Philosophy
The philosophy of Tessiture is above all to create musical instruments. We have often found that many loudspeakers create balanced sound signals but do not exhibit a perfect pairing of drivers caused by crossovers*. This matter does not appear in traditional acoustic musical instruments since they use other systems (strings, winds, percussion, etc.) to create vibrations while associating them with a geometry specific to each instrument. The technical reality of a loudspeaker limits it to being able to reproduce all types of sound but requires a combination of loudspeakers dedicated to the associated frequencies (treble, midrange, bass). Only loudspeakers using a single full-range loudspeaker can take advantage of a diffusion that does not cross the elements (crossover). However, the technical limits of these systems do not allow them to cover as wide a spectrum as multi-way loudspeakers.
Based on this observation, Tessiture sets out to develop a system to circumvent this crossover effect by using the single pavilion. The impedance improvement for all the loudspeakers allows us to convey a sound signal that greatly reduces exposure to disturbances caused by crossovers*. Thus, we can more precisely approach the coherence of a sound signal created by a musical instrument. This solution allows Tessiture speakers to convey the sound of musical instruments, and the associated fluidity of sound.
Beyond the acoustic technique, we also want to highlight the expertise behind these speakers. Each loudspeaker is handcrafted by French craftsmen whose skill and quality of work offer artistic craftsmanship to the speakers. Combined with a unique sound diffusion technique, the Tessiture factory offers products designed like musical instruments.
Story
Tessiture is a factory at the crossroads of the worlds of music, design and architecture. The story begins in 2018 when Kirwan Lelièvre, an architect by training, passionate about sound, decides to create his own speakers. After more than 10 years of studies at the regional conservatory of Reims studying the trombone, his musical practice developed in another form, that of listening. Associated with a desire to create objects, the acoustic speaker appeared as a synthesis of the multiple passions of its creator. In parallel with his studies in architecture, Kirwan Lelièvre trained as an autodidact, then with courses in acoustic physics at the Arts et Métiers de Paris, thus enabling him to understand the theory of acoustic physics in order to associate it to his musical and architectural knowledge. The result is the creation of Tessiture n°1. This founding model bears the identity in which the manufacture wishes to subscribe and develop to create an acoustic speaker by analogy with musical instruments.
After several years of development, testing, fine-tuning and adjustments, Tessiture was built around the Monopavilion, which is now protected by a European Patent. It is a passive multi-way horn. This technology allows Tessiture loudspeakers to improve the coherence of the channels (speakers) used. This method allows us today to improve the diffusion of sound in space, to increase the richness of the bass, and to increase the coherence of the diffused sound signal. The vibratory elements combined with the geometry of the object form a common entity like a musical instrument.
The MonoWaveguide
The MonoWaveguide is the master technology of the Manufacture. Tessiture wants listeners to be as close as possible to the instrument, to the sound it emits, the vibration it produces and the emotion it evokes.
To do this, we have developed the MonoWaveguide, which is a passive technology for acoustic coherence. Protected by a European Patent, this tool improves the physical impedance of the various loudspeakers it covers. A loudspeaker category uses one waveguide per loudspeaker. We made the opposite choice of using a waveguide for all drivers. After a necessary readjustment of the channels between them to balance the sound, the sound diffusion allowed by the geometry and the related impedance, brings us closer to the sound reality of musical instruments. This fluidity is reflected in listening and significantly improves the sound signal. This also makes it possible to extend the sound spectrum, especially for the bass, offering the listener a wider spectrum and therefore a more realistic listening experience.
The MonoWaveguide, resulting from a morpho-acoustic work also studied from an architectural viewpoint by Kirwan Lelièvre, is a strong identity element. With its uniquely designed geometry, it can combine both sound enhancement and artistic object, offering top-notch products for its users.
Local and Ecological Production
Beyond the specific issues of loudspeakers, Tessiture seeks through its practice and its development, to take part in drastically reducing the CO2 emissions associated with the manufacturing practices of its products, and thus take into account the natural and climatic ecosystem.
Tessiture uses local materials, as well as products from reutilisation or from natural materials only. The wood used for the speakers comes from the Black Forest and the Vosges. Located near the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, these places offer excellent local sources. The concrete comes as much as possible from surplus castings used in the field of architecture.
To develop local distribution networks and participate in revitalizing our territory, the loudspeaker components come mainly from companies (Atelier Bois, Partner Engineering, La Maison du Haut-Parleur and Davis Acoustics) located within a radius of less than 150 kilometers from the Tessiture factory.