What exactly do terms like “speakers”, “loudspeakers”, and “drivers” stand for? Within audio equipment, each component holds its significance. Only when they “work harmoniously together” can they effectively convert electronic signals into captivating sound. Yet, for many, words like speakers, loudspeakers, and drivers can be quite “befuddling” – you see them, but don’t quite grasp their meaning… So, let’s dive deep in the following to unveil the mysteries of loudspeakers and speakers!
What are "Loudspeakers", "Speakers", and "Drivers"?
To truly understand the intricacies of the audio system, let’s start by familiarizing ourselves with the following fundamental terms:
Loudspeaker/Speaker
Commonly referred to as speakers, loudspeakers are made up of various components such as drivers and cabinets. Their main function is to convert electronic signals into sound.
Driver
The driver is the heart of a loudspeaker, primarily responsible for producing sound. Depending on its sound production method and the frequency range it produces, drivers can be further categorized into different types.
From this, it’s evident that a loudspeaker is a device comprising multiple components, with the driver being one of its key elements. A single loudspeaker can incorporate one or multiple drivers, enabling it to produce a diverse range of sound effects.
Explaining the Principle of the Crucial Component of Loudspeakers: The Driver
Amplifiers primarily amplify input signals, making them stronger for better speaker or output device performance and adjustment. Sound volume directly affects listening pleasure, and the amplifier’s quality and performance determine sound quality (fidelity). 新的comers can use parameters like Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) provided by manufacturers as a basis for audio selection. For high-quality home Hi-Fi audio systems, the THD value should range from 0.1% to 1%, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) should exceed 100 decibels.
P.S. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) measures signal quality in decibels (dB). The signal represents the desired and useful signal, while noise refers to unwanted interference. The formula for SNR (dB) is SNR (dB) = 10 * log10 (signal power/noise power).
STEP 1: Signal Input and Generation of Electromagnetic Interaction
The audio signal, which is a fluctuating current, enters through the input end of the loudspeaker and generates an electromagnetic interaction through the voice coil, creating a magnetic field around it.
STEP 2: Magnetic Field Fluctuations Lead to Diaphragm Vibrations
The magnet within the driver interacts with the magnetic field around the voice coil, inducing mechanical vibrations in the connected diaphragm.
STEP 3: Conversion into Sound
The vibrations created by the diaphragm cause variations in air pressure surrounding it, thereby generating sound waves that reach our ears.
Introduction to Driver Types
Being a critical component in sound production, drivers can be categorized into various types based on frequency and diaphragm shape, as described below:
Classification | Type of Driver | Characteristics | Frequency |
Driver Types | Tweeter | Responsible for handling the sound in the frequency range of 2,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz, offering delicate and soft sound quality. | 2,000-20,000 Hz |
Midrange Driver | Processes sounds between 200 Hz and 4,000 Hz, a range where most sounds that humans perceive fall, thus capable of accurately reproducing vocals and instrument timbres without distortion, featuring clean sound quality. | 200-4,000 Hz | |
Woofer | Handles frequencies from 200 Hz to below 80 Hz, vital for gaming and movies, delivering a substantial and resonating tone. | 200-80 Hz | |
Subwoofer | Operates in the 15 Hz to 200 Hz range, creating a significant impact in explosive scenes, offering an immersive experience. | 15-200 Hz | |
Full Range Driver | Capable of handling frequencies from around 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz, encompassing low, mid, and high frequencies without any crossover, ensuring consistent sound quality across ranges. | 10-20,000 Hz | |
Coaxial Driver | Integrates a tweeter with a midrange or woofer into a single unit, utilizing the same axis, forming a composite design. The crossover then divides the frequencies into two or three paths. | – | |
Diaphragm Shape | Cone | Commonly used in woofers, capable of generating rich low-frequency effects, widely used. | – |
Flat | Minimizes resonance issues and has a flat frequency response, but comes with a smaller rated power. | – | |
Dome | The diaphragm is usually made of metal, characterized by good transient response and low distortion, suitable for mid and high-frequency drivers, offering clear and detailed sound. | – | |
Horn Shape | Horn | High efficiency and strong sound directionality, but has a poorer low-frequency response and a narrower bandwidth, hence, typically used for mid and high-frequency drivers. | – |
Can a Driver be used Alone? The Significance of Speaker Cabinets in Loudspeakers
Though the driver itself can emit sound, is a speaker cabinet necessary? The answer is yes! Although a driver can produce sound on its own, it is incapable of delivering high-quality audio just by itself. Without the assistance of a speaker cabinet, the sound waves generated by the driver may cancel each other out, leading to a somewhat hollow sound with a lower volume, and even a weaker mid-to-low frequency signal, failing to present a full spectrum of sound quality. However, with the aid of a speaker cabinet to prevent the front and rear sound waves from canceling each other out, the complete audio signal can be preserved. Common types of speaker cabinets are as follows:
- Baffle Board:
Reduces reflection and low-frequency distortion, though its effectiveness is limited. - Sealed Speaker Cabinets:
As the name suggests, this enclosed design has relatively lower distortion, presenting a purer sound. - Bass Reflex Speaker Cabinets:
Compared to sealed cabinets, they offer a more robust and expansive bass response. - Transmission Line Cabinets:
A special design that provides clearer and cleaner bass, commonly used in high-end audio system designs. - Passive Radiator:
An extension of the bass reflex design, without any driving components, hence doesn’t require power. It enhances the bass effect through resonance.
