LMH Schmackshorn
Multi-folded horn for precise, dynamic bass
The Schmackshorn employs a defined, multi-folded horn path to achieve a large effective horn length within a compact enclosure.
Controlled sound guidance results in high efficiency, stable dynamics, and authoritative horn bass.
Without gimmicks.
Without artificial low-frequency emphasis.
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Concept
The Schmackshorn is a multi-folded horn loudspeaker system in which the output of the low-frequency driver is not radiated directly into the room, but guided through a defined, repeatedly redirected horn path.
This folding allows a large effective horn length to be realized within a comparatively compact enclosure volume.
The multiple folding of the horn channel serves a central acoustic function:
it extends the acoustic path, controls horn expansion, and enables efficient coupling of low frequencies to the air without requiring a large, freestanding horn. The driver operates with reduced diaphragm excursion, which lowers distortion and stabilizes transient reproduction.
Unlike simply folded designs, the horn path in the Schmackshorn is deliberately segmented. Deflections, cross-sectional profiles, and transitions follow a clearly defined geometric logic in order to minimize reflections and airflow disturbances. Every fold is part of the acoustic function — not of the physical layout.
Multi-folded horn systems place high demands on geometry and precision, as even small deviations in the horn path can affect radiation behavior and tonal balance. Accordingly, the Schmackshorn is designed using CAD and implemented with strict geometric accuracy at LMH.
The result is a horn loudspeaker system that deliberately exploits the advantages of multiple folding:
high efficiency, controlled radiation, and authoritative, precise low-frequency reproduction — realized in a compact, mechanically calm structure.
The Schmackshorn is therefore not a stylistic variation, but a functional solution for implementing efficient horn technology in a domestically compatible format.
Manufacturing & materials
The Schmackshorn is manufactured entirely in the LMH workshop.
All acoustically and mechanically relevant components are designed using CAD, precisely CNC-machined, and subsequently manually finalized. The objective is a reproducible realization of the complex horn geometry — constructive accuracy rather than decorative simplification.
Multi-folded horn systems place particularly high demands on material quality and mechanical stability. Deflections, cross-sectional profiles, and transitions must be executed with precision, as even minor deviations can lead to unwanted reflections, airflow noise, or tonal irregularities.
For this reason, LMH relies on high-quality wood-based materials, in particular European beech plywood up to 30 mm and — depending on the configuration — solid wood. These materials offer a balanced combination of high stiffness and internal damping, making them especially suitable for complex folded horn structures.
Wall thicknesses are deliberately generous.
Mass and stiffness serve exclusively to reduce structural resonances and to create a mechanically calm working environment for the driver and the enclosed air column. Resonances are not corrected electronically, but avoided by design.
Special attention is given to the internal structure of the Schmackshorn:
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individual folds are precisely guided and geometrically defined
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transitions between segments are optimized for smooth airflow
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bracing elements and structural connections are functionally placed, without acoustically interfering with the horn path
Surface finishes, wood species, and construction details are defined on a project-by-project basis. The focus is not only on visual variation, but on a functionally consistent execution, adapted to the intended environment and acoustic objectives.
The result is a mechanically stable, low-resonance horn loudspeaker system that consistently exploits the advantages of multiple folding and delivers long-term reproducible acoustic performance — factual, precise, and without compromise in substance.
Who is the Schmackshorn for?
LMH Classic Line
High-frequency horn
System Architecture
The Schmackshorn is a classic back-loaded horn loudspeaker system, whose acoustic function is based on the controlled coupling of the driver to a folded horn path.
At its core is the utilization of the horn principle for efficient sound radiation in the lower and mid-frequency range.
The system is not restricted to a single application scenario.
Depending on driver selection and system alignment, the Schmackshorn may be implemented either as a full-range horn system or as a low-frequency-supported horn system. The resulting acoustic behavior is determined by the interaction of driver parameters, horn geometry, and the associated acoustic loading.
In contrast to conventional direct-radiating or bass-reflex designs, low-frequency reproduction is not derived from a tuned enclosure volume, but from horn expansion and the defined wave propagation within the horn structure.
This operating principle enables efficient, dynamically stable reproduction with controlled impulse characteristics.
