NIC - Neutral Inductance Circuit


NIC - Neutral Inductance

The precision and detail of audio reproduction depend on the stability of the magnetic field.

STABILISING THE MAGNETIC FIELD

After having pushed back the limits in electromagnetic technology, our teams discovered the fact that beyond the magnetic field intensity and its homogeneity within the gap, there was a dynamic aspect we had no control over.

The magnetic field is not stable because it is modulated by three factors:

  • the movement of the voice coil (Lenz's law),
  • the current passing through it (Foucault current),
  • the frequency.

Consequently, the voice coil, and all the moving part including the cone, is in the magnetic field which becomes too variable, and this leads to loss of precision.

NEUTRAL INDUCTANCE CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY

After three years of research and the development of simulation software which makes it possible to visualise these complex interactions, Focal engineers created an incredibly stable magnetic circuit for the Sopra line..

The solution, NIC technology, lies in a Faraday ring whose dimensions, materials and positioning were optimised to make the magnetic field no longer affected by the position of the voice coil, by the amperage or the frequency of the current passing through it.

This is a sign of very high definition.

LA TECHNOLOGIE NIC - NEUTRAL INDUCTANCE CIRCUIT (visuel)

VISUAL ANALOGY OF MAGNETIC DISTURBANCE

Without a Faraday ring

Without a Faraday ring

The variations related to the position of the voice coil and to the current passing through it in a conventional circuit results in blurring.

With a conventional Faraday ring

With a conventional Faraday ring

The variations related to the position of the voice coil and to the current passing through it in a conventional circuit results in blurring.

With Focal’s Faraday ring

With Focal’s Faraday ring

Our new simulation software enables us to combine the best of both worlds: very high definition and dynamics/contrast.

 

MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS

Mesure pour un medium de 6" (visuel)

Measurements made using a Klippel Analyzer on a 6-inch midrange driver: with the new "NIC" magnetic circuit (blue trace) and a 6-inch midrange unit with a conventional ferrite motor (red trace).  Left: Inductance variation as a function of the current through the voice coil, which is signal-dependent. Total stability with "NIC". Right: Inductance variation as a function of the position of the voice coil in the magnet gap. The “NIC” improvement is spectacular..

Mesure pour un medium de 8" (visuel)

Analyzer on an 8-inch woofer: without a Faraday ring (red trace) and with a Faraday ring optimized through our simulation tool (blue trace). Left: Inductance variation as a function of the current through the voice coil, which is signal-dependent. Total stability. Right: Inductance variation as a function of the position of the voice coil in the magnet gap. The improvement here is spectacular, especially as the coil moves into the driver..

Réponse en fréquence (visuel)

Frequency response of our latest-generation midrange driver (blue trace) compared to the previous-generation W midrange (red trace). The extension of the frequency range, resulting from all the improvements but particularly the exponential cone profile, is important as it promises improved transient response. NB: The dip at 3kHz in the blue trace is due to the tested driver not being fitted with a dust cap.

Analyse de la distorsion "multitone" (visuel)

Distortion analysis using the Klippel multi-tone test signal which gives an overview of nonlinear distortion performance (harmonic and intermodulation). The lowering of distortion by about 10dB is a reduction of almost 70%.


FOCAL PRODUCTS USING THIS TECHNOLOGY

Made in France loudspeaker utopia stella focal

Stella Utopia EM Evo

High-fidelity speakers

Stella Utopia EM Evo

Embodying exceptional musicality

3-WAY FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER

Stella Utopia EM Evo joins the Utopia III Evo line. Real technological twin sister of the Grande Utopia EEM vo, it has absorbed the gist of the most outstanding innovations, in a 3-way version and with more convenient dimensions. With its 33 cm "W" woofer and latest technologies, its sound tuning reproduces mid ranges wonderfully. This high-fidelity loudspeaker produces perfect definition across the full frequency range, with the ideal balance between registers… The sound architecture of Utopia III has been preserved, to reduce harmonic distortion in the fragile mid-range register, which is so very crucial for revealing the artist’s emotions. Both loudspeakers are equipped with the very latest Focal innovations: the NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit) and the TMD suspension (Tuned Mass Damper). The entire crossover system on the new speaker drivers has been redesigned. The rigidity of the Stella Utopia EM Evo cabinet has been improved using reinforcement rings positioned around the speaker drivers. The best components of their generation have also found their way into the Utopia Evo line: cables manufactured in France, a denser acoustic material inside the subwoofer, and the double terminal boards. New finishes add the design element to a timeless silhouette. Utopia III Evo remains an iconic line. It integrates a whole series of innovations and essential detailing to create something unique. And still streets ahead of the rest.

