--- title: How Speaker Grilles Impact Sound Quality [VIDEO] description: A speaker grille protects the sensitive components of a loudspeaker. This video describes how the grille impacts sound quality, durability, and aesthetics. image: https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/White%20Speaker%20Grill.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-grilles-sound-quality#main-content) Menu [![misco speakers custom audio solutions](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/MISCO%2075th%20anniversary%20logo.svg "misco speakers custom audio solutions")](https://www.miscospeakers.com/) [800-276-9955](tel:+18002769955) - [Get a Quote](https://info.miscospeakers.com/support/get-quote) - Case Studies - [Commercial Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/sh-acoustics-case-study-0) - [Gaming](https://info.miscospeakers.com/yfageo-audio-case-study) - [Hi-Fi](https://info.miscospeakers.com/concierge-audio-misco-rms-one-luxury-speaker) - [Musical Instruments](https://info.miscospeakers.com/little-walter-amps-tonespeak-speakers-download) - [NASA](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/orion-spacecraft-audio-solutions-and-speakers) - [Paging](https://info.miscospeakers.com/improve-school-communication-case-study) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com) - [Custom Project Solutions](https://info.miscospeakers.com/how-to-get-great-sound-from-custom-speaker-design) - [Customer Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/customer-support) - [Loudspeaker Basics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/loudspeaker-basics) - [Product Archive](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/oem-products-archive) - [Technical Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/technical-support) - [Speaker Enclosure Considerations](https://info.miscospeakers.com/speaker-enclosures-considerations) - [MISCO Japan](https://info.miscospeakers.com/misco-japan) - [Contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact) Search Search Search [cart](https://store.miscospeakers.com/checkout/cart/) - [Custom Solutions](https://info.miscospeakers.com/custom-audio-solutions) - Products - Product Lines - [MISCO OEM](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/misco-oem) - [OEM Systems](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/turnkey-systems) - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/misco-amplifiers) - [Oaktron by MISCO](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/oaktron-by-misco) - [Bold North Audio](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/bold-north-audio) - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=f095f06a94364c0db87d56f162cbac9e&utm_content=header-products-pl-ts) - Speakers By Type - [Coaxial](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products?speaker_type=102) - Enclosed - [Exciters, Shakers & Tactile Devices](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/exciters-shakers-tactile-devices) - [Full Range / Wide Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/full-range) - [Guitar](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=bf5e31857e0b46819394eb7e499dcbf5&utm_content=header-products-type-guitar) - [Micro / Mini](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/micro-mini-speakers-drivers) - [Mid Range / Mid Bass](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/mid-range-mid-bass) - [Outdoor / Waterproof](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/outdoor-waterproof) - - [Tweeters](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/tweeter-high-frequency-transducer) - [Voice Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/voice-range) - [Woofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/woofer) - [Subwoofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/subwoofer) - Speakers Accessories - [Grilles](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/grilles) - [Transformers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/transformers) - [In-Ceiling Speakers & Assemblies](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/in-ceiling-speakers-and-assemblies) - Amps and Systems - [Amplifiers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/class-d-digital-audio-amplifiers) - [OEM Systems](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/turnkey-systems) - [Powered](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/powered-speakers) - - [Extended Products PDF Archive »](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/oem-products-archive) - [Know Your Product Number? »](https://store.miscospeakers.com/search/) - [View All Products](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products) - Product Lines - [Oaktron by MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/oaktron-misco) - [MISCO OEM](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-oem) - [Bold North Audio](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/bold-north-audio) - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-amplifiers) - [Soundscape](https://info.miscospeakers.com/soundscape) - [Red Line](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/red-line) - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=e33f5a3a1e004c1088874cb6ca46f967&utm_content=pl-ts) - Industries - [Aerospace & Aviation](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/aerospace-industry-page) - [Amusement Parks](https://info.miscospeakers.com/amusement-parks-landscape-loudspeakers) - [Casino Gaming](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/casino-industry-page) - [Commercial Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/commercial-sound-industry-page) - [Drive Thru & Kiosk](https://info.miscospeakers.com/en-us/drive-thru-kiosks) - [Home Audio & Home Theater](https://info.miscospeakers.com/home-audio-theater) - [Medical](https://info.miscospeakers.com/medical-audio-solutions) - [Military / Government](https://info.miscospeakers.com/misco-military-audio-solutions-superior-sound-for-mission-success) - [Musical Instruments](https://info.miscospeakers.com/musical-instrument-industry-transducers-audio-solutions) - [Pro Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/pro-sound-industry-solutions) - [Signal / Alarm Devices](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/signal-alarm-devices) - [Transit](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/transit) - [Voice Communications](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/voice-communications) - [See More Industries We Serve](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/see-all-industries) - Why Misco - [Unique MISCO Advantages](https://info.miscospeakers.com/premium-audio-solutions-industry-leaders) - [Reshoring with MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/reshoring-misco) - [Engineering](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/state-of-the-art-audio-engineering) - [Manufacturing](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/manufacturing) - [Quality](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/quality) - [Test & Measurement Services](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/test-measurement-services) - [Critical Listening](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/critical-listening) - [Supply Chain Logistics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/supply-chain-logistics) - [Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com) - [About Us](https://info.miscospeakers.com/about-us) - [Custom Solutions](https://info.miscospeakers.com/custom-audio-solutions) - Products - Speakers by Type - [Coaxial](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products?speaker_type=102) - [Enclosed](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/enclosed-speakers) - [Exciters, Shakers & Tactile Devices](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/exciters-shakers-tactile-devices) - [Full Range / Wide Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/full-range) - [Guitar](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=bf5e31857e0b46819394eb7e499dcbf5&utm_content=header-products-type-guitar) - [Micro / Mini](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/micro-mini-speakers-drivers) - [Mid Range / Mid Bass](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/mid-range-mid-bass) - [Outdoor / Waterproof](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/outdoor-waterproof) - [Subwoofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/subwoofer) - [Tweeters](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/tweeter-high-frequency-transducer) - [Voice Range](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/voice-range) - [Woofers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/woofer) - Speaker Accessories - [Grilles](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/grilles) - [Transformers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/transformers) - [In-Ceiling Speakers & Assemblies](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/in-ceiling-speakers-and-assemblies) - Amps and Systems - [Amplifiers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/class-d-digital-audio-amplifiers) - [Turnkey Systems](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/turnkey-systems) - [Powered Speakers](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/powered-speakers) - [Product Archive](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/oem-products-archive) - [View all Products](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products) - [Know Your Product Number?](https://store.miscospeakers.com/search/) - Product Lines - [Oaktron by MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/oaktron-misco) - [MISCO OEM](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-oem) - [Bold North Audio](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/bold-north-audio) - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-amplifiers) - [Soundscape](https://info.miscospeakers.com/soundscape) - [Red Line](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/red-line) - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=e33f5a3a1e004c1088874cb6ca46f967&utm_content=pl-ts) - Industries - [Aerospace & Aviation](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/aerospace-aviation) - [Amusement Parks](https://info.miscospeakers.com/amusement-parks-landscape-loudspeakers) - [Casino Gaming](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/casino-gaming) - [Commercial Sound](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/commercial-sound) - [Drive Thru & Kiosk](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/drive-thru-kiosk) - [Home Audio & Home Theater](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/home-audio-home-theater) - [Medical](https://info.miscospeakers.com/medical-audio-solutions) - [Military / Government](https://info.miscospeakers.com/misco-military-audio-solutions-superior-sound-for-mission-success) - [Musical Instruments](https://info.miscospeakers.com/musical-instrument-industry-transducers-audio-solutions) - [Pro Sound](https://info.miscospeakers.com/pro-sound-industry-solutions) - [Signal / Alarm Devices](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/signal-alarm-devices) - [Transit](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/transit) - [Voice Communications](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/voice-communications) - [See More Industries We Serve](https://www.miscospeakers.com/industries/see-all-industries) - Why Misco - [Unique MISCO Advantages](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/misco-saves-you-time-and-money) - [Reshoring with MISCO](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/reshoring-misco) - [Engineering](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/state-of-the-art-audio-engineering) - [Prototyping](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/secure-prototyping) - [Test & Measurement Services](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/test-measurement-services) - [Critical Listening](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/critical-listening) - [Manufacturing](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/manufacturing) - [Quality](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/quality) - [Supply Chain Logistics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/supply-chain-logistics) - [Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com) - [About