Exploring Common DIY Terminology - Midrange

Midrange

A midrange driver is a loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce midrange frequencies in an audio system. It is responsible for bridging the gap of frequencies between the bass and treble ranges, typically from around 300 Hz to 2000 Hz, depending on the specific design, tweeter and woofer choice, and crossover points.

Design criteria for midrange drivers:

• Frequency Range: Midrange drivers are designed to cover the midrange frequency band with clarity and accuracy. The driver should have a smooth and extended frequency response within its operating range. Midrange driver's should be relatively flat and free from major peaks or dips within its operating range. A well-designed midrange driver will smoothly transition with adjacent drivers (e.g., tweeters and woofers) to create a cohesive and seamless sound reproduction.
• Cone Material: The cone material of a midrange driver is chosen for its stiffness, lightweight, and damping properties. Common materials include paper, polypropylene, kevlar, thin metals, or various composite and ceramic materials.
• Voice Coil and Motor Assembly: The voice coil should be well-designed to handle the midrange frequencies and efficiently interact with the motor assembly (magnet and pole piece).
• Low Distortion: Midrange drivers should have low distortion levels to accurately reproduce complex musical passages and vocal recordings.

Midrange drivers are typically seen in three-way loudspeaker designs. In a three-way design, the speaker system uses three different drivers: a woofer for bass frequencies, a midrange driver for midrange frequencies, and a tweeter for high frequencies. Each driver is responsible for a specific frequency range, allowing for better sound distribution and improved performance over a wide range of frequencies. The use of a midrange driver in a three-way design enables better dispersion and accuracy in reproducing critical midrange frequencies, resulting in more balanced and detailed sound.

Conversely, using a midrange driver in a two-way design may result in uninspired bass response, as typical midrange drivers are not designed for deep bass. A midwoofer or woofer may be more appropriate, depending on the the tweeter used.



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