Invented by : Ernst Werner von Siemens
Invented in year : 1877
A loudspeaker is an electroacoustical transducer (converter) that converts an electrical signal to sound. The term 'loudspeaker' can include an individual transducers also known as 'drivers' or complete systems consisting of an enclosure incorporating one or more drivers. To adequately reproduce a wide range of frequencies, most loudspeaker systems require more than one driver, particularly for high sound pressure level or high accuracy. Individual drivers are used to reproduce different frequency ranges. The drivers are named subwoofers (very low frequencies), woofers (low frequencies), mid-range speakers (middle frequencies), tweeters (high frequencies) and sometimes supertweeters optimized for the highest audible frequencies. There are different types of loudspeakers systems like home stereos, professional audio systems, horn loudspeakers, piezoelectric speakers etc.
Ernst Werner von Siemens also known as Werner von Siemens (December 13, 1816 – December 6, 1892) was a German inventor and industrialist. He was a founder and director of Siemens and Halske, a firm that made electrical apparatus. Ernst Siemens patented the first loudspeaker on Dec. 14, 1877. He was the first to describe the "dynamic" or moving-coil transducer, with a circular coil of wire in a magnetic field and supported so that it could move axially.
Development in the invention of Loudspeakers
In 1898, Oliver Lodge filed for British patent No. 9712 on Apr. 27, for an improved loudspeaker with non magnetic spacers to keep the air gap between the inner and outer poles of a moving coil transducer. Various advancements were made in the Loudspeakers namely Magnavox, Phonetron, Thorophone etc. all of which were significant in the emergence of today's speaker systems.
The actual revolution in speaker system came in 1924, two General Electric researchers, Chester W. Rice and Edward Washburn Kellogg patented the modern, moving coil, direct radiator, loudspeaker, which become the prominent design for all loudspeakers The Rice and Kellogg loudspeakers were sold to consumers under the name of "Radiola'' loudspeakers beginning in 1926, and were superior to anything previously invented by lowering sound distortion and raising audio quality for the consumer. In 1958, the first box-enclosed loudspeakers were invented by the Cabesse, a French company. From there on there was no looking back.
Role of Loudspeakers in the Improvement Of Human Life
It enhanced communication system which were not as effective as the new one's
It opened new avenues for it's usage in various fields of psychology, medical clinic applications, warfare, secret services etc.
It revolutionised the music industry and led to music boom
It became a new source of entertainment for people of all ages
It also became a new source of income and business
