Simple Explanation

A flared shape around a speaker driver that helps make the sound louder and more focused.

Concise Technical Definition

An acoustical transformer attached to a compression driver or loudspeaker, used to increase efficiency and control sound directivity.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like cupping your hands around your mouth to shout louder and aim your voice.

Industry Usage Summary

Widely used in professional audio, PA systems, and theaters for controlled sound projection; designed to match the driver and optimize coverage and efficiency.

Engineering Shortcut

Sound-directing flare that boosts SPL and narrows dispersion.

Full Technical Explanation

A horn is an acoustical device that couples a driver (often a compression driver) to the air, acting as an acoustic transformer. It increases the driver’s efficiency by improving the impedance match between the driver diaphragm and open air, resulting in greater sound pressure level (SPL) with less power. Horns also provide directivity control, shaping the coverage pattern of the sound. They can be exponential, tractrix, constant-directivity, or other designs, each with unique performance traits. Horns are integral in many speaker designs, especially in live sound reinforcement and cinema systems, where high output and coverage precision are critical.