B&C 5NDL38 5″ Professional Woofer LF Driver
The B&C 5NDL38 is a lightweight, high-performance 5-inch professional woofer designed for compact loudspeaker systems requiring excellent low-frequency extension, reliable power handling, and outstanding efficiency. Developed using advanced neodymium motor technology, the B&C 5NDL38 delivers professional-grade performance from a remarkably compact and lightweight package, making it an ideal choice for portable sound reinforcement systems, compact stage monitors, line array modules, and installed audio applications.
Engineered to provide strong bass and low-midrange reproduction from small enclosure volumes, the B&C 5NDL38 combines a powerful neodymium motor assembly with a lightweight aluminium voice coil and carefully optimized suspension system. This combination allows the driver to produce impressive output levels while maintaining excellent transient response and low distortion characteristics.
With a frequency response extending from 80 Hz to 7000 Hz, the B&C 5NDL38 offers exceptional versatility for compact two-way systems and multi-way loudspeaker designs. Its combination of lightweight construction, efficient motor design, and professional reliability makes it a valuable solution for loudspeaker manufacturers seeking premium performance without excessive weight.
The driver’s neodymium motor assembly significantly reduces overall system weight while preserving the magnetic strength required for demanding professional applications. Combined with B&C’s proven engineering and manufacturing standards, the B&C 5NDL38 provides a dependable and highly efficient solution for modern professional loudspeaker systems.
Key Features
- 90 W nominal power handling
- 180 W continuous power handling
- 38 mm (1.5 inch) aluminium voice coil
- 91 dB sensitivity
- 80 Hz – 7000 Hz frequency response
- Lightweight neodymium ring magnet assembly
- Glass fibre voice coil former
- Extended low-frequency capability
- Roll surround suspension
- Exponential cone geometry
- WP waterproof front cone treatment
- Optimized for compact vented enclosure designs
Advanced Neodymium Motor Technology
At the heart of the B&C 5NDL38 is a high-performance neodymium ring magnet motor structure engineered to maximize efficiency while minimizing overall driver weight. Neodymium technology offers significantly greater magnetic strength than conventional ferrite systems, allowing the driver to achieve professional performance levels while weighing less than one kilogram.
The magnetic circuit generates an impressive 1.25 Tesla flux density, ensuring strong control of the moving assembly and helping maintain low distortion throughout the driver’s operating range. This powerful motor structure contributes to excellent transient response and reliable performance under demanding operating conditions.
The driver also features a substantial Bl factor of 9.2 Tm, providing effective cone control and efficient conversion of amplifier power into acoustic output. This results in accurate low-frequency reproduction and improved system efficiency.
The lightweight neodymium motor assembly makes the B&C 5NDL38 particularly attractive for portable PA systems, compact stage monitors, and lightweight installation projects where minimizing cabinet weight is a priority.
Voice Coil Design and Thermal Performance
The B&C 5NDL38 utilizes a 38 mm aluminium voice coil wound on a durable glass fibre former. This advanced combination of materials provides an excellent balance of low moving mass, thermal stability, and long-term reliability.
Aluminium winding material reduces the overall mass of the moving assembly, allowing the driver to respond quickly and accurately to dynamic audio signals. This contributes to improved transient response and greater detail throughout the operating frequency range.
The glass fibre former offers excellent resistance to thermal stress and mechanical fatigue, helping ensure stable performance during extended operation. Together, these materials enable the driver to handle 90 W nominal power and 180 W continuous power while maintaining consistent acoustic performance.
The voice coil assembly incorporates a 10 mm winding depth operating within a 6 mm magnetic gap, providing effective motor control and reliable excursion capability for compact bass reproduction.
Cone and Suspension System
The B&C 5NDL38 features an exponential cone profile optimized for low-frequency and low-midrange reproduction. This cone geometry promotes smooth response characteristics and efficient acoustic loading, helping the driver achieve strong output from compact enclosure designs.
The suspension system utilizes a roll surround, allowing controlled cone movement while maintaining excellent mechanical stability. This design supports accurate bass reproduction and contributes to the driver’s reliable long-term performance.
A single spider suspension system ensures proper voice coil alignment while maintaining consistent mechanical behaviour under demanding operating conditions. The combination of the surround and spider assembly allows the driver to operate efficiently while preserving low distortion characteristics.
