Choosing the right speaker can make the difference between clear, effective sound or one that gets lost in noise and echoes. There are many models, each designed to suit a specific environment and function: from discreet in-ceiling speakers to powerful horn speakers that cover large spaces.
This glossary section gives you a clear overview of the different types of speakers, explained in an accessible way so you understand the features of each one, when to use it, and the benefits it offers depending on the space, aesthetics, and purpose of the system.
The ceiling speaker
It is a loudspeaker designed to be flush-mounted in ceilings. Its sound is dispersed downward, covering the space evenly without the device being visible.
Ideal for offices, shops, and spaces where visual discretion is desired.
The horn speaker
It is a loudspeaker with a horn that gradually increases in size (in an “exponential” shape) to amplify sound. This allows the sound to travel farther without losing strength.
They are the most suitable for achieving high sound pressure with minimal amplification power and, despite their poor frequency response, they offer excellent speech intelligibility.
The sound projector
The sound projector is a type of loudspeaker designed to focus sound in a specific direction. It has a shape similar to a bell or tube and reduces noise outside the targeted area.
Useful in environments with background noise, when sound needs to be directed to a specific point, and when high sound pressure with good quality is required for music distribution.
The acoustic column
An The acoustic column is a speaker composed of several small drivers arranged in a vertical line. This design allows sound to project more effectively over long distances and reduces dispersion upwards and downwards.
Commonly used in churches, stations, or long corridors where speech intelligibility is essential: by directing the acoustic beam straight towards the audience, they minimize reflections and echoes that impair clarity.
The cabinet speaker
A cabinet speaker is a speaker mounted in a closed cabinet that enhances sound quality. The shape and material of the enclosure affect how music or speech is perceived.
Widely used in halls, classrooms, and retail spaces due to its strong acoustic performance. In some cases, sound quality is improved by mounting two or more speakers within the same cabinet
The acoustic sphere
It is a ball-shaped loudspeaker that distributes sound evenly in all directions. It is suspended from the ceiling and covers large areas without dead zones.
Perfect for open spaces such as industrial halls, pavilions, trade fairs, or covered courtyards. They ensure uniform acoustic coverage across wide surfaces.
What is a line array? open=
It is a set of loudspeakers arranged in a vertical line that work together to project sound uniformly and in a controlled manner over long distances. Thanks to their design, the speakers generate a coherent wavefront that improves coverage and reduces sound pressure loss with distance.
Ideal for large spaces such as auditoriums, airports, stadiums, or rooms with high ceilings, where precise sound distribution and consistent intelligibility across the audience area are required.
What is the difference between an active and a passive speaker?
An active loudspeaker has a built-in amplifier: it only needs to be connected to an audio source and power supply to operate. A passive loudspeaker, on the other hand, requires an external amplifier to receive the signal with sufficient power.
Passive loudspeakers offer greater flexibility in large installations where amplification is centralized: they are commonly used in public address and voice alarm systems. Active loudspeakers are easier to install individually and are very useful for specific situations in classrooms, hotel lounges, etc.