Wireless Audio: What Is It And How Does It Work?

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  May 3, 2022

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Wireless audio is the ability to listen to music without any wires between your speakers and your stereo system. It’s a technology that uses radio waves to transmit the audio signal from the source to the speakers. It’s also known as wireless fidelity or Wi-Fi speakers.

In this article, I’ll explain how it works and why it’s becoming more and more popular.

What is wireless audio

Wireless Speakers: How Do They Work?

The Infrared Method

Wireless speakers don’t have a direct connection to a stereo system or other source. Instead, the system has to send out a signal that the speakers can pick up and turn into electricity to power the voice coil inside the speaker. And there’s one way to do it: infrared signals. It’s like how remote controls work. The stereo system sends out a beam of infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye. This beam carries information in the form of pulses, and the wireless speakers have sensors that can detect these transmissions.

Once the sensor detects the signal, it sends electronic signals to an amplifier. This amplifier increases the strength of the sensor’s output, which is necessary to drive the voice coil in the speaker. After that, the alternating current causes the voice coil’s electromagnet to switch polarity rapidly. This, in turn, causes the speaker’s diaphragm to vibrate.

The Drawbacks

Using infrared signals for wireless speakers has some drawbacks. For one, the infrared beam needs a clear path from the stereo system to the speaker. Anything blocking the way will prevent the signal from reaching the speaker and it won’t make any sound. Plus, infrared signals are pretty common. Things like remote controls, lights, and even people give off infrared radiation, which can cause interference and make it hard for the speaker to detect a clear signal.

Radio Signals

There’s another way to send signals wirelessly: radio. Radio signals don’t need a line of sight, so you don’t have to worry about anything blocking the path. Plus, radio signals are less likely to be interfered with, so you can enjoy your music without any choppiness or inconsistency.

A Beginner’s Guide to Carrier Waves and Modulating Signals

What Are Carrier Waves?

Carrier waves are electromagnetic waves that are modulated with an information-bearing signal for wireless transmission. This means that they carry energy from one place to another, like the heat and light from the Sun to the Earth, or the audio signal from a transmitter to a headphone receiver. Carrier waves are different from sound waves, which are mechanical waves, because they can travel through a vacuum and don’t interact directly with the molecules of a medium.

What Are Modulating Signals?

Modulating signals are used to modulate the carrier signal, and are essentially the audio signals intended for the headphone drivers. There are several ways that the modulating signal can modulate the carrier wave, such as frequency modulation (FM). FM works by having the modulating signal modulate the frequency of the carrier wave.

Wireless Analog Audio Transmission

Wireless headphones generally operate near 2.4 GHz (radio frequency), which offers a great wireless range of up to 91 m (300 ft). To keep the variation in the carrier wave frequency low and concise, the audio signal is only amplified once the headphones receiver demodulates it. Stereo audio is sent by multiplexing and demultiplexing before and after the frequency modulation process.

Wireless Digital Audio Transmission

Digital audio is made up of instantaneous snapshots of the amplitude of the audio signal and is represented digitally. The quality of digital audio can be defined by its sample rate and bit-depth. Sample rate refers to how many individual audio amplitudes are sampled each second, and bit-depth refers to how many bits are used to represent the amplitude of any given sample.

Conclusion

So, to sum it up, carrier waves are electromagnetic waves that carry energy from one place to another, and modulating signals are used to modulate the carrier signal, which is then transmitted to the headphone receiver. Wireless analog audio transmission is done through frequency modulation, and wireless digital audio transmission is done through digital audio signals.

Understanding the World of Broadcasting Signals

The Basics of Radio Waves

Radio waves are a part of the electromagnetic spectrum, along with light and infrared. Visible light has a wavelength range of 390 to 750 nanometers, while infrared light has a longer range of 0.74 micrometers to 300 micrometers. Radio waves, however, are the biggest of the bunch, with a wavelength range of 1 millimeter to 100 kilometers!

Radio waves have a few advantages over other types of electromagnetic radiation, but they need a few components to get from a stereo system to a speaker. A transmitter connected to the stereo system converts electrical signals to radio waves, which are then broadcast out from an antenna. On the other end, an antenna and receiver on the wireless speaker detect the radio signal, converting it into an electrical signal. An amplifier then boosts the power of the signal to drive the speaker.

Radio Frequencies and Interference

Radio frequencies are important because radio transmissions using similar frequencies can interfere with one another. This can be a major problem, so many countries have established rules that limit the types of radio frequencies various devices are allowed to generate. In the United States, the bands of frequencies allotted to devices like wireless speakers include:

  • 902 to 908 megahertz
  • 2.4 to 2.483 gigahertz
  • 5.725 to 5.875 gigahertz

These frequencies should not interfere with radio, television, or communication signals.

Bluetooth Protocol

Bluetooth is a protocol that allows devices to connect to each other. This means that wireless speakers can have controls beyond volume and power. With two-way communication, you can control what track is playing or what radio station your system is tuned into without having to get up and change it on the main system. How cool is that?

What’s the Magic Behind Wireless Bluetooth Speakers?

The Science of Sound

Wireless Bluetooth speakers are like a magical potion of wires, magnets, and cones all working together to create the sweet sound of music. But what’s really going on?

Let’s break it down:

  • A flexible metal wire, known as a voice coil, is attracted to a strong magnet inside the speaker.
  • The voice coil and the magnet work together to create vibrations that affect the frequency, or pitch, of the sound.
  • These sound waves are then amplified through the cone/surround and into your earholes.
  • The size of the cone/surround affects the volume of the speaker. The bigger the cone, the bigger the speaker and the louder the volume. The smaller the cone, the smaller the speaker and the quieter the volume.