In full-range configurations, the horn structure primarily supports reproduction in the fundamental and bass-relevant regions, while the driver radiates the upper frequency range directly.
In low-frequency-oriented alignments, the system is optimized for enhanced bass coupling and efficiency.
Within LMH implementations, system alignment is performed strictly on a system-specific basis.
Decisive factors are not conventional enclosure parameters, but the interactions between driver, horn contour, horn length, and the mechanical integration.
The Schmackshorn is not conceived as an effect-based enclosure, but as a functionally engineered horn system, whose performance derives directly from acoustic coupling and the physical operating principles of horn loading.
Design Driven by Acoustics
At LMH, design consistently follows acoustic function.
Material selection, surface treatment, and construction are not decorative elements, but integral parts of the mechanical and acoustic design.
Solid Wood – Where It Makes Sense and Remains Stable
Where it is structurally and acoustically meaningful, we also build enclosures from carefully selected solid woods.
We use only woods with proven long-term stability, defined density, and good internal damping, such as:
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Beech
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Maple
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Oak
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Ash
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Walnut
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Selected tropical hardwoods (project-dependent)
Solid wood is used deliberately – not universally – only where mass, stiffness, and resonance behavior benefit from it and where climatic influences remain controllable.
Veneer on Plywood – The Technically Preferred Solution
In many cases, veneered plywood is the acoustically and mechanically superior solution.
As a core material, we use high-quality beech or birch plywood with excellent dimensional stability and uniform resonance behavior.
This core is finished with real wood veneers in virtually any available species – chosen for visual reasons without sacrificing the structural advantages of plywood.
This construction offers:
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High long-term stability
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Low tendency to warp or crack
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Reproducible acoustic properties
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Free choice of wood appearance without structural drawbacks
At LMH, veneer is not a compromise, but a deliberately chosen high-end solution.
Stains & Wood Surfaces
Wherever possible, the natural wood structure remains visible.
We use:
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Transparent stains to emphasize the grain
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Oil and hardwax systems for open, lively surfaces
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Satin-matte lacquers with minimal film thickness
Surface finishes are defined on a project basis, matched to wood species, geometry, and acoustic targets.
Paint Finish (Optional)
Where it makes sense from a design or conceptual perspective, fully painted versions are also possible.
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Color selection in nearly all RAL shades
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Opaque or satin finishes
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Multi-layer, mechanically stable paint systems
At LMH, painted finishes are not a standard solution, but a consciously chosen alternative to wood or veneer surfaces.
Project-Specific Configuration
Every LMH product is configured on a project-specific basis.
Wood species, veneer, stain, or paint finish are integral parts of the overall design – not interchangeable accessories.
The goal is a permanently stable, mechanically quiet, and visually honest system that does justice to the respective loudspeaker or enclosure concept.
System
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Multi-folded horn loudspeaker system for free placement
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Designed as a high-efficiency bass horn foundation
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Optionally usable as a full-range horn (driver-dependent)
Driver configuration
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8″ driver class as primary design basis (bass horn)
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Project-based driver selection in consultation with the customer
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Technically appropriate driver recommendations by LMH depending on target application:
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bass horn operation (low-frequency / lower-midrange as horn foundation)
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full-range operation with a suitable wideband driver (as a full-range horn)
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Available as finished enclosure or as a complete system including drivers
Horn path & tuning
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Multi-folded horn path to realize a large effective horn length within the enclosure
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Geometry and deflections designed to minimize reflections and airflow disturbances
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Tuning dependent on driver parameters and target application
(bass horn vs. full-range operation)
Operation
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Passive or active operation possible (system-dependent)
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Particularly suitable for high-efficiency setups
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Depending on configuration, usable as a bass / lower-midrange foundation or as a full-range solution
Structural characteristics
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Defined internal horn geometry, CNC-precise implementation
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Mechanically calm, low-resonance structure
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Reproducible manufacturing instead of free scaling
Dimensions & weight
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W × H × D: approx. 78 × 102 (plus HF horn / top section) × 62 cm
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Weight: approx. 90–110 kg
Further technical data available on request, according to the specific configuration.
