Previously models were divided into three categories by way of their outer structure and appearance. In the early days when the inner frame structures were made of wood and limited to the strength of wood and prone to be sensitive to environmental conditions; it could be argued that the stronger & heavier the outer structure was, the more strength that could be added to protect the integrity of the inner frame. This plus understanding the importance of having different aesthetics to choose from for such monumental structures (because no matter what the Sound Lab speaker panels will stand out in any room), three ‘model categories’ came to be and their names were given: Majestic (Millennium), Audiophile, and Ultimate.
- Majestic (Millennium): Majestic was reserved for the largest two panels, while Millennium included three smaller versions with the same minimalist wooden structure and unobtrusive profile.
- Audiophile: This category featured a pronounced wooden framework, meticulously crafted with skilled woodworking.
- Ultimate: Ultimate was the label for a modern industrial looking frame made of steel with accents of strength by having the inner structure surrounded by a heavy steel frame
Naming Evolution
Majestic models were known as Majestic 945 and 845, while Millennium models were abbreviated as M-1, M-2, and M-3. The M-1 was a scaled-down version of the Majestic, while the M-2 and M-3 further decreased in height and width.
PX Upgrade
Then after 2006 when ABS materials replaced the wooden inner structure (along with several other changes adding strength and stability) the suffix ‘PX’ was added. So names evolved from the earliest models to become ‘Majestic-PX’ ‘M-1PX’ or ‘A-3PX’ for example.
Decoding Model Numbers
Additional numbers were later introduced to specify panel height and dispersion angle. For example, Sound Lab’s flagship models included:
- Majestic 945-PX
- Audiophile 945-PX
- Ultimate 745-PX
Each name follows a clear pattern:
- Majestic/Audiophile/Ultimate → Indicates frame style.
- First digit (9, 8, 7, 6, 5) → Represents height (e.g., “9” signifies a panel just under 9 feet to fit under a standard ceiling).
- Second number (45) → Refers to 45-degree dispersion. (Earlier models had 90-degree dispersion, but this shifted to 45 degrees to focus energy toward the listening position and reduce side-wall reflections in medium or narrow rooms.)
- PX suffix → Signifies the upgraded panel construction using ABS materials along with a host of other improvements.
This refined naming system maintains Sound Lab’s legacy of innovation while making it easier to identify model characteristics at a glance.
Complications & Solutions
Over the years, Sound Lab received numerous requests for panels in different heights and widths. As a built-to-order production facility, nearly all requests were accommodated. However, few customers realized customization was even an option. These choices weren’t widely advertised, except under a “custom requests” menu—often associated with higher costs, though that wasn’t the case.
Naming customized models also became confusing. For example:
- A Majestic 645 customized to a 7′ height wasn’t simply a 745, because a 645 is about 5″ narrower than a 745. Was this a narrow 745 or a taller 645?
- Another request for a 745’s height but a 545’s width complicated things further. This was labeled a 7′ 545, but the old naming system wasn’t built to handle such variations.
Sound Lab’s flexible, customizable design allowed for a wide range of sizes—but the existing nomenclature made it difficult for customers to understand their options. This led to a key question:
How could we make it easier for customers to see and select the best size for their space?
A Pivotal Moment: The PX Panel
The answer came with the introduction of PX panels, featuring ABS high-density, non-resonating structures. Unlike wood, ABS was impervious to humidity, significantly more durable, and far stiffer. This meant:
- The outer framework (Majestic, Audiophile, Ultimate) could no longer be said to affect sound performance.
- Its sole function was to suspend the electrostatic panel at the right height and angle.
This breakthrough eliminated the need to divide models by outer frame style. Previously, each frame style required repeating the same specifications, tripling the number of listed models. If every height and width variation had been categorized under three separate frame styles, the model list would have exceeded 30 variations—far too complex to navigate.By shifting focus to panel dimensions rather than frame style, Sound Lab made customization clearer and more accessible, ensuring customers could easily find the perfect speaker for their space.
Cells and New Nomenclature:
Each Sound Lab panel has always been designed with a specific height and width. The height is straightforward:
- Model names starting with 9, 8, 7, 6, or 5 indicate an approximate height—just under 9 ft, 8 ft, 7 ft, etc.
- This ensures, for example, that a 9-series model fits under a 9 ft ceiling, an 8-series under an 8 ft ceiling, and so on.
However, the width was less obviously defined—until now.
How Panel Width Is Determined
Panel width is based on the number of cells used in its construction. Each cell has a fixed width—approximately 5 inches (13 cm)—so the total width depends on the number of cells in the panel.
This clarity led to the creation of a selection matrix:
- Customers can now choose a panel based on available heights and corresponding width options (number of cells).
- This provides an easy starting point for determining the best speaker size for a specific room.
The Importance of Radiating Area
By calculating the total surface radiating area (height × width), Sound Lab now has a key metric for comparing speaker models.
- Radiating area directly correlates with energy output, making it a more meaningful reference than height or width alone.
- A new table of configurations, sorted by radiating area, allows customers to compare 10 different speaker options easily.
To make model identification clearer, Sound Lab introduced a new naming convention
G9-7C Majestic, Walnut with Opal Grille
- G – Stands for Grand, indicating a full-range single-membrane electrostatic panel.
- 9 – Refers to the height (just under 9 feet).
- 7C – Represents the width, based on the number of cells (7 cells ≈ 40 inches wide).
- Majestic – Denotes the wood frame style (modern minimalist).
- Walnut – Specifies the wood type.
Streamlining the Naming Process to keep things simple
- “45” has been dropped, since all panels now feature 45-degree dispersion.
- “PX” has been removed, as all panels now incorporate PX technology.
This new system makes it far easier for customers to understand and configure their ideal Sound Lab speaker—ensuring a seamless selection process that aligns with their room size and décor.