Compact loudspeaker assembly

A speakerphone comprises an upper housing member and a lower housing member that are joined together to enclose a loudspeaker, a microphone, and a printed wiring board having electronic components mounted thereon that cooperate in the operation of the speakerphone. The upper housing member includes a continuous sidewall that is molded into its underside and extends downwardly toward the printed wiring board. The sidewall surrounds a group of sound apertures that are also molded into the upper housing member. A loudspeaker is attached to the underside of the upper housing member in such a manner that it completely covers the sound apertures. A sealed enclosure within the speakerphone is formed by creating a seal between the sidewalls and the printed wiring board. A compliant gasket is illustratively used to create the seal. As a result, the frequency response of the loudspeaker is improved, and acoustic coupling between the loudspeaker and the microphone is reduced. The frequency response of the loudspeaker is further improved by inserting acoustically absorbent material, and by extending a tuned port, into the sealed enclosure.