B&C DE980TN – Highest Sensitivity 75 mm Compression Driver with 2.05 Tesla Neodymium Motor
The B&C DE980TN represents the pinnacle of B&C’s 1.4-inch titanium compression driver development, combining a massive 75 mm (3-inch) voice coil, 110 W AES power handling, 220 W continuous program power, and an extremely powerful 2.05 Tesla neodymium motor into a remarkably compact 2.3 kg package. While several flagship models in the B&C range share similar power handling capabilities, the B&C DE980TN distinguishes itself through a combination of exceptional efficiency, extremely low inductance, and class-leading sensitivity.
With a rated sensitivity of 108.5 dB, the DE980TN is among the most efficient high-frequency compression drivers in B&C’s catalogue. That extra half decibel may appear minor on paper, but in large-scale professional sound reinforcement systems every increment in efficiency translates into greater acoustic output, improved headroom, and reduced amplifier demand. For loudspeaker designers seeking maximum output from a compression driver platform, the DE980TN delivers measurable advantages.
The driver combines its high sensitivity with a frequency response extending from 500 Hz to 18 kHz, allowing it to reproduce everything from critical vocal fundamentals through to the highest audible harmonics with impressive authority. Its recommended 1.2 kHz crossover frequency provides flexibility when integrating the driver into premium two-way and three-way loudspeaker systems.
At the core of the DE980TN is a pure titanium diaphragm, chosen for its outstanding rigidity, transient accuracy, and ability to maintain composure at extremely high sound pressure levels. Combined with the powerful neodymium motor and large voice coil assembly, the titanium diaphragm enables the DE980TN to deliver exceptional projection and long-throw performance in large venues.
What makes the B&C DE980TN particularly interesting is how it builds upon the architecture of the DE914TN. Both models feature a 75 mm voice coil, 110 W AES power handling, and a 2.05 T motor. However, the DE980TN achieves slightly higher sensitivity while simultaneously reducing inductance to just 0.1 mH, contributing to enhanced high-frequency extension and improved transient behaviour.
For premium touring systems, flagship line arrays, arena sound reinforcement, stadium installations, and high-output professional loudspeakers, the B&C DE980TN stands as one of the most advanced 1.4-inch compression drivers available from B&C.
Design and Construction of the B&C DE980TN
The B&C DE980TN is built around a substantial 75 mm aluminium voice coil, placing it within B&C’s largest compression driver platform.
Voice coil diameter directly influences thermal capacity. Larger coils provide more surface area for heat dissipation and allow greater sustained power handling than smaller designs. This is why the DE980TN can achieve:
- 110 W AES power handling
- 220 W continuous program power
- High thermal stability
- Sustained high-SPL operation
Compared with 65 mm voice coil designs such as the DE680TN, DE640P, DE640U, and DE610, the DE980TN benefits from significantly greater thermal mass.
This becomes particularly important in professional touring environments where systems are often operated near their maximum capability for extended periods.
The aluminium winding material reduces moving mass while maintaining excellent conductivity. Lower moving mass improves transient response and allows the diaphragm to react more quickly to incoming signal changes.
The result is a compression driver capable of combining substantial power handling with remarkable detail and responsiveness.
The 2.05 Tesla Neodymium Motor
One of the defining features of the B&C DE980TN is its extremely powerful 2.05 Tesla magnetic motor.
This places it among the most powerful compression driver motors produced by B&C.
To put this figure into perspective:
| Model | Flux Density |
|---|---|
| DE60TN | 1.60 T |
| DE82TN | 1.80 T |
| DE90TN | 1.80 T |
| DE800 | 1.85 T |
| DE640P | 1.95 T |
| DE914TN | 2.05 T |
| DE980TN | 2.05 T |
Magnetic flux density determines the amount of force acting on the voice coil.
Higher flux density generally produces:
- Greater efficiency
- Stronger diaphragm control
- Improved transient response
- Better dynamic accuracy
- Lower distortion
- Higher output capability
The 2.05 Tesla motor allows the DE980TN to maintain precise control over diaphragm movement even during demanding programme material and extreme sound pressure levels.
For professional audio systems where accuracy and consistency are critical, this level of motor strength is a major advantage.
Titanium Diaphragm Technology
The B&C DE980TN employs a pure titanium diaphragm, a material that remains a preferred choice throughout the professional touring industry.
Titanium offers an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, allowing the diaphragm to remain rigid while moving rapidly.
This rigidity provides several benefits:
- Excellent transient response
- Strong vocal projection
- High detail retrieval
- Superior intelligibility
- Exceptional long-distance coverage
Compared with polymer-based diaphragms, titanium generally produces a more forward and energetic presentation.
This characteristic makes titanium particularly effective in:
- Large concert venues
- Outdoor events
- Stadium systems
- Arena installations
- Long-throw applications
The DE980TN’s titanium diaphragm is specifically engineered to take advantage of the driver’s powerful motor structure, delivering impressive output while maintaining control and accuracy throughout its operating bandwidth.
Lower Inductance for Improved High-Frequency Performance
A major technical advantage of the B&C DE980TN is its exceptionally low 0.1 mH inductance.
This is lower than many competing high-power compression drivers and lower than the DE914TN’s 0.14 mH specification.
Inductance influences how a driver behaves as frequency increases.
