The sound of a flat-panel loudspeaker, made from an exciter attached to a bending panel, is dependent on the size and shape of the panel, exciter characteristics, and panel materials. Comparing the unique sound of different materials for sound reproduction is challenging because the sound of identically sized panels made from different materials will be dominated by the location of their resonant frequencies rather than material effects. This paper presents a method for scaling panels made from various materials such that their resonances and excursion are identical, even though their sizes will be different, such that the differences between their unique sounds will be dominated by material effects. Three panel speakers made from aluminum, acrylic, and foam poster board are built and compared to simulations, demonstrating that their resonances and loudness largely overlap and distinct differences due to the materials can be highlighted.

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