Simple Explanation

A type of speaker that reproduces the highest frequencies in an audio system, typically handling sounds from 1.5 kHz and above.

Concise Technical Definition

A tweeter is a transducer responsible for reproducing the high-frequency range of an audio signal, usually above 1.5 kHz, and often up to 20 kHz or more. Tweeters are designed to produce the brightest, clearest sounds in a loudspeaker system, such as cymbals, high-pitched vocals, and other treble-heavy elements. Tweeters come in various designs, including dome tweeters, compression drivers, AMT (Air Motion Transformer), ribbon tweeters, magnetostatic, electrostatic, and piezoelectric, each employing different materials and technologies to achieve accurate high-frequency reproduction. Some speakers even feature "super-tweeters" for frequencies extending beyond the limits of human hearing (above 20 kHz).

Layman-Friendly Analogy

A tweeter is like the high-pitched part of an orchestra—the violin, flute, or cymbals—that creates the sparkle and clarity in music. Just as these instruments make higher sounds, tweeters handle the high frequencies in your audio system. If you've ever heard a bright, clear ringing of a cymbal, that's the tweeter doing its job.

Industry Usage Summary

Tweeters are a crucial component in multidriver speaker systems, as they handle the high-frequency range of the audio spectrum. They are found in a variety of speaker designs, from home audio systems to professional loudspeakers, where they ensure the reproduction of clear, detailed, and bright high frequencies. Different tweeter technologies are used to optimize performance, depending on the needs of the system. For example, dome tweeters are common in consumer speakers, while ribbon and electrostatic tweeters are often used in high-performance or audiophile systems. "Super-tweeters" are employed in specialized applications to reproduce ultra-high frequencies, extending the response well beyond the audible range. Engineers and audio designers select tweeters based on their characteristics, including efficiency, dispersion pattern, and distortion performance.

Engineering Shortcut

A speaker that reproduces the high frequencies in an audio system, usually above 1.5 kHz, with various designs like dome, ribbon, and compression drivers.

Full Technical Explanation

A tweeter is a high-frequency driver responsible for reproducing sounds above 1.5 kHz, and in some cases extending well beyond 20 kHz. Tweeters are designed to handle the brightest sounds, such as cymbals, high-pitched instruments, and vocals, ensuring clarity and detail in the sound reproduction. Tweeters are constructed using various technologies, such as dome tweeters, which use a soft material (e.g., silk or aluminum), compression drivers that use a diaphragm and horn system, and ribbon tweeters that rely on thin metal strips to produce sound. Other advanced tweeter designs include AMT (Air Motion Transformer), electrostatic, magnetostatic, and piezoelectric tweeters, each offering unique advantages in terms of efficiency, frequency response, and distortion. Some speakers use "super-tweeters" designed to reproduce ultra-high frequencies, reaching beyond the 20 kHz limit of human hearing, providing even more detail. Tweeters are a key component in achieving balanced sound reproduction in a loudspeaker system.