Computer speakers: a brief history

Computers used to come with a small mono speaker placed on the back. The only thing they were used for were short beeps that communicated messages from the BIOS. One beep would mean the computer is working properly, while two beeps would refer to a boot problem. This is still the case with many computers. Computer speakers have come a long way since they were first created. From that first diagnostic beep to full multimedia capabilities, computer speakers have matured along with the personal computer.

The first revolution in computer speakers occurred during the transition between text-based computing (as experienced in a DOS system) and a more visual experience (first widely introduced in Windows 3.1). Now that there were visual aspects of computing (maximizing and minimizing windows, clicking icons, etc.), sounds became associated with these visual effects. I’m sure many of you remember the sound Windows 95 made when you started it up! These sounds (stored as .wav files) became more and more advanced. Short music files looped and accompanied early games increasing their immersion factor. Sound has become an integral part of computer use.

All of these sounds were generated by the sound capabilities provided on the motherboard. As the sound demanded by these programs increased, separate sound cards were developed to cope with the required complexity. These sound cards were able to do the math necessary to generate richer, fuller sound; the computer’s CPU was no longer required to handle these tasks. Now sound cards were dedicated to bringing the best possible sound experience to the end user.

The introduction of the mp3 file brought music into the mainstream for computer users. Now they could listen to their favorite artist while doing their normal tasks on the computer. Now there was a reason to provide separate computer speakers to boost the listening experience. These speakers were originally just two tweeters and underpowered. As they progressed in quality, a subwoofer was added which improved the deep bass capabilities. Over time these have progressed to full 5.1 systems (5 speakers providing surround sound along with a subwoofer).

The latest multimedia computer speaker systems can match and even exceed the quality found in bookshelf speakers. They have become more aesthetically pleasing for the workspace and often add that extra touch to a room’s décor. Technically, they can now deliver exquisite sound across the entire audio wavelength spectrum with strong low end and crystal clear high end. Having that extra sound experience can enhance video viewing or provide that extra immersion when playing video games.

Try this experiment. Use your computer for a full week without having the speakers on. You will quickly realize the benefits of a quality computer speaker system. Computer speakers have advanced in every category since their beginnings in the early 1980s.