What is a tweeter?

Definition: what a tweeter does

A tweeter is a small loudspeaker driver that reproduces the highest frequencies in the audible range, typically from around 2,000 Hz up to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz).

These frequencies include cymbals, high strings, vocal sibilance, and subtle spatial cues that help define a soundstage.

Why tweeters are small

High frequencies require very fast, precise movement. To achieve this, a tweeter’s moving parts must be lightweight and rigid.

A smaller diaphragm can start and stop more quickly than a large one, allowing it to accurately track rapid changes in the music signal without smearing detail.

How a tweeter works

Most tweeters are dynamic drivers, similar in principle to woofers and midrange drivers. An electrical signal flows through a voice coil suspended in a magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to move back and forth.

Because tweeters handle much less air movement than bass drivers, their diaphragms are typically domes, ribbons, or folded membranes rather than cones.

Common tweeter types

Dome tweeters

Dome tweeters are the most common type. They use a shallow dome-shaped diaphragm and are valued for their balanced dispersion and smooth sound.

• Soft dome: often smoother and more forgiving.
• Metal dome: often more detailed and dynamic, but can sound bright if poorly implemented.

Ribbon tweeters

Ribbon tweeters use an ultra-thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field. They are extremely light and fast, which can produce excellent detail and openness.

AMT (Air Motion Transformer)

AMT tweeters use a folded diaphragm that squeezes air rather than pushing it. This design combines speed with relatively high output and controlled dispersion.

The crossover: protecting the tweeter

Tweeters cannot handle low frequencies. A crossover filters the audio signal so that only high frequencies are sent to the tweeter.

Proper crossover design is critical. A poorly matched crossover can make a tweeter sound harsh, strained, or disconnected from the rest of the speaker.

What tweeters contribute to sound quality

• Detail: fine textures in instruments and recordings.
• Clarity: intelligible vocals and clean transients.
• Soundstage: a sense of space and placement.
• Listening fatigue: excessive treble can become tiring over time.

Common questions

Do better tweeters mean better sound?

Not on their own. Tweeter quality matters, but integration with the midrange driver, crossover design, and room acoustics are just as important.

Can a tweeter be too bright?

Yes. Excess energy in the high frequencies can sound impressive at first but become fatiguing over long listening sessions. Balance matters more than raw detail.