Simple Explanation

The part of a speaker that moves back and forth to make sound waves.

Concise Technical Definition

A conical diaphragm in a speaker system, attached to the voice coil, that vibrates to create pressure waves in the air, resulting in audible sound.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a drum skin that moves in and out, but in a cone shape—it pushes air to make sound.

Industry Usage Summary

Speaker cones are used in most dynamic loudspeakers. Made from paper, plastic, or composite materials, their shape and stiffness affect frequency response and sound clarity. The cone design is critical in woofer and midrange drivers across consumer, studio, and professional audio systems.

Engineering Shortcut

Cone + voice coil + magnet = driver → sound via air movement.

Full Technical Explanation

In speaker design, the cone is a rigid diaphragm—typically conical—driven by the voice coil. When current flows through the voice coil in a magnetic field, it moves the cone in and out, displacing air to form sound waves. Cone material, geometry, and suspension determine the efficiency, clarity, and tonal output.