Comparison PreSonus Eris E4.5 vs Mackie CR4

The crossover frequency provided in the speaker design.

A crossover is installed exclusively in a multi-band model (see "Number of Bands"). This is an electronic filter that ensures the division of the incoming audio signal into separate frequency ranges and directs each range to "its" set of speakers. And the crossover frequency shows where the boundary between these ranges lies. If there are more than two bands, there will be several such boundaries: for example, for a four-band system it may be specified "0.15 / 0.8 / 2.8 kHz" or "0.12 / 1 / 3.8".

In most cases, this parameter has mainly a reference value: the frequencies of the built-in crossover are selected to match the operating characteristics of the speakers installed in the speaker system.

Rated power of one front speaker. See "Total Power Rating" below for details on power rating. Here we note that the higher the power, the louder the system component can sound — of course, with a properly selected amplifier. In addition, this parameter is very important for matching with the amplifier: it is desirable that the output power on the corresponding amplifier channel be less than the power of the speaker. If the incoming signal is more powerful, distortions in the sound and even damage to the speakers are possible, and if it is weaker, then the sound volume will decrease (in other words, it will not be possible to use the full potential of the acoustics), but this moment will be critical only for listening at maximum volume.

The total rated power of all speaker components, in other words, the sum of the powers of all speakers. As a nominal one, they usually indicate the highest average (rms) power at which acoustics can operate for a long time without overloads and damage. In this case, individual power surges can significantly exceed this value, however, it is the rated power that is the main characteristic of any speaker.

First of all, the sound volume depends on this characteristic: the more powerful the speakers, the louder the sound they can produce if there is a suitable amplifier. In addition, in passive and passive-active models, compatibility with an external amplifier also depends on the power: the output power of the “amplifier” should not exceed the power of the acoustics connected to it, otherwise overloads and even breakdowns are possible.

Detailed recommendations regarding the choice of speakers for power for a particular situation can be found in special sources. However, in general, an indicator of up to 100 W by the standards of modern acoustics is considered quite modest, 100 – 200 W — average, 200 – 300 W — above average, and the most powerful sets give out up to 500 W or even more.

In conclusion, we note two more nuances. Firstly, when comparing different systems according to this ch...aracteristic, one must also take into account the sound format in which they work. In particular, if there is a subwoofer, it can account for a significant part of the total power — up to half or more. As a result, for example, a 2.1 set of 50 W with a 20-watt subwoofer at the main frequencies will not be able to pull out the same volume as a 40-watt 2.0 system: in the first case, each main channel will have only 15 watts, in the second — 20 watts. Secondly, in multichannel systems, the total power can be distributed among the channels in different proportions; so, say, two 5.1 systems with the same total power can differ markedly in front and rear balance at maximum volume.

Various additional features provided in the design of the speaker.

The list of such features may include general design nuances ( bipolar layout, magnetic shielding, horn design, Bi-Amping/Bi-Wiring), special types of emitters ( ribbon, electrostatic), adjustments to improve sound ( HF adjustment, LF adjustment, rotary tweeter), as well as special design elements to improve acoustic characteristics. Regarding the latter, it is worth noting that, in addition to the classic closed design, in our time you can find sound system with phase inverters( front, back or bottom), acoustic labyrinths, passive radiators and with acoustic spikes.

Here is a more detailed description of each of these features:

— Bipolar. Columns of this design have two sets of emitters directed in different directions at an angle to each other (usually about 90° or slightly more). Such sound system are used in some specific c...ases — in particular, bipolar models are considered a good option for the rear channel in a home theater.

— Rotating tweeter. A tweeter is a high-frequency speaker with a rotating design. This feature allows you to change the direction in which the speaker emits sound in the high-frequency range without pivotal the speaker body itself (recall that the correct localization of such sound is quite important for adjusting the sound of the system as a whole). At the same time, there is no particular need to provide this function in free-standing sound system: in such models, as a rule, there are no problems with pivotal the entire body. Therefore, rotating tweeters are found exclusively in built-in speakers (see "Installation") - after all, after installation, such a speaker no longer assumes any movement.

