B&C DE85TN – High-Power 2-Inch Titanium Compression Driver for Professional Touring and Installation Systems
The B&C DE85TN is a premium large-format 2-inch compression driver engineered for professional sound reinforcement systems that demand exceptional output capability, extended frequency response, and uncompromising reliability. Combining a powerful 75 mm (3-inch) aluminium voice coil, advanced neodymium magnetic structure, and precision titanium diaphragm technology, the B&C DE85TN delivers the performance required for high-end touring systems, stadium installations, theatre sound reinforcement, large-format point source loudspeakers, and premium fixed-installation applications.
As one of B&C Speakers’ flagship large-format compression drivers, the B&C DE85TN has been designed to reproduce critical vocal frequencies, detailed high-frequency content, and dynamic programme material with outstanding accuracy and authority. With an impressive 110 W AES power handling rating, 220 W continuous programme power capacity, and a highly efficient 107 dB sensitivity, this driver is capable of generating substantial sound pressure levels while maintaining excellent sonic clarity and low distortion.
A major advantage of the B&C DE85TN is its exceptionally wide operating bandwidth. Covering frequencies from 500 Hz to 18 kHz, the driver provides remarkable versatility for professional loudspeaker designers. The ability to operate effectively at lower frequencies allows improved integration with low-frequency sections while maintaining smooth transition through the critical vocal region. This capability makes the DE85TN particularly attractive for systems requiring superior speech intelligibility, vocal projection, and musical accuracy.
The driver’s titanium diaphragm and high-energy magnetic assembly ensure excellent transient response, allowing musical details, vocal nuances, and dynamic programme material to be reproduced with exceptional precision. Whether deployed in large-scale concert venues, touring rigs, stadium installations, houses of worship, theatres, or corporate audio systems, the B&C DE85TN delivers the reliability, output capability, and sonic performance expected from a world-class professional compression driver.
For loudspeaker manufacturers, system integrators, rental companies, and professional audio engineers seeking a proven large-format compression driver capable of operating in the most demanding environments, the B&C DE85TN represents an outstanding solution.
Designed for High-Performance Professional Audio Systems
The B&C DE85TN has been specifically engineered to meet the requirements of modern professional loudspeaker systems where output, efficiency, and reliability are critical.
Large-format compression drivers are frequently chosen for applications requiring:
- Long-throw sound projection
- High acoustic output levels
- Superior vocal clarity
- Improved speech intelligibility
- Enhanced midrange authority
- Greater crossover flexibility
- Consistent coverage across large venues
The DE85TN excels in these applications by combining substantial power handling with a broad frequency range and high sensitivity.
This combination allows system designers to build loudspeaker systems capable of delivering powerful and consistent performance across a wide variety of environments.
Whether installed in a permanent venue or used in a touring sound system that travels continuously between events, the DE85TN provides the reliability and performance required by professional users.
Large 75 mm Voice Coil for Outstanding Power Handling
At the core of the B&C DE85TN is a substantial 75 mm (3-inch) aluminium voice coil.
The voice coil serves as the heart of any compression driver, directly influencing power handling capability, thermal stability, and long-term reliability.
The large voice coil architecture offers numerous advantages:
- Increased thermal capacity
- Improved heat dissipation
- Higher continuous output capability
- Reduced thermal compression
- Enhanced reliability during extended operation
- Greater consistency at high SPL levels
The DE85TN achieves:
- 110 W nominal power handling
- 220 W continuous programme power handling
These ratings enable the driver to operate confidently in demanding professional environments where sustained high-output performance is essential.
For touring applications and fixed installations where loudspeaker systems may operate for hours at elevated output levels, thermal stability becomes critically important. The DE85TN’s large voice coil helps maintain consistent performance while reducing the effects of heat-related compression.
This translates directly into more predictable sound quality and greater reliability over time.
High-Energy Neodymium Motor Structure
The B&C DE85TN utilises a powerful neodymium magnetic assembly generating 1.8 Tesla of flux density.
The motor system is responsible for controlling diaphragm movement and converting electrical energy into acoustic output with maximum efficiency.
The high-energy motor provides several key benefits:
Improved Efficiency
More acoustic output is generated from each watt of amplifier power.
Enhanced Transient Response
Fast and accurate diaphragm movement improves musical detail and articulation.
Superior Driver Control
Greater magnetic force helps maintain precision even during demanding programme material.
Reduced Distortion
Improved diaphragm control contributes to cleaner sound reproduction at high output levels.
Increased Dynamic Capability
The driver can reproduce sudden peaks and transient information with greater accuracy.
The powerful neodymium motor also allows the DE85TN to maintain relatively compact physical dimensions despite its substantial output capability.
Premium Titanium Diaphragm Technology
The B&C DE85TN features a precision-engineered titanium diaphragm, a material widely respected throughout the professional audio industry.
Titanium remains a preferred diaphragm material due to its excellent combination of:
- High rigidity
- Low mass
- Excellent durability
- Strong transient response
- Outstanding fatigue resistance
- Consistent long-term performance
These characteristics allow the diaphragm to maintain accurate pistonic motion throughout its operating range.
The result is clear, detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction across both the vocal and high-frequency spectrum.
Titanium diaphragms are particularly valued in high-output professional systems because they maintain their performance characteristics under demanding operating conditions.
This makes the DE85TN especially suitable for touring systems, festival sound reinforcement, and fixed installations where reliability is paramount.
