Simple Explanation

A measure of how much sound a speaker produces given a certain amount of input power.

Concise Technical Definition

Sensitivity is a measurement of a loudspeaker’s output in decibels (dB) for a given input power. Typically, it is measured by applying 1 watt of power (2.83V at 8 ohms) and measuring the sound pressure level (SPL) at a distance of 1 meter. The measurement is usually taken across a specific frequency band, though this can vary depending on the manufacturer. Sensitivity provides an indication of how loud a speaker will be for a given input, though it does not directly measure efficiency or sound quality.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of sensitivity like how loudly a speaker "shouts" when you give it a certain amount of power. A higher sensitivity means the speaker will get louder with less power, much like someone who speaks louder at the same effort.

Industry Usage Summary

Sensitivity is an important specification for evaluating how much output you can expect from a speaker for a given power input. It’s commonly used to compare loudspeakers to determine their relative loudness at the same power level. Higher sensitivity speakers require less power to achieve the same output, making them more efficient in that sense. However, sensitivity alone doesn’t tell the whole story about a speaker’s performance—other factors such as frequency response and distortion are also important. It is widely used in professional audio systems and consumer speakers.

Engineering Shortcut

The amount of sound a speaker produces at 1 meter when fed 1 watt of power, usually measured in dB SPL.

Full Technical Explanation

Sensitivity in loudspeakers refers to the sound pressure level (SPL) produced by a speaker when it is fed 1 watt of power, usually measured at a distance of 1 meter in front of the speaker. This measurement is typically conducted using a voltage of 2.83V at 8 ohms. Sensitivity is expressed in decibels (dB) and indicates how efficiently a speaker converts input power into audible sound. The measurement is typically performed over a specific frequency range, though manufacturers may use different frequency bands for testing. Higher sensitivity indicates a louder output for a given input power, making it a key factor in the design of speakers for both high-fidelity audio systems and professional sound reinforcement.