— Magnetic shielding. In speakers with this feature, the housings are supplemented with special materials that are impermeable to magnetic fields. Thanks to this, the powerful magnets that are usually equipped with speakers in modern speakers have virtually no effect on surrounding devices. This is especially important when used near sensitive electronics: plasma panels, high-end amplifiers and receivers, etc.

— Phase inverter. A device in the form of a characteristic tube installed in the speaker body with an outlet into the surrounding space. The phase inverter (PI) increases the sound pressure and improves the sound of the speakers in comparison with similar closed-type sound system ; this is especially noticeable at low frequencies. True, the movement of air in the tube can create additional noise; however, most models use various tricks designed to compensate for this phenomenon. But the clear disadvantage of such equipment is the increase in the overall dimensions of the speaker. We emphasize that this function should not be confused with the acoustic labyrinth (see below) - the PI is made straight and has a relatively short length.
It should also be noted that the phase inverter can be installed in different ways: most often in the front, less often in the back, in some models - below, and extremely rarely - on top or on the side. And in some speakers, two phase inverters are installed at once, with different locations. These details are not indicated in the specifications, since they can be easily determined from the photographs. From an sound system point of view, it is impossible to say for sure which location is better - each option has its supporters and opponents, especially since the issue of sound quality is largely subjective. But from a purely practical point of view, the front phase inverter is the most convenient: it allows you to place the speakers even close to the wall. With a rear location, the speaker system should be at least 3 - 4 cm from the wall, and ideally - not less than the diameter of the phase inverter. The third popular option - bottom installation - is found in some models of shelf and floor-standing speakers equipped with stands of the appropriate height, as well as in suspended models designed for a large amount of free space under the speaker.

— Acoustic labyrinth. Another device used to improve the richness and overall quality of sound. In some ways similar to the phase inverter described on top — it is also an air duct of a strictly selected length, connecting the internal volume of the speaker with the external space. The key difference is that in this case the air duct is not made straight, but in the form of a “snake” with many bends (hence the name “labyrinth”). The walls of the labyrinth are covered with special materials that absorb sounds. Such a design has a number of advantages over traditional bass reflexes. Thus, the speakers are more compact; with the same dimensions of the case, the labyrinth has a greater effective length, which has a positive effect on the power and richness of low frequencies; and the winding air duct is almost not susceptible to the occurrence of extraneous sounds (unlike phase inverters, where the design must be calculated very accurately to dampen such sounds). On the other hand, labyrinths are noticeably more complex and, accordingly, more expensive, and therefore are less common.

— Treble control. A control that allows you to adjust the sound level of high frequencies separately from the rest of the range. Due to this, you can change the color of the sound to a certain extent, without resorting to external equalizers and other complex devices. This function can be combined with bass control (see below), but there are also many speakers where only high frequencies are adjusted.

— Low frequency control. A control that allows you to adjust the sound level of low frequencies separately from the rest of the range. Like the HF control described on top, it allows you to change the sound color to a certain extent without resorting to external equalizers and other complex devices. However, this function is very rarely used without a high frequency control (although there are such speakers).

— Ribbon driver. A ribbon driver installed in one or more speakers of a speaker system; for a number of reasons, this design is used mainly in high-frequency tweeters. The difference between such devices and traditional drivers is that in this case, a metal ribbon is installed between the poles of the magnet instead of a traditional coil (hence the name). This provides a number of advantages: high sensitivity, minimal distortion, wide horizontal coverage. The main disadvantages of the ribbon design are its high cost and poor suitability for low frequencies.

— Electrostatic emitter. An electrostatic emitter installed in one or more speakers of the speaker system. The design of such a device is based on a thin and light membrane fixed between two stator grilles — a signal is fed to the bottom, and the membrane vibrates with an electric field. In this way, you can achieve very reliable, clear sound, with a minimum of nonlinear distortion. At the same time, electrostatic emitters are effective mainly at mid-high and high frequencies, so for effective operation, the speaker system inevitably has to be supplemented with traditional speakers. Among the clear disadvantages of such equipment, we can note the large dimensions, high cost and specific requirements for amplifiers: an emitter of this type requires a high-class "amplifier", necessarily with an output transformer. Therefore, this function is rare - in some premium speakers.

