"Sweet Spot"
A dedicated processing algorithm enables to optimize and tailor the SM11 response according to the listener's position with regards to the loudspeakers.
Another, and very significant benefit provided by the SM11 thanks to its digital core is its capability to fine tune what sound engineers refer to as the "sweet spot". To put it in simple words, get the most coherent sonic image at the listening position.
Technically, what is it all about?
Essentially it is about adjusting delays applied to each transducer so that, at the listening position, acoustic waves generated by each transducer can be perfectly coherent in phase, therefore combine together and be perceived as a virtual point source.
24 Bits 96kHz converters
In addition to a direct digital input, the SM11 uses the latest high quality chipsets preforming 24 Bits 96kHz A/D and D/A conversion. One of the main feature of the SM11 lies in its capability to provide a purely digital audio path right up to the power stages, hence avoiding the need for redundant signal conversions and their potential degradation in terms of signal-to noise ratio, clarity, transparency (you name it). With the SM11 you can truly export your sound material, from your digital console - or whatever digital source you may use - without any concern: what you’ll hear is really what you are getting from the material.
If you are driving from a digital source using the AES input, sampling rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz will be automatically detected and handled by the system. If you can, use 88.2 or 96kHz sampled signals, as you will get the full benefit of the extended frequency range of the Beryllium tweeter of the SM11. In order to get the best possible performance out of a digital connection, the Focal SM11 uses simply the best available D/A converters: 24 bits resolution, 120dB S/N ratio, outstanding sonic performance.
While knowing that providing a purely digital link was a must for high-end, "no compromise" monitoring system, Focal are aware of possible constraints that can still make an analogue connection very meaningful. Hence the presence on the SM11 of the analogue balanced input. But again, no compromise has been made: the A/D converter has been carefully selected to offer the best available performance with 24 bits resolution and very high dynamic range. Moreover, both input channels of the converter - which is a stereo device are in use, providing a further 3dB improvement of signalto- noise ratio.
Either the digital or analogue input may be used with automatic switching between the two, priority being given to the digital input whenever it is fed.
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