B&C DE680TN 1.4″ Professional Titanium Compression Driver
The B&C DE680TN is a premium 1.4-inch high-frequency compression driver engineered for professional sound reinforcement systems that demand exceptional output capability, high efficiency, extended frequency response, and long-term reliability. Designed for use in touring systems, concert sound applications, large-format point source loudspeakers, line arrays, stage monitoring systems, and fixed installations, the B&C DE680TN combines advanced titanium diaphragm technology with a powerful magnetic structure to deliver outstanding acoustic performance in demanding environments.
As part of B&C Speakers’ professional compression driver lineup, the DE680TN is designed to provide the performance required by loudspeaker manufacturers, system designers, and professional audio engineers who require high output levels without sacrificing clarity or reliability. Featuring a 65 mm (2.5 inch) aluminium voice coil, substantial power handling capability, and a high-energy magnetic assembly, the driver is capable of delivering clean, detailed high-frequency reproduction across a broad operating range.
The driver offers 80 W nominal power handling, 160 W continuous power handling, and an impressive 108 dB sensitivity, making it suitable for applications where maximum acoustic output and efficiency are critical. Its titanium diaphragm provides excellent transient response and detailed reproduction, while the powerful magnetic structure generates 1.8 Tesla flux density for precise diaphragm control.
With a frequency response extending from 1 kHz to 18 kHz and a recommended crossover frequency of 1.2 kHz, the B&C DE680TN offers system designers exceptional flexibility when integrating the driver into professional loudspeaker systems.
Whether deployed in a high-output touring PA, a permanent installation, or a premium loudspeaker design, the DE680TN delivers the combination of performance, reliability, and sonic accuracy expected from a professional B&C compression driver.
Key Features
- Professional 1.4-inch compression driver
- 36 mm (1.4 inch) throat diameter
- 80 W nominal power handling
- 160 W continuous power handling
- 108 dB sensitivity
- Frequency response from 1 kHz to 18 kHz
- Recommended crossover frequency of 1.2 kHz
- 65 mm (2.5 inch) aluminium voice coil
- Titanium diaphragm construction
- 1.8 T high-flux magnetic assembly
- Low inductance design
- Excellent transient response
- High acoustic output capability
- Professional touring and installation performance
- Compact and durable construction
- Designed for demanding sound reinforcement systems
Purpose-Built for Professional Audio Systems
Modern professional loudspeaker systems require components capable of maintaining sonic accuracy while operating at extremely high sound pressure levels. Compression drivers play a vital role in achieving this objective by reproducing vocal information, musical harmonics, and critical high-frequency detail with precision and consistency.
The B&C DE680TN has been engineered specifically for these demanding environments. Whether used in large-scale touring systems, houses of worship, theatres, stadium installations, or corporate AV systems, the driver is designed to deliver consistent performance under challenging operating conditions.
Its combination of high power handling, excellent efficiency, and advanced diaphragm technology allows it to reproduce complex program material with clarity and authority.
The 36 mm (1.4 inch) throat diameter provides compatibility with a wide range of professional horns and waveguides, allowing loudspeaker designers to tailor dispersion characteristics to specific applications.
The result is a highly versatile compression driver capable of meeting the performance requirements of modern professional audio systems.
Advanced Titanium Diaphragm Technology
At the heart of the DE680TN is a precision-engineered titanium diaphragm.
Titanium remains one of the most widely used diaphragm materials in professional compression drivers due to its combination of rigidity, low mass, and durability. These characteristics allow the diaphragm to respond rapidly to changing audio signals while maintaining structural stability at high output levels.
The stiffness of titanium contributes to excellent transient response, helping preserve fine musical details and ensuring accurate reproduction of dynamic content.
This responsiveness is particularly beneficial in live sound applications where articulation, clarity, and projection are critical.
The diaphragm is engineered to operate effectively throughout the driver’s frequency range, delivering detailed reproduction of vocals, instruments, and program material while maintaining the reliability required for professional use.
For applications where output capability and sonic precision are equally important, the titanium diaphragm provides a proven solution.
Large 65 mm Aluminium Voice Coil
The DE680TN incorporates a substantial 65 mm (2.5 inch) aluminium voice coil, providing the thermal capacity and mechanical stability necessary for professional sound reinforcement applications.
Large-format voice coils offer several important advantages. Increased surface area improves heat dissipation, allowing the driver to maintain consistent performance during extended periods of high-power operation.
This robust voice coil architecture supports the driver’s 80 W nominal power handling and 160 W continuous power handling ratings, ensuring dependable performance in demanding environments.
The use of aluminium winding material helps reduce moving mass while maintaining excellent conductivity. This contributes to improved transient response and efficient conversion of electrical energy into acoustic output.
The combination of thermal stability and responsiveness enables the DE680TN to reproduce demanding program material with exceptional consistency.
Powerful 1.8 Tesla Magnetic Structure
A key element of the DE680TN design is its powerful magnetic motor assembly generating 1.8 Tesla flux density.
This high-flux magnetic structure provides strong control over diaphragm movement, helping maintain accuracy across the driver’s operating range.
The magnetic assembly contributes directly to the driver’s impressive 108 dB sensitivity, allowing substantial acoustic output to be achieved with relatively modest amplifier power.
Precise diaphragm control also assists in minimizing distortion while preserving important musical and vocal details.
By maintaining consistent control during high-output operation, the magnetic structure helps the driver achieve the clarity and projection required in professional sound reinforcement applications.
The result is a compression driver capable of delivering both high output levels and excellent sonic performance.
