Computer Speakers

A loud speaker is an electric device that transforms an electrical signal from microphones, stereo systems, home theatre systems or computers to audible sound waves.

The world’s first electrical loudspeaker was invented and patented by Alexander Bell in 1876. Later, a better-quality speaker by Ernst Siemens was introduced in 1878. Inspired by its sound, in 1898, Horace Short pioneered and patented a loudspeaker using compressed air. Co-incidentally, also in 1898, the contemporary moving-coil driver was assembled by Oliver Lodge and patented to Chester Rice and Edward Kellogg in 1924.

However till the 1950s, loudspeakers were not up to the mark. Persistent interest and progress in enclosure fabrication steered the industry towards noteworthy enhancement in sound clarity.

Today, computer speakers or multimedia speakers, commonly made of plastic, aluminium or wood cabinets, function on a low-power amplifier contained inside them. High-power amplifiers are also used for these kinds of speakers and require an outside power supply, called a ’wall-wart’.

Computer speaker systems vary in cost, features and merit. Advanced and refined computer speaker systems have special drivers that are used to effectively replicate an extensive array of frequencies. Several drivers are normally put together in an entire loudspeaker system to present sound over 3 octaves.

Drivers, one of them called ’subwoofer’, is a very low frequency driver unit that houses the power amplifier for the bass sound and the small satellite speakers jointly. Advanced speaker systems have separate computer subwoofers as well. Features like the equalizer allow the bass and treble to be controlled according to the user’s taste and liking.

Some of the superior computer speakers available in the market are Bose computer speakers (reputed worldwide for their excellence in sound reproduction), Dell computer speakers (a recognized name in computer manufacturing), Creative computer speakers (in unusual, sleek shapes). A few famous names in this list should include Hewlett-Packard (Cyber Acoustics, GE, Altec Lansing, Edifier, Harmon Kardon, JBL, Logitech, etc. among many others.

Computer speaker manufacturers sell 2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 and 8.1 versions. The 5.1 version is popular because of its additional features of surround sound and the audio ability to make the gaming experience even more exciting.

The 5.1 computer speakers mostly consist of 4 satellite speakers, 1 centre channel, 1 sub-woofer, master volume control, control for sub-woofer, matrix surround sound and gaming modes, independent audio and microphone mute controls, headset jack for headphone and microphone and colour coded cables.

Laptop speakers on the other hand, being sleek and sophisticated, are in-built. Laptops generally have a piezoelectric speaker (also used as beepers in watches) that can withstand prolonged periods of constant usage. Separate speakers can also be connected externally to laptops for a better sound experience.

Nowadays, wireless computer speakers too are available which make it very convenient to shift them from room to room especially when listening to one’s favourite songs. These wireless speakers can be used not only for the computer but also home theatre systems and come with the full range of tweeters and sub-woofers that boost the sound quality. They also have built-in wall mounts and an AC adapter that enables them to be conveniently used in any room.