In October 2024, Sonos lifted the veil on the Arc Ultra, its new high-end soundbar, the first of its kind to feature revolutionary Sound Motion technology. The result of the acquisition of Dutch start-up Mayht, this innovation reinvents the very principle of the driver, tripling sound power without increasing size. It’s a major breakthrough that could well revolutionize the hi-fi and home theater markets.
From Mayht to Sonos
Founded in 2016 in Utrecht by two brothers, Dutch start-up Mayht made a name for itself with HeartMotion, an ultra-compact, flat transducer technology capable of reproducing powerful bass worthy of large systems, but in miniature formats. Presented at CES 2022, this innovation immediately caught the attention of Sonos, who bought the company and its patents the same year for $100 million. It would then take two years of development before Sonos perfected this technology, renamed it Sound Motion, and integrated it into a product for the first time: the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar.
A quadripolar motor with dual cones
Sound Motion technology marks a radical departure from the classic electrodynamic driver design. Whereas a traditional transducer is built around a single, large central motor, with a moving coil suspended in a magnetic field generated by a circular magnet, the Sound Motion solution is based on a four-motor architecture. These miniature models are positioned at the corners of the cone to create a highly concentrated and powerful magnetic field. This configuration distributes the force evenly over the entire diaphragm, allowing it to move in its entirety. This triples the acoustic pressure, while making it four times more compact and lightweight.
To maximize mechanical efficiency and frequency response, Sonos has adopted a force-cancelling dual-cone configuration. In other words, two opposing cones vibrate simultaneously in reverse phase, virtually eliminating mechanical reaction forces. This approach, inspired by high-end subwoofers, drastically reduces unwanted vibrations transmitted to the speaker’s cabinet, while allowing an exceptional mechanical excursion of ± 9mm. This increased amplitude makes it possible to move a greater volume of air, generating deeper, more dynamic bass from a reduced size.
Is this the end of the traditional driver?
Does this mean we have to say our goodbyes to the classic electrodynamic driver in favor of this new Sound Motion technology? Not just yet. Traditional transducers still have a place in home hi-fi, particularly in floorstanding or bookshelf speakers where space is not a limiting factor. Their proven design, sonic neutrality and low production costs will continue to attract manufacturers and the most discerning audiophiles alike.
For portable or integrated products, however, the situation changes radically. In the segment of ultra-compact Bluetooth speakers, soundbars and multi-room audio systems, space is a constant constraint. This is precisely where Sound Motion technology could mark a major turning point. By succeeding in combining extreme compactness with an extended bass response, Sonos has given itself a strategic edge over competitors still dependent on traditional systems. With Sound Motion, the brand can design slimmer, more discreet speakers without sacrificing performance, as highlighted in our review of the Sonos Arc Ultra.
