B&C DE160 1″ Professional High Frequency Compression Driver
The B&C DE160 is a high-performance 1-inch professional high frequency compression driver engineered for applications requiring exceptional efficiency, controlled dispersion, and reliable long-term performance. Designed for professional sound reinforcement systems, portable PA loudspeakers, stage monitors, and installed audio applications, the B&C DE160 combines a robust motor structure with a lightweight diaphragm assembly to deliver accurate high-frequency reproduction and excellent vocal intelligibility.
Developed using proven B&C transducer technology, the B&C DE160 features a large 44 mm voice coil, precision magnetic circuit, and lightweight diaphragm construction to achieve high output levels while maintaining smooth frequency response and low distortion characteristics. Its 1-inch throat diameter allows integration with a wide range of professional horns and waveguides, providing flexibility across numerous loudspeaker designs.
With a frequency response extending from 1.5 kHz to 18 kHz, the B&C DE160 offers broad bandwidth performance for professional two-way and multi-way loudspeaker systems. The driver is engineered to provide excellent articulation, smooth vocal reproduction, and detailed high-frequency performance across demanding operating conditions.
Delivering 107 dB sensitivity, strong power handling capability, and dependable professional reliability, the B&C DE160 provides system designers with a versatile compression driver solution for both portable and installed professional audio applications.
Key Features
- 1-inch throat diameter
- 40 W nominal power handling
- 80 W continuous power handling
- 107 dB sensitivity
- 1.5 kHz – 18 kHz frequency response
- 44 mm (1.7 inch) aluminium voice coil
- Lightweight Mylar diaphragm
- High-efficiency compression driver design
- 1.5 T magnetic flux density
- Low inductance motor design
- Compatible with professional horn systems
- Available in Button-On version
High-Efficiency Compression Driver Design
The B&C DE160 has been engineered to deliver professional high-frequency performance while maintaining excellent efficiency and acoustic consistency. Its 25 mm (1 inch) throat diameter allows compatibility with a broad range of professional horns and waveguides, making it suitable for compact loudspeakers, stage monitors, portable PA systems, and installation projects.
With a sensitivity rating of 107 dB, the driver produces high acoustic output while requiring relatively modest amplifier power. This high efficiency contributes to improved overall system performance and reduced power compression under demanding operating conditions.
The compression driver architecture promotes controlled acoustic loading and improved coupling between the diaphragm and horn assembly, helping maintain excellent clarity and consistent directivity throughout the operating bandwidth.
Its professional design allows loudspeaker manufacturers and system designers to create compact systems without compromising high-frequency output capability.
Advanced Magnetic Circuit Technology
At the core of the B&C DE160 is a carefully engineered magnetic circuit optimized for efficiency and accurate diaphragm control. The motor assembly produces a strong 1.5 Tesla magnetic flux density, ensuring precise control of the moving assembly and contributing to the driver’s excellent transient performance.
The optimized magnetic structure supports stable diaphragm movement across the operating range while helping maintain low distortion characteristics. This results in clearer vocal reproduction, improved articulation, and more accurate reproduction of musical detail.
A well-controlled magnetic circuit is essential in compression driver applications, particularly when operating at higher output levels. The B&C DE160 is engineered to maintain performance consistency even during demanding professional use.
Combined with the lightweight diaphragm assembly, the magnetic structure contributes directly to the driver’s efficiency and overall acoustic performance.
Large Diameter Voice Coil Assembly
The B&C DE160 incorporates a 44 mm (1.7 inch) aluminium voice coil, providing a significant increase in thermal handling capability compared to smaller compression driver designs.
The large voice coil diameter allows improved heat dissipation and contributes to the driver’s ability to manage 40 W nominal power handling and 80 W continuous power handling. This makes the driver suitable for demanding professional environments where reliability and sustained output capability are critical.
