B&C DE1080TN – Flagship 1.5-Inch Compression Driver with 140W AES Power and Exceptional 20kHz Performance
The B&C DE1080TN represents the pinnacle of high-power compression driver engineering, combining extraordinary output capability, exceptional efficiency, and extended frequency response into a professional-grade transducer designed for the world’s most demanding sound reinforcement applications. Built around a massive 100 mm (4-inch) aluminium voice coil, a powerful 1.95 Tesla neodymium motor structure, and a precision titanium diaphragm, the B&C DE1080TN delivers the performance required for elite touring systems, stadium installations, arena sound reinforcement, and premium loudspeaker manufacturing.
Engineered as a large-format 1.5-inch compression driver, the B&C DE1080TN offers substantial advantages for system designers seeking increased output capability, improved low-frequency extension, and greater headroom compared to smaller compression driver formats. With an impressive 140 W AES power handling rating, 280 W continuous program power capacity, and an exceptionally wide frequency response extending from 500 Hz to 20 kHz, this driver provides remarkable versatility across a wide range of professional audio applications.
The DE1080TN has been specifically developed to reproduce demanding programme material with exceptional clarity and authority. Whether deployed in a large-scale line array system, a high-output point source enclosure, a stadium PA installation, or a premium touring loudspeaker, the driver delivers the combination of power, precision, and reliability expected from a flagship B&C product.
A sensitivity rating of 109 dB ensures excellent efficiency, allowing systems to achieve extremely high acoustic output while minimising amplifier demands. This increased efficiency contributes directly to improved system headroom, enhanced dynamic performance, and greater overall reliability in professional applications.
With its ability to reproduce frequencies from 500 Hz through 20 kHz while maintaining excellent control and low distortion, the B&C DE1080TN stands among the most capable large-format compression drivers available for modern professional loudspeaker design.
Purpose-Built for High-Performance Professional Audio
The B&C DE1080TN has been developed for professional environments where performance limitations are simply not acceptable.
Modern touring and installed sound systems must deliver:
- High acoustic output
- Excellent speech intelligibility
- Extended bandwidth
- Long-term reliability
- Consistent coverage
- Exceptional dynamic range
The DE1080TN has been engineered to meet these requirements through a combination of advanced diaphragm technology, a high-energy neodymium motor, and one of the largest voice coil assemblies available in a professional compression driver.
The result is a transducer capable of maintaining exceptional performance even under prolonged high-output operating conditions.
For loudspeaker designers, this translates into greater flexibility when creating premium sound reinforcement systems.
Massive 100 mm Voice Coil Technology
At the heart of the B&C DE1080TN lies an enormous 100 mm (4-inch) aluminium voice coil.
This oversized voice coil is a defining feature of the driver’s performance and reliability.
Compared to smaller compression drivers, a larger voice coil provides:
- Increased thermal capacity
- Superior heat dissipation
- Reduced power compression
- Greater reliability
- Improved low-frequency control
- Higher continuous output capability
These advantages enable the DE1080TN to achieve:
- 140 W AES power handling
- 280 W continuous program power handling
while maintaining excellent linearity and consistent performance.
Thermal compression is one of the primary challenges faced by compression drivers operating at high sound pressure levels. As voice coils heat up, efficiency can decrease, resulting in reduced output and altered system performance.
The large voice coil used in the DE1080TN helps minimise these effects, ensuring greater consistency during extended operation.
This capability is especially valuable in touring systems, festivals, stadium installations, and other demanding environments where sustained output levels are required.
High-Energy 1.95 Tesla Neodymium Motor
The B&C DE1080TN utilises a powerful neodymium motor generating an impressive 1.95 Tesla magnetic flux density.
The motor structure plays a critical role in determining overall driver performance by controlling diaphragm movement with exceptional precision.
Benefits of the powerful motor include:
- Increased efficiency
- Improved transient response
- Enhanced dynamic accuracy
- Better diaphragm control
- Lower distortion
- Greater acoustic output
The strong magnetic field allows the large titanium diaphragm to remain accurately controlled across the driver’s operating range, even when reproducing complex programme material at elevated sound pressure levels.
This precise control contributes directly to the DE1080TN’s outstanding sensitivity and impressive sonic performance.
Neodymium technology also offers a significant advantage in terms of weight reduction.
Despite its flagship specifications and substantial power handling, the driver weighs only 3.4 kg, making it suitable for modern line array and flown loudspeaker applications.
Titanium Diaphragm for Maximum Projection and Clarity
The B&C DE1080TN employs a high-performance titanium diaphragm, a material trusted throughout the professional audio industry for demanding sound reinforcement applications.
Titanium provides an exceptional balance of:
- Rigidity
- Strength
- Durability
- Low mass
- Dynamic responsiveness
These characteristics allow the diaphragm to maintain structural integrity while accurately reproducing transient information.
The benefits include:
- Outstanding vocal intelligibility
- Exceptional projection
- High SPL capability
- Improved detail retrieval
- Consistent performance under stress
Titanium diaphragms have long been preferred in large-scale touring and installed sound systems because of their ability to maintain clarity at extreme output levels.
The DE1080TN uses these properties to deliver highly articulate and dynamic sound reproduction throughout its operating range.
