There’s more to sound design than simply buying the most powerful sound system you can find and ramping up the volume.
There’s more to sound design than simply buying the most powerful sound system you can find and ramping up the volume. It’s about selecting the right speaker types for your unique purpose, positioning them properly, and combining them with other audio visual (AV) elements effectively.
The type of speakers you choose can have a major impact on the quality of the sound produced. So if you're on the hunt for the best speaker for your needs — be it for home use, corporate gatherings, or live/virtual events — you've come to the right place. We're here to explain how different types of speakers work and help you navigate the world of sound equipment and design so you can create an audio experience like no other.
The kind of speaker you need depends on a number of factors, including: the size of your space, its acoustic properties, the type of audio you want to project, and the other AV equipment you’re using.
We've outlined the different types of speakers below, each with unique strengths and capabilities that suit different purposes, from large-scale corporate events and live music to home entertainment and outdoor setups.
Passive speakers are a fantastic choice for music and home theater enthusiasts as they rely on an external power amplifier. They tend to be more compact, portable, and customizable. They’re also more cost effective than other speaker types.
Brands like Klipsch and Fluance provide excellent options in this category. They’re known for their cinematic floor-standing speakers and immersive home theater speakers, respectively.
We can further break down passive speakers based on their form and function. Here are 4 types of speakers in the passive speaker category:
Powered speakers, also called “active speakers,” differ from passive types because they have built-in amplifiers. Powered speakers are suitable for those seeking convenience or with space constraints, because they don’t require a separate external amplifier. JBL, Sonos, and KEF offer excellent options in this market segment.
In the powered category, there are a variety of different types of speakers:
In-wall and in-ceiling speakers are perfect for those who want high-quality sound with an almost-invisible setup. They fit seamlessly into your walls or ceilings and are ideal for Dolby Atmos home theaters or multi-room music systems. The Sonos brand is notable in this category.
For outdoor enjoyment, weather-resistant speakers from brands like Yamaha and Klipsch are perfect for backyards, porches, patios, or pool areas.
Many of the speaker types discussed above, such as portable bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and floor-standing speakers can also be found in outdoor or all-weather varieties.
A speaker’s frequency range refers to its ability to reproduce a range of frequencies across the audio spectrum, from deep bass notes to high trebles – generally measured in Hertz (Hz). Humans are typically able to hear sounds ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, not all speakers can reproduce this entire range of frequencies, and different types of speakers will produce better sound quality at specific ends of the spectrum.
Here are the main speaker types based on frequency range:
Brands like Klipsch are known for their excellent bass and mid-range sound, while MartinLogan is acclaimed for detailed treble reproduction.
In simple terms, speakers convert electrical signals into audible sound by creating a magnetic field that moves a component called the cone or driver. They function based on fundamental principles of electromagnetism and vibration.
Heres a breakdown of the key components employed in the design of speakers:
The cone movements determine the sound frequency. Larger, slower motions reproduce low-frequency bass notes, while smaller, faster movements reproduce high-frequency treble notes. Speakers also rely on a crossover network, which ensures that the frequency signals are divided and sent to the correct driver.
Most loudspeakers are 2-way speakers, featuring a woofer for bass frequencies and a tweeter for higher frequencies. More advanced designs, such as 3-way and 4-way speakers, include additional drivers, such as mid-range drivers and subwoofers.
The speaker cabinets, often made from materials like medium-density fiberboard (MDF), are also vital. They need to be rigid and well-braced to enhance sound quality. There are two primary cabinet designs:
Selecting the right speaker depends on how these components function together to produce the sound you desire.
Related: Types of AV Equipment
Selecting the right speakers for a large-scale event follows the same basic principles as setting up your home entertainment sound system – just on a much grander scale.
Here are some of the primary factors we consider when helping clients choose the right speaker types for their event and designing the perfect sound system to create their desired audience experience:
Every event is unique. You can choose between passive and powered speakers, or use a combination of the two in different areas of your venue and for different purposes. You may also choose to include PA systems, subwoofers, or monitor speakers to further customize the auditory experience at your event. As a leading corporate AV company, we offer a comprehensive range of audio visual services and solutions. Every client we work with has a unique set of needs and requirements, and we’re committed to working closely with you to determine how we can best meet your needs and achieve your goals.
Choosing the right type of speakers requires a thorough understanding of your space, budget, and needs. Remember, a great speaker is only as good as the system and the company that supports it.
Our expert team at Catalyst is committed to helping you find the perfect AV solutions to meet your needs. With our high-quality equipment and reliable team, we’re here to ensure your event goes exactly as planned, if not better. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
There’s more to sound design than simply buying the most powerful sound system you can find and ramping up the volume. It’s about selecting the right speaker types for your unique purpose, positioning them properly, and combining them with other audio visual (AV) elements effectively.
