B&C ME464 Horn
The B&C ME464 is a groundbreaking professional audio horn engineered to unlock the full performance potential of modern wide-bandwidth compression drivers. Designed specifically to complement advanced ring radiator technologies such as the B&C DCX464 coaxial compression driver, the B&C ME464 stands as one of the most innovative horn solutions available in professional sound reinforcement today. Featuring an enormous 575 mm (22-inch) mouth, an exceptionally low 300 Hz cutoff frequency, and controlled 80° x 60° directivity, the ME464 delivers a level of bandwidth, pattern control, and acoustic performance previously unattainable from a commercially available horn.
Unlike conventional high-frequency horns that primarily focus on upper-midrange and treble reproduction, the B&C ME464 has been engineered to operate effectively across an exceptionally wide frequency spectrum. Its massive mouth area allows attached compression drivers to maintain acoustic loading down to 300 Hz, enabling seamless integration with modern wide-bandwidth coaxial compression drivers and reducing the need for additional midrange components in advanced loudspeaker systems.
Constructed from durable, non-resonant polyurethane, the B&C ME464 combines rugged reliability with excellent acoustic damping characteristics. The result is a horn capable of delivering remarkable clarity, reduced coloration, and outstanding directivity control even at extremely high sound pressure levels.
Whether deployed in touring systems, stadium installations, large-scale line arrays, performance venues, houses of worship, or advanced OEM loudspeaker projects, the B&C ME464 represents a significant advancement in professional horn technology.
Engineered for Wide-Bandwidth Compression Drivers
The B&C ME464 was developed specifically to maximize the capabilities of modern wide-bandwidth ring radiator compression drivers.
Traditional horn designs often limit the usable low-frequency extension of attached compression drivers, forcing system designers to introduce additional midrange devices to achieve full-range performance. The ME464 addresses this challenge by providing an exceptionally large horn profile capable of maintaining effective loading down to 300 Hz.
This extended loading capability allows advanced drivers such as the B&C DCX464 to reproduce an extraordinarily wide frequency range while maintaining controlled directivity and high efficiency. The result is a more coherent acoustic system with fewer crossover points, improved phase response, and greater overall sonic accuracy.
For loudspeaker designers seeking maximum performance from next-generation compression driver technologies, the B&C ME464 provides an ideal platform.
Massive 575 mm Horn Mouth for Extended Low-Frequency Loading
One of the defining features of the B&C ME464 is its enormous 575 mm (22.64-inch) horn mouth, making it one of the largest commercially available horns designed for professional audio applications.
Horn mouth size directly influences low-frequency loading capability. The large mouth area of the ME464 allows attached drivers to maintain acoustic control and efficiency significantly lower in frequency than traditional horn designs.
With effective loading extending down to 300 Hz, the ME464 enables compression drivers to reproduce frequencies that would normally require dedicated cone midrange drivers. This capability helps simplify system architecture while improving coherence and reducing crossover complexity.
The large horn geometry also contributes to increased efficiency and reduced distortion, allowing systems to achieve higher output levels while maintaining exceptional clarity and detail.
For high-performance sound reinforcement systems where bandwidth and directivity control are critical, the massive horn mouth of the ME464 provides substantial advantages.
Exceptional 300 Hz Cutoff Frequency
The B&C ME464 features an extraordinarily low cutoff frequency of just 300 Hz.
This specification places the ME464 in a category of its own among professional audio horns. Most conventional horns operate effectively only above 800 Hz or 1 kHz, while the ME464 extends horn loading deep into the lower midrange region.
The ability to control directivity and maintain efficiency at such low frequencies delivers numerous benefits. System designers can create highly coherent loudspeaker systems with fewer crossover transitions, resulting in improved phase alignment and smoother frequency response.
Vocals benefit from increased clarity and naturalness, while musical instruments retain greater accuracy and detail throughout the critical midrange region.
The extended bandwidth also allows advanced coaxial compression drivers to operate across a much larger portion of the audible spectrum, reducing system complexity and improving overall sonic integration.
Controlled 80° x 60° Directivity
Despite its enormous size and wide operating bandwidth, the B&C ME464 maintains precise 80° horizontal by 60° vertical coverage.
Maintaining directivity control across such a broad frequency range is one of the most significant engineering achievements of the ME464. The horn stabilizes its coverage pattern throughout its operating range, ensuring consistent audience coverage and predictable acoustic performance.
The 80-degree horizontal dispersion provides effective audience coverage while minimizing excessive side-wall reflections. Meanwhile, the 60-degree vertical pattern helps focus acoustic energy toward listeners while reducing unwanted ceiling and floor interactions.
This controlled directivity contributes significantly to improved speech intelligibility, enhanced musical accuracy, and greater system efficiency.
For professional venues where coverage consistency is critical, the ME464 offers outstanding performance.
Constant Directivity Design
The B&C ME464 utilizes a carefully engineered constant directivity design to ensure consistent coverage across its usable frequency range.
Constant directivity technology helps maintain a uniform listening experience throughout the audience area by reducing tonal variations between on-axis and off-axis listening positions.
