Genelec Key Technology: Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC)

If you’ve got an interest in recording or studio gear, then you’ve probably come across Genelec speakers before. They can be found in a variety of studios; from huge, pro-level studios, to smaller workspaces. Wherever you’re working with Genelec monitor speakers, you’re going to get a superb, clear and dynamic sound with a balanced and even response. Genelec speakers sound so good because they house a lot of unique technology; one such example is their Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) Transducer.

Genelec will use what works well in other speakers, but instead of living with their shortfalls, they improve upon them. So, whilst many coaxial designs have some negative points, Genelec have rectified these with a coaxial configuration. This is done in a number of ways like minimising the cone displacement, which helps limit the low frequency bandwidth of the driver. The actual construction of the MDC also helps avoid sources of diffraction so that you get a smooth and even frequency response. The sections that join the tweeter and the cone, and the cone and the driver chassis do so without any acoustical discontinuity, again which helps deliver a more even response.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key points of Genelec’s MDC:

• Diffraction-free joint between tweeter and midrange diaphragm
• Diffraction-free joint between midrange diaphragm and DCW waveguide
• A proprietary midrange diaphragm technology – laminate structure combining a rigid cone and elastic, lossy materials including the suspension itself
• A midrange diaphragm-suspension pair which cancels all possible non-linearity

These in turn help deliver these advantages:

• Smoother frequency response
• Ensures the drivers to couple coherently over their full operating bandwidth
• Significantly improves the directivity control in the critical frequency range
• Provides balanced suspension dynamics to minimize acoustic distortion
• Optimizes the use of the front baffle area while maintaining the 8000 series appearance and benefits