B&C DE10 – Essential 1-Inch Compression Driver for Compact Two-Way Speaker Systems
The B&C DE10 is B&C’s compact 1-inch exit compression driver — a lightweight, cost-effective HF transducer delivering 107 dB sensitivity, an 18 kHz upper limit, and a polyester diaphragm from a package weighing just 0.8 kg. Designed for two-way speaker systems where the woofer handles everything below 2.5 kHz and the compression driver takes over from there, the B&C DE10 brings B&C build quality to the entry-level HF driver market without the price premium of titanium or phenolic diaphragm alternatives.
The 107 dB sensitivity means the B&C DE10 produces high-frequency output that matches or exceeds most woofers in the 96–100 dB sensitivity range without requiring padding or attenuation — a clean, direct match for compact two-way systems using B&C’s 10 and 12-inch woofers. The 1-inch exit threads onto standard 1-inch horn flanges, giving builders access to B&C’s full range of constant-directivity and radial horns.
At 0.8 kg and 53 mm deep, the B&C DE10 adds virtually no weight or depth to a speaker cabinet. The user-replaceable Mylar diaphragm (part number MMD0108) keeps long-term maintenance costs low — a practical advantage for rental companies and venues running multiple cabinets.
Design and Construction of the B&C DE10
The B&C DE10 uses a 25 mm (1-inch) aluminium voice coil driving a Mylar (polyester) diaphragm through a 1-inch exit throat. The Mylar diaphragm is lighter than metal diaphragms and produces a smoother, less aggressive high-frequency character — making the B&C DE10 particularly well-suited for vocal reinforcement, background music, and general-purpose PA applications where natural-sounding treble is preferred over the brighter, more forward character of titanium drivers.
The magnetic circuit produces 1.55 T of flux density — a strong figure for a 1-inch compression driver that ensures the voice coil operates in a concentrated magnetic field for maximum efficiency. The 0.1 mH inductance is extremely low, keeping the impedance curve flat through the operating range and supporting clean, predictable output up to the 18 kHz upper limit.
At 0.8 kg, 90 mm overall diameter, and 53 mm depth, the B&C DE10 is one of the most compact compression drivers in B&C’s HF range. The small footprint means it fits behind virtually any 1-inch horn without adding significant depth to the cabinet design. Two M5 mounting holes on a 76 mm (3-inch) bolt circle provide secure attachment to compatible horn flanges.
Performance and Applications for the B&C DE10
The B&C DE10 delivers 107 dB sensitivity across a 1.5 kHz – 18 kHz bandwidth with a recommended crossover frequency of 2.5 kHz. The 2.5 kHz crossover point pairs naturally with B&C’s wideband 10 and 12-inch woofers — drivers like the 10CLA64, 10MBX64, 12FW64, and 12FL76 all operate comfortably up to 3000–4000 Hz, providing smooth overlap with the B&C DE10’s lower operating range.
The 20 W AES power handling reflects the 1-inch format and polyester diaphragm — this is a driver designed for compact two-way systems at moderate power levels, not for high-SPL touring rigs. For portable PA tops, small venue installations, stage monitors, and background music systems, 20 W AES into a 107 dB driver produces ample high-frequency output for the intended application range.
The Mylar diaphragm’s smooth treble character is a practical advantage in applications where the speaker system operates without DSP processing. Metal diaphragm drivers often exhibit a resonant peak in the upper treble that requires EQ correction — the B&C DE10’s polyester diaphragm produces a naturally smoother rolloff that sounds more forgiving in systems without parametric EQ or crossover processing.
Ideal applications for the B&C DE10 include:
- Compact two-way PA tops paired with 10 or 12-inch woofers
- Portable and lightweight speaker systems where driver weight matters
- Small venue installations and background music systems
- Stage monitors and vocal reinforcement where smooth treble is preferred
- Budget-friendly DIY builds requiring B&C quality at an accessible price point
Specifications – B&C DE10
- Throat Diameter: 25 mm (1 in)
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
- Minimum Impedance: 6.3 Ω
- Nominal Power Handling: 20 W
- Continuous Power Handling: 40 W
- Sensitivity: 107 dB
- Frequency Range: 1.5 kHz – 18 kHz
- Recommended Crossover: 2.5 kHz
- Voice Coil Diameter: 25 mm (1 in)
- Winding Material: Aluminium
- Inductance: 0.1 mH
- Flux Density: 1.55 T
- Diaphragm Material: Mylar (Polyester)
- Replacement Diaphragm: MMD0108
- Net Weight: 0.8 kg (1.8 lb)
Mounting Information – B&C DE10
- Overall Diameter: 90 mm (3.5 in)
- Depth: 53 mm (2.1 in)
- Bolt Pattern: Two M5 holes on 76 mm (3 in) bolt circle, 180° apart
Conclusion – B&C DE10 Compression Driver
The B&C DE10 is the accessible entry point to B&C’s compression driver range. The Mylar diaphragm delivers smooth, natural-sounding treble that works well in systems with or without DSP processing, and the 107 dB sensitivity provides clean headroom above most woofer sections without requiring level matching or attenuation. At 0.8 kg and 53 mm deep, it adds virtually nothing to cabinet weight or depth.
The user-replaceable diaphragm keeps the B&C DE10 serviceable over the long term — a blown diaphragm is a field-swappable part, not a reason to replace the entire driver. For rental fleets and multi-cabinet installations, that serviceability translates directly to lower operating costs.
For compact two-way PA tops, portable speakers, small venue installations, and any build where a 1-inch compression driver needs to deliver clean, smooth high-frequency output at an accessible price point, the B&C DE10 is the 1-inch driver that gets the job done — simply, reliably, and with the build quality that the B&C name guarantees.
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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.
