What is special about satellite speakers?

People who are new to audio often wonder “What is a satellite speaker?” because this is a strange term and not all documents are accurate. In the article below, Phuc Truong Audio will help you learn everything about satellite speakers including the concept, materials used to make satellite speakers, speaker classification and how to choose the best satellite speaker set. Let’s follow along!

1. What are satellite speakers?

Surely, we have seen satellite speakers at least once but perhaps not many people know about them. So what are satellite speakers?

Satellite speakers are small speakers placed around a host, such as a TV, computer, or DVD player. These satellite speakers will be placed in different locations to ensure the best sound and create aesthetics for the space.

Just like headphones, satellite speakers are speakers that play sound outside. Normally, each computer will have about 2 speakers on the side to support listening to music, playing games or watching movies.

The most typical example of satellite speakers is the surround sound system. Surround is a surround sound system, arranged and installed around the user's space to create realistic effects from all sides, even behind. Imagine you are the person sitting in the center of a specific space. Around you are from 2 to 5 small speakers arranged so that the speaker faces towards you, that speaker system is called satellite speakers.

In addition, satellite speakers usually do not operate alone but will be supported by speakers such as bass speakers, treble speakers to supplement sounds such as drums or high-frequency sounds to bring the best feeling of sound to the listener.

2. What materials are satellite speakers usually made of?

– Plastic satellite speaker box: used if sound quality is not required, or mass produced for sale at low cost.

– Cement satellite speaker box: Used for outdoor speakers such as garden speakers, handmade so it is easy to break and catch fire.

– Wooden satellite speaker box: are high-end speakers with high sound quality, detail and good resonance. Along with the quality, the price of wooden satellite speakers will be more expensive than the 2 types of speakers made of the above materials.

3. What types of satellite speakers are there?

Wall mounted satellite speakers

The wall-mounted satellite speaker is designed to be slim and has built-in hanging hooks, making the process of combining, installing in the space of use as well as maintenance easier.

Ceiling satellite speakers

The speaker has a special design combined with a wooden sound resonance box. This design ensures that the sound quality is not inferior to that of wall-mounted satellite speakers.

Outdoor satellite speakers

The characteristic of this type of satellite speaker is that it is designed to withstand weather-related effects such as sun, rain, wind, etc. when operating outdoors. This type of speaker is suitable for outdoor businesses, garden cafes, etc. or spaces without a roof.

4. Classify satellite speakers according to sound system

2.1 satellite speakers

The sound system includes 2 satellite speakers on the left and right like 2.0 speakers but has an additional subwoofer (subwoofer). The bass is separated in the subwoofer (the subwoofer's amplifier circuit will automatically separate the bass from the left and right sides to send to this speaker), helping the bass to stand out and sound better.

4.1 satellite speakers

4.1 sound system includes: 1 subwoofer, 1 front left speaker (FL), 1 front right speaker (FR), 1 rear left speaker (SL) and 1 rear right speaker (SR).

5.1 satellite speakers

5.1 sound system includes 1 subwoofer with 5 satellite speakers. Including:

• 1 center speaker placed in the middle of the screen, emitting the main sounds
• 2 main left and right speakers placed in front of the seating position
• 2 left and right surround speakers placed behind the seating position
• A subwoofer is crucial to the authenticity of the sound. Bass and vibration will also depend a lot on this subwoofer.

5. How to choose the best satellite speakers

Choose satellite speakers according to space area

The area of ​​the music listening space is very important because this will greatly determine the speaker capacity, frequency, sound volume, number of speakers to be installed and the aesthetics of the room.

For small spaces, you only need to choose satellite speakers with moderate power or only need a small number of speakers to avoid waste. But for slightly larger spaces, you need to choose a large power or a large number of speakers to suit the sound coverage. For example, a space of more than 30m2, certainly using 2 satellite speakers is not enough to meet the required volume level. But with the small area of ​​a computer desk, only 2 satellite speakers on the table are enough to satisfy the need for listening to music.

In addition, if you use satellite speakers for the karaoke room space, you should choose ceiling speakers or wall-mounted speakers to ensure better aesthetic factors. As for large spaces such as gardens, you should choose separate satellite speakers made of cement to ensure durability and better sound quality.

Uses of satellite speakers according to usage needs

2.1 satellite speakers are usually more suitable for users whose main purpose is listening to music, not too complicated. But if you use it for purposes such as watching movies, listening to music that require high quality and sound effects, then 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, ... sound systems will be a much more reasonable suggestion.

Choose satellite speakers that are compatible with other audio devices.

To have a good sound system, the devices combined in the system must be compatible with each other. We cannot install a 20W satellite speaker with a 120W amplifier or a 150W speaker with a 100W amplifier. The difference in technical specifications will cause the devices to conflict, leading to short circuits, explosions or power outages, and can even affect the entire sound system.

If you use high-power amplifiers, you should choose separate satellite speakers specifically for them. Or it is best to buy separate satellite speakers from the same brand as the amplifier. If you are not very knowledgeable about sound mixing and installation techniques, ask for help from the technical staff at the place of sale.