What is speaker sensitivity? How to adjust speaker sensitivity properly

Of all the speakers, speaker sensitivity is one of its essential specifications. The sensitivity of the speaker has an effect on the sound output of the speaker. So what is the sensitivity of the speaker? How to adjust the sensitivity of the speaker properly, let’s refer to lassho.edu.vn right away!

What is speaker sensitivity? Be aware of the meaning of sensitivity

What is speaker sensitivity?

Speaker sensitivity always exists in any speaker device, whose task is to reflect how loud the speaker is. In other words, speaker sensitivity tells you how loud the speaker is going to be under the same input voltage and a certain standard environment.

Sensitivity is in Decibels (dB). In each different device, there will be different sensitivity.

Meaning of sensitivity

Sensitivity is extremely important in loudspeaker devices. It has the effect of affecting how loud the sound can be played . The greater the sensitivity of the product, the louder the sound is.

On the market today, speaker models have a sensitivity of about 80 – 90 dB , the average level is 87 dB . We can see that the distance between 80 dB and 90 dB is not large, but speakers with sensitivity at 90 dB are twice as loud as at 80 dB.

To meet the needs of listening to music when in use, if you choose to buy speakers with high sensitivity , the amp needs to have low power . Conversely, if the sensitivity of the speaker is low, the amplifier must have high power, because the sensitivity between the speaker and the amplifier has a special contrast relationship.

How to know speaker sensitivity? Learn how to read the sensitivity

How to know speaker sensitivity

There are many different ways to detect speaker sensitivity. However, the simplest and most widely used way is to place the speaker in a standard environment , but that environment must be able to completely absorb sound.

Place the microphone in front of the speaker about 1-2m , but note that the distance between the speakers and the microphone is equal. For example, the standard input voltage level is 2.83V, the amp has an impedance of 8 ohms.

We have the following formula:

That is in this case (2.83)^2/8 = 8.0089/8 = 1W. Then, observe the dB level at the microphone or the SPL meter. This is the sensitivity of the speaker.

Learn how to read the sensitivity

You follow the following example:

• 2.83V/m : The speaker is connected with an input voltage of 2.83V, with a distance of 1m.
• 2.83V/2m : The speaker is connected with an input voltage of 2.83V, with a distance of 2m.

Similar to other input performance levels and distances, we will get the same reading. For an input voltage of 2.83V, there will be a sensitivity of about 80 dB – 90 dB .

What should the speaker have the best sensitivity? Should the speaker’s sensitivity be increased?

What should the speaker have the best sensitivity?

In the current market, speaker devices equipped with a standard input voltage of 2.83V have a sensitivity ranging from 80 – 90 dB, an average level of 87 dB. The higher the sensitivity of the speaker, the louder and louder the sound will be. You track specific parameters as follows:

• 90 dB or more : Speaker has good sensitivity.
• 88 dB : The speaker has medium sensitivity.
• 80 dB : The speaker has poor sensitivity.

Should the speaker’s sensitivity be increased?

Most manufacturers do not increase the sensitivity of the speaker to the highest level. If you increase the sensitivity of the speaker too high it will affect many other specifications in the device.

For example, the diaphragm in a subwoofer is flexible and responsive, but increasing the speaker sensitivity too high will make the sound more easily distorted and easily reduce the life of the device . The sensitivity of the speaker is also related to the operating power of the amp as mentioned above.

Notes to understand more deeply about speaker sensitivity

Difference between speaker sensitivities

Speaker sensitivity usually fluctuates between 80 – 90 dB, they have a really big difference . A speaker with a sensitivity of 80 dB will have twice the volume output for a speaker with a sensitivity of 90 dB.

However, many people still mistakenly believe that this level will not affect counting. Therefore, when buying speakers, you need to pay attention and learn carefully about the technical parameters available on the device, in order to make the right choice for your needs.

Learn and distinguish between performance and sensitivity

Users often don’t distinguish between the two terms “performance” and “sensitivity” when choosing a speaker device.Sensitivity and performance are two completely different specifications, but they both have the same task. The function is to show the performance of the loudspeaker.

Take a closer look at performance, which shows how much electrical power is converted into audio power . Efficiency is usually a very small percentage, only a few %, because the power entering the speaker is converted into heat, which spreads into the environment. From there, with the performance we will know the sensitivity and vice versa.

Hope the above article will help you understand more about What is Speaker Sensitivity? How to adjust the sensitivity of the speaker reasonably. Any questions please leave a comment below!