Constructing your own Bluetooth speaker is a fun and exciting DIY project that can save both money and effort when compared to purchasing it from stores.
This guide will show you how to build an MDF speaker enclosure. MDF is a type of wood product with greater density, stiffness, and hardness than plywood or particleboard – ideal for creating speaker cabinets!
1. Speaker Enclosure
The speaker enclosure (also referred to as a cabinet or case) determines both its overall size and shape as well as the acoustic performance of speakers housed within. Different drivers require certain internal volume requirements while enclosure designs such as sealed or ported can have significant effects on bass response and efficiency.
Material selection for speaker enclosures can also play an integral role. Low-cost plastics tend to experience greater breakthrough, which refers to sound energy from speaker backwaves passing directly through its walls (think rattle resonances and “cracking stress noise”). High-grade molded plastics such as polypropylene or ABS may flex less than wooden enclosures when space is at a premium – an advantage especially in smaller speakers where space may be restricted.
Another key consideration for vents is their shape and size; vents should be properly placed according to enclosure specifications; for instance, sealed enclosure ports require being round in shape with a specific diameter; vents that are too small or large can adversely impact speaker performance.
2. Speaker Drivers
Speaker drivers are components designed to convert electrical audio signals into sound waves. A driver acts like an auditory translator that takes music from your smartphone or other source and reproduces it audibly as sound. Composed of three main parts – voice coil, magnet and diaphragm – speakers drivers convert electric audio signals into audible soundwaves that travel along their wire voice coil, engaging magnetic forces created by magnet to cause diaphragm to vibrate back and forth as it interacts with electricity signal from it to generate soundwaves.
Different drivers are designed to handle specific frequencies, with woofers (which produce very low frequencies) being the most popular type. Other drivers can reproduce midrange and high frequency sounds; and, for maximum coverage (20Hz-20kHz), speakers with multiple drivers should aim to cover all audio spectrum (20Hz-20kHz).
When purchasing a driver, you want one with a flat frequency response over its intended use range and with high SPL and low harmonic distortion – typically you can find this information on its manufacturer’s website as well as Thiele-Small parameters and frequency response graph.
3. Amplifier
Bluetooth speakers offer a different approach. Instead of connecting through wires to audio sources, Bluetooth speakers utilize revolutionary wireless technology – although that may sound like magic at first. There’s an incredible amount of science involved!
An amplifier is key to the functionality of Bluetooth speakers. It amplifies digital signals sent from digital-to-analog converters to drive speaker drivers at higher levels, as well as being responsible for energy conservation by conserving energy consumption. To maximize performance while keeping current consumption to an absolute minimum.
Sound exciters provide one solution, as they can transform almost anything into a speaker. Our project will use a circuit board with built-in exciters attached to the back of a speaker enclosure; solder the tinned ends of speaker cable to terminals on each exciter and connect one end of it directly to our Bluetooth receiver.
4. Power Supply
Wireless Bluetooth speakers provide joy in an ever-evolving world by bringing music alive through wireless technology, without the distraction of wires. Enjoy spontaneous dance-offs with friends or tranquil evenings spent listening.
Speakers come in all sorts of forms and sizes, from rugged yet compact options to stylish pieces with LED lights or voice assistant capabilities for an enhanced listening experience.
When choosing a speaker, battery life should be top of mind. A longer-lasting battery means greater versatility; if you plan on using it at the beach or poolside, a waterproof model might prove ideal.
As well, it may be worthwhile to select speakers with built-in microphones for phone calls or podcasts, and some even come equipped with USB ports for charging their power supply. When attaching these to an amplifier board, make sure both ends (positive and negative) of the power cord are soldered securely into place – and remember when connecting positive/negative wires properly!
5. Battery
No matter if it is for a pool party, beach outing, or just lounging around at home alone; wireless Bluetooth speakers add joy and atmosphere to every experience. They allow you to share your favorite tunes while inspiring spontaneous dance-offs, relaxing moments or making lasting memories.
Building your own Bluetooth speaker can be more engaging and less costly!
To create your own, you’ll need a circuit board with built-in Bluetooth receiver, amplifier and speaker(s). Sound exciters may come in handy for transforming any surface into speakers; place one of these exciters onto each surface you wish to make into speakers and test its performance by playing music through it.
When purchasing a Bluetooth speaker, look for one with low total harmonic distortion (THD). This will ensure the audio sounds clear while avoiding buzzing or hissing over time. Also keep battery life in mind; longer runtimes could prove invaluable if camping or traveling are in your plans.