Us](https://info.miscospeakers.com/about-us) - Support - [Customer Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/customer-support) - [Loudspeaker Basics](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/loudspeaker-basics) - [Technical Support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/technical-support) - [Contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact) - [Events](https://www.miscospeakers.com/events) - [WARKWYN](https://www.miscospeakers.com/warkwyn) - [Sign In](https://store.miscospeakers.com/customer/account/login/) - [Create an Account](https://store.miscospeakers.com/customer/account/create/) - [800-276-9955](https://www.miscospeakers.com/tel:+1-800-276-9955) - [Contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact) - [WARKWYN](https://www.miscospeakers.com/warkwyn) ![Loudspeakers being prepared for shipping](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/White%20Speaker%20Grill.jpg?width=1280&height=720&name=White%20Speaker%20Grill.jpg) [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20blog%20post%20from%20MISCO&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20find%20this%20interesting:%0A%0A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fblog.miscospeakers.com%2Fspeaker-grilles-sound-quality](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20blog%20post%20from%20MISCO&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20find%20this%20interesting:%0A%0A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fblog.miscospeakers.com%2Fspeaker-grilles-sound-quality) # How Speaker Grilles Impact Sound Quality \[VIDEO\] Published on Sep 7, 2023 by [MISCO Speakers](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/author/misco-speakers) In an ideal world, a speaker would be freestanding and unobstructed without any threat from outside elements. In practice, however, most speakers need protection from the operating environment. Some of that essential protection comes in the form of the [speaker grille](https://store.miscospeakers.com/products/grilles), a hard or soft covering mounted directly over the face of the speaker driver. Any time anything blocks or [encloses](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-enclosure-video) the speaker, acoustical compromises are inevitable. That said, grilles can be designed to improve performance and minimize [distortion](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-distortion-and-audio-solutions). The materials used in the grille and its design both impact the overall results of any audio system. *Resource: [Designing and Building a Loudspeaker Video Series](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/tag/designing-and-building-a-loudspeaker-video-series)* ## Three Parts of Designing and Integrating a Speaker Grille The speaker grille is often overlooked, but it should be planned out in detail. When you aren’t clear about the impact of a grille, you might find it’s more detrimental than you expected. On the other hand, you can reduce the effect of your grille by focusing on three critical design areas: - Audio quality - Durability - Aesthetics ## Audio Quality [Audio quality](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-grill-materials) comes first. When speaker grilles are designed to perform multiple functions, there’s a far greater risk that they won’t do any of them well. For example, some speaker grilles are integrated in such a way as to reduce the risk of vandalism. This often requires trade-offs. While it’s easy to design a grille that meets protective requirements, it often means adding on a heavy, louvered element that redirects sound as it comes from the speaker. Not only does this influence the ideal positioning of the speaker in operation, but reduces its acoustical potential. ## Equipment Durability *Durability* is second. A light mesh covering is sufficient to protect a home speaker system and has the least effect on its performance. But if you are creating an audio system for a music hall, a movie theater, or other public venues, you must plan for the wear and tear the system can absorb. A light grille is sufficient to keep ordinary dust, dirt, and grime out of the sensitive inner workings of audio equipment. Permanent indoor installations in concert venues and churches often use the lightest grilles possible. [Equipment meant to be used outdoors has greater engineering challenges.](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/building-a-more-rugged-loudspeaker) ## Aesthetic Appeal *Aesthetics* are the final consideration. Aesthetic qualities are generally most important in consumer goods where the end-user will interact directly with the equipment on a regular basis. A pleasing balance of aesthetic elements can add greater prestige and luxury to the design. Speaker systems are often located far from the public eye. They may be positioned overhead or off in the distance on a stage that could be hundreds of feet away. In situations like these, it can be best to reduce the focus on aesthetics when doing so improves audio performance and budget. ## How Speaker Grille Materials Affect Performance In heavy-duty applications, especially outdoors, metal is the most protective material. Detailed testing at [MISCO’s audio labs](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/test-measurement-services) has shown that a metal grill should be 60% open for optimal acoustical transparency. Each hole must be wider in diameter than the metal is thick. Aluminum and stainless steel are popular choices not only for their level of tamper-proofing, but also for defense against the elements as they don’t rust. Mass-produced consumer goods benefit from appropriate performance at a lower price point by using plastic grills. Plastic grills can be integrated into the housing of a unit like a soundbar or smart speaker and then covered with a more aesthetically pleasing outer grill. MISCO provides the engineering insight and domain expertise to bring your sound system concepts to life. To find out more or get started, contact our team today. [![Download this free guide to help you build you loudspeaker acumen](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/14566965/c44953ae-1cbb-4c0e-a1e5-9afcd1c6c196.