To improve durability and environmental resistance, the cone incorporates WP Waterproof Front Side treatment. This protective coating helps safeguard the cone against moisture and humidity while preserving long-term acoustic performance.
Optimized for Compact Enclosures
One of the standout characteristics of the B&C 5NDL38 is its ability to deliver impressive low-frequency performance from very compact enclosure volumes.
B&C recommends a 5 dm³ enclosure tuned to 80 Hz, allowing loudspeaker designers to create compact cabinet systems without sacrificing useful bass extension. This makes the driver particularly suitable for portable loudspeakers, compact two-way systems, stage monitoring applications, and distributed audio installations.
The driver’s 80 Hz resonant frequency provides a solid foundation for low-frequency reproduction, while its Qts of 0.36 supports efficient vented-box alignments. The resulting performance offers an excellent balance between bass extension, efficiency, and enclosure size.
Its EBP value of 216 Hz further confirms its suitability for bass reflex designs, enabling designers to extract maximum performance from compact cabinet configurations.
Professional System Applications
The versatility of the B&C 5NDL38 makes it suitable for a broad range of professional loudspeaker applications.
Typical applications include:
- Compact two-way loudspeaker systems
- Portable PA systems
- Lightweight stage monitors
- Compact line array modules
- Installed sound reinforcement systems
- Distributed audio systems
- Multi-way loudspeaker designs
- Professional portable speaker systems
Its combination of low weight, compact dimensions, and reliable performance provides system designers with exceptional flexibility when developing modern professional audio products.
Technical Specifications
Nominal Diameter: 127 mm (5 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 6.3 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 90 W
Continuous Power Handling: 180 W
Sensitivity: 91 dB
Frequency Range: 80 Hz – 7000 Hz
Voice Coil Diameter: 38 mm (1.5 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Former Material: Glass Fibre
Winding Depth: 10 mm (0.37 in)
Magnetic Gap Depth: 6 mm (0.24 in)
Flux Density: 1.25 T
Woofer Cone Treatment: WP Waterproof Front Side
Thiele-Small Parameters
Fs: 80 Hz
Re: 5.5 Ω
Qes: 0.37
Qms: 9.2
Qts: 0.36
Vas: 4.3 dm³ (0.15 ft³)
Sd: 95 cm² (14.73 in²)
η₀: 0.55 %
Xmax: 3.5 mm
Xvar: 4 mm
Mms: 11 g
Bl: 9.2 Tm
Le: 0.64 mH
EBP: 216 Hz
Design Features
Surround Shape: Roll
Cone Shape: Exponential
Magnet Material: Neodymium Ring
Spider: Single
Pole Design: Straight Pole
Woofer Cone Treatment: WP Waterproof Front Side
Recommended Enclosure: 5 dm³ (0.18 ft³)
Recommended Tuning: 80 Hz
Mounting Information
Overall Diameter: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Bolt Circle Diameter: 142 mm (5.6 in)
Baffle Cutout Diameter: 122 mm (4.8 in)
Depth: 75 mm (2.95 in)
Flange and Gasket Thickness: 9 mm (0.35 in)
Air Volume Occupied by Driver: 0.35 dm³ (0.01 ft³)
Net Weight: 0.94 kg (2.07 lb)
Shipping Units: 1 Piece
Shipping Weight: 1.14 kg (2.51 lb)
Shipping Box: 210 × 210 × 125 mm
Recone Kit: RCK005NDL388
Applications
The B&C 5NDL38 is engineered for professional audio applications where compact dimensions, low weight, and dependable low-frequency performance are essential. Its advanced neodymium motor assembly, lightweight aluminium voice coil, and optimized vented-box alignment make it particularly well suited to portable PA systems, compact stage monitors, lightweight line arrays, and installed sound reinforcement projects.
With strong bass capability, professional reliability, and efficient operation from small enclosure volumes, the B&C 5NDL38 provides loudspeaker designers with a versatile and highly capable compact woofer solution. For applications where performance, portability, and system efficiency are priorities, the B&C 5NDL38 delivers the engineering excellence and reliability expected from a premium B&C transducer.
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About B&C Speakers S.r.L.
B&C Speakers products are built in Bagno a Ripoli (Florence), Italy., ensuring high quality products to suite your speaker building requirements. Their 10,500 square meter facility incorporates highly sophisticated automation and quality control. Over the years they become one of the world leaders in the Professional Audio market, a brand recognized everywhere as a premium product that offers excellent value to the consumer.
