What exactly are tweeters, squawkers, and woofers?

While studying PA systems, I suddenly wondered: What exactly are the "tweeters," "squawkers," and "woofers" that I often hear about in speaker units? What functions do they have?
Let's take a closer look at the different types of speaker units this time!

Tweeter

A tweeter is a speaker unit responsible for handling the high-frequency range in a speaker system. The name "tweeter" is derived from the chirping of small birds.
This component handles the high-frequency range, which includes elements like the harmonic components of musical instruments, and plays a crucial role in determining the overall clarity, quality, and beauty of the sound. Due to factors such as directivity, there are differing opinions on whether it’s better to have the tweeter as a separate unit or integrated. Some argue that using a network can degrade the sound, making it inferior to a full-range unit that excels in high frequencies, leading to ongoing debates on the topic.
Among tweeters, there are also "super tweeters," which focus on reproducing only the ultra-high frequencies. These can be used to add even higher frequencies to speakers that already have a tweeter or to enhance the high-frequency range of a full-range unit.
By the way, there’s a quiet rumor within the company that there isn’t a strict definition of what exactly constitutes high or ultra-high frequencies. For example, some tweeters reproduce frequencies above 1 kHz, while others focus on frequencies above 10 kHz. In general, when combined with a midrange unit (squawker) in a 3-way or more complex system, the tweeter often handles frequencies above around 5 kHz. However, in a 2-way system, the specific frequency range that the tweeter covers can vary widely.
(Reference: [Wikipedia]( https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/ツイーター ）

Our Tweeter Products

CELESTION / PULSEXL 1.10 Bass Amp Tweeter

CLASSIC PRO / PA10/4HF Piezo Tweeter

Squawker

A squawker, also known as a midrange speaker, is a speaker unit responsible for handling the midrange frequencies in a 3-way or more complex speaker system. The name "squawker" comes from the sounds made by mice, squirrels, or crows. It is also referred to as a midrange speaker.
This unit covers the most crucial frequency range in music reproduction, as it significantly influences the expression of vocals and main instruments. Typically, it specializes in the frequency range of approximately 500Hz to 5kHz. Due to the need for a moderate level of rigidity in the diaphragm, the squawker has a shallower stroke compared to the woofer, which handles low frequencies. However, in 2-way speaker systems, which consist of only low and high-frequency units, the squawker is absent. In such systems, the woofer either covers the entire midrange or shares the responsibility with the tweeter at a midpoint, typically around 2kHz.
(Reference: [Wikipedia]( https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/スコーカー )

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CELESTION / TF0615MR 8Ω Replacement Woofer for PA Speakers

Woofer

In a speaker system, the woofer is the speaker unit responsible for reproducing low-frequency sounds. This can be in a 2-way system (which divides sound into high and low frequencies) or a 3-way system (which divides sound into high, mid, and low frequencies). The name "woofer" is derived from the growling sounds of large dogs, wolves, lions, or tigers.
振To specialize in the large amplitude required for low-frequency sounds, the woofer has a large stroke in its vibration system, including the edge and damper, and typically features a larger diameter. This allows the woofer to reproduce powerful low-end sound with minimal distortion and high sound pressure.
In systems more complex than a 3-way setup, the low-frequency range is further divided. The unit handling the low bass is called the woofer, while the one reproducing the sub-bass frequencies is called a subwoofer or super woofer. At such low frequencies, human hearing has difficulty pinpointing the sound's source, so even in stereo setups, the subwoofer’s placement is relatively flexible. This flexibility makes subwoofers common in car audio systems and compact home theater setups, where space is limited. Subwoofers are also used to enhance the bass in full-range speaker systems that cover both high and low frequencies.
In home theater systems, formats like Dolby Digital often use a ".1" channel (as in 5.1 or 2.1 channels) for a subwoofer, separate from the main speakers. This channel, called LFE (Low-Frequency Effects), adds low-frequency sound from a different channel than the main speakers. This is different from merely dividing the frequency range among the main speakers, so you can think of it as a distinct component.
(Reference: [Wikipedia]( https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/ウーファー ))

Our Woofer Products

CLASSIC PRO / CPW15II (15LB075-L) Woofer Unit

CLASSIC PRO / CPW12II Woofer Unit

How has it been so far?
Even if you had a general understanding of the different types of speaker units and their uses, taking the time to re-examine them can help solidify your knowledge and be useful when considering a purchase. Personally, I found it interesting that the names are derived from animal sounds, which makes them easier to visualize and understand.
If there's something you're curious about and wondering, "What exactly is this?" looking it up might lead to some surprising discoveries.

⇨ [Tweeters]/a>
⇨ [Woofers]
⇨ Subwoofers]