- Not to be confused with PC speaker.
Computer speakers, or
multimedia speakers, are
speakers sold for use with computers, although usually capable of other audio uses, e.g. for an
MP3 player. Most such speakers have an internal amplifier, and consequently require a power source, which may be by a mains power supply often via an
AC adapter, batteries, or a
USB port (able to supply no more than 2.5W DC, 500mA at 5V). The signal input connector is often a 3.5 mm jack plug (usually color-coded lime green per the
PC 99 standard);
RCA connectors are sometimes used, and a USB port may supply both signal and power (requiring additional circuitry, and only suitable for use with a computer). Battery-powered wireless
Bluetooth speakers require no connections at all. Most computers have speakers of low power and quality built in; when external speakers are connected they disable the built-in speakers.
Altec Lansing claims to have created the computer speaker market in 1990.
