Project Duration: 14 weeks Advisor: Jonathan Chapman, CMU Tools: Physical Computing, Solidworks, Aspire CNC, Keyshot, Prototyping
High quality audio equipment is more affordable than ever, but the entry level products are often cheaply made and aesthetically uninspired.
Buying an affordable sound system often means integrated speakers. I’d like to encourage beginners to create their own set of “separates,” allowing them to upgrade based on their preferences without having to replace the whole system.
This led to the creation of Speaker 1, the first in a line of entry level audio components.
The speakers are sold partially disassembled to be completed by the user in two easy steps.
Including the user in the fabrication process encourages greater understanding and authority over the speakers, while also allowing for more efficient packaging.
❸ Design/Inspiration
I set out to make these inexpensive to produce at a small scale. Every part is either sheet material or already mass produced.
Inspired by clear technology from the ‘90s like the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks and the iMac G3, all of Speaker 1's components lie in plain view, providing insight on its inner workings and allowing for easier repair.
I was able to mimic most of the manufacturing process in house, plus one custom powder coated aluminum part. The only thing that would be changed for production would be to produce a proper PCB for the electronics.
Configuration: 2-way bookshelf speaker
Dimensions: 7×7×11.5"
Weight: 13.16 lb
Woofer Diameter: 4"
Power Handling: 25 watts RMS/50 watts max
Frequency Response: 45–20,000 Hz (−3 dB)
Impedance: 8 Ohm
Sensitivity: 83 dB 1W/1m