The type of speakers you choose can have a major impact on the quality of the sound produced. So if you're on the hunt for the best speaker for your needs — be it for home use, corporate gatherings, or live/virtual events — you've come to the right place. We're here to explain how different types of speakers work and help you navigate the world of sound equipment and design so you can create an audio experience like no other.
The kind of speaker you need depends on a number of factors, including: the size of your space, its acoustic properties, the type of audio you want to project, and the other AV equipment you’re using.
We've outlined the different types of speakers below, each with unique strengths and capabilities that suit different purposes, from large-scale corporate events and live music to home entertainment and outdoor setups.
Passive speakers are a fantastic choice for music and home theater enthusiasts as they rely on an external power amplifier. They tend to be more compact, portable, and customizable. They’re also more cost effective than other speaker types.
Brands like Klipsch and Fluance provide excellent options in this category. They’re known for their cinematic floor-standing speakers and immersive home theater speakers, respectively.
We can further break down passive speakers based on their form and function. Here are 4 types of speakers in the passive speaker category:
Powered speakers, also called “active speakers,” differ from passive types because they have built-in amplifiers. Powered speakers are suitable for those seeking convenience or with space constraints, because they don’t require a separate external amplifier. JBL, Sonos, and KEF offer excellent options in this market segment.
In the powered category, there are a variety of different types of speakers:
In-wall and in-ceiling speakers are perfect for those who want high-quality sound with an almost-invisible setup. They fit seamlessly into your walls or ceilings and are ideal for Dolby Atmos home theaters or multi-room music systems. The Sonos brand is notable in this category.
For outdoor enjoyment, weather-resistant speakers from brands like Yamaha and Klipsch are perfect for backyards, porches, patios, or pool areas.
Many of the speaker types discussed above, such as portable bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and floor-standing speakers can also be found in outdoor or all-weather varieties.
A speaker’s frequency range refers to its ability to reproduce a range of frequencies across the audio spectrum, from deep bass notes to high trebles – generally measured in Hertz (Hz). Humans are typically able to hear sounds ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, not all speakers can reproduce this entire range of frequencies, and different types of speakers will produce better sound quality at specific ends of the spectrum.
Here are the main speaker types based on frequency range:
Brands like Klipsch are known for their excellent bass and mid-range sound, while MartinLogan is acclaimed for detailed treble reproduction.
In simple terms, speakers convert electrical signals into audible sound by creating a magnetic field that moves a component called the cone or driver. They function based on fundamental principles of electromagnetism and vibration.
Heres a breakdown of the key components employed in the design of speakers:
The cone movements determine the sound frequency. Larger, slower motions reproduce low-frequency bass notes, while smaller, faster movements reproduce high-frequency treble notes. Speakers also rely on a crossover network, which ensures that the frequency signals are divided and sent to the correct driver.
Most loudspeakers are 2-way speakers, featuring a woofer for bass frequencies and a tweeter for higher frequencies. More advanced designs, such as 3-way and 4-way speakers, include additional drivers, such as mid-range drivers and subwoofers.
The speaker cabinets, often made from materials like medium-density fiberboard (MDF), are also vital. They need to be rigid and well-braced to enhance sound quality. There are two primary cabinet designs:
Selecting the right speaker depends on how these components function together to produce the sound you desire.
Related: Types of AV Equipment
Selecting the right speakers for a large-scale event follows the same basic principles as setting up your home entertainment sound system – just on a much grander scale.
Here are some of the primary factors we consider when helping clients choose the right speaker types for their event and designing the perfect sound system to create their desired audience experience:
Every event is unique. You can choose between passive and powered speakers, or use a combination of the two in different areas of your venue and for different purposes. You may also choose to include PA systems, subwoofers, or monitor speakers to further customize the auditory experience at your event. As a leading corporate AV company, we offer a comprehensive range of audio visual services and solutions. Every client we work with has a unique set of needs and requirements, and we’re committed to working closely with you to determine how we can best meet your needs and achieve your goals.
Choosing the right type of speakers requires a thorough understanding of your space, budget, and needs. Remember, a great speaker is only as good as the system and the company that supports it.
Our expert team at Catalyst is committed to helping you find the perfect AV solutions to meet your needs. With our high-quality equipment and reliable team, we’re here to ensure your event goes exactly as planned, if not better. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
Are you planning a shareholder meeting, conference, product launch, trade show, or other type of major event? You need to make sure the production value matches the quality of your event’s content. Working with a reliable, proven leader in audio visual event production like Catalyst ensures your event runs smoothly, exceeds the expectations of your audience, and has the impact you want.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about our services, and tell us about your event.