PMC is a British company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high quality loudspeakers and professional monitoring systems. Their products are used in various settings, from professional recording studios to home audio systems. PMC's technology is particularly noted for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) design, which enhances the bass output and audio clarity. Their products cater to audiophiles and professionals seeking accurate and immersive sound reproduction.

ACTIVE twenty5.23i

## The Fundamentals of Sound Absorption

**The Phenomenon of Sound Absorption:** 
Sound absorption is a crucial aspect of acoustic engineering, which deals with the control of sound and reverberation in a given space. When sound waves encounter a material, part of the acoustic energy is absorbed by the material, transforming into heat, while the rest may be reflected or transmitted through. The level of absorption depends on the material’s properties and the frequency of the sound wave. By absorbing unwanted sound, these materials help in creating acoustically pleasant environments, crucial for settings like recording studios, theaters, and homes with high-fidelity audio setups.

**Acoustic Energy Transformation: From Sound to Heat:** 
The principle behind sound absorption lies in the conversion of acoustic energy into heat. When a sound wave hits a material, the material’s fibers or structure vibrates, causing internal friction which generates heat. This process dissipates the acoustic energy, thereby reducing the sound wave’s amplitude and mitigating the amount of sound reflected back into the room.

**Acoustic Impedance:** 
The Gateway to Effective Sound Absorption: Acoustic impedance is a measure of how much a material resists or permits the flow of acoustic energy. It is crucial for understanding a material’s sound absorbing capacity. Materials with an impedance matching that of air tend to absorb sound more effectively as they allow for better transmission of sound waves into the material where it can be dissipated as heat.

----------

## An In-depth Look at Sound-Absorbing Materials

**Material Properties Influencing Sound Absorption**
The sound absorption efficiency of a material is significantly influenced by its density, thickness, and surface texture. Dense materials with open structures, like foam or fiberglass, are excellent at trapping sound waves. Moreover, thicker materials tend to absorb lower frequency sounds better due to their ability to vibrate at lower frequencies.

**The Dynamic Trio: Fiberglass, Foam, and Rockwool** 
Among the most commonly used sound-absorbing materials are fiberglass, foam, and rockwool. Fiberglass is renowned for its excellent sound absorption capabilities across a broad frequency spectrum. Foam, particularly open-cell foam, is effective at absorbing higher frequency sounds. Rockwool, with its dense and fibrous structure, is adept at absorbing a wide range of frequencies, making it a popular choice for various acoustic treatment applications.

**Comparative Analysis of Sound Absorption Efficiency** 
Each of these materials has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, while fiberglass and rockwool are effective across a broad spectrum of frequencies, foam tends to be less effective at lower frequencies. The choice between these materials depends on the specific acoustic needs of a space, and often, a combination of materials is employed to achieve desired acoustic properties.

----------

## Beyond the Basics: Unveiling Additional Sound-Absorbing Materials

**The Role of Bass Traps in Low-Frequency Sound Absorption**
Low-frequency sounds are often the most challenging to control. Bass traps are designed to tackle these lower frequency sounds, providing control over boomy and muddy acoustics often encountered in untreated rooms.

**Perforated Wood Panels: Blending Aesthetics with Acoustics**
Perforated wood panels not only offer sound absorption qualities but also add an aesthetic appeal to a room. They are particularly effective in treating mid to high-frequency sounds, making them a suitable choice for spaces that require a visually pleasing acoustic treatment solution.

**Unconventional Materials: Exploring the Unknown**
The field of acoustic engineering constantly evolves with the discovery and development of new materials. Unconventional materials like recycled rubber, cork, and even certain types of plastics are being explored for their sound absorbing properties. These materials open up new avenues for effective sound control while often providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional acoustic materials.

----------

## Health and Safety Concerns in Acoustic Material Selection

**The Specter of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)**
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate at room temperature, and some of them are harmful when inhaled. Many traditional sound-absorbing materials, like certain adhesives or foams, may emit VOCs, which can lead to poor indoor air quality. It's essential to select materials that have low VOC emissions to ensure a healthy indoor environment.