Wide Frequency Response for Maximum System Flexibility
One of the standout features of the B&C DE85TN is its exceptionally broad operating range.
The driver covers frequencies from:
500 Hz to 18 kHz
This wide bandwidth offers significant advantages for loudspeaker designers.
Benefits include:
- Improved crossover flexibility
- Enhanced vocal reproduction
- Better system integration
- Reduced crossover complexity
- Greater design freedom
- More consistent coverage through critical vocal frequencies
The ability to extend down to 500 Hz gives the DE85TN characteristics typically associated with much larger-format compression drivers.
This extended low-frequency capability allows smoother integration with bass and midbass sections while preserving the clarity and projection expected from a compression driver.
Optimised for Low Crossover Applications
The B&C DE85TN features a recommended crossover frequency of:
1 kHz
This relatively low crossover point creates several advantages for professional loudspeaker systems.
A lower crossover allows:
- Better vocal coherence
- Improved phase integration
- Enhanced directivity control
- Reduced overlap between drivers
- More natural speech reproduction
In large-format sound reinforcement systems, maintaining consistency through the vocal region is essential.
The DE85TN’s ability to operate effectively at lower crossover frequencies helps achieve smoother system performance and improved intelligibility.
Exceptional Sensitivity and Acoustic Efficiency
The B&C DE85TN delivers an impressive sensitivity rating of:
107 dB
High sensitivity provides multiple performance benefits.
Increased Output
More sound pressure is produced from the available amplifier power.
Reduced Amplifier Demand
Lower amplifier power is required to achieve target SPL levels.
Improved Headroom
Additional dynamic range remains available during demanding programme peaks.
Better System Efficiency
The overall loudspeaker system operates more efficiently.
Enhanced Reliability
Amplifiers operate under reduced stress, improving long-term system stability.
For professional audio applications where high output and consistent performance are critical, sensitivity remains one of the most important performance indicators.
The DE85TN’s efficiency contributes significantly to its popularity in premium sound reinforcement systems.
Low Inductance for Accurate High-Frequency Reproduction
The B&C DE85TN features a low inductance rating of:
0.14 mH
Low inductance contributes to improved driver performance in several ways:
- Faster transient response
- Better high-frequency extension
- Improved phase consistency
- More predictable crossover integration
- Greater detail and clarity
These characteristics help the DE85TN maintain accurate reproduction throughout its operating range.
The result is cleaner and more articulate high-frequency performance with excellent detail retrieval.
Engineered for Touring and Fixed Installation Applications
The B&C DE85TN has been designed for demanding professional audio environments including:
- Touring sound systems
- Stadium PA systems
- Arena sound reinforcement
- Festival production systems
- Theatre installations
- Houses of worship
- Concert venues
- Large-format point source loudspeakers
- High-performance line array systems
- Nightclubs
- Corporate AV systems
- Performing arts centres
Its combination of output capability, efficiency, and bandwidth makes it suitable for virtually any application where premium compression driver performance is required.
Rugged Professional Construction
Professional loudspeaker components must withstand years of demanding operation.
The B&C DE85TN is built to meet those requirements.
The driver features:
- Four M6 mounting holes
- 102 mm bolt circle
- Industry-standard mounting compatibility
- Robust mechanical construction
- Precision manufacturing tolerances
Physical dimensions include:
- Overall diameter: 170 mm
- Depth: 64 mm
- Net weight: 4.4 kg
The substantial motor structure and rugged construction reflect the driver’s intended use in high-output professional systems.
Technical Specifications
B&C DE85TN Technical Specifications
Throat Diameter: 50 mm (2 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 8.2 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 110 W
Continuous Power Handling: 220 W
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Frequency Range: 500 Hz – 18 kHz
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 1 kHz
Voice Coil Diameter: 75 mm (3 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Inductance: 0.14 mH
Flux Density: 1.8 T
Diaphragm Material: Titanium
Mounting Information
B&C DE85TN Dimensions and Installation Data
Mounting Pattern: Four M6 holes positioned 90° apart on a 102 mm (4 in) bolt circle
Overall Diameter: 170 mm (6.7 in)
Depth: 64 mm (2.5 in)
Net Weight: 4.4 kg (9.7 lb)
Shipping Weight: 4.52 kg (9.96 lb)
Shipping Box Dimensions: 190 x 190 x 80 mm (7.48 x 7.48 x 3.15 in)
Why Choose the B&C DE85TN?
The B&C DE85TN combines exceptional power handling, impressive efficiency, and extended bandwidth in a premium large-format compression driver designed for professional sound reinforcement. Its 75 mm aluminium voice coil, powerful 1.8 Tesla neodymium motor, and rugged titanium diaphragm provide the output capability and reliability required for demanding touring and installation environments.
With 110 W AES power handling, 220 W programme power capacity, 107 dB sensitivity, and a frequency range extending from 500 Hz to 18 kHz, the B&C DE85TN offers outstanding flexibility for loudspeaker designers and system integrators. The driver’s ability to operate effectively down to 500 Hz allows superior crossover integration while maintaining the vocal clarity and projection expected from a world-class compression driver.
For manufacturers, rental companies, consultants, and professional audio engineers seeking a premium 2-inch compression driver, the B&C DE85TN delivers the performance, reliability, and sonic excellence that have made B&C Speakers a trusted name throughout the global professional audio industry.
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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.
