Dynamic Speaker Responses – Overview

Note: Dynamic Speaker Responses (DSRs) are available only for use with Celestion’s SpeakerMix Pro plug-in software. Find out more here.

The Dynamic Behaviour of Loudspeakers

A loudspeaker mounted in a cabinet behaves in a distinctly non-linear way, far from a linear translation of electrical input signal to acoustic pressure. The complex cone vibration patterns and intricate magnetics react to the input with a rich harmonic colouration that shapes the signal into a subtle and nuanced expression of the instrument. These processes add harmonic distortion components to the input that manifests as what we refer to as “tone”.

The non-linear behaviour is intimately related to the input signal and playing style of the artist. Every infinitesimal change in input level, from an amplifiers’ driving power to the artists playing style changes the harmonic response of the loudspeaker continuously. This is precisely what we describe as “feel” and is the beating heart of the guitar speaker – something that can be found lacking in the digital world. Not any longer!

By capturing these subtle but important nuances it is possible to re-invigorate digital tone with true analogue realism. Using these non-linear techniques, Celestion have developed an uncompromising speaker simulation that’s even more immersive and convincing than a traditional, linear Impulse Response. We call it a Dynamic Speaker Response.

What are Dynamic Speaker Responses?

Taking Impulse Responses to the next level of detail, accuracy and feel, the Dynamic Speaker Response is not simply a speaker’s frequency response but also its “attitude”.

Celestion has developed an in-depth measurement technique that enables us to build complete and intricate physical models of speakers and cabinets describing the dynamic, non-linear behaviour in immaculate detail. This results in precise, all-encompassing models that go beyond the straightforward linear processing of convolution (the technique used to deploy Impulse Responses) to infuse the non-linearities, interactions and dynamics synonymous with the “feel” and “realism” of guitar speakers in the digital domain.

Experience much more light and shade as DSR tonality responds to your playing style, delivering every ounce of expression and emotion that you’ve invested into your playing.

DSRs respond to the input signal in true “analogue” fashion. The input gain fader in SpeakerMix Pro controls the equivalent electrical input power to each DSR between 1 watt and the maximum power of the loudspeaker. Each DSR loaded onto any of the six SpeakerMix Pro mixer channels produces a dynamic, non-linear response relative to its own electrical power level and the playing style.

Note: User loaded .wav Impulse Responses respond linearly to the input gain fader.