B&C DE400 1″ Professional High Frequency Compression Driver
The B&C DE400 is a professional 1-inch high frequency compression driver engineered for applications requiring high output capability, excellent efficiency, and dependable long-term performance. Designed for professional sound reinforcement systems, portable PA products, stage monitoring systems, installed loudspeaker solutions, and compact line array applications, the B&C DE400 combines advanced diaphragm technology with a powerful motor structure to deliver accurate and controlled high-frequency reproduction across demanding operating environments.
Developed using B&C’s established compression driver engineering platform, the B&C DE400 utilizes a large diameter voice coil, optimized magnetic structure, and lightweight diaphragm assembly to achieve strong acoustic performance while maintaining compact physical dimensions. The result is a compression driver capable of delivering detailed reproduction, high sensitivity, and reliable operation in professional audio systems.
At the core of the B&C DE400 is a 44 mm aluminium voice coil paired with a durable polyimide diaphragm, creating a combination optimized for thermal stability, improved reliability, and consistent acoustic performance. This design allows the driver to maintain excellent transient response and controlled diaphragm behaviour during sustained operation.
With a broad operating range extending from 1 kHz to 18 kHz, high sensitivity, and compact construction, the B&C DE400 provides loudspeaker designers with a versatile compression driver solution suitable for modern professional loudspeaker systems.
Key Features
- 1-inch throat diameter
- 50 W nominal power handling
- 100 W continuous power handling
- 108.5 dB sensitivity
- 1 kHz – 18 kHz frequency response
- 44 mm (1.7 inch) aluminium voice coil
- Polyimide diaphragm assembly
- High-efficiency compression driver design
- 1.8 T magnetic flux density
- Low inductance motor structure
- Compact professional design
- Optimized for demanding sound reinforcement applications
Professional Compression Driver Architecture
The B&C DE400 has been engineered to provide professional-grade high-frequency performance while maintaining excellent efficiency and reliability. Featuring a 25 mm (1 inch) throat diameter, the driver integrates easily with a wide selection of professional horns and waveguides used in modern loudspeaker systems.
Its compression driver architecture allows efficient acoustic coupling between the diaphragm assembly and horn structure, improving acoustic output while maintaining controlled directivity characteristics.
With a sensitivity rating of 108.5 dB, the driver delivers strong output levels while reducing amplifier demands. This efficiency makes the B&C DE400 particularly suitable for portable sound systems and professional installations where maximizing output capability is important.
Its compact physical dimensions further enhance system design flexibility without sacrificing performance.
High-Energy Magnetic Circuit Design
The B&C DE400 utilizes a carefully optimized motor assembly engineered for improved efficiency and diaphragm control.
Generating 1.8 Tesla magnetic flux density, the magnetic structure provides the force necessary for precise diaphragm movement and improved transient response.
The high magnetic energy contributes directly to the driver’s sensitivity while helping maintain low distortion levels under demanding operating conditions.
Strong diaphragm control is critical in professional compression drivers, especially during sustained operation at elevated output levels.
Combined with lightweight moving components, the magnetic circuit enables consistent acoustic performance and reliable long-term operation.
Large Diameter Voice Coil Technology
At the center of the B&C DE400 is a 44 mm (1.7 inch) aluminium voice coil, designed for efficient thermal performance and professional reliability.
The larger voice coil diameter allows the driver to handle 50 W nominal power handling and 100 W continuous power handling, supporting demanding sound reinforcement applications.
Aluminium winding material reduces moving mass while maintaining efficient power transfer characteristics. This contributes to faster transient response and improved reproduction of complex audio content.
The driver also incorporates low inductance of 0.11 mH, helping preserve upper-frequency extension and maintaining smoother frequency response behaviour.
The optimized voice coil design contributes significantly to the driver’s overall efficiency and long-term stability.
Polyimide Diaphragm Technology
A defining characteristic of the B&C DE400 is its polyimide diaphragm, engineered for durability, thermal stability, and consistent acoustic performance.
Polyimide materials provide excellent resistance to thermal stress while maintaining the mechanical properties necessary for controlled high-frequency reproduction.
The diaphragm design supports extended operation under demanding conditions while preserving vocal clarity and musical detail.
Its lightweight construction allows accurate reproduction of upper harmonics while maintaining controlled diaphragm movement across the operating bandwidth.
The combination of thermal stability and mechanical durability makes the diaphragm particularly suitable for professional sound reinforcement environments.
Extended Frequency Response Performance
The B&C DE400 offers an operating range extending from 1 kHz to 18 kHz, providing broad bandwidth coverage for professional loudspeaker applications.
Its extended lower frequency capability allows designers greater flexibility when integrating the driver into two-way and multi-way loudspeaker systems.
B&C recommends a crossover frequency of 1.6 kHz, allowing designers to maximize bandwidth while maintaining long-term reliability.
The broad operating range contributes to natural vocal reproduction, excellent speech intelligibility, and detailed musical performance.
Professional System Integration
The B&C DE400 is engineered for use across numerous professional loudspeaker applications.
Typical applications include:
- Professional two-way loudspeakers
- Portable PA systems
- Stage monitors
- Installed sound systems
- Compact line array systems
- Multi-way loudspeaker systems
- Speech reinforcement products
- Touring audio systems
Its combination of high efficiency, compact dimensions, and professional construction provides excellent flexibility for loudspeaker designers.
Technical Specifications
Throat Diameter: 25 mm (1 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 7.7 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 50 W
Continuous Power Handling: 100 W
Sensitivity: 108.5 dB
Frequency Range: 1 kHz – 18 kHz
Recommended Crossover: 1.6 kHz
Voice Coil Diameter: 44 mm (1.7 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Inductance: 0.11 mH
Flux Density: 1.8 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: 1.8 T
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 1.6 kHz
Mounting Information
Mounting Configuration: Two M6 holes 180° on 76 mm (3 in) diameter
Overall Diameter: 85 mm (3.3 in)
Depth: 44 mm (1.7 in)
Net Weight: 0.86 kg (1.88 lb)
Shipping Units: 1 Piece
Shipping Weight: 0.89 kg (1.95 lb)
Shipping Box: 105 × 105 × 65 mm
Applications
The B&C DE400 is engineered for professional applications requiring high output capability, efficient operation, and dependable reliability. Its polyimide diaphragm, powerful magnetic structure, and large diameter voice coil make it particularly suitable for portable PA systems, stage monitors, installed sound systems, compact line arrays, and professional loudspeaker designs operating in demanding environments.
With strong sensitivity, broad bandwidth performance, and proven B&C engineering, the B&C DE400 provides loudspeaker designers with a professional compression driver solution capable of delivering clear, articulate, and reliable high-frequency reproduction. For applications requiring compact dimensions combined with professional acoustic performance, the B&C DE400 offers an effective and dependable solution.
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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.
