Contact speakers

During a recent visit to Galeries Lafayette, I discovered an installation that was as surprising as it was innovative. Through the store’s windows, music was playing. Intrigued, I approached to learn more. To my surprise, I discovered that the melody was not being played by traditional speakers, but through the glass itself, thanks to a technology called a "Contact Speaker", "Exciter", or "Audio Resonator."

What is a Contact Speaker?

Unlike conventional speakers that move air to create sound, contact speakers work differently. They use rigid surfaces as a medium for sound diffusion. By attaching to a surface (a window, a table, or even a wall), they transmit vibrations through it, transforming the object into a genuine sound membrane. This principle allows sound to be broadcast in unexpected places.

Discreet and Seamless Integration

One of the greatest advantages of contact speakers is their ability to be hidden. Thanks to this technology, speakers become invisible, eliminating the need to hide bulky equipment in a presentation or performance space. This makes them particularly popular in environments where aesthetics are paramount, such as art galleries or high-end commercial spaces. They can be mounted behind a window, on a wall, or under a table, while still delivering quality sound.

It’s also a simple way to broadcast sound without exposing traditional equipment to the elements. In fact, it’s easy to use this technology to broadcast outdoors, even in the rain, while keeping the equipment safe inside a strange box or even within the building, transmitting sound through the window.

My friend Hervé, who works in sound, also uses these speakers for his stage setups. According to him, they’re an ideal solution to avoid cluttering the stage with visible equipment. However, he also shared an important tip: for the best results, it's preferable to use rigid surfaces like glass, metal, wood, or even cardboard. Soft surfaces, such as fabric, dampen the vibrations and result in a lower level and quality of sound.

A Wide Range Available

Since my discovery, I’ve done more research into these fascinating devices. Today, I know that many brands offer contact speakers with a wide range of power options.

Brands like Visaton, Xciter, and SolidDrive offer models with impressive sound quality. I even found some 3 Watts/4 Ohms models to connect to my Ambi'Son or Exposi'Son modules, allowing me to broadcast sound through a painting or any kind of box.

A Promising Future

My discovery of contact speakers opens up new possibilities for my projects, whether in the artistic, event, or domestic fields. Their ability to be concealed while delivering powerful sound makes them a great choice for many environments.

What about you? Where would you like to see this technology applied? Do you have any ideas for objects or surfaces you’d like to transform into speakers?

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27/09/2024