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How to Read a Polar Pattern of Loudspeaker Directivity
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posted by Vincent Zhang
How to Read a Polar Pattern of
Published by IWISTAO
In loudspeaker engineering, directivity is one of the most important characteristics for evaluating how a driver distributes sound into space. The figure above shows a classic polar pattern, a circular graph that illustrates how much sound pressure the loudspeaker produces at different angles around it.
What the Polar Pattern Represents
At the center of the chart is the loudspeaker itself. Each concentric circle represents a reduction in sound pressure level (SPL), typically in –6 dB or –10 dB steps. The outermost lines indicate stronger output, while the inner circles represent weaker levels. Radial lines indicate angles, with 0° being directly in front of the loudspeaker, 90° to the side, and 180° behind.
Interpreting the Shaded Region
The shaded oval area highlights the effective coverage area of the loudspeaker. In this example, most of the acoustic energy is projected forward within approximately ±30°, forming a narrow and controlled beam. This is typical of horn-loaded high-frequency drivers, which are designed to minimize side spill, reduce reflections, and maintain clarity over long distances.
Outside the shaded area, SPL drops sharply—especially toward 90° and 180°—indicating that the loudspeaker produces very little usable output to the sides or rear. Such controlled directivity is essential for PA systems, cinema installations, and high-precision monitoring environments.
Why Directivity Matters
A well-controlled directivity pattern helps:
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Focus acoustic energy toward the audience
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Reduce room reflections that harm clarity
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Improve stereo imaging and stage definition
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Enable precise crossover and system alignment
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Ensure consistent listening experiences across seats
Understanding polar patterns allows system designers, engineers, and audiophiles to select the right driver and horn combination based on coverage requirements—whether for a home Hi-Fi room, a studio, or a large-scale venue.
If you are evaluating IWISTAO drivers or horn systems, reading the directivity chart helps you understand how the system will behave in your listening environment and how to integrate it with midbass or subwoofer components.
Conclusion
The polar pattern visually communicates where a loudspeaker is strong, where it weakens, and how it shapes the sound field. For system design and acoustic optimization, it is one of the most valuable tools for understanding loudspeaker behavior beyond simple frequency response curves.
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