Loudspeaker and Characteristics of Loudspeaker | New Topic [2024]

In this note, we are going to talk about Loudspeaker and Characteristics of Loudspeaker. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Polytechnic Notes syllabus-wise in pdf format.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

What is Loudspeaker ?

An electromechanical transducer that transforms an electrical audio flow into sound waves is a loudspeaker, also called a speaker. This device comprises a voice coil attached to the diaphragm, a magnet, a frame holding everything in place, and a cone-shaped diaphragm (often made of paper, plastic, or metal).

When an electrical signal from an amplifier is sent to the speaker, it passes through the voice coil, creating a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnet. This interaction causes the voice coil and diaphragm to move back and forth rapidly, which in turn generates sound waves that correspond to the original audio signal.

The size, design, and materials used in a loudspeaker can affect its sound quality, frequency response, and power handling capabilities. Loudspeakers are used in a wide range of applications, including home audio systems, car stereos, public address systems, and concert venues. Below shows a picture of Loudspeaker.

Characteristics of Loudspeaker

The characteristics of loudspeaker are –

1. Frequency Response: This refers to the range of frequencies that the loudspeaker can reproduce accurately. A wider frequency response typically results in better sound quality across a broader range of audio frequencies.
2. Sensitivity: Sensitivity measures how efficiently the speaker converts electrical power into sound output. It’s usually expressed in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the speaker will be for a given input power level.
3. Power Handling: This specifies the maximum amount of power (in watts) that a loudspeaker can handle without being damaged. It’s important to match the power handling capabilities of the speaker with the output power of the amplifier to prevent overloading or damaging the speaker.
4. Impedance: Impedance is the resistance to the flow of electrical current in the speaker’s voice coil. It’s measured in ohms and affects how much power the speaker draws from the amplifier. Matching the impedance of the speaker to the amplifier’s output impedance is important for optimal performance.
5. Distortion: Distortion refers to any unwanted changes or additions to the original audio signal introduced by the loud-speaker. It can occur due to various factors, including nonlinearities in the speaker’s components or mechanical limitations. Lower distortion levels generally result in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction.
6. Directivity: Directivity describes how the sound radiation pattern of the speaker changes with frequency and angle. Some speakers have a more directional output, focusing sound in a specific direction, while others have a more omnidirectional output. The directivity pattern can affect the speaker’s dispersion characteristics and how sound is perceived in different listening environments.
7. Size and Enclosure Type: The size and type of enclosure housing the loudspeaker can impact its performance, particularly in terms of bass response and overall efficiency. Different enclosure designs, such as sealed, ported, or horn-loaded, have unique acoustic properties that influence the speaker’s sound output.
8. Durability and Build Quality: The durability and build quality of the loudspeaker components, including the cone material, voice coil construction, and magnet assembly, determine its longevity and reliability under various operating conditions.