Passive radiators create that punch of bass that might otherwise be missing without them. These rubber-like surfaces vibrate with the output of a powered driver-the air pressure created by the cones or the speaker diaphragm. Some smaller speakers may have passive bass radiators. The larger the cones of the drivers, the louder the volume.
#Out door speaker enclosure design drivers#
A woofer handles bass, or low-range frequencies, while midrange drivers handle midrange frequencies, and tweeters take care of high-frequency treble. In more open spaces, multiple audio drivers in each speaker help produce better-quality sound. If setting up on a patio, mounting speakers that can rotate helps create a containable area for the acoustics. Loud volumes are great, but the sound can disappear if the speakers are placed incorrectly.
Outdoor speaker positioning plays a significant role in sound quality.
#Out door speaker enclosure design portable#
Many of these models are classified as portable Bluetooth speakers and use batteries for power. Portable outdoor speakers vary in size, from those that can be carried with one hand to ones that you can barely lift off the ground. These require a wire between the speakers and a connection to a power supply. For those who aren’t comfortable with this installation, there are outdoor speakers that come with built-in amplifiers. There are passive outdoor stereo speakers that get their power and signal from a home receiver-they need to be connected to the amplifier in the house. They also provide loud, clear, and overall great sound. Permanently installed speakers save listeners the hassle of constantly taking them in and out of the house.
Rogue volleyballs, harsh winds, and persistent bugs shouldn’t damage them. Outdoor speakers are also made tougher than their indoor counterparts with metal grills and rugged plastic enclosures. You can submerge an IPX7 speaker in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and an IPX8 in 3 meters of water for 30 minutes. Anything between 1 and 6 is water resistant-from withstanding dripping water to strong water jets. Water-resistant versus waterproof: the second number in the IP rating.If a manufacturer uses an X in place of a 0, they’re confident the speaker can withstand a bit of dust-it’s a tad better than a 0. Anything between 1 and 5 is dust resistant, whereas 6 is dustproof. Dust-resistant versus dustproof: the first number in the IP rating.Look for a speaker’s IP rating, which indicates how dustproof and waterproof it is. Outdoor speakers need to endure harsh weather and potentially dirty conditions. Small speakers that can be easily carried in and out of the house have their uses, too. Look for something with multiple audio drivers this will generate a good balance between bass, treble, and midrange. Also important is a speaker with a high-mid and high-frequency response-especially since there are no walls for the bass to bounce off. Speakers with a large 6.5-inch or an 8-inch cone size will produce more bass. A yard the size of a balcony needs less volume than one big enough for a pickup game of football.įor big backyards, look for a speaker that’ll provide enough bass. There’s a difference between listening to a podcast on the deck versus blasting tunes for a backyard barbecue. Outdoor speaker sizes vary depending on the application and the size of the backyard. Selecting the best outdoor speakers depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the backyard, where and how they’ll be installed, and the volume and bass desired. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Speakers BEST DISCREET: Theater Solutions 2R8G Outdoor Granite 8″ Rock.BEST QUALITY SOUND: Polk Audio Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers.BEST BLUETOOTH: Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Waterproof.BEST BASS: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker.BEST PORTABLE: JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker.BEST BUDGET: Dual Electronics LU53PB 3-Way High Performance.BEST OVERALL: Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers.And, they’ll easily integrate with a home audio system or have enough battery life to satisfy your needs. They’ll also endure conditions such as rain and changes in temperature. The best outdoor speakers for your backyard entertainment will provide the right amount of audio volume, bass, and treble. Barbecue aficionados, gardening lovers, and pool partygoers all benefit from outdoor speakers. Music sets the mood and can also improve productivity, while podcasts or audiobooks can satisfy a scholarly craving. Take the fun outdoors on a sunny day-enjoy the warm weather while listening to your favorite tunes or podcast.