The Magic of Music

Wireless Bluetooth speakers are like a magical potion of wires, magnets, and cones all working together to create the sweet sound of music. But what’s really going on?

Let’s break it down:

  • A flexible metal wire, known as a voice coil, is bewitched by a powerful magnet inside the speaker.
  • The voice coil and the magnet cast a spell to create vibrations that affect the frequency, or pitch, of the sound.
  • These sound waves are then amplified through the cone/surround and into your earholes.
  • The size of the cone/surround affects the volume of the speaker. The bigger the cone, the bigger the speaker and the louder the volume. The smaller the cone, the smaller the speaker and the quieter the volume.

So if you’re looking for a little magic in your life, look no further than a wireless Bluetooth speaker!

The History of Bluetooth: Who Invented It?

Bluetooth is a technology that we use every day, but do you know who invented it? Let’s take a look at the history of this revolutionary technology and the person behind it.

The Invention of Bluetooth

In 1989, a Swedish telecommunications company called Ericsson Mobile decided to get creative. They tasked their engineers with creating a short-link radio technology that could transmit signals from their personal computers to their wireless headsets. After a lot of hard work, the engineers succeeded and the result was the Bluetooth technology we use today.

Where Did the Name Come From?

You might be wondering where the name “Bluetooth” came from. Well, it’s actually part of Scandinavian legend. According to the story, a Danish King named Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson united a bunch of Danish tribes into one super tribe. Just like the technology, Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson was able to “unite” all of these tribes together.

How Does Bluetooth Work?

If you want to understand how a Bluetooth speaker produces sound, you’ll need to get familiar with magnets. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Bluetooth sends out a signal that is picked up by a magnet in the speaker.
  • The magnet then vibrates, creating sound waves.
  • These sound waves travel through the air and are heard by your ears.

So there you have it, the science behind Bluetooth speakers! Who knew it was so simple?

What’s the Buzz About Near Field Audio Speakers?

The Basics

So you’ve heard of Near Field Audio (NFA) speakers, but what are they all about? Well, these wireless speakers work through a process called electromagnetic induction. Basically, they have a transducer, which is a fancy way of saying a device that turns energy into an electrical signal. Then, when you place your phone on top of this signal, it amplifies the sound from your device.

Bluetooth vs. Near Field Audio

Best strings for electric guitar
Best strings for electric guitar

Let’s compare and contrast Bluetooth and NFA speakers:

  • Both are totally wireless, but NFA speakers use conventional batteries to generate their power instead of radio signals.
  • With Bluetooth speakers, you have to pair your phone to the speaker to hear the sound. With NFA speakers, all you have to do is set your phone on top and you’re good to go!

Fun Fact

Did you know that all speakers work thanks to physics? In 1831, an English scientist named Michael Faraday discovered Faraday’s Law of Induction. This law states that when a magnet interacts with an electrical circuit, it produces an electromotive force, which in this case, is sound waves. Pretty cool, right?

What Should You Consider When Shopping for Wireless Speakers?

Compatibility

When it comes to wireless speakers, it’s important to make sure you get one that’s compatible with your device. Check the box or packaging to make sure it will work with your phone or laptop.

Budget

Before you start shopping, it’s important to figure out how much you’re willing to spend. Stick to trusted brands like Sony, Bose, or LG to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

Sound Quality

When it comes to wireless speakers, sound quality is key. Make sure you get one that has clear, crisp sound that will fill the room. Just remember, if you live in an apartment, you don’t need a speaker that will make the walls shake.

Portability

The beauty of wireless speakers is that you can take them with you wherever you go. Look for a lightweight, durable speaker that’s water-resistant so you can take it to the beach, park, or even a backyard barbecue.

Style

You want your wireless speaker to fit in with your home decor. Choose one that won’t take up too much space and won’t be the focal point of the room.

Types of Speakers

When it comes to wireless speakers, there are two main types: Bluetooth and Near Field Audio. Bluetooth speakers are great for larger spaces, while NFA speakers are better for smaller areas.

Customizable Speakers

If you’re looking for a wireless speaker that stands out, there are plenty of customizable options. Try a small desk speaker, a hockey puck speaker, or even one that lights up!

The Pros and Cons of Wireless Speakers

The Benefits

Wireless speakers are the way to go if you’re looking for a hassle-free setup:

  • No more tripping over wires or trying to hide them!
  • Perfect for outdoor areas like decks, patios, and pools.
  • No need to worry about power cords – battery-operated speakers are available.

The Drawbacks

Unfortunately, wireless speakers don’t come without their drawbacks:

  • Interference from other radio waves can cause garbled signals.
  • Dropped signals can lead to a poor listening experience.
  • Bandwidth issues can lead to less full or rich music.

Differences

Wireless Audio Vs Wired

Wireless audio is the way of the future, offering convenience and freedom of movement. With wireless headphones, you don’t need to worry about tangled cords or having to stay close to your device. You can move around freely while listening to your favorite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks. On the other hand, wired headphones still offer superior sound quality, as the signal is not compressed like it is with wireless audio. Plus, wired headphones are often more affordable than their wireless counterparts. So, if you’re looking for a great sound experience without breaking the bank, wired headphones may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more convenient listening experience, wireless audio is the way to go.

Conclusion

Now that you know what wireless audio is, you can use it to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks wherever you want. It’s perfect for exercising, commuting, and just having fun.
You can use it to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks wherever you want. It’s perfect for exercising, commuting, and just having fun.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.

Check me out on Youtube where I try out all of this gear:

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