Like the classical pistonic driver, the DML technology transduces electrical energy into sound. However, it differs from the conventional pistonic technology in its exciter behaviour. In the pistonic technology, the stiffness of the membrane, which is produced e.g. by the cone shape, ensures well-structured excitement. By contrast, the flat membrane of the bending wave transducer priciple used in DML technology is excited chaotically. Due to this characteristic, the bending wave membrane shows a wider dispersion angle than a pistonic radiator.

For proper function, a bending wave radiator needs a material with specific acoustic properties. The distribution and freqeuncy of the resonances excited in the material is called mode density; it is this mode characteristic that gives the principle its English name, DML - distributed mode loudspeaker. Furthermore, a certain inner damping is desirable to achieve a well-balanced frequency response.
A computer-animated image gives a good impression of the excitement of the panel across the entire surface at various frequencies.

Modal landscape of DML-test calculation: Panel 21×21 cm² with two asymmetric placed exciters
(calculated with the program package CAPE, ETS-Kiel)

A special feature of flat panel speakers is the homogenous sound dispersion in a room, supporting easy set-up. Presently, ELAC are in production of the most advanced exciters: they are larger and yield more power due to their 37mm voice coil. They differ from other standard tranducers by high power handling(20 W RMS, 30 W peak power handling) and a frequency range of 100 - 20,000 Hz - exceptional for a DML speaker. Strong neodymium magnets provide a high sensitivity (e.g. 86 dB/2.8V/m for a panel 60 x 80cm, equipped with 2 ELAC exciters).