7 Exslusive Methods On How To Test A Speaker With A Multimeter?

Do you want to test a speaker but don’t know How to test a speaker with a multimeter? In case you know, it means you must have some specific knowledge about measurements.

Moreover, you must know how to use a multimeter and what type of measurements you need to specify.

How should I test speaker ohms with a multimeter later? Multimeter for speaker ohms A digital multimeter (DMM) is a useful tool to test the voltage, resistance, continuity, and continuity of a circuit or electrical component. In addition to the multimeter, the device is also a great tool to use when checking or troubleshooting your speakers. Beginners should not worry about using a multimeter. Using a multimeter to measure speaker ohms doesn’t require any special skills.

First Of All, What Is The Speaker?

Speaker is an electro-acoustic transducer or device which can convert an electrical signal into sound waves.

The sound produced by the speakers will vary depending on their size and the technology used in making it.

You will need to remove all your speaker wires from the speaker box before you can inspect them.

Different Methods To Test The Speaker

1.Resistance Test With A Multimeter

To check a speaker’s resistance, you need to set the multimeter in Ohms mode. You can’t measure the resistance of speakers in other methods such as A or V. If your meter doesn’t have an Ohms (Ω) mode, then the chances are that it will pick up more resistance with other settings.

2.Voltage Test With A Multimeter

Another way to measure a speaker’s resistance is to measure the voltage drop across it with proper polarity and connection

3.Amplitude Test With A Multimeter

The best way to check the speaker’s frequency response is by measuring its amplitude. As you know, frequency response is a type of graph or chart which shows the output of an input signal. You can set your meter to AC Volts mode, and then put the probe across the terminals.

4.Harmonic Distortion Test With A Multimeter

Measurement of harmonic distortion is another way to check how much error speakers have been introduced in the original signal.

5.Capacitance Test With A Multimeter

The other way to measure capacitance is by using the meter’s capacitance range. You can’t use this measurement method if your meter doesn’t have it.

6.Inductance Test With A Multimeter

In this method, you have to put the meter in both AC and DC modes. Then connect speaker wires with speaker terminals correctly as per polarity marks (positive and negative wires). If your meter has an inductance range, then use it. If not, then measure impedance by using either of the two methods mentioned above.

The “nominal” impedance rating for audio equipment (usually 4, 8, or 16 ohms) shows the minimum impedance for a typical audio ranges. For most audio ranges, the impedance is between 250 and 400 ohms. Throughout this range, the actual impedance is pretty close to this value and rises slowly as the frequency increases.

7.Resistance Test With A Power Supply

If you are not able to use the multimeter for testing resistance any of the above-mentioned things, then try it by using a power supply. Measure resistance first, connect the positive probe of the power supply to the positive terminal of the speaker and the negative probe to the negative terminal. Set your meter in Ohms mode and read obtained results.

How To Check The Speaker? What Is The Procedure?

Please know that there are some precautions you must take when checking a speaker with a multimeter. If not, it can cause severe damage to your speakers.

Follow this step by step guide on how to test the speaker of your car or home stereo system:

Step1

Turn off the power from your amplifier and turn off any other electronic devices connected to the speaker.

Step2

Connect one of your multimeter’s leads to the negative terminal on your battery or car chassis and leave the other lead on a metal part of your car body or chassis without touching it.

You must be aware that this procedure will cause a short circuit that will turn on your system’s protection circuit, so you must make sure that there is no power to the speaker by disconnecting the cable first.

Step3

Turn on your speakers. If they cannot produce sound after a short time, then you have successfully established that there is no problem with their crossovers or amplifiers.

Step4

If the speakers produce sound, then you must check if it’s high or low and just find out which component is causing this problem with a speaker test cable and replace it. Take your multimeter and try to measure the impedance/resistance of your system

Why Do We Need To Test A Speaker With A Multimeter?

If you want to understand the working principle of a speaker, this process can help you.
You may need to check if your speakers are in good condition compared to new speakers.
It is an efficient tool that saves time and money when checking the sound system of any car or home stereo equipment.
You can check any other electronic devices (like car head unit) with a multimeter to verify that it is in good working condition.
You can remove the capacitor to test its polarity and value when checking it with a multimeter.
There is no chance of damaging your speakers while checking them using a multimeter
You may need to check if there is any short circuit or other technical faults in your system that will cause damage to your speaker driver.

Precautions While Testing A Speaker With Multimeter

It is better to test your system at a low volume.
Make sure you don’t touch the probes of the multimeter when testing.
When checking a speaker, put one of your probes to the negative terminal of the battery and another probe on a non-conducting surface of the car body like rubber or plastic.
Leave all amplifiers and equalizers off during the measurement.
It is advisable not to leave the probes in the circuit when turning on the system.
It is safe to touch the probe of the multimeter with your hand because it will not pass any current through you if well connected.
If you are disassembling speakers, never touch or connect two terminals at a time and follow correct polarity while doing so – red wire must be in plus and black at the minus.
After testing, disconnect all cables from your audio equipment carefully to avoid any damage.
Use one hand only while checking with a Multimeter because if you accidentally slip and touch live parts of the circuit, it can cause severe injury or death.
Always wear shoes when working on car electronics like speakers.

For more information about measuring components using a multimeter, please refer to these.

How To Check If A Multimeter Is Working Fine

Test the multimeter with a known working component such as a battery.
Check if the multimeter shows proper readings of resistance/impedance and other parameters like frequency etc.
Check if the multimeter is showing proper polarity when measuring capacitors, inductors and diodes.
Turn off all electronic devices and switch off the main supply before testing.
Do not test components in circuits because it may damage them or your multimeter.

Precautions About Use Of Multimeter

Always remember these key points in mind while using a multimeter:

Always use a suitable range of voltage/resistance when testing.
Use your multimeter only for checking components and circuits, not as a power source – it is designed to supply low currents for measuring purposes only.
Always disconnect your test leads before changing

range or moving your multimeter.

Keep your multimeter and probes away from metal surfaces and oil/water because it can reduce accuracy.
Protect your multimeter from humidity, dust, heat and static electricity – always use a soft brush to clean the unit if require

Are your speaker’s ground wires loose or disconnected connections? There is a possibility of moving the wires in a stable and secure location. It would be easy to detect if there was a ground wire because the audio system would make a whining and buzzing sound.

I hope that this article was helpful and has covered most of queries to learn how to check speakers with a multimeter. If you want to add more, feel free to leave your comment below. I will be grateful for your contribution!