Speakers are imminent components of the modern world. Audio signals are translated from various sources (TVs, smartphones, loudspeakers, etc.) and provide for information exchange. Music, movies, announcements, and distant conversations are available through speakers only. Headphones could be the alternative option, but they are mini speakers themselves.
Still, though the basic construction of all electric speakers is generally the same, they differ in every other way. Let’s list just a few classifications:
- Frequencies supported. Some speakers can produce only a certain range of frequencies, while others can deal with a wider amplitude.
- Size. While bigger loudspeakers usually produce clearer and more powerful sound, they may be difficult to use in a small room. In such circumstances, consider using the best 6×9 speakers or a portable smart speaker. Their lesser range or a limited number of EQ options can well be compensated by the fact that they do not take up more than half of your room.
- Connection. Speakers can be wired and wireless, with their pros and cons. Besides, speakers need a source of power to play sound. That can be either a wire or a built-in battery.
However, the main principle for speakers’ classification is their functionality, which means all listed criteria should be taken into consideration. Let’s take a look at the top 10 types of audio speakers.
1. Midrange
This is the most common type of speaker. A midrange speaker reproduces medium and mid-high frequencies in the 200Hz–300Hz and 5,000Hz–7,000Hz ranges. These speakers are often installed in cars and public places since they let you hear music and dialogs precisely.
2. Woofer
Woofers, also known as “bass speakers”, are an essential part of any home theater system. They can play frequencies in the low and mid-low ranges (from 80Hz to 1,000Hz) and reproduce the sound dynamics faithfully. Woofers bring a “rich background” to movies providing a detailed sound picture. The hum of bustling streets, the gnarl of a waterfall, the radio sound in the background—all of this is made clear by woofers.
3. Tweeter
Tweeters are commonly employed in loudspeakers because they can transfer pitched sound within 2,000Hz–5,000Hz. The human voice usually hovers at high frequencies, and tweeters can reproduce it faithfully. If you plan to make a report or sing, make sure the acoustic set includes a strong tweeter.
4. Subwoofer
A subwoofer can pick up frequencies that are lower than those of a woofer and fall below 80Hz. These are rhythm beats, roaring sounds, and bass guitar sounds. Subwoofers are frequently used in concert equipment, clubs, cars, and other places to achieve deep bass in music.
5. Soundbar
A soundbar is a speaker that combines at least two types of speakers and encloses them into a compact housing. Usually, the soundbar consists of a woofer or a midrange and a tweeter. Soundbars are mainly used to improve the audio of a TV set, but they can also be used to listen to music and podcasts.
6. Studio Monitor
A studio monitor is a two-way speaker with a tweeter and a midrange. These loudspeakers are devised to pick up on the smallest details in the sound and can produce a dry sound. However, such performance lets the editor estimate the sound objectively and adjust it if needed. These speakers are extremely sensitive and pick up on any dissonance or flaw in the sound.
7. Tower Speaker
A tower speaker is a huge speaker that is usually positioned on the floor and contains three or four speakers. There can be woofer, midrange, tweeter, and super tweeter (for ultra-high frequencies). Because of its size, it can accommodate large-diameter speakers for reproducing high-quality sound.
8. Surround/Satellite Speaker
Satellite speakers are small and yet full-range. Due to their size, they can cut frequencies at low range and near highs. However, they serve well as the back or ceiling speakers in the surround sound setups, creating a halo of audio effects.
9. Center Channel Speaker
This speaker consists of two woofers or midrange speakers and a tweeter between them. It works best for mid, mid-to-high, and high frequencies, although it also reproduces lows to a certain extent (it doesn’t get to sub-low frequencies). This speaker is often used to listen to music, but it may also be utilized as a part of a surround sound system or to replace a soundbar.
10. Small Wireless Speaker
These speakers are popular among campers and partygoers due to their pocket size and built-in battery. They connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and let you listen to music louder and in higher quality. Such speakers may contain up to two midrange speakers, as well as a tweeter.