Q-factors

Q-factors are quality factors and describe the roll off in an oscillating system. As regards loudspeakers, there are three main Q factors based on the Thiele and Small parameters (TSPs): 1. the mechanical Q-factor Qms, which describes the mechanical friction created e.g. by the surround and centring cone. 2. the electrical Q-factor Qes, which is the damping effect of the magnetic field at low-impedance levels. 3. the overall Q-factor Qts, which contains both Qms and Qes. Additional Q-factors are used for calculating cabinet volumes.