Peavey Pro Audio Speaker Drivers & Horns
Peavey Electronics, one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of audio equipment and musical instruments, was established in America during the 1950s. They produce a variety of musical equipment, and are most notably recognised for their series of guitar amplifiers.
What are speakers?
A speaker is a piece of equipment designed to receive an electrical audio signal and convert into sound. They can be connected to a variety of equipment such as signal processors, mixers, effects (FX) units or public address (PA) systems.
Understanding speaker drivers and horns
- Horn speakers - They use an acoustic horn to increase the efficiency of the speaker driver. A compression driver converts the electrical signal into sound waves that radiate outwards of the horn
- Speaker drivers - A speaker driver is the moving component within the speaker that converts electrical signals into sound waves. It vibrates at the correct frequencies, and, in turn, create pressure waves of air, which you hear as sound waves. Depending on the frequencies produces at the time, it is possible to see a driver vibrate or pulse whilst in use
Types of speaker drivers and horns
- Pro audio speaker horn - Pro audio speakers are built specially to generate professional quality sound. Whether it is used in a live studio environment or in the comfort of your own home, a pro audio speaker will sound good anywhere you go. The speaker horn is a component within the speaker that is used for transferring high quality sound into the air
- Compression driver without horn - Compression horns are usually used within a professional recording environment. Those that are brought without horns are designed to be attached to a horn for the best effects possible
- Compression driver with horn - This is a combined unit that works by delivering the best quality sound from your speakers. Compression drivers with horns produce professional sound quality from your audio playback
Frequency ranges
Speaker drivers are allocated names which indicates the range of frequencies they can produce. These are:
- Tweeter - high range frequencies between 2,000 Hz and 20,000 Hz
- Mid-Range - 250-2,000 Hz
- Woofer - 60-250 Hz
- Subwoofer - 20-200 Hz
Sound frequencies are measured in Hertz and is identified by the number of vibrations made in one second.