Speaker Introduction

In audio systems, we often hear about full-range speakers, subwoofers, and other types. These names can seem simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar. This article briefly examines the definitions, advantages, disadvantages, and selection methods for these speakers—to serve as a guide when designing or purchasing speakers.

Contents

1. Classification of Speaker Systems

2. Features of Different Speaker Systems

3. How to Choose the Right Speaker System?

4. Summary

1. Classification of Speaker Systems

What is a full-range speaker system?

The range of sounds audible to the human ear is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; sounds beyond this range are classified as ultrasound and are inaudible to our hearing.

As is well known, the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz is typically divided into three parts: high, mid, and low frequencies. With this in mind, let's consider the definition of a full-range speaker system. A full-range speaker system is essentially a full-range speaker system, meaning a single driver can cover a large portion of the audio frequency range. Currently, no speaker system exists that can reproduce the entire frequency range. Naturally, full-range speakers also vary in quality. Budget full-range models may only cover a range from 150 Hz to 15 kHz, while mid-range and high-end speakers can cover a range from 80 Hz to 18 kHz and beyond, but their price is correspondingly higher.

What is a bandpass (multi-band) speaker system?

A bandpass speaker system, as the name suggests, is capable of dividing sound into different frequency bands and directing them to the appropriate speakers—for example, tweeters (high-frequency), midrange speakers, and woofers (low-frequency)—for playback. Typically, sound is divided into two or three frequency bands: two bands correspond to a two-way speaker system, three bands to a three-way speaker system. The internal structure and basic sound reproduction diagram of a two-way speaker system are shown below.

What is a tweeter?

In an audio system, a tweeter is a dynamic driver, not a standalone speaker system. It works in conjunction with a midrange driver and a woofer. A tweeter is designed specifically to reproduce high-frequency sounds (usually between 2 kHz and 20 kHz). Tweeters are typically small in size but can improve the clarity, brightness, and transparency of sound.

What is a woofer/subwoofer?

In an audio system, a woofer can be either a driver within a bandpass speaker system or a standalone speaker system (a subwoofer). The category it belongs to depends on the context: if it's a dynamic driver, it's a component of a bandpass speaker system; if it's a subwoofer, it's a standalone speaker system. Regardless of the category, the function remains the same: reproducing low-frequency sound (usually from 20 Hz to 200 Hz). Woofers are typically large, allowing them to move a significant volume of air and deliver deep, powerful, and dynamic bass reproduction.

What is a coaxial speaker system?

In a coaxial speaker system, the midrange driver and tweeter are positioned on the same axis and appear from the front as two concentric circles—hence the name. A coaxial speaker system is not a full-range system; it is a special type of bandpass speaker system that resembles a full-range system in appearance. The layout of the tweeter and woofer in a coaxial speaker system and the basic sound reproduction diagram are shown below.

2. Features of Various Acoustic Systems

Now that we've reviewed the definitions of the listed acoustic systems, let's briefly summarize their main characteristics.