Simple Explanation

A speaker enclosure without vents or ports that offers better control over the sound but is less efficient than vented designs.

Concise Technical Definition

A sealed enclosure (also known as an acoustic suspension) is a type of loudspeaker cabinet that has no vents or ports. These enclosures are more efficient at controlling the movement of the speaker driver but tend to produce less overall output than vented (bass reflex) enclosures. While sealed enclosures are less efficient, they can provide deeper and more controlled bass response, particularly in smaller cabinets. They are commonly used in high-fidelity audio systems for their tight, accurate sound reproduction.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of a sealed enclosure like a closed box around the speaker—it keeps everything tight and controlled, offering clear and accurate bass, but because there's no venting, it doesn't push as much air as a vented system, making it less loud.

Industry Usage Summary

Sealed enclosures are widely used in high-quality audio systems where clarity and precision are important. They are often favored in home theater setups, audiophile speakers, and car audio systems where deep, controlled bass is desired. While sealed cabinets are less efficient than vented enclosures, they offer superior bass accuracy and better transient response. This makes them particularly useful for applications where sound quality and tight bass reproduction are the priority, even if they sacrifice some overall volume and efficiency.

Engineering Shortcut

A loudspeaker cabinet without vents or ports, offering controlled bass response but lower efficiency than vented designs.

Full Technical Explanation

A sealed enclosure, also known as acoustic suspension, is a type of loudspeaker cabinet that has no vents or ports, completely sealing the driver within the box. The absence of ports means that the air inside the cabinet acts as a natural spring, providing resistance to the driver’s movement. This design allows for tighter, more accurate bass response, particularly at lower frequencies. Sealed enclosures typically offer better transient response and lower distortion compared to vented enclosures but at the cost of lower efficiency. In smaller cabinets, sealed designs can produce deeper bass than vented designs, although they are less efficient in terms of output. Sealed enclosures are ideal for applications where accurate sound reproduction is more important than sheer volume.