How Do Self-Powered Speakers Work?
Many of the new speakers on the market are self-powered, meaning that they require no external amplifier to operate them. But how they work depends on the type and application for which they are used.
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Function
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Traditionally, speakers have required a sound source, preamp and power amplifier in order to operate. Self-powered speakers use built-in amplifiers, with some models adding a preamp to eliminate one or two audio components.
Benefits
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Aside from eliminating external components, the amplifiers and preamps (if equipped) are optimized for the speaker. This eliminates over- or under-powering the speakers, which sometimes occurs when separate components are employed.
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Types
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Self-powered speakers with amplifiers require a sound source and preamp. This type would include speakers connected to computers and home stereos, and typically features a speaker volume control. If the speaker also includes a preamp, only a sound source is needed. This type is used for direct plug-in of musical instruments, microphones, MP3 players and other devices and typically has volume and tone controls to adjust and modify sound.
How They Work
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The sound source is plugged directly into the speaker. The speaker and connected components are turned on and the speaker's amplifier or preamp/amp combination converts the signal from the sound source into voltage, which is reproduced as sound through the speaker. Power to the speaker is supplied by battery, A/C house current or USB voltage, in the case of computer speakers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit speaker image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Great elastration.