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/14566965/c44953ae-1cbb-4c0e-a1e5-9afcd1c6c196) Tags: [Loudspeaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/tag/loudspeaker-design), [Speaker Materials](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/tag/speaker-materials) [Back to Blog](https://blog.miscospeakers.com) ## Related Articles [![Parts of a Speaker \[VIDEO\]](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/parts%20of%20a%20speaker.jpg?quality=80&width=640&height=360&name=parts%20of%20a%20speaker.jpg)](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/parts-of-a-speaker-video) ### [Parts of a Speaker \[VIDEO\]](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/parts-of-a-speaker-video) Editor's note: originally posted in 2022, this blog has been updated to include the latest... [Explore More on Loudspeaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/parts-of-a-speaker-video) [![American Made Speakers - Speaker Manufacturers in the USA](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_377063679_ccexpress.jpeg?quality=80&width=640&height=360&name=AdobeStock_377063679_ccexpress.jpeg)](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/american-made-speakers) ### [American Made Speakers - Speaker Manufacturers in the USA](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/american-made-speakers) The world continues to be an uncertain place. Decision-makers in business were already dealing with... [Explore More on Loudspeaker Design](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/american-made-speakers) [![How Frequency Response Graphs Can Be Misinterpreted](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rsz_adobestock_219643762-min%20(1).jpg?quality=80&width=640&height=360&name=rsz_adobestock_219643762-min%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/how-frequency-response-graphs-can-be-misinterpreted) ### [How Frequency Response Graphs Can Be Misinterpreted](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/how-frequency-response-graphs-can-be-misinterpreted) “I like the look of that sound,” said the audio engineer after eyeing the speaker’s frequency... [Explore More on Frequency Response](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/how-frequency-response-graphs-can-be-misinterpreted) ![MISCO](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Miscospeakers_May2021/images/footer-logo.png?width=104&name=footer-logo.png "MISCO") [800-276-9955](tel:+1-800-276-9955)[sales@miscospeakers.com](mailto:sales@miscospeakers.com) [1771 Energy Park Drive Suite #400 St. Paul, MN 55108](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1771+Energy+Park+Drive,+Suite+%23400,+St.+Paul,+MN+55108) - - - ![ISO Certified](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Miscospeakers_May2021/images/iso-certified-logo.png?width=54&name=iso-certified-logo.png "ISO Certified") ![RoHS Compliant](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Miscospeakers_May2021/images/rohs-logo.png?width=53&name=rohs-logo.png "RoHS Compliant") - - [OUR PROCESS](https://www.miscospeakers.com/style-guide/our-process-1) - [Get a Quote](https://info.miscospeakers.com/support/get-quote) - [Products](https://www.miscospeakers.com/products) - [Oaktron](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/oaktron-misco) - [Bold North Audio](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/bold-north-audio) - [MISCO OEM](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-oem) - [MISCO Amplifiers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/misco-amplifiers) - [Soundscape](https://www.miscospeakers.com/product-lines/soundscape) - [ToneSpeak](https://www.tonespeak.com/?utm_source=misco-website&utm_medium=menu-item&utm_campaign=misco-menu-items&utm_id=c0a17afbe3044609b0ed146c04099579&utm_content=footer-ts) - [Quality](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/quality) - [Engineering](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/state-of-the-art-audio-engineering) - [Manufacturing](https://www.miscospeakers.com/why-misco/manufacturing) - - [our team](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/our-team) - [history](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/history-misco) - [mission](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/mission) - [careers](https://www.miscospeakers.com/about-us/careers) - [legal documents](https://www.miscospeakers.com/legal-documents) - [contact](https://info.miscospeakers.com/contact) - [customer support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/customer-support) - [technical support](https://www.miscospeakers.com/support/technical-support) - [warkwyn](https://www.miscospeakers.com/warkwyn) - [warkwyn japan](https://jp.warkwyn.com/) Get the latest insights, tips, and advice from MISCO's blog to help tackle your audio challenges. [Sign Up](https://blog.miscospeakers.com/) © MISCO/Minneapolis Speaker Company Inc., All Rights Reserved. MISCO, Bold North Audio, Redline, Warkwyn and Oaktron are registered trademarks of MISCO/Minneapolis Speaker Company Inc. - [Sitemap](https://www.miscospeakers.com/sitemap) - [Terms of Use](https://www.miscospeakers.com/terms-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.miscospeakers.com/privacy-policy) - [Accessibility Policy](https://www.miscospeakers.com/accessibility-policy) - [California Proposition 65 Compliance](https://www.miscospeakers.com/california-proposition-65-compliance) - [Site Credits](https://www.windmillstrategy.com/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "MISCO Speakers", "url" : "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/author/misco-speakers" }, "dateModified" : "2023-09-07T16:00:00.993Z", "datePublished" : "2023-09-07T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "How Speaker Grilles Impact Sound Quality [VIDEO]", "image" : [ "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/White%20Speaker%20Grill.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/speaker-grilles-sound-quality", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.miscospeakers.com/hubfs/MISCO%2075th%20anniversary%20logo.svg" }, "name" : "MISCO Speakers" } } ```