9 Common Types of Speaker Drivers
After understanding the various components of speakers, let’s proceed to introduce you to 9 common types of speaker drivers:
Classification Method | Type of Speaker | Characteristics | Operating Mechanism |
Type of Speaker | Electrodynamic (Dynamic Coil) | A common type of speaker today | Utilizes an electric current passing through a coil to generate a magnetic field, which then drives the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound |
Electromagnetic (Reed Type) | Contains a reed made of soft iron | When electric current passes through, the reed gets magnetized, interacting with the magnet inside the driver, either attracting or repelling it, to drive the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound | |
Electrostatic | Higher cost | Utilizes electrostatic force to drive the diaphragm movement | |
Piezoelectric | Commonly seen in small speakers | Uses ceramics, crystals, and other materials that deform due to voltage changes to replace the traditional coil, thereby driving the diaphragm to produce sound | |
Plasma | Uses high voltage to ionize air to create resonance and produce sound, good sound quality | However, it is easily affected by high voltage, electromagnetic interference, and has poorer low-frequency response | |
Built-in Components | Active | Inside the speaker, in addition to the crossover and driver, it also has a built-in amplifier | No need for external connection, can avoid signal distortion, thereby providing higher quality sound |
Passive | Inside the speaker, there are only a crossover and driver | Needs to be connected to an amplifier through speaker cables to receive audio signals, and the volume and other controls are managed by the amplifier. But it is more affordable compared to active speakers and offers greater flexibility | |
Appearance | Tower (Floor-Standing) | Large size, relatively higher volume, good bass performance | Often features multi-driver design, better representing low, mid, and high-frequency tones |
Bookshelf | Small size, high cost-performance ratio | With the advancement of modern technology, the sound quality is not inferior to floor-standing speakers |
How to Choose Speakers? A Breakdown of 3 Key Points
After learning about the different types of speakers, you might be wondering how to select the appropriate and ideal speaker. Here are 3 key points to consider when making your choice:
- Select According to Usage and Location
Firstly, determine the purpose of the speaker and where it will be placed. This will allow you to select a speaker that meets those specific requirements. Manufacturers usually offer a range of products to cater to different needs, including home theater audio systems, conference speakers, or various other types of professional audio equipment. - Confirm Sound Quality and Frequency Range
Depending on the design of the drivers and the enclosure, each speaker offers a different sound quality experience and can handle different frequency ranges. It’s recommended to choose a professional-grade speaker that meets your requirements based on your usual usage habits (mainly what kind of audio you will be listening to) and your sound quality expectations. - Brand and Service
Lastly, opt for products from reputable and certified brands to ensure the quality of the speakers and to enjoy high-quality service. Taking Qiyi Electronics as an example, not only has it received ISO9001, ISO14001, and IATF16949 certifications, but all of its products have also passed various international safety standards such as CE, UL, etc. Moreover, they offer customers a one-stop acoustic solution, committing to satisfy diverse client needs with advanced acoustic technology.
Common Q&A on Speaker and Speaker Selection
Q1: Is a speaker with higher power always better?
The power of a speaker mainly affects its volume level and ensures the proper functioning of the speaker. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose a speaker with an appropriate power level based on your individual needs and the space where it will be used. A higher power does not necessarily mean it is better!
Q2: How should I choose a home audio system? Is a soundbar or a subwoofer better?
The sound quality experiences delivered by soundbars and subwoofers are not the same. Therefore, it is recommended to use them in combination for the best audio experience.
In conclusion, the field of speaker manufacturing is a meticulous one, where continuous research into new technologies is vital in offering a more refined and high-quality sound experience. Through the information provided above, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of the relationships between speakers, loudspeakers, and individual units. If you are interested in learning more, you are welcome to visit JazzHipster blog for further expert knowledge and insights!
