Full-Range Speakers

Last Edited: Dec 26, 2023

What Is a Full-Range Speaker?

Learning about human sound is essential to understand what a full-range speaker is. Sound frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), or the number of times the audio signal rises and falls within a second. Quality speakers are built to both high and low frequencies at a level that is audible to the human ear. The human ear can hear all frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz (20 kHz). To understand this concept, we can say that certain speakers produce heart-thumping bass at 20 Hz and a piercingly high-frequency signal at 20 000 Hz (20 Hz). A full-range speaker can produce most of these frequencies within the limitations of its physical constraints. That means that the speaker design can influence the quality of a full-range speaker.  

Frequency Range

The term “full-range” connotes the speaker that covers the entire range of the human voice. Most full-range speakers have a low frequency of around 60-70 Hz. Larger units with 15” drivers will reach low frequencies, while those with 10” or less LF drivers will roll off closer to 100 Hz. The high-frequency range of such devices usually extends up to 18 kHz. Therefore, smaller format speakers with very low-mass HF drivers will have range extension above the high-power systems. They have heavier diaphragms to accommodate their power requirements. The low-frequency range of these systems will not require them to do the work independently on the bottom end. They might overlap the subwoofers or be crossed over above their LF cutoff and relieved of low-frequency transmission.  

The Structure

A full-range drive unit typically consists of a single driver element, or voice coil, used to move and control a diaphragm. Often, the cone structure includes optimizations to enhance high-frequency performance. For example, a small low-mass horn or Whizzer cone can be mounted where the voice coil and diaphragm meet, thereby increasing the output at high frequencies. The shape and materials used in the cone and Whizzer are highly optimized. Since full-range speakers need to have both high and low-frequency responses, it cover an entire audio spectrum compared to other speakers. For high-frequency, it might include a light voice coil and technique cabinet design for low frequencies. It might also feature different drivers in order to improve your listening experience.  

Sound Quality

Full-range speakers offer a great sound experience and better quality than most multi-way speakers. The elimination of the crossover gives this speaker more power to provide a delightful listening experience. Furthermore, it gives quality and detail in the mid-level tones. However, commercial full-range speakers might be expensive and rare. In some cases, audiophiles might have to assemble their units.  

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