B&C DE180 1″ Professional High Frequency Compression Driver
The B&C DE180 is a high-performance 1-inch professional compression driver engineered for applications requiring increased power handling, smooth frequency response, and dependable long-term reliability. Designed specifically for professional sound reinforcement systems, portable PA loudspeakers, stage monitoring systems, and installed audio applications, the B&C DE180 combines a robust motor assembly with advanced diaphragm technology to deliver detailed and controlled high-frequency reproduction.
Built around a large 44 mm voice coil and optimized magnetic structure, the B&C DE180 is designed to provide high acoustic output while maintaining low distortion and excellent thermal stability. Its 1-inch throat diameter allows integration with a wide variety of professional horn designs, making it suitable for numerous loudspeaker configurations ranging from compact two-way cabinets to larger multi-way sound reinforcement systems.
The driver utilizes a durable polyimide diaphragm, providing improved thermal stability and long-term reliability under demanding operating conditions. Combined with a lightweight moving assembly and efficient motor structure, this design allows the B&C DE180 to reproduce high-frequency content with excellent clarity and consistency.
With a usable frequency range extending from 1 kHz to 17 kHz, strong power handling capability, and professional-grade construction, the B&C DE180 provides system designers with a versatile compression driver solution capable of meeting the demands of modern professional audio applications.
Key Features
- 1-inch throat diameter
- 60 W nominal power handling
- 120 W continuous power handling
- 106.5 dB sensitivity
- 1 kHz – 17 kHz frequency response
- 44 mm (1.7 inch) aluminium voice coil
- Polyimide diaphragm assembly
- High-efficiency compression driver design
- 1.35 T magnetic flux density
- Low inductance motor structure
- Professional horn compatibility
- Optimized for demanding sound reinforcement applications
Professional Compression Driver Design
The B&C DE180 has been engineered to provide professional high-frequency reproduction while maintaining reliability and acoustic consistency under demanding conditions. Its 25 mm (1 inch) throat diameter provides compatibility with a broad selection of professional horns and waveguides, allowing designers flexibility across numerous loudspeaker platforms.
With a sensitivity rating of 106.5 dB, the driver provides excellent acoustic output while maintaining efficient power conversion. This efficiency helps reduce amplifier requirements while supporting high-output sound reinforcement systems.
The compression driver architecture promotes efficient acoustic coupling between the diaphragm and horn assembly, helping preserve vocal detail, intelligibility, and consistent directivity characteristics.
Its professional design allows the B&C DE180 to perform reliably across portable, touring, and installed sound applications.
Advanced Magnetic Circuit Technology
At the core of the B&C DE180 is an optimized magnetic circuit engineered to provide stable diaphragm control and consistent high-frequency performance.
The motor assembly generates 1.35 Tesla flux density, creating the magnetic force necessary for accurate diaphragm movement and reliable output capability. The optimized magnetic structure contributes to improved transient response and controlled diaphragm behaviour throughout the driver’s operating range.
The motor design also helps reduce distortion during high-output operation, supporting clean vocal reproduction and improved musical detail.
Combined with the lightweight diaphragm assembly, the magnetic structure enables the B&C DE180 to maintain consistent performance during extended operation in demanding professional environments.
Large Diameter Voice Coil Assembly
The B&C DE180 incorporates a 44 mm (1.7 inch) aluminium voice coil, providing improved thermal capacity and increased power handling capability compared to smaller compression driver designs.
The large voice coil allows the driver to reliably manage 60 W nominal power handling and 120 W continuous power handling, making it suitable for applications requiring sustained high output levels.
Aluminium winding material reduces moving mass while maintaining excellent efficiency. This combination contributes to faster transient response and cleaner reproduction of complex audio material.
The driver also features a low 0.12 mH inductance, helping maintain smooth frequency response characteristics and extended high-frequency performance.
Polyimide Diaphragm Technology
A key feature of the B&C DE180 is its polyimide diaphragm, engineered for professional applications requiring improved thermal resistance and long-term durability.
Polyimide diaphragm materials are valued for their ability to maintain structural stability under elevated operating temperatures while preserving accurate high-frequency reproduction. This contributes to improved reliability during extended operation at higher output levels.
The diaphragm design allows the driver to reproduce frequencies up to 17 kHz, supporting detailed reproduction of vocals, instruments, and speech content.
Combined with the optimized motor structure, the diaphragm assembly delivers consistent performance while maintaining low distortion and excellent intelligibility.
Extended Frequency Response Performance
The B&C DE180 offers an operating frequency range extending from 1 kHz to 17 kHz, providing wide bandwidth coverage for professional sound reinforcement applications.
Its extended lower frequency capability allows designers greater flexibility when integrating the driver into two-way and multi-way systems. This broader bandwidth can simplify crossover implementation while maintaining smooth acoustic integration.
B&C recommends a crossover frequency of 2 kHz, helping preserve reliability while optimizing system performance.
The broad operating range supports natural vocal reproduction, clear speech intelligibility, and accurate musical detail across professional applications.
Professional System Integration
The B&C DE180 is engineered for use across a wide variety of professional loudspeaker systems.
Typical applications include:
- Professional two-way loudspeakers
- Portable PA systems
- Stage monitoring systems
- Installed sound systems
- Multi-way loudspeaker systems
- Portable professional audio products
- Speech reinforcement systems
- Sound reinforcement cabinets
Its combination of strong power handling, compact dimensions, and broad compatibility provides loudspeaker designers with excellent flexibility.
Technical Specifications
Throat Diameter: 25 mm (1 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 7.4 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 60 W
Continuous Power Handling: 120 W
Sensitivity: 106.5 dB
Frequency Range: 1 kHz – 17 kHz
Recommended Crossover: 2 kHz
Voice Coil Diameter: 44 mm (1.7 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Inductance: 0.12 mH
Flux Density: 1.35 T
Diaphragm Material: Polyimide
Design Features
Driver Type: High Frequency Compression Driver
Throat Diameter: 25 mm (1 in)
Voice Coil Diameter: 44 mm (1.7 in)
Diaphragm Material: Polyimide
Winding Material: Aluminium
Magnetic Flux Density: 1.35 T
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 2 kHz
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: MMDDE1808
Applications
The B&C DE180 is engineered for professional sound reinforcement systems requiring reliable output, high power handling, and excellent vocal reproduction. Its robust motor structure, large diameter voice coil, and polyimide diaphragm construction make it particularly suitable for portable PA systems, stage monitors, installed sound reinforcement systems, and professional loudspeaker designs.
With strong thermal capability, broad frequency response, and dependable B&C engineering, the B&C DE180 provides system designers with a professional compression driver solution capable of delivering clear, controlled, and reliable high-frequency performance. For applications requiring increased durability and sustained output capability, the B&C DE180 delivers the performance expected from a premium B&C professional 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.
