Bessel Arrays

Bessel arrays
Loudspeaker systems that use relatively large numbers

of identical drive units tend to create a tight beam of
sound and frequency 'holes' can occur. A Bessel array
can result in even distribution. A proprietary system
patented by Philips, lending itself to use with arrays of
speakers and microphones, gives a near-spherical
radiation pattern with as few as five transducers. Planes
can be created using the same technique.
Simple Bessel series with five identical drive units
satisfying the power distribution function ratio of
A:B:C:D:E = 1:2:2:-2:1. Note polarities, indicated by
bullets, and distance d being only slightly larger than
loudspeaker diameter.
A Bessel series with seven weighting factors (function

ratio of A:B:C:D:E:F:G = 1:2:2:0:-2:2:1) needs only six
drive units because D = 0.
Nine drive units will have a function ratio of

A:B:C:D:E:F:G:H:I = 1:2:2:0:-2:0:2:-2:1, thus two
may be omitted.
A stereo layout does not require two banks.
Arrangement to obtain continuously variable base width

setting. k = 0 gives superstereo, k = 0-0.5 expanded
stereo, k = 0.5 normal stereo, k = 1 mono.
To reduce the cancellation effects, in

expanded/superstereo, of low omni-directional
frequencies contained in both channels, an input for
bass reinforcement can be derived by combining LF left
and right signals before the mixer.
Identical arrays placed side by side give a particularly
horizontal radiation pattern (cinemas, theatres). Note
how some senses are shown inverted compared to
quoted ratio (ringed) showing variance in published
data.
A spherical radiation pattern requires identical rows and

columns.
A seven-by-seven Bessel array, suited to architectural

(eg; ceiling) uses (some of the polarities given by the
Philips paper can be questioned, as in the array below).
Suggestions for wiring this array for stereo are invited.
Twenty-five units can be combined in a fairly simple

manner, the weightings being rearranged to reduce the
number of drive units to eleven.
Variances arise in 'Bessel panels - highpower speaker systems with radial sound
distribution', Philips Technical Publication
091, 15/3/83 and 'Bessel arrays', elektor,
p14-15, Jul-Aug 89. The US patent
(4399328, 16/8/83, Google search for
same) contains two certificates of
correction.
A discussion of a compact practical implementation can
be found here. However, 'normal' multi-way hi-fi
speakers, which ideally should be identical, can be used
instead to construct arrays. Microphones deployed
according to these distributions will yield a supersensitive microphone with a spherical radiation pattern.
Apart from the interest in my John Linsley Hood webpages, this is the one area that I probably receive the
most e-mails about. Most enquire about the factors,
those shown above being checked thoroughly against
the original publications. Later patents and designs
employ differing weighting factors and layouts. Chris
Ziolkowski kindly points out a good example, 'Bessel
array with full amplitude signal to half amplitude
position transducer's (US pat 2006/0159289 A1,
20/7/06, Google search for same) by Stiles, Turnmire
and Calderwood which contains lots of constructional
detail for a number of variants and is recommended
since this approach reduces the variance between
individual power factors. As Chris has indicated, Drg 77
(wall-mounted, surround sound) is worth a look,
although he would wire as a bipole rather than dipole
(below). Any problems with pressure differentials could
be overcome by a central partition between the 6
horizontal drivers. Offsetting the speaker axes would
help prevent standing waves and the addition of a
tweeter array might be useful.
Initial thoughts consider a 'club' environment and a unit

employing 'rock' speakers (12-15") 2-3m behind a solo
vocalist / saxophonist whose output drives the array.
A Google search for Bessel arrays.
Speakers | Width
Contact me at paulkemble@hotmail.com
especially if you want additional content to this page
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Bessel arrays

Loudspeaker systems that use relatively large numbers

A Bessel series with seven weighting factors (function

Nine drive units will have a function ratio of

Arrangement to obtain continuously variable base width

To reduce the cancellation effects, in

A spherical radiation pattern requires identical rows and

A seven-by-seven Bessel array, suited to architectural

Twenty-five units can be combined in a fairly simple

Initial thoughts consider a 'club' environment and a unit

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