Rola Cone Re-Creator

Rola Company (AUS) Pty. Ltd.; Melbourne

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  • Year
  • 1927 ?
  • Category
  • Loudspeaker, headphone or earphone
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 360775

 Technical Specifications

  • Wave bands
  • - without
  • Loudspeaker
  • Magnetic loudspeaker (reed) generic. / Ø 9 inch = 22.9 cm
  • Material
  • Wooden case
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Rola Cone Re-Creator - Rola Company AUS Pty. Ltd.;
  • Shape
  • Miscellaneous shapes - described under notes.
  • Dimensions (WHD)
  • 15 x 17 x 7 inch / 381 x 432 x 178 mm
  • Notes

  • The Rola Cone Re-creator speaker, manufactured by the Rola Company in the United States, was introduced to Australia around 1927. Audiotone Ltd. imported the speaker into the country, and distribution was handled by United Distributors Ltd., among others. 

    The Rola Cone Re-Creator loudspeaker (1926) addressed critical challenges in early audio engineering through innovative design. 

    Core Design Innovations

    • Piston-Like Operation: Unlike earlier cone designs, it mimicked a piston by pushing air columns rather than relying solely on vibrations, enhancing acoustic efficiency.
    • Leather Suspension: Replaced rubber with thin leather for cone-edge attachment, improving durability across climates while maintaining flexibility for unrestricted motion (up to ¼ inch travel).
    • Integrated Baffle System: Featured a large wooden ring to prevent rear soundwave interference, acting as both a sounding board and a baffle to minimise acoustic distortion.

    Developed during the transition from horn to cone speakers, the Re-Creator exemplified Rola’s focus on refining electromagnetic designs. Its detachable cone-and-unit assembly allowed integration into custom cabinets, reflecting evolving consumer audio preferences. The 1926 model also predated field-coil advancements (introduced ~1928), marking it as a transitional product in loudspeaker evolution.

    Rola's presence in Australia grew significantly after establishing Rola (Australia) Pty Ltd in 1930. Initially, the Australian branch assembled speakers using imported components from the U.S., but local manufacturing expanded over time due to high import duties introduced by the Scullin government in 1931. This led Rola (Australia) to source metal components locally and conduct coil winding operations in-house. By the mid-1930s, Rola had become a dominant player in the Australian loudspeaker market, known for its commitment to quality.

  • Mentioned in
  • -- Original prospect or advert (The Argus Dec 27, 1927, Page 11.)
  • Literature/Schematics (1)
  • Radio News (August 1926, Page 134.)

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The model Rola Cone Re-Creator is part of the collections of the following members.

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