A system and method is disclosed for a parametric emitter array with enhanced emitter-to-air acoustic coupling. The system comprises a plate support member having opposing first and second faces separated by an intermediate plate body. The plate body can have a plurality of conduits configured as an array of acoustic horns. Each horn can have a small throat opening at the first face and an intermediate horn section which diverges to a broad mouth opening at the second face. An emitter membrane can be positioned in direct contact with the first face and extending across the small throat openings. The emitter membrane can be biased by (i) applying tension to the emitter membrane extending across the throat openings, (ii) displacing the emitter membrane into a non-planar configuration, and (iii) capturing the emitter membrane at the first face using an adhesive substance. A variable electrical signal can be applied to the emitter membrane for propagation through the intermediate horn section and out the broad mouth opening at the second face.