High Sensitivity for Maximum System Efficiency
With a rated sensitivity of 108 dB, the DE680TN is an extremely efficient professional compression driver.
High sensitivity enables greater acoustic output for a given input power level, improving overall system efficiency and increasing available headroom.
In professional sound reinforcement systems, this efficiency is particularly valuable because it reduces amplifier demands while maximizing achievable sound pressure levels.
The driver’s efficiency contributes to excellent projection and vocal intelligibility, even in large venues and outdoor environments.
For loudspeaker designers and system engineers, high sensitivity provides greater flexibility when balancing performance, power requirements, and system configuration.
Wide Frequency Response for Accurate Reproduction
The B&C DE680TN is designed to operate across a frequency range of 1 kHz to 18 kHz.
This broad operating bandwidth enables the driver to reproduce critical vocal frequencies, upper harmonics, and detailed high-frequency content with excellent accuracy.
The combination of the titanium diaphragm, large voice coil, and powerful magnetic structure helps maintain consistent response characteristics throughout the operating range.
Accurate high-frequency reproduction is essential for preserving speech intelligibility, musical detail, and overall system realism.
Whether reproducing live vocals, recorded music, speech presentations, or theatrical content, the DE680TN is engineered to deliver a clear and articulate listening experience.
Low Crossover Capability
The recommended crossover frequency of 1.2 kHz provides system designers with significant integration flexibility.
Lower crossover points allow the compression driver to reproduce a larger portion of the vocal spectrum while reducing demands on the low-frequency section of the loudspeaker system.
This can contribute to improved system coherence, smoother frequency response through the crossover region, and more consistent directivity characteristics.
The large voice coil and robust titanium diaphragm allow the DE680TN to operate effectively at this crossover point while maintaining reliability and output capability.
This flexibility makes the driver suitable for a wide variety of two-way and multi-way loudspeaker designs.
Professional Applications
The B&C DE680TN is ideal for numerous professional audio applications, including:
- Touring PA systems
- Concert sound reinforcement
- Professional line arrays
- Point source loudspeakers
- Stage monitoring systems
- Theatre sound systems
- Houses of worship
- Corporate AV installations
- Stadium and arena systems
- Entertainment venues
- Outdoor event sound systems
- Premium installation loudspeakers
Its combination of efficiency, output capability, and durability makes it suitable for both portable and permanent applications.
Compact and Installation-Friendly Design
Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the DE680TN maintains compact dimensions that simplify loudspeaker integration.
The driver features an overall diameter of 115 mm (4.5 inches) and a depth of 51 mm (2.01 inches), allowing it to fit within a broad range of enclosure designs.
Mounting is achieved using four M6 holes positioned 90° apart on a 102 mm (4 inch) diameter bolt pattern, ensuring secure installation and compatibility with professional horn assemblies.
With a net weight of 1.75 kg (3.85 lb), the driver offers an excellent balance between performance and practicality.
These characteristics make the DE680TN suitable for applications where both performance and efficient enclosure design are important considerations.
Reliability for Demanding Environments
Professional sound reinforcement systems often operate under challenging conditions, requiring components capable of delivering consistent performance over extended periods.
The B&C DE680TN has been engineered with reliability as a primary objective.
The titanium diaphragm provides excellent resistance to fatigue and mechanical stress, while the large aluminium voice coil assists with thermal management during demanding operation.
The high-flux magnetic structure maintains accurate diaphragm control and contributes to stable long-term performance.
Together, these features ensure the driver can withstand the rigours of touring, installation, and professional production environments.
For system operators and loudspeaker manufacturers, this reliability represents a significant advantage.
Technical Specifications
Throat Diameter: 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 7.7 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 80 W
Continuous Power Handling: 160 W
Sensitivity: 108 dB
Frequency Range: 1 kHz – 18 kHz
Recommended Crossover: 1.2 kHz
Voice Coil Diameter: 65 mm (2.5 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Inductance: 0.15 mH
Flux Density: 1.8 T
Diaphragm Material: Titanium
Design Features
Driver Type: High Frequency Compression Driver
Throat Diameter: 36 mm (1.4 in)
Voice Coil Diameter: 65 mm (2.5 in)
Voice Coil Winding Material: Aluminium
Diaphragm Material: Titanium
Magnetic Flux Density: 1.8 T
Inductance: 0.15 mH
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 1.2 kHz
Mounting Information
Mounting Pattern: Four M6 holes positioned 90° apart on a 102 mm (4 in) diameter bolt circle
Overall Diameter: 115 mm (4.5 in)
Depth: 51 mm (2.01 in)
Net Weight: 1.75 kg (3.85 lb)
Shipping Weight: 1.79 kg (3.94 lb)
Shipping Box Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 65 mm (4.72 x 4.72 x 2.56 in)
Applications Summary
The B&C DE680TN is a professional-grade 1.4-inch titanium compression driver engineered for demanding sound reinforcement applications requiring high efficiency, excellent power handling, and reliable long-term performance. Featuring a 65 mm aluminium voice coil, titanium diaphragm, 1.8 Tesla magnetic structure, 108 dB sensitivity, 80 W nominal power handling, and 160 W continuous power handling, the driver delivers the output capability and sonic precision required for modern professional loudspeaker systems.
With its wide operating bandwidth, low crossover capability, robust construction, and exceptional efficiency, the B&C DE680TN is ideally suited for touring systems, line arrays, stage monitors, point source loudspeakers, and premium installation projects. For loudspeaker designers seeking a high-output 1.4-inch compression driver that combines performance, durability, and acoustic accuracy, the DE680TN represents an outstanding solution within the B&C professional audio portfolio.
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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.
