Step into the Beam: Discovering Ultrasound Speakers

Experience sound like never before — focused, private, and powerful. At nin.technology, we're all about pushing audio innovation forward, and ultrasound speaker technology is a frontier worth exploring.

What Are Ultrasound Speakers?

Ultrasound speakers emit sound waves above 20 kHz—frequencies humans can’t hear directly—but cleverly modulate them so we perceive audible sound only where intended. This means sound behaves like a beam of light: precise, narrow, and immersive.

Thanks to their tight directionality, ultrasound speakers deliver audio clarity to a single listener or target zone without spill over—ideal for museums, retail spaces, and personal listening zones.

How It Works: The Science Behind the Beam

High-frequency Ultrasonic Carrier:
A carrier frequency around 40 kHz is generated using piezoelectric or MEMS transducers.

Amplitude Modulation (AM):
The ultrasonic carrier is amplitude‑modulated with the audible audio signal (speech, music, etc.).

Air‑Wave Demodulation:
As the ultrasound travels, nonlinear interactions in the air demodulate the signal—creating a narrow audible beam only where needed.

Because ultrasound wavelengths are extremely short, sound doesn't spread—allowing ultra-focused delivery.

Why Ultrasound Speakers Matter

Highly Directional Audio:
Your listener hears crisp voice or music without anyone else in the room noticing.

Perfect for Installations & Exhibits:
Imagine museum labels or gallery tours that speak only when you're in the right spot, leaving surroundings silent.

Enhanced Hearing Experiences:
Products like HyperSound have leveraged ultrasonic beams to assist listeners with hearing loss, improving clarity in conversation without amplifying background noise.

Future Uses in Shared Spaces:
Emerging research shows self-bending ultrasonic beams combined with metasurfaces can deliver audio in tiny “enclaves” — great for cars or public venues where multiple users require separate sound zones.

Real-World Tech: The nin Ultrasound Audio Speaker

We designed the nin Ultrasound Audio Speaker with real-world use in mind:

  • Directional sound capability: clear audio focused at a specific listener point—great for targeted sound zones without disruption
  • Flexible inputs: Bluetooth and 3.5 mm jack, easy plug-and-play
  • UK mains powered: Stable performance without battery constraints
  • Sleek, compact design: Minimalist, unobtrusive, and modern aesthetic

It offers a practical entry into professional ultrasound speaker setups.

 

Considerations & Limitations

  • Limited Bass & Low Frequencies: Ultrasound systems excel in mid/high frequencies (speech, narration, light music) but don’t support rich bass reproduction
  • Sweet‑Spot Sensitivity: Users must be positioned precisely in the beam to hear. Move outside and the sound may vanish instantly
  • Environmental Influence: Air temperature, humidity, and distance can affect beam integrity
  • Cost & Complexity: While more affordable than in the past, deployment—especially in installations or multiple zones—still needs careful design and calibration

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Audio

Ultrasound speaker technology transforms sound delivery—making it directional, private, and context-aware. From enhancing museum experiences to empowering new assistive audio tools, the potential is exciting.

At nin.technology, we believe audio should adapt to space and listener, not the other way around. Our ultrasound speaker is engineered for creators, innovators, and pioneers in sound design.

Want to explore projects, integrations, or research? Just ask.

Back to blog

Leave a comment