The Sound Quality of Modern Telephones and Tablets: An Analysis for Musicians and Audiophiles

As a bass player, I constantly find myself questioning the sound quality of modern telephones and tablets. The reality is stark: despite their sophisticated design and rapid technological advancements, these devices often fall short when it comes to providing a rich and balanced audio experience. In this article, we will delve into the limitations and characteristics of their miniature speakers, examining whether they can deliver the high-fidelity sound we yearn for, especially in the context of live performance and everyday music consumption.

Why Do Phone and Tablet Speakers Sound So Poor?

It is a widely recognized fact that the speakers in modern smartphones and tablets cannot match the sound quality of dedicated sound systems. The problem is not unique to any specific brand or model; iPhones, Android devices, and Windows-based laptops all exhibit similar limitations. While these devices may offer a clear and crisp audio experience at close range, they often lack the necessary low-frequency response and overall volume to satisfy even basic audio needs.

Limited Bass and Volume

Modern smartphone and tablet speakers are primarily designed as tweeters, which means they are optimized for high-frequency sounds. This design leads to a highly resonant and clear but lacking sound, as it does not effectively produce low-frequency or bass sounds. Tests have shown that even a low-quality laptop can struggle to reach sufficient volume levels, indicating a significant gap in sound performance.

Engineering Constraints and Audio Range

The limitations of smartphone and tablet speakers are rooted in their engineering constraints. Small form factors and physical limitations mean that the audio frequency response is truncated. Manufacturers often target the range of 150 to 200 Hz, as this is sufficient for most users to perceive the sound as acceptable, with an audible -3dB knee or even a more pronounced -6dB at 200 Hz. This truncation helps to manage the sound within the confines of the device without straying too far into the realms of tinny or unappealing audio quality.

Subjective Perception of Sound

Interestingly, the human brain is surprisingly adept at filling in the gaps where there is a lack of low-frequency response. An experiment with an audio frequency generator and floor-standing speakers demonstrated that even a slightly high-pass filter above 300 Hz can be lived with, aligning well with the speech quality requirements of 300 to 3,000 Hz. This subjective perception means that while the sound may not be perfect, it can still be tolerable and often more pleasing within the limited range of the device.

High-Frequency Responses and Sound Balance

The high-end responses of smartphone and tablet speakers are typically well-balanced up to 20,000 Hz. However, similar to the low-frequency truncation, the higher frequency range is often slightly chopped off to maintain a balanced sound. This balancing act is often observed around 10,000 to 15,000 Hz, where the sound is slightly -3dB’d off to maintain harmony with the lower frequencies. This approach often results in a more pleasant listening experience within the range of 200 to 12,000 Hz.

Imperceptible Size and Volume Trade-offs

It is essential to consider the size-to-volume trade-offs. The eardrum area is relatively small, meaning that any sound output must be spatially limited. The speakers in these devices are effectively small chambers, often featuring styrofoam balls to dampen sound and improve clarity. While this setup is designed to enhance clarity, it naturally results in a lower volume output, making it unsuitable for environments requiring more immersive audio.

Conclusion

While modern telephones and tablets undoubtedly provide a clear and crisp audio experience, their limitations in terms of bass response and volume make them suboptimal for musicians and audiophiles who demand high-fidelity sound. However, the advancements in technology continue to push the envelope, and future devices may address these limitations. For now, relying on Bluetooth speakers or external audio systems is a viable solution for those who need a more robust audio experience.