— Horn design. The presence of speakers in the speaker system built according to the horn scheme. Such a speaker has the form of a characteristic bell, in the depth of which there is a radiator. Due to the narrow directivity and specific influence on the propagation of sound waves, horns improve the efficiency of sound transmission in a fairly wide frequency range. In fact, it can be said that the presence of a horn increases the sensitivity of the speaker system. For a number of reasons, it turned out that the horn design of the main speaker is used mainly in information speakers (see purpose), while in other cases this form is provided for a high-frequency speaker (twitter).

— Passive radiator. The presence of a passive radiator in at least one speaker of the AC system. Such a device can be described as a low-frequency speaker from which the coil and magnet have been removed, leaving only the outer membrane of the radiator. This membrane oscillates due to sound waves created by conventional speakers and acts as a resonator that amplifies the sound of low frequencies. In this regard, a passive radiator is similar to a phase inverter and an acoustic labyrinth (see on top); however, unlike a bass reflex, it is almost not subject to the occurrence of extraneous noise, and is significantly cheaper than a labyrinth. On the other hand, an additional radiator on the front panel significantly increases the dimensions of the speaker — usually in height.

— IMAX Enhanced. The IMAX Enhanced certification mark is assigned to equipment that meets the audio device certification requirements of IMAX Corporation. In combination with DTS audio technology, it provides the signature sound “like in IMAX cinemas” at home. The most accurate reproduction of such audio is possible in systems with a large number of channels (from 5.1 and more). Note that for the effect of full immersion, IMAX Enhanced certification must also apply to video equipment for content playback (TV, projector, etc.).

— Bi-Amping/Bi-Wiring. The ability to operate sound system in the Bi-Amping or Bi-Wiring format. Models with this feature are multi-band (see "Number of bands") and have not one, but two sets of terminals for each speaker - for low and high frequencies. This allows the use of the on top-mentioned connection methods. Thus, when working in the Bi-Wiring format, each contact at the output of the power amplifier is connected with two separate wires to two terminals on the corresponding speaker at once: for example, the positive contact of the left channel - to the positive contacts of the low-frequency and high-frequency inputs on the left speaker, the negative - to the corresponding negative contacts, etc. This improves the frequency response: due to the division into separate cables, the low-frequency signal does not "steal energy" from the rest of the range, and each band receives enough power for the effective operation of the corresponding speakers. In the Bi-Amping format, two separate amplifiers are used, each with two pairs of contacts at the output - as a result, each speaker terminal is connected strictly to "its" contact. This connection method is not cheap, but it allows you to achieve even greater purity of sound and uniformity of frequency response; Bi-Amping is considered the ideal option for tech who do not accept compromises in matters of sound quality.

— Acoustic spikes. Supports of a special shape, used mainly in floor-standing speakers. In accordance with the name, such supports are made pointed, and it is the sharp ends that rest on the floor; special small plates are usually used to protect the floor from damage. In any case, the point of such a design is to minimize the area of contact between the speaker and the surface underneath it. This, in turn, increases the pressure at the contact points and minimizes the so-called parasitic vibrations — vibrations transmitted from the speaker to the floor. Acoustic spikes are considered an almost mandatory element of equipment for Hi-Fi class floor-standing speakers — without such equipment, the aforementioned parasitic vibrations can irreparably spoil the sound of high-class speakers and negate all their advantages. Note that speaker spikes are also sold separately; however, buying speakers initially equipped with such stands is often easier than looking for third-party accessories.

Types of outputs provided in the design of the speaker system.

Outputs in modern speakers are mainly used to switch the signal coming from an external source. However, other applications are also possible: for example, a speaker with a USB port (see "Inputs") and a built-in player may have connectors for connecting additional acoustics. The most common types of exits are:

— RCA. In this case, we mean an output for working with an analogue audio signal, usually a line level (an RCA connector can also be used in other interfaces, but they have their own names). In general, this interface does not differ in noise immunity, but its capabilities are quite enough at least for home acoustics, including quite advanced ones. Note that with this connection, each audio channel requires its own connector; therefore, RCA jacks are usually installed in pairs — stereo left and right. The exception is the subwoofer outputs, which can also be performed in this format — one connector is enough for them.