Lower inductance generally results in:
- Improved high-frequency extension
- More consistent impedance characteristics
- Better crossover integration
- Enhanced transient behaviour
- Greater upper-frequency detail
By reducing inductance to just 0.1 mH, B&C has optimized the DE980TN for maximum high-frequency performance while maintaining the power handling and efficiency expected from a flagship compression driver.
This contributes directly to the DE980TN’s outstanding sensitivity and clarity.
Class-Leading Sensitivity
At 108.5 dB sensitivity, the B&C DE980TN is one of the most efficient compression drivers in B&C’s professional range.
While the numerical difference between 108 dB and 108.5 dB may appear small, efficiency gains become extremely important in large professional systems.
Higher sensitivity provides:
- Greater acoustic output
- Increased headroom
- Reduced amplifier demand
- Improved system efficiency
- Better dynamic capability
The DE980TN achieves this efficiency while simultaneously maintaining high power handling and broad frequency response.
That combination is one of the reasons the driver is considered a flagship product.
For system designers pursuing maximum SPL capability, sensitivity remains one of the most valuable performance metrics.
Exceptional Power Handling
The B&C DE980TN delivers:
- 110 W AES power handling
- 220 W continuous program power
These ratings place it among the highest-powered compression drivers available in B&C’s portfolio.
The combination of:
- Large 75 mm voice coil
- Titanium diaphragm
- Powerful neodymium motor
- Efficient thermal design
allows the driver to maintain consistent performance under demanding operating conditions.
Unlike drivers optimized solely for sensitivity, the DE980TN balances efficiency with genuine long-term power handling capability.
This makes it suitable for demanding touring schedules, large-scale events, and permanent installations where reliability is essential.
Extended Frequency Response
The B&C DE980TN covers a frequency range from 500 Hz to 18 kHz.
This broad operating range provides system designers with considerable flexibility.
The low-frequency extension allows smoother integration with midrange and low-frequency devices while maintaining excellent directivity characteristics.
The recommended crossover frequency of 1.2 kHz takes advantage of the driver’s robust motor structure and large diaphragm assembly.
This capability makes the DE980TN suitable for:
- Premium two-way systems
- Three-way loudspeakers
- Line arrays
- High-output point source systems
- Stadium loudspeakers
The ability to operate effectively near the lower end of the compression driver spectrum is one of the reasons large-format drivers remain popular in professional audio.
Compact Packaging and Installation Benefits
Despite its flagship performance specifications, the B&C DE980TN remains surprisingly compact.
Physical dimensions include:
- Overall diameter: 131 mm
- Depth: 54 mm
- Net weight: 2.3 kg
The driver mounts using:
- Four M6 mounting holes
- 102 mm bolt circle
- 90-degree spacing
The compact neodymium motor structure enables the DE980TN to fit into cabinet designs where larger ferrite-based alternatives would be impractical.
For line arrays and touring systems where weight is a critical factor, the 2.3 kg design provides meaningful advantages.
Applications for the B&C DE980TN
The B&C DE980TN is ideally suited for:
- Premium touring loudspeakers
- Large-format line arrays
- Arena sound reinforcement
- Stadium PA systems
- Festival sound systems
- High-output point source speakers
- Theatre sound reinforcement
- Houses of worship
- Corporate AV systems
- Large-scale installations
- Professional monitoring systems
- Entertainment venues
Its combination of sensitivity, power handling, and motor strength makes it particularly attractive for applications where maximum output is required.
Technical Specifications
B&C DE980TN Technical Specifications
Throat Diameter: 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum Impedance: 8.1 Ω
Nominal Power Handling: 110 W
Continuous Power Handling: 220 W
Sensitivity: 108.5 dB
Frequency Range: 500 Hz – 18 kHz
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 1.2 kHz
Voice Coil Diameter: 75 mm (3 in)
Winding Material: Aluminium
Inductance: 0.1 mH
Flux Density: 2.05 T
Diaphragm Material: Titanium
Mounting Information
B&C DE980TN Mounting Dimensions
Mounting Pattern: Four M6 holes positioned 90° apart on a 102 mm (4 in) bolt circle
Overall Diameter: 131 mm (5.2 in)
Depth: 54 mm (2.13 in)
Net Weight: 2.3 kg (5.1 lb)
Shipping Weight: 2.35 kg (5.17 lb)
Shipping Box Dimensions: 140 x 135 x 62 mm (5.51 x 5.31 x 2.44 in)
Conclusion – Why Choose the B&C DE980TN?
The B&C DE980TN combines the largest voice coil platform in B&C’s compression driver range with one of the most powerful neodymium motor structures the company produces. Featuring a 75 mm voice coil, 110 W AES power handling, 220 W continuous program power, 108.5 dB sensitivity, and an impressive 2.05 Tesla flux density, it is engineered for the highest levels of professional sound reinforcement.
What separates the B&C DE980TN from many competing designs is its balance of power, efficiency, and refinement. The powerful motor provides outstanding diaphragm control, while the exceptionally low 0.1 mH inductance contributes to enhanced high-frequency performance and crossover behaviour. Combined with a pure titanium diaphragm, the result is a compression driver capable of delivering exceptional projection, clarity, and long-term reliability.
For premium touring systems, flagship line arrays, stadium installations, and professional loudspeaker designs where maximum efficiency and output capability are required, the B&C DE980TN stands among the most capable 1.4-inch compression drivers in the B&C professional audio range.
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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.
