Simple Explanation

The box that holds and supports a speaker’s components.

Concise Technical Definition

A loudspeaker enclosure that houses driver units, designed to control acoustic performance through its structure, material, and internal volume.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like the wooden body of a guitar shapes the sound of the strings, a speaker’s cabinet shapes the sound of the drivers.

Industry Usage Summary

Cabinet design affects bass response, time alignment, distortion, and resonance; materials and internal structure are crucial in hi-fi, studio monitors, and PA systems.

Engineering Shortcut

A well-designed cabinet = tighter bass, less coloration, fewer phase problems.

Full Technical Explanation

The cabinet is the structural housing for a loudspeaker's drivers. It affects the speaker’s overall performance by managing air movement, resonance, and standing waves. Cabinets may be sealed (acoustic suspension) or ported (bass reflex). Materials vary from MDF to composite or metal, and internal bracing, damping, and shape all play roles in minimizing unwanted vibrations and sound coloration. Poor cabinet design can lead to secondary resonances and audible distortion.