Without effective directivity control, listeners located away from the primary axis of a loudspeaker may experience significant frequency response changes. The ME464 minimizes these variations, allowing every listener within the coverage area to experience similar tonal balance and clarity.
This characteristic is particularly important in large venues where audience members are distributed across wide seating areas.
The result is a more predictable, professional sound reinforcement system capable of delivering consistent performance throughout the venue.
Designed for the B&C DCX464
The B&C ME464 has been specifically developed to support the full frequency response capabilities of the B&C DCX464 coaxial compression driver.
The DCX464 is widely regarded as one of the most advanced professional compression drivers available, offering exceptional bandwidth and output capability. However, fully realizing its potential requires a horn capable of maintaining loading and directivity across an unusually wide frequency range.
The ME464 provides exactly that environment.
By combining the DCX464 with the ME464, designers can create highly efficient, wide-bandwidth systems capable of reproducing frequencies from the lower midrange through the upper limit of human hearing using a single horn assembly.
This unique capability allows for simplified system architecture, improved phase coherence, and outstanding sonic performance.
The horn can be easily integrated with the DCX464 using the B&C FB468 crossover network, available in both 8-ohm and 16-ohm configurations.
Polyurethane Construction for Superior Acoustic Performance
Rather than utilizing conventional metal construction, the B&C ME464 is manufactured from durable polyurethane.
Polyurethane offers several important advantages in professional horn applications. Its non-resonant characteristics help minimize unwanted mechanical coloration, preserving the natural tonal balance of the attached compression driver.
The material effectively absorbs resonances that could otherwise contribute to audible coloration or distortion, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction.
In addition to its acoustic benefits, polyurethane provides excellent durability and impact resistance, making the ME464 suitable for both touring and permanent installation environments.
The combination of strength, durability, and acoustic neutrality helps ensure long-term performance under demanding professional conditions.
Reduced Inter-Box Interaction
Modern large-scale sound reinforcement systems often employ multiple loudspeaker enclosures operating in close proximity.
One of the advantages of the B&C ME464 is its ability to reduce inter-box interaction through its controlled directivity characteristics. By maintaining a stable coverage pattern and minimizing unnecessary off-axis energy, the horn helps reduce destructive interference between adjacent loudspeaker systems.
This improved behavior contributes to greater clarity, smoother coverage, and more predictable system performance throughout the venue.
For line arrays, point-source clusters, and distributed sound systems, reduced inter-box interaction can significantly improve overall system quality and audience experience.
Enhanced Speech Intelligibility and Musical Accuracy
The combination of extended bandwidth, constant directivity, and controlled dispersion makes the B&C ME464 exceptionally effective for both speech and music reproduction.
Speech intelligibility benefits from the horn’s ability to maintain consistent coverage while minimizing unwanted reflections and acoustic spill. Spoken content remains clear, articulate, and easy to understand throughout the listening area.
For music applications, the ME464 delivers exceptional detail, transient response, and tonal balance. Instruments and vocals retain their natural character even at high output levels, making the horn suitable for demanding live sound environments.
Its wide operating bandwidth further contributes to a coherent and seamless listening experience across the entire frequency spectrum.
Suitable Applications
The B&C ME464 is ideal for a wide range of professional audio applications, including:
- Large-scale touring systems
- Stadium sound reinforcement
- Arena audio systems
- High-output point-source loudspeakers
- Concert venues
- Theaters
- Houses of worship
- Large auditoriums
- Performing arts centers
- OEM loudspeaker manufacturing
- Advanced custom loudspeaker projects
- Distributed sound systems
- Fixed installations
- High-performance event production systems
- DCX464-based loudspeaker designs
Its exceptional bandwidth and directivity control make it one of the most versatile professional horn solutions available.
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
- Product Model: B&C ME464
- Throat Diameter: 36 mm (1.4 in)
- Nominal Coverage Horizontal: 80°
- Nominal Coverage Vertical: 60°
- Cutoff Frequency: 0.3 kHz
- Material: Polyurethane
- Design: Constant Directivity
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 575 x 505 x 460 mm (22.64 x 19.88 x 18.11 in)
- Baffle Cutout Dimension: 538 mm (21.18 in)
- Air Volume Occupied by Driver: 35.5 dm³ (1.25 ft³)
Mounting and Shipping Information
- Net Weight: 4.75 kg (10.47 lb)
- Shipping Units: 1 Piece
- Shipping Weight: 7.66 kg (16.89 lb)
- Shipping Box Dimensions: 610 x 533 x 508 mm (24.02 x 20.98 x 20.00 in)
Conclusion
The B&C ME464 is a revolutionary professional audio horn designed to unlock the full performance capabilities of advanced wide-bandwidth compression drivers. Featuring an enormous 575 mm horn mouth, exceptionally low 300 Hz cutoff frequency, controlled 80° x 60° directivity, constant directivity design, and durable non-resonant polyurethane construction, the ME464 delivers a unique combination of bandwidth, efficiency, clarity, and coverage control. Whether integrated into high-performance touring systems, stadium installations, large-format point-source loudspeakers, or advanced DCX464-based designs, the B&C ME464 provides the acoustic performance and engineering excellence demanded by today’s 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.