...
Made in France Maestro Utopia Evo - Noyer Foncé

Maestro Utopia Evo

High-fidelity speakers

Maestro Utopia Evo

The legend is growing…

Consistent bass

Maestro Utopia Evo has become a three-way floorstanding loudspeaker in order to make it more versatile and easier to install in your listening room.
The bass is very consistent but it still retains Maestro’s characteristic dynamic range and punch. The mid-range register hasn’t been neglected: we have integrated our latest technical innovations. In conclusion, each register reproduced by Maestro Utopia Evo has been enhanced for even more precision and dynamic range.


Evo stands for evolution... Since 2008, when Utopia III was launched, Focal’s technological heritage has grown enormously. Therefore it was essential to integrate the most recent innovations into this exceptional collection.


The sound architecture of Utopia III has been preserved, with the constant intention of reducing harmonic distortion in the fragile mid-range register, which is so very crucial for revealing the artist’s emotions. The two loudspeakers are equipped with Focal’s latest innovations, the NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit) and the TMD suspension (Tuned Mass Damping).


Maestro Utopia Evo now offers bi amplification, just like Grande Utopia EM and Stella. Discerning music lovers will be able to fine-tune the type of sound, depending on the timbre and the power they’re looking to achieve. The best components from their generation have also found their way into the Utopia III Evo line: cables made in France, denser acoustic materials inside the subwoofer, double terminal boards and separate crossovers. New finishes with distinctive colour-ways offer many options for today’s contemporary spaces.


Utopia III Evo is an iconic line. The loudspeakers integrate a whole range of innovations and essential detailing, making them completely unique. Utopia is still way ahead of any other range.

...
Made in France Scala Utopia Evo - Noyer Naturel

Scala Utopia Evo

High-fidelity speakers

Scala Utopia Evo

The legend is growing…

Undisputed musicality

Unbelievable musicality, a beautiful design and easy to install, Scala Utopia Evo has retained all the qualities of the previous version which has been unanimously acclaimed by the most discerning audiophiles world wide.
The Scala V2 takes you closer to the music with enhanced emotion and listening pleasure.

Evo stands for evolution... Since 2008, when Utopia III was launched, Focal’s technological heritage has grown enormously. Therefore it was essential to integrate the most recent innovations into this exceptional collection.

The sound architecture of Utopia III has been preserved, with the constant intention of reducing harmonic distortion in the fragile mid-range register, which is so very crucial for revealing the artist’s emotions. The two loudspeakers are equipped with Focal’s latest innovations, the NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit) and the TMD suspension (Tuned Mass Damping).

The three-way floor standing loudspeaker Scala Utopia Evo now offers bi‑amplification, just like Grande Utopia EM and Stella. Discerning music lovers will be able to fine-tune the type of sound, depending on the timbre and the power they’re looking to achieve. The best components from their generation have also found their way into the Utopia III Evo line: cables made in France, denser acoustic materials inside the subwoofer, double terminal boards and separate crossovers. New finishes with distinctive colour-ways offer many options for today’s contemporary spaces.

Utopia III Evo is an iconic line. The loudspeakers integrate a whole range of innovations and essential detailing, making them completely unique. Utopia is still way ahead of any other range.

...

Don't miss Focal news
Subscribe to our newsletter

Also read


Tweeter FRAK
07/12/2022

Tweeter FRAK

A veritable revolution in Car Audio, FRAK is a tweeter designed by Focal.

Read more
'M'-profile 
K2 sandwich cone
07/12/2022

'M'-profile
K2 sandwich cone

Read more
The Slatefiber
cone
06/09/2019

The Slatefiber
cone

After more than four years of Research & Development, in 2019 Focal unveiled a new technology with remarkable performance: the Slatefiber cone.

Read more