Satellite (speaker)

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In electroacoustic multi-channel systems, a satellite is a small, sometimes even super-small loudspeaker box, without full bass reproduction. The bass reproduction takes place via a separate large box. In most cases, a common specialized woofer ( subwoofer ) is used for all channels . Since the reproduction of deep tones (long wavelengths) also requires typically large geometrical dimensions, this concept allows a compact design of the satellite loudspeakers and thus the entire loudspeaker system.

Since the speakers must hardly be hidden for high-quality loudspeaker reproduction, a small (satellite) box is of course a great advantage. The loudspeaker can be placed more acoustically without being too conspicuous. This is advantageous for both stereo and multi-channel sound (e.g. 5.1).

At low frequencies (and short distances), directional information can hardly be derived from separate boxes when transmitting. In the case of very small and therefore weak satellites, however, this concept is quickly overused. In such systems, the crossover frequency between the subwoofer and the satellites is at frequencies of up to 250 Hz. The room information is then falsified. At these high frequencies or small wavelengths, the too great distance between the satellite and the woofer is also very disturbing.

A crossover frequency of 80 Hz is advantageous for a combined mono transmission, but this can only be achieved with large satellites. Only at frequencies lower than 80 Hz can humans no longer localize the direction of the sound sources .

With high-quality systems, a separate bass box is used for each satellite. The hearing sensation in the bass range increases ( impression of space ). The distributed excitation of a small reproduction room leads to a higher quality bass reproduction (with a lower probability of standing waves). The advantages in bass when using several loudspeakers or channels, synonymous with stimulating the listening room at different points with different signals, has already been described in listening tests for multi-channel playback ( Quadro in the 1970s).

Depending on what is being advertised for, marketing highlights the advantages or disadvantages of satellite systems or subwoofer arrangements.

literature

  • Götz Schwamkrug, Reiner E. Römer: Loudspeakers. Poetry and truth . 3. Edition. Elektor Verlag, Aachen 1989, ISBN 978-3-921608-83-8 .