Aluminium winding material reduces moving mass, improving transient behaviour and contributing to cleaner high-frequency reproduction. The result is improved detail retrieval and enhanced articulation throughout the operating bandwidth.
The driver also features a very low 0.11 mH inductance, helping preserve upper-frequency extension while maintaining smooth response characteristics.
Lightweight Mylar Diaphragm Technology
The B&C DE160 utilizes a lightweight Mylar diaphragm engineered for accurate high-frequency reproduction and dependable long-term reliability.
Mylar offers an excellent balance between low mass, durability, and consistent mechanical performance. These characteristics allow the diaphragm to reproduce complex musical content and speech information with precision while maintaining stable performance under demanding conditions.
The lightweight diaphragm contributes to the driver’s ability to reproduce frequencies up to 18 kHz, ensuring detailed reproduction of vocal harmonics, cymbals, acoustic instruments, and other critical high-frequency content.
Its robust design also supports professional reliability, helping maintain consistent acoustic performance over extended operating periods.
Extended Bandwidth Performance
With an operating frequency range extending from 1.5 kHz to 18 kHz, the B&C DE160 provides excellent bandwidth coverage for professional loudspeaker applications.
The driver is capable of reproducing critical vocal harmonics and high-frequency musical content with clarity and precision. This broad frequency response supports natural vocal reproduction, improved intelligibility, and enhanced overall system performance.
B&C recommends a crossover frequency of 2 kHz, providing designers with flexibility when integrating the driver into professional two-way and multi-way loudspeaker systems.
The combination of extended frequency response, high efficiency, and robust construction makes the B&C DE160 suitable for a broad range of professional applications.
Professional System Integration
The B&C DE160 is engineered for integration into numerous professional loudspeaker systems.
Typical applications include:
- Professional two-way loudspeakers
- Portable PA systems
- Stage monitoring systems
- Installed sound systems
- Compact line array modules
- Speech reinforcement systems
- Multi-way loudspeaker systems
- Portable professional audio products
Its combination of high efficiency, professional power handling, and broad horn compatibility provides designers with significant flexibility when developing loudspeaker systems.
Technical Specifications
Throat Diameter: 25 mm (1 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 7.4 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 40 W
Continuous Power Handling: 80 W
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Frequency Range: 1.5 kHz – 18 kHz
Recommended Crossover: 2 kHz
Voice Coil Diameter: 44 mm (1.7 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Inductance: 0.11 mH
Flux Density: 1.5 T
Diaphragm Material: Mylar
Design Features
Driver Type: High Frequency Compression Driver
Throat Diameter: 25 mm (1 in)
Voice Coil Diameter: 44 mm (1.7 in)
Diaphragm Material: Mylar
Winding Material: Aluminium
Magnetic Flux Density: 1.5 T
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 2 kHz
Available Version: Button-On Version Available
Mounting Information
Mounting Configuration: Two M6 holes 180° on 76 mm (3 in) diameter
Overall Diameter: 102 mm (4 in)
Depth: 61 mm (2.4 in)
Net Weight: 1.7 kg (3.75 lb)
Shipping Units: 1 Piece
Shipping Weight: 1.73 kg (3.81 lb)
Shipping Box: 105 × 105 × 65 mm
Replacement Diaphragm: MMDDE1608
Applications
The B&C DE160 is engineered for professional sound reinforcement applications requiring reliable high-frequency output, excellent efficiency, and broad system compatibility. Its large 44 mm voice coil, lightweight Mylar diaphragm, and professional-grade motor assembly make it particularly suitable for portable PA systems, stage monitors, installed sound reinforcement systems, and professional loudspeaker designs.
With strong output capability, extended bandwidth performance, and proven B&C engineering, the B&C DE160 provides loudspeaker designers with a dependable compression driver solution capable of delivering clear, articulate high-frequency reproduction in demanding professional environments. For applications requiring professional performance and long-term reliability, the B&C DE160 is a highly capable choice.
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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.
