Copper Tape and Paper Is All You Need to Make Working Speakers

You might have heard someone complain about a poorly-produced song by saying it sounds like it was recorded in a tin can, but nothing could sound worse than a song played on homemade paper speakers.

Don't get me wrong—it's extremely impressive that this YouTuber made these speakers and actually got them to work. They're tiny, MacGyvered versions of a magnetostatic speaker, which consists of wires or metal strips bonded to a thin, planar surface. The wires carry the audio frequency currents, and interaction between the current-carrying metal and the magnet creates an electromagnetic field, which in turn creates vibrations that carry the sound.

A magnetostatic speaker is usually a large and unattractive presence (described by a hobbyist website as "not high on the Wife Acceptance factor" for those reasons).

YouTube user Plusea made several different versions of the speaker, using copper tape, gold leaf, and steel wire. The familiar strains of "Happy Together," that old classic by The Turtles, can be heard each time the user hovers a tiny magnet over the speaker surface. (The copper tape produces the strongest result, with the gold leaf version being nearly inaudible.)

While this invention won't be tempting any audiophiles anytime soon, it makes simple science look like a magic trick. Check it out.

Correction: This post originally referred to a video uploaded by YouTube user Janet Fitts. We have since been informed that was a repost of an older video by YouTuber Plusea, who deserves credit for making the speakers and posting the original video.