In a commercial cinema, sound must do more than simply fill the room - it must reach every seat with clarity, balance, and precision. For decades, audio engineers have wrestled with the challenge of uniform sound coverage without compromising tonal accuracy. Krix has tackled this challenge head-on with its patented constant directivity horn design (US 7044265 B2), a true innovation in cinema loudspeaker technology.

The coverage problem

Traditional horn speakers can produce powerful sound, but they often struggle with uneven distribution. Listeners seated off-axis may experience dips or peaks in certain frequencies, while those in the center enjoy a much different experience. To solve this, "constant directivity" horns were developed to maintain a consistent dispersion angle across frequencies. However, early designs often came with trade-offs.

The trade-off: Uniformity vs. frequency response

While many constant directivity horns improved coverage, they introduced a new problem: irregular on-axis frequency response. The very design choices that improved off-axis performance could create peaks, dips, or tonal imbalance for listeners in the central "sweet spot" — undermining the core cinematic experience.

Krix’s breakthrough

The Krix patented constant directivity horn solves this dilemma. Developed through years of research and real-world testing, the Krix horn design delivers both uniform dispersion and smooth frequency response on- and off-axis.

The innovation: Improved throat geometry

At the heart of the innovation is a refined throat design—the critical transition zone between the compression driver and the horn itself. In many designs, a mismatch in geometry at this juncture creates turbulence or "eddies" in the high-frequency wavefront. These disturbances reduce clarity and coherence, especially at higher SPLs.

Krix’s improved throat design smooths this transition. By carefully matching the driver exit angle to the horn throat and using a precise curvature profile, the design reduces high-frequency disruption and delivers a more uniform acoustic wave. The result: exceptional tonal accuracy and constant coverage in both horizontal and vertical planes.

Real-world results

Krix constant directivity horns are used across a wide range of cinema installations—from boutique auditoriums to flagship multiplexes. Integrators and end users consistently report:

• Better sound consistency across the entire seating area
• Enhanced dialogue intelligibility
• Reduced need for electronic EQ correction
• Superior performance at high SPLs without distortion or fatigue

Trusted performance, patented technology

Krix holds the US patent (7044265 B2) for this horn design, a testament to the company's dedication to real innovation and technical excellence. This technology is embedded in many of Krix’s high-performance commercial speakers, ensuring that every audience member, no matter their seat, enjoys the same world-class sound.

Conclusion

Great cinema sound should be inclusive - not reserved for just the middle rows. With its patented constant directivity horn design, Krix sets a new standard for coverage, consistency, and clarity. It’s not just about making sound louder. It’s about making it better.

Experience the Krix advantage

Want to learn more about how this patented technology can elevate your next cinema installation? Contact us to discuss system design.