacked vertically to cover high, mid, and low frequencies. While this often results in acceptable horizontal beam angles, it leads to poor vertical dispersion. At crossover frequencies, the vertical spacing between drivers creates destructive interference - off-axis lobes caused by phase misalignment. This results in uneven coverage and reduced clarity for listeners seated away from the central axis.

Why this matters

In a cinema or live sound environment, these inconsistencies translate to a degraded audience experience. Viewers in the front rows may receive too much high frequency energy, while those in elevated or side seating might miss critical audio content. Solving the beam angle control problem is essential for ensuring consistent sound across the entire venue.

The Krix solution: A smarter horn arrangement

The patented Krix acoustic horn arrangement uses a coaxial or concentric configuration - placing high and low frequency drivers as close together as possible in both the horizontal and vertical axes. This physical alignment reduces path differences at crossover points and minimises lobing.

Earlier attempts at solving this problem positioned low-frequency emitters around the sides of the horn to boost performance, but these side openings introduced turbulence and disrupted frequency and beam angle control.

Krix’s innovation lies in the precise orientation and shape of the apertures feeding sound into the horn. This geometry ensures minimal disruption to the acoustic wavefront while preserving accurate beam angle performance. The result is a more focused, coherent sound field with fewer artefacts.

Technical advantages

• Improved vertical coverage: Minimises destructive interference at crossover points.
• Compact coaxial design: Reduces system footprint without sacrificing output.
• Smoother frequency response: Less phase cancellation = more consistent audio.
• Superior beam angle control: Retains full horn directivity benefits across all frequencies.

Real-world impact

This patented arrangement is especially beneficial in environments with challenging acoustics or where uniform sound coverage is critical—such as commercial cinemas, live performance spaces, and high-end home theatres.

Installers and integrators benefit from:

• Easier room calibration
• Fewer EQ corrections
• More predictable performance in complex seating layouts

Conclusion

Loudspeaker innovation isn’t just about making things louder—it’s about making them smarter. With the patented Krix Acoustic Horn Arrangement, integrators can now offer audio systems with greater clarity, improved coverage, and fewer compromises.

Discover more

Interested in learning how this patented horn design can be integrated into your next cinema or venue? Contact Krix for system design support or a demo with our commercial audio team.