— mini-Jack (3.5 mm). Standard mini-jack socket. Most often used in the same way as RCA described above — for line-level analogue audio, including connecting subwoofers. At the same time, one 3.5 mm jack can be responsible for two stereo channels at once, however, the noise immunity of such an interface is even lower than that of RCA. Therefore, such a connector among the speakers is much less common.
Separately, we emph...asize that the headphone output (see below) is indicated separately, even if it also uses the mini-Jack jack.

— Jack (6.35 mm). A connector similar in shape to the mini-jack described above, but having a larger size; as a result, it is found mainly in stationary audio equipment, and is also used in musical instruments. 6.35 mm Jack is considered more durable and reliable than 3.5 mm mini-jack, besides technically it is able to provide the so-called balanced connection (see below), although in fact this possibility is relatively rare. One of the most popular uses for this output is connecting an additional speaker to a live speaker. Along with its younger brother, the 6.35 mm Jack connector can be used as a headphone output, but headphone jacks are not included in this category and are listed separately (see below).

— Headphones. Dedicated headphone output. Most modern "ears" have mini-Jack plugs (see above) — respectively, and this output is equipped with just such a connector. Occasionally there are speakers with Jack jacks, but this point is not important — a 3.5 mm plug can be connected to a 6.35 mm jack using a simple adapter (such adapters are even supplied with many headphones). Headphones can be useful, for example, at a later time of the day when loud music is undesirable — or vice versa, in a noisy environment, in order to hear the sound better; at the same time, the speaker is often closer to the listener than the player or other signal source, and it is most convenient to connect the “ears” to the speaker.

— Balanced XLR. XLR connectors have three pins, according to the number of cable strands. They can be used to transmit a different type of signal, however, in this case, an analogue balanced connection is implied. With this connection, one channel of audio is transmitted per connector, and a fairly large part of the interference that occurs during transmission is extinguished by the cable itself. The latter ensures the purity of the transmitted sound even at fairly large distances (of the order of several metres). Balanced XLR refers to professional interfaces and is found mainly in speakers of the corresponding class.

— Balanced digital AES/EBU. A variation of the XLR interface, designed to transmit a signal in digital format. It also belongs to professional ones, uses the same connectors and cables and the same balanced transmission method, which ensures the damping of most interference; however, due to differences in the type of signal, it has a large bandwidth and allows even multi-channel audio to be transmitted through one connector.

— Optical. One of the varieties of the S / P-DIF standard — along with the coaxial described below. In this case, the signal is transmitted via a TOSLINK fiber optic cable. The main advantage of this interface is its complete insensitivity to electrical interference, while its capabilities are sufficient even to work with multi-channel audio. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the high price of connecting cables, as well as the need for careful handling of them.

— Coaxial. An electrical version of the S / P-DIF standard, using a coaxial cable with a “tulip” connector for signal transmission. Do not confuse this interface with the analogue RCA described above — despite the identity of the connectors, these standards are fundamentally different: "coaxial" works in digital format and even multi-channel audio can be transmitted over a single cable. Compared to optical S/P-DIF, this interface is less resistant to interference, but more reliable because electrical cables are not as delicate.

— Speakon. A professional interface used to work with the signal coming from the power amplifier. It is used in the equipment of the corresponding class, in particular, concert systems (see "Purpose") — in this case, we are talking about connecting additional passive speakers to such a speaker. Thanks to the features of the connectors (presence of latches, high degree of isolation), the Speakon interface can be used even with the most powerful amplifiers.

The diameter of the tweeter (speakers) speakers. Since size primarily affects the range of the speaker (as the diameter increases, the operating frequencies decrease), in HF components it can be quite small. More detailed information can be found in special sources.

The diameter of the woofer or combined woofer/midrange speaker(s). The larger the speaker, the lower its operating frequencies and the more sound power it can provide. Therefore, you should pay special attention to this parameter if you want to get high-quality rich bass - especially if we are talking about an audio system without a subwoofer. More detailed information about speaker sizes can be found in special sources.

The total weight of all components of the speaker system.