Columns are

The word “column” is quite ambiguous; it is used in various fields and directions. In this text, this word will be used to mean a device that transfers and reproduces audio information from a third-party media - player, computer, removable disk. The size of the music speaker may vary depending on its purpose.

What are columns

Music speakers are special devices that are installed additionally and serve to transmit sound. In all devices except PCs, they duplicate and replace standard speakers. Personal computers do not have pre-installed output devices, so they need speakers (the simplest of which are included when purchasing the device) to reproduce information. In addition, additional music devices, such as home theater, also require speakers. Manufacturers artificially create the need for additional audio peripherals by creating very weak standard speakers.

Column classification

Columns (or column systems) can be classified according to different criteria:

1. By design:
   • Regular geometric shapes with formed corners - cubes and parallelepipeds. It is believed that this shape will improve sound output.
   • Geometric shapes without corners - trapezoids, pyramids, etc. The shape has more design than technical significance.
   • Round or oval - it is believed that such options are better suited for reproducing sound in wideband mode.
2. By number and direction of channels:
   • Single-channel - using only one output device in which all channels originating from the host are reproduced. An economical option that does not create a three-dimensional effect.
   • Multichannel - systems that use several speakers with or without subwoofer control. Created with the aim of changing the quality of sound, applying audio effects to it and creating a sense of presence.
3. By frequency range:
   • Monitors - the output holes have a medium diameter, which causes all the sound waves of different frequencies to overlap each other, this sometimes causes distortion.
   • Tweeters are small speakers that can distribute waves of different frequencies. They are placed in different places to give the sound a three-dimensional effect.
4. By connection type:
   • Wired is the simplest way. Uses a cable to provide communication between the main unit and the speakers. At the moment, this connection method is considered outdated and inconvenient.
   • Wireless is a newer and more convenient method, but requires extra energy.
5. Based on the presence of a sound amplifier:
   • Passive - do not enhance, or do it very weakly. Typically, these speakers require additional amplifiers to enhance the sound.
   • Active - speakers with built-in amplifiers. They themselves can also be divided into types.
6. Configuration differences.

Due to the many devices that require additional sound distribution, as well as the variety of companies that produce them, speakers are divided into many varieties. List of main types according to configuration:

• Mono column (1.0) is not the most popular type, but the cheapest and simplest. It is simply one speaker with a single-channel audio output. A cheap and optimal choice for those who do not want to control sound effects, but simply want to get louder sound than the standard device.
• Double (2.0) – providing stereo playback, that is, two-channel. This type of output devices requires the presence of a pair of devices installed in parallel. Most of the time they reproduce the same sound, but in rare, specially programmed moments, a certain effect can occur only in one speaker (the effect of sound appearing from the side). It is considered the best option when creating background music or while playing a computer game. Frequently encountered problems include a malfunction of one of the speakers, and, as a result, incomplete reproduction of the soundtrack or movie soundtrack.
• Dual speakers and a subwoofer (2.1) are an improvement on the previous version. A subwoofer is added to the two speakers here, which provides increased sound quality, as well as additional settings according to preferences - for example, reducing the bass level or additional volume. Such a set expands the user's capabilities, however, and requires him to pay a larger amount than just for two columns.
• Five speakers and a subwoofer (5.1) - a configuration for wealthy music lovers with sophisticated hearing. Such a system involves installing three speakers on one side - left, right, and main - and two on the sides - secondary sound installations, also divided into left and right channels.The subwoofer is placed approximately in the center, but closer to the main settings. This arrangement will provide even greater sound quality, as well as presence and the ability to customize acoustic effects. If necessary, this system can be equipped in 2.1 or 2.0 if any element fails.
• Seven speakers with a subwoofer (7.1) are the most complex and sophisticated system of those intended for private use. Its configuration includes three speakers in front, two on the sides, and the remaining two behind the audience. It is proposed to place the subwoofer closer to the center and front of the structure. All these improvements will allow a person to feel like they are in a recording studio or at a presentation of a computer game.

Connection and setup

Connecting speakers to a computer in most cases does not cause problems for users, but problems do occur from time to time. Sequence of actions for connecting speakers to a PC:

IMPORTANT. Before starting work, you must completely turn off your computer or laptop, and then disconnect it from the power supply. Adding new devices while your PC is running can cause problems.

• The easiest way to connect systems is type 1.0 and 2.0. You need to take the wire coming from the speaker(s), ending with the plug head. It should be inserted into one of the holes on the PC sound card designed for audio output. Such holes are indicated in green. The speakers must be turned on using the button on the case.
• To use 2.1 and higher systems, you must connect the speakers to the subwoofer inputs, not the computer. The subwoofer inputs should be marked with symbols such as “left” and “right”.The plug belonging to the subwoofer should be inserted into the corresponding green hole on the computer or laptop. As for more complex systems, they require a suitable sound card on the main device, as they use several pairs of wires. A laptop or computer must have several inputs of different colors for complex audio systems.