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"FlatPanel Audio Unveils the Future of Sound: Immersive Clarity with DML Technology"

Writer's picture: Ivan MontelongoIvan Montelongo

The Revolution of Immersive Sound: FlatPanel Audio’s Groundbreaking Loudspeakers

In the world of sound engineering, few things are as universally frustrating as dealing with poor acoustics. Whether in a church, a high-end home theater, or a corporate boardroom, achieving high-quality sound in a reverberant space filled with reflective surfaces like glass, wood, or tile is a challenge that has long eluded even the best traditional speaker designs. Enter FlatPanel Audio, a company that has fundamentally changed the game with its unique Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) technology.


Flat Panel Audio system deployed


The Magic Behind FlatPanel Audio's DML Technology

It’s not magic—just revolutionary engineering. Traditional loudspeakers work by emitting sound waves from a single point source, which then reflect off walls and other surfaces, creating complex interactions that often result in poor sound quality. These reflections cause issues like comb filtering, distorted stereo imaging, and harsh echoes, especially in spaces with hard surfaces like gymnasiums or churches.

FlatPanel Audio’s Distributed Mode Loudspeakers (DML) address these problems head-on by emitting sound in a way that is fundamentally different from conventional speakers. Rather than using a single point source, DMLs utilize a thin, flexible panel that radiates sound in an uncorrelated, diffuse manner. This results in sound waves that interact with the environment more naturally, minimizing destructive reflections and eliminating the issues of collapsed stereo or muddled sound.

The result is an audio experience that is exceptionally clear and intelligible, even in spaces that would otherwise be acoustically challenging. With DML technology, the sound seems to fill the room evenly, providing listeners in every seat with an identical, high-fidelity experience. The stereo image remains stable, regardless of the room’s reflective surfaces. This makes FlatPanel loudspeakers ideal for environments like churches, performance venues, and even homes with minimalist interior designs.



Products that Push the Boundaries of Sound

FlatPanel Audio offers a range of loudspeakers and subwoofers that harness this cutting-edge technology to deliver unmatched sound quality across various environments. Let’s take a closer look at their flagship products.



DML500 Loudspeaker

The DML500 is a true powerhouse in the FlatPanel Audio lineup. Designed for both performance and practicality, this 44-pound loudspeaker is built with a thin yet sturdy profile (35.5” x 21.6” x 3.5”). Its large, conical sound dispersion pattern of 165° ensures that no matter where you are in the room, the sound will reach you with crystal-clear clarity. The DML500 solves the problem of traditional speakers that create "hot spots" (areas where the sound is overly loud) and "dead spots" (areas with poor sound quality). With the DML500, you get an even, powerful sound throughout the entire space.

The DML500’s versatility and clarity make it a suitable choice for both large venues and more intimate settings. It’s perfect for anyone looking to achieve a natural, immersive listening experience without the typical compromises in room acoustics.




DML500A Loudspeaker

For architects and designers, the DML500A takes the DML500's exceptional sound quality and packs it into a sleek, discreet form factor that is designed to blend seamlessly into ceilings or walls. Whether in a high-end residential space, a corporate environment, or a performance venue, the DML500A can be installed out of sight without compromising on sound performance. Its wide dispersion pattern ensures that the room is filled with consistent, intelligible sound, even in challenging spaces where traditional speakers might fail.

This design flexibility is one of the defining features of FlatPanel Audio’s loudspeakers. The DML500A is perfect for any environment where aesthetics are as important as audio quality.




LS212 and LS118 Subwoofers

No loudspeaker system is complete without a subwoofer to provide deep, full-spectrum sound. FlatPanel Audio offers two subwoofer options designed specifically to complement its DML speakers: the LS212 and the LS118.

The LS212 is a powerful subwoofer that provides tight, well-defined bass, perfectly matching the clear midrange and high-end output of the DML500 loudspeakers. Its compact design and ease of installation make it an ideal choice for both residential and professional setups. What’s most impressive is the minimal tweaking required to get the system sounding great. Most integrators are amazed at how easily the LS212 integrates into the system, often without the need for extensive adjustments.

For larger spaces or those requiring even more low-end punch, the LS118 is the ultimate solution. This subwoofer, featuring a single 18-inch woofer and a front-loaded bent bass reflex port, delivers deep, dynamic bass with impressive output. Capable of handling 2400 Watts of program power and 3600 Watts of peak power, the LS118 is built to perform in even the most demanding environments.





LEA Professional Amplifiers

In order to get the most out of FlatPanel Audio’s loudspeakers, the company has partnered with LEA Professional to offer amplifiers that match the performance and ease of integration of their DML technology. LEA amplifiers are known for their remote web-based management and monitoring, which greatly simplifies the installation and setup process for integrators. This integration between FlatPanel loudspeakers and LEA amps ensures that users get the most efficient, high-quality sound possible with minimal effort.




The FlatPanel Audio Difference

FlatPanel Audio’s products aren’t just about technical specifications—they’re about solving real-world problems faced by acousticians, AV professionals, and even interior designers. Traditional loudspeakers often struggle in reverberant spaces or aesthetically demanding environments, where bulky, directional sound sources clash with the interior design. With DML technology, FlatPanel Audio’s loudspeakers provide clear, full-spectrum sound that adapts to the environment rather than competing with it.

The beauty of DML technology is that it requires no advanced acoustic treatments or DSP tuning to work effectively. In fact, the sound experience remains stable and intelligible throughout the entire room, eliminating the need for complex adjustments that are often required with traditional speaker systems.




A New Era of Sound

FlatPanel Audio has redefined what’s possible in the world of loudspeakers. Whether you’re outfitting a commercial space, designing a high-end home theater, or outfitting a church, their innovative DML technology ensures that sound quality is always at the forefront of your design.

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in FlatPanel Audio products is the sheer joy that comes with hearing them in action. As one user put it, “The difference is absolutely mind-boggling.” Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or simply someone who enjoys high-quality sound, a demo of FlatPanel loudspeakers is sure to leave you in awe.

In a world filled with complicated sound systems and acoustic compromises, FlatPanel Audio offers a simpler, faster, and more effective solution. The future of immersive, intelligible, and natural sound has arrived—and it’s here to stay.

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