**Fire Safety Ratings and Acoustic Materials**
Fire safety is a paramount consideration when selecting acoustic materials. Materials should have appropriate fire safety ratings to ensure they won't easily ignite or contribute to the spread of fire. It's prudent to check the fire safety ratings and certifications of acoustic materials, and opt for those that are tested and certified as fire-resistant or fire-retardant.

**Navigating Health Regulations in Acoustic Engineering**
Complying with health and safety regulations is crucial in acoustic material selection. Ensuring that materials meet the standards set by local and international health agencies will not only promote safety but also demonstrate a commitment to adhering to best practices in acoustic engineering.

----------

## Effective Room Treatment Strategies

**The Art and Science of Material Placement** 
Effective room treatment goes beyond merely selecting the right materials; it extends to the strategic placement of these materials within a space. By understanding the flow of sound within a room and identifying areas where sound reflection is problematic, one can place sound-absorbing materials strategically to reduce echo and reverberation.

**Case Studies: Before and After Room Treatment** 
Examining real-world examples of room treatment can provide invaluable insights into the impact of sound-absorbing materials on a space's acoustic quality. Through a series of case studies, this section will explore various room treatment strategies and their outcomes, providing a practical understanding of how sound absorption can transform a sonic environment.

**Measuring the Impact: Tools and Techniques for Assessing Acoustic Performance** 
Utilizing tools like sound level meters and acoustic analysis software, individuals can measure the impact of room treatment on a space's acoustic performance. These tools provide data that can guide further adjustments, ensuring that the room treatment strategy achieves the desired acoustic results.

----------

## Future Trends in Sound Absorption Technology

**Emerging Materials on the Horizon** 
The acoustic engineering field is on the brink of exploring new materials with enhanced sound absorption properties. Innovations in material science are paving the way for the introduction of materials with superior acoustic performance, such as metamaterials which exhibit properties not found in naturally occurring materials.

**The Potential of Nanotechnology in Acoustic Engineering**
Nanotechnology holds promise in revolutionizing acoustic material design. By manipulating materials at a nanoscale, engineers can create structures with enhanced sound absorption properties, potentially leading to new categories of acoustic materials with exceptional performance.

**Sustainable Practices in Sound Absorption Material Production** 
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, the trend towards the utilization of recycled and eco-friendly materials in acoustic engineering is gaining momentum. Sustainable practices in material production not only contribute to environmental conservation but also resonate with a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers, making it a win-win scenario for both the industry and the planet.

a porous absorption material.png

The Science of Sound Absorption

Explore the profound science of sound absorption and its impact on room acoustics. Delve into the characteristics of various sound-absorbing materials like fiberglass, foam, and rockwool, and understand their application in creating sonically pleasant spaces. Uncover essential health and safety considerations alongside emerging trends in acoustic engineering for a well-rounded grasp on enhancing audio experiences.


At HiEnd Munich 2024, happening from May 9 to 12, PMC is set to introduce their Active twenty5i series to the European audience. This event, held in Munich, is well-regarded in the audio community for bringing together the latest advancements in high-fidelity sound. Here's a down-to-earth rundown of what PMC is bringing to the table this year.

### Event Details and Presentation Focus

HiEnd Munich 2024 is where you’ll find all sorts of audio tech enthusiasts, from industry insiders to everyday audiophiles. PMC plans to showcase their Active twenty5i series here, which includes four models that promise studio-quality sound without the mess of extra wires and external amps.

### The Tech Behind the Speakers

Each speaker in this series comes with its own 100-watt amplifier built right in, which means each component of the speaker is powered exactly as it needs to be for optimal sound quality. This setup helps improve how quickly the speaker responds to changes in the audio it's playing (that's the transient response) and reduces any unwanted distortions in the sound.