For applications requiring long-throw coverage and maximum vocal clarity, the titanium diaphragm becomes a significant performance advantage.
Exceptional Efficiency and Sensitivity
The B&C DE1080TN achieves an impressive 109 dB sensitivity rating.
This places it among the most efficient large-format compression drivers available for professional sound reinforcement.
High sensitivity offers numerous advantages:
Greater Acoustic Output
More sound pressure is generated from every watt of amplifier power.
Increased Headroom
Systems can achieve higher peak output levels before reaching operational limits.
Improved Efficiency
Reduced amplifier demand improves overall system efficiency.
Better Dynamic Response
The driver responds more accurately to transient programme material.
Lower System Stress
Greater efficiency often contributes to improved long-term reliability.
These benefits make the DE1080TN particularly well suited to applications requiring substantial output over large coverage areas.
Wide Frequency Response from 500 Hz to 20 kHz
One of the most versatile aspects of the B&C DE1080TN is its exceptionally broad frequency response.
The driver operates from:
500 Hz – 20 kHz
This wide operating bandwidth provides system designers with significant flexibility.
The recommended crossover frequency of 1 kHz allows the driver to reproduce a substantial portion of the vocal range while maintaining excellent pattern control and system coherence.
Advantages include:
- Improved vocal presence
- Better crossover integration
- Enhanced speech intelligibility
- Consistent dispersion characteristics
- Reduced crossover complexity
The ability to extend all the way to 20 kHz ensures excellent high-frequency detail and articulation.
This broad bandwidth allows the DE1080TN to perform effectively in a wide variety of professional loudspeaker configurations.
Low Inductance for Superior High-Frequency Performance
The B&C DE1080TN features an inductance rating of only 0.18 mH.
Low inductance contributes to:
- Better transient response
- Improved high-frequency extension
- More predictable crossover behaviour
- Enhanced detail retrieval
- Greater electrical efficiency
Maintaining low inductance becomes increasingly important in professional compression drivers where accuracy and consistency across the operating range are critical.
The DE1080TN’s low inductance helps preserve clarity and articulation throughout the audible spectrum.
Designed for Advanced Loudspeaker Systems
The B&C DE1080TN is particularly well suited for high-performance loudspeaker systems where maximum output and reliability are essential.
Common applications include:
- Professional touring systems
- Large-format line arrays
- Stadium sound reinforcement
- Arena PA systems
- Festival sound systems
- High-output point source loudspeakers
- Premium installation systems
- Houses of worship
- Theatre sound reinforcement
- Corporate AV installations
- Concert venues
- Entertainment complexes
Its combination of high power handling, exceptional sensitivity, and broad frequency response makes it a preferred choice for demanding professional applications.
Robust Mechanical Construction
The B&C DE1080TN has been engineered to withstand the rigours of professional use.
Physical specifications include:
- Overall diameter: 154 mm
- Depth: 60 mm
- Net weight: 3.4 kg
Mounting is accomplished via:
- Four M6 mounting holes
- 102 mm bolt circle
- 90-degree spacing
The robust construction ensures reliable long-term operation while remaining compatible with industry-standard 1.5-inch horn systems.
This compatibility simplifies integration into both new loudspeaker designs and existing professional audio platforms.
Technical Specifications
B&C DE1080TN Technical Specifications
Throat Diameter: 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 8.4 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 140 W
Continuous Power Handling: 280 W
Sensitivity: 109 dB
Frequency Range: 500 Hz – 20 kHz
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 1 kHz
Voice Coil Diameter: 100 mm (4 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Inductance: 0.18 mH
Flux Density: 1.95 T
Diaphragm Material: Titanium
Mounting Information
B&C DE1080TN Mounting Dimensions
Mounting Pattern: Four M6 mounting holes positioned 90° apart on a 102 mm (4 in) bolt circle
Overall Diameter: 154 mm (6.1 in)
Depth: 60 mm (2.4 in)
Net Weight: 3.4 kg (7.5 lb)
Shipping Weight: 3.52 kg (7.76 lb)
Shipping Box Dimensions: 190 x 190 x 80 mm (7.48 x 7.48 x 3.15 in)
Why Choose the B&C DE1080TN?
The B&C DE1080TN is a flagship large-format compression driver developed for professional sound systems where output capability, reliability, and sonic performance are paramount. Combining a massive 100 mm voice coil, 140 W AES power handling, 280 W program power capacity, a powerful 1.95 Tesla neodymium motor, and an advanced titanium diaphragm, it delivers exceptional performance across an extremely broad frequency range.
Its ability to reproduce frequencies from 500 Hz to 20 kHz allows system designers to achieve seamless integration with low-frequency sections while maintaining excellent vocal clarity and high-frequency detail. The 109 dB sensitivity ensures outstanding efficiency, while the large-format 1.5-inch throat design supports high-output professional applications with ease.
For loudspeaker manufacturers, system integrators, touring companies, and professional audio engineers seeking one of the most capable compression drivers in the B&C catalogue, the B&C DE1080TN offers an outstanding combination of power, bandwidth, efficiency, and long-term reliability that few drivers can match.
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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.
