Text: Tweeters are loudspeakers that specialize in reproducing high notes. Since the physical requirements for producing high notes differ from those for producing bass, audio designers favor a division of labor in speaker systems, entrusting the top notes to tweeters while the lower range is handled by woofers. Sometimes there is a three-way division of frequencies, which requires the use of a special mid-range unit also. By thus dividing the sound spectrum between two or more speakers, treble and bass are kept from interfering with each other, and intermodulation distortion within the loudspeaker is avoided. To a great extent, the quality of the tweeter determines the overall character of sound in a speaker system. A good tweeter must be free of spurious resonances (response peaks) that would cause a shrill or otherwise harsh sound. Moreover, it must scatter the highs broadly, spreading them evenly throughout the room. Wide-angle treble dispersion adds greatly to the stereo effect and to openness of the sound. Various methods are used in tweeters to achieve wide dispersion: dome-shaped diaphragms, flared horns, or sound-deflecting structures mounted in or in front of the tweeter cones.

See Also: WOOFER

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