Manipulation of Playback Device Response Using an Acoustic Filter

An acoustic filter comprising:

• a surface configured to be at least partially axially aligned with a transducer of a playback device;
• and
• an array of apertures in the surface, wherein the array of apertures is configured to:
• receive (i) first sound waves of a first range of frequencies that radiate according to a first radiation pattern having a first shape, and (ii) second sound waves of a second range of frequencies that radiate according to a second radiation pattern, wherein at least a portion of the second range of frequencies is different than the first range of frequencies;
• attenuate the first sound waves such that the attenuated first sound waves radiate according to a third radiation pattern having a shape different than the first shape;
• and
• pass the second sound waves in substantial accordance with the second radiation pattern.

A playback device comprising:

• a transducer configured to generate (i) first sound waves comprising a first range of frequencies that radiate according to a first radiation pattern having a first shape and (ii) second sound waves comprising a second range of frequencies that radiate according to a second radiation pattern;
• and
• an acoustic filter axially aligned with at least a portion of the transducer, wherein the acoustic filter comprises an array of apertures, and wherein the acoustic filter is configured to:
• attenuate the first sound waves such that the attenuated first sound waves radiate according to a third radiation pattern having a shape different than the first shape;
• and
• pass the second sound waves in substantial accordance with the second radiation pattern.

A playback device comprising:

• a transducer configured to generate (i) first sound waves comprising a first range of frequencies that radiate according to a first radiation pattern having a first shape and (ii) second sound waves comprising a second range of frequencies that radiate according to a second radiation pattern;
• and
• an acoustic filter axially aligned with at least a portion of the transducer, wherein the acoustic filter comprises an array of apertures, and wherein the acoustic filter is configured to:
• reshape the first radiation pattern such that the first sound waves radiate according to a third radiation pattern having a shape different than the first shape;
• and
• pass the second sound waves in substantial accordance with the second radiation pattern.