A mid-range speaker is any speaker that highlights the middle frequencies of standard audio. These speakers generally have a frequency range of about 250Hz-2000Hz. Many traditional speakers have mid-range and high-end drivers.
I’m Donovan, an audiophile and musician who loves everything about writing, recording, and producing music. I’ve installed many home theaters and home studios over the years and am very familiar with different types of speakers.
This post will explain what a mid-range speaker is. I’ll highlight what these speakers do, what they are best for, and why you might want one. I’ll also provide some other related information to help you with your audio setup.
Let’s get going.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- A mid-range speaker has a frequency range of around 250Hz to 2000Hz.
- Mid-range drivers are included in most standard speakers, and you don’t need a specific mid-range speaker to hear these frequencies.
- You might want a dedicated mid-range option if you have very specific speaker needs.
- Any high-quality speaker will have decent mid-range response, and the average user will not need a mid-range speaker.
What is a Mid-Range Speaker, Exactly?
A mid-range speaker is basically any speaker with a frequency range between around 250Hz and 2000Hz. There isn’t an exact definition of a mid-range speaker because they are essentially the most common type of speaker used for everyday audio listening situations.
Mid-range speakers are super important to your overall listening experience because they put out the frequencies the human ear can detect the best. We can’t always hear super low or super high frequencies, but the mid-range is almost always present.
You don’t always hear people talking about mid-range speakers because there isn’t always a need to. A standard speaker has a mid-range speaker included in it, and you don’t necessarily need to purchase a separate speaker for this purpose.
Sometimes mid-range speakers are also called “mid-woofers,” “squawkers,” or just “mids.” I’ve heard all three of these used, and it just depends on who you are talking to, where they live, or where they learned about audio.
Mid-range speakers are certainly important and do a lot for the overall audio experience. But they typically aren’t built as mid-range specific speakers, so there is no reason to go out looking for this type of speaker for your home theater or studio.
What is a Mid-Range Speaker Used for?
Mid-range speakers are used to highlight the middle of the frequency range that humans can hear. This is typically anywhere between 250Hz to 2000Hz. But those frequencies are just a guideline, and some speakers can be higher or lower than that.
In reality, there aren’t too many practical uses for a dedicated mid-range speaker. Most people use full-range speakers that include a good amount of low, mid, and high frequencies. And you can also get a subwoofer to help the low-end stand out.
I don’t know of any producers, musicians, or engineers who use dedicated mid-range speakers. They do exist, but they aren’t widespread in everyday applications. That doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t use one. It just means there isn’t any big reason to do so.
That said, it is very important that whatever speakers you choose have good quality mid-range drivers in them. In that sense, the mid-range speaker is a critical aspect of choosing speakers that will work best for your situation.
Without a mid-range speaker, you would only hear the highs and the lows of music or entertainment. That would lead to a really strange experience, and you would miss out on the bulk of the recorded audio as it was intended to be listened to.
A mid-range speaker is essential for listening to music, whether for entertainment or recording purposes. But since mid-range drivers are built into nearly every type of speaker, there is no reason to go out and buy a mid-range specific speaker.
If you are a working audio engineer, you might want a mid-range speaker for reference or to help dial in your mixes differently. But the average person does not need this type of speaker and will be more than fine with a full-range option.
FAQs
Here are a few short answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to what a mid-range speaker is.
What is the difference between mid-range and full-range speakers?
Mid-range speakers typically have a frequency range between 250Hz and 2000Hz. Full-range speakers will have more high and low end, in addition to all the mid frequencies. Full-range speakers are more commonly used than mid-range options.
What are mid-range speakers called?
Mid-range speakers are sometimes called “Mids,” “mid-woofers,” or “squawkers.” It depends on who you ask and where they are from. Sometimes mid-range speakers aren’t given any specific name at all because they are so common on nearly every type of speaker.
Are mid-range speakers better than coaxial?
Mid-range speakers are generally seen as better than coaxial speakers. Mid-range options have better sound quality and are designed for more common purposes. Coaxial speakers don’t have that good of sound quality and aren’t used that often.
What does mid-range mean in audio?
Mid-range typically refers to frequencies between 100Hz and 3000Hz. This is the most common frequency range the human ear can hear. Low-range frequencies fall below 1000Hz, and high-range frequencies are about 3000Hz.
Where should mid-range speakers be placed?
Mid-range speakers should be placed at ear level and an appropriate distance from the listener for optimal sound quality. This will allow you to hear all of the frequencies best when you are sitting in a chair in front of the speakers.
Final Thoughts
Mid-range speakers deliver audio in the 250Hz to 2000Hz range, which are the most common frequency that the human ear can hear. These types of speakers aren’t commonly used because mid-range drivers are built into nearly every type of speaker.
There isn’t any reason to get a mid-range speaker unless you are an audio engineer with very specific needs. The average listener will be OK using the mid-range drivers that come built into whatever speakers they have at home or in the studio.
Have you ever used a mid-range speaker? Why did you need or want it? Let me know in the comments below.