### Live Demonstrations

If you’re at the show, you can head over to Room D106 in Atrium 3 to hear these speakers in action. It's a chance to experience the clarity and detail they promise without having to sort through any tech jargon.

### Practical Advantages

Aside from reducing the clutter of external amplifiers, the Active twenty5i speakers have both XLR and RCA inputs, making them compatible with a wide range of audio equipment. This makes them a straightforward choice if you want high-quality sound without the hassle of matching components and dealing with a tangle of cables.

In sum, PMC’s presentation at HiEnd Munich 2024 looks to offer a practical, high-quality audio solution for those looking to simplify their setup while still enjoying top-notch sound. The integration of each speaker’s amplification directly into its frame is a smart move, promising cleaner sound and an easier setup. If you're around, it's worth taking a listen to see if these speakers live up to the hype.

Screenshot 2024-04-25 at 20.51.28.png

Screenshot 2024-04-25 at 20.51.50.png

PMC Unveils New Active twenty5i Series in Munich

Discover PMC’s latest innovation, the Active twenty5i series, at Munich’s leading audio show.


When it comes to setting up audio equipment in your home, the type of cables you use can be just as critical as the hardware itself. One common question for DIY enthusiasts is whether it’s better to run a long RCA cable from the source to an amp located next to the speakers or use a long speaker cable from the amp to the speakers.

## Signal Susceptibility and Interference

There's a general consensus that speaker wire signals are less susceptible to interference compared to RCA cables. This can be especially significant if you are running the cables behind walls where they might be exposed to electromagnetic noise from other electrical lines.

## Gauge and Material Matters

When opting for long runs of speaker cables, it's crucial to choose a suitable gauge and material. Oxygen-free copper is often recommended over aluminum-clad copper for better signal quality. The thickness (gauge) of the wire can also play a role; a thicker wire may be more effective for longer runs, reducing signal loss and potential degradation of audio quality.

## The Balanced Option

Some argue that using balanced cables like XLR instead of RCA is the "correct" way to tackle this problem. However, it's important to note that balanced connections require compatible outputs on the device, something not common on consumer-level devices. Even though balanced cables offer significant advantages in minimizing interference and delivering a clearer signal over longer distances, they might not be applicable to all setups.

## Alternatives and DIY Solutions

For those who love tinkering, DIY solutions such as using baluns for long cable runs have been reported to be effective. These can run over distances as long as 300 ft with minimal signal drop-off and noise reduction. Ethernet to RCA boxes using audio-grade transformers have also been used successfully. However, the performance of such DIY solutions in an audiophile system might vary and warrant careful consideration.

## Audio Roll-offs and Industry Insights

Some professionals in the broadcast sector have noted that long runs of RCA cables could lead to high-frequency roll-offs, affecting the sound quality. On the other hand, they've successfully run speaker cables for approximately 100 feet without any discernible degradation in sound quality.

## The Bottom Line

If you're dealing with a domestic setup, and you don't have the option for balanced outputs, the safe bet is to go with a long run of good-quality speaker wire. This approach seems to be the best compromise between maintaining sound quality and minimizing interference, especially if the amp is placed close to the source. If the Wife Approval Factor is crucial, this method also allows for a more discreet setup. However, if your system allows for balanced connections and you're after the pinnacle of audio fidelity, XLR cables would be the recommended path.

raw high-fidelity speaker cable without any connectors. The cable should display a detailed braided sheath

raw high-fidelity speaker cable.png

RCA vs Speaker Cables: The Best Choice for Long Runs in Home Audio

Choosing the right cable can be a game-changer for your home audio setup. Explore the debate between RCA and speaker cables for long distances.

ACTIVE twenty5.23i

by PMC

Start a thread

Interesting articles

The Science of Sound Absorption

PMC Unveils New Active twenty5i Series in Munich

RCA vs Speaker Cables: The Best Choice for Long Runs in Home Audio