What are the components of a speaker driver?

What are the components of a speaker driver?

Speaker drivers are the part of a speaker that converts an electrical audio signal into sound waves that can be heard. A speaker driver consists of a diaphragm, or cone, that is attached to a voice coil. When an audio signal is sent to the voice coil, it creates a magnetic field that causes the cone to vibrate.

The main components of a speaker driver are 

This vibration produces sound waves that are sent into the surrounding air. There are several different types of speaker drivers, including woofers, which are designed to produce low-frequency sounds such as bass and lower midrange frequencies; tweeters, which are designed to produce high-frequency sounds such as treble and higher midrange frequencies; and midrange drivers, which are designed to produce mid-range frequencies. Speaker drivers are typically classified by their size, with larger drivers generally being able to produce lower frequencies and smaller drivers being able to produce higher frequencies. Speaker drivers are an essential component of all speakers, and the quality and design of the drivers can have a significant impact on the overall sound quality of the speaker.

What is the Diaphragm?

The diaphragm, or cone, is the part of the speaker driver that actually produces the sound waves. It is typically made of paper, plastic, or other lightweight material, and is shaped like a cone or dome. The diaphragm is attached to the voice coil, which is a thin wire coil that is suspended in a magnetic field.

What is the magnet? 

The magnet is a permanent magnet that creates the magnetic field that the voice coil is suspended in. The magnet is typically made of a material such as neodymium or ferrite, and its strength determines the amount of force that can be applied to the voice coil.

What is the suspension?

The suspension is the part of the speaker driver that holds the diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet in place.It is a flexible plate that keeps the inner cone centred.


The suspension allows the diaphragm to move back and forth along a fixed axis of the basket.


The speaker basket is the outer structure that supports the overall mechnical load from the mounting point at the baffle (front) to the back of the driver holding the permanent magnet.


Having a strong basket is crucial to minimise vibration of the driver unit during use, especially on higher volumes.

The Suspension piece

The Speaker basket

What are the other components of the speaker?

Other components of a speaker driver may include a dust cap, which covers the center of the diaphragm to protect it from dust and debris; a phase plug, which is a small rod or disc placed in the center of the diaphragm to improve the dispersion of sound; and a mounting plate, which is a flat plate that the speaker driver is attached to.

What are wave guides?

Waveguides are specialized structures that are designed to control the direction and dispersion of sound waves. They are often used in speakers and microphones to shape the sound field and improve the performance of the device.


In speakers, waveguides are typically used to shape the sound field produced by the speaker driver so that it more closely matches the desired acoustic response. This can improve the overall sound quality of the speaker by making the sound more directional, or by increasing the dispersion of the sound over a wider area. Waveguides can also be used to reduce the distortion of the sound, as they can help to reduce the reflections and standing waves that can occur within the speaker enclosure.


In microphones, waveguides are used to shape the sound field that is captured by the microphone diaphragm. This can improve the sensitivity of the microphone, as well as its directional characteristics. Waveguides can also be used to reduce the effects of noise and wind on the microphone, as they can help to protect the diaphragm from these external influences.


Waveguides can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, or wood, and can take on many different shapes and sizes depending on the application. They are an important component of many audio devices, and their design and construction can have a significant impact on the performance of the device.