Computer speakers, ormultimedia speakers, arespeakers marketed for use with computers, although usually capable of otheraudio uses, e.g. for ashelf stereo ortelevision. Most such speakers have an internalamplifier and consequently require a power source, which may be by a mains power supply often via anAC adapter, batteries, or aUSB port. The signal input connector is often an analog3.5 mm jack plug (usually color-coded lime green per thePC 99 standard);RCA connectors are sometimes used, and a USB port orBluetooth antenna may supply a digital signal to an onboardDAC (some of which work only on computers with an appropriatedevice driver). Battery-powered wireless speakers require no cables at all. Most computers have speakers of low power and quality built in; when external speakers are connected they disable the built-in speakers by default.Altec Lansing claims to have created the computer speaker market in 1990.[1]
Computer speakers range widely in quality and in price. Computer speakers packaged with computer systems are typically small, plastic, and have mediocre sound quality. Some computer speakers have equalization features such as bass and treble controls. More sophisticated computer speakers can have asubwoofer unit to enhance bass output. The larger subwoofer enclosure usually contains the amplifiers for the subwoofer and the left and right speakers.
Some discretecomputer displays have rather basic integrated speakers, or accommodations for mounting matching satellite speakers or asoundbar externally.Laptop computers have built-in integrated speakers, usually small and of restricted sound quality to conserve space.
