B&C ME90 Horn
The B&C ME90 is a professional-grade 1.4-inch constant directivity horn engineered for high-output sound reinforcement systems that demand precise coverage control, exceptional efficiency, and outstanding acoustic performance. Designed for use with professional compression drivers, the B&C ME90 combines a robust cast aluminium construction with carefully optimized horn geometry to provide consistent directivity, smooth frequency response, and reliable long-term performance in demanding environments.
In professional loudspeaker design, the horn plays a critical role in determining system coverage, efficiency, and overall sonic character. The B&C ME90 has been developed to provide controlled 80° x 60° dispersion while maintaining excellent pattern consistency across its operating range. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where predictable audience coverage and maximum intelligibility are essential.
Featuring a large 1.4-inch throat diameter, a low cutoff frequency of 900 Hz, and a rugged cast aluminium structure, the B&C ME90 is capable of supporting high-performance compression drivers in a wide variety of professional audio systems. Whether used in concert venues, houses of worship, theaters, sports facilities, auditoriums, or custom loudspeaker designs, the ME90 delivers the reliability and acoustic precision required by modern sound reinforcement professionals.
Its combination of controlled dispersion, durable construction, and low-frequency loading capability makes the B&C ME90 an excellent choice for both OEM loudspeaker manufacturers and system integrators seeking uncompromising performance.
Optimized 80° x 60° Coverage Pattern
One of the key advantages of the B&C ME90 is its carefully engineered 80° horizontal by 60° vertical coverage pattern. This dispersion profile provides an excellent balance between broad audience coverage and controlled directivity.
The 80-degree horizontal coverage allows sound engineers to effectively cover medium to large audience areas without excessive overlap between adjacent loudspeaker systems. This helps improve system efficiency while maintaining consistent tonal balance throughout the listening environment.
The 60-degree vertical coverage contributes to greater control over vertical sound dispersion, reducing unwanted reflections from ceilings and floors while directing acoustic energy toward the audience. This controlled behavior improves speech intelligibility, enhances musical clarity, and contributes to a more focused listening experience.
For professional installations where coverage precision is critical, the B&C ME90 offers predictable performance that simplifies system design and optimization.
Low 900 Hz Cutoff Frequency
The B&C ME90 features a low cutoff frequency of 900 Hz, allowing it to maintain effective acoustic loading well into the upper-midrange region.
This lower cutoff capability provides significant advantages for loudspeaker designers. By extending horn loading to lower frequencies, the ME90 enables smoother crossover integration between low-frequency and high-frequency sections of a loudspeaker system. The result is improved phase alignment, more uniform directivity, and enhanced overall system coherence.
A lower crossover region can also contribute to improved vocal reproduction, as much of the critical speech range remains under controlled horn directivity. This is particularly valuable in professional applications where speech clarity and intelligibility are primary objectives.
The ability to operate effectively from 900 Hz also provides designers with greater flexibility when selecting compression drivers and crossover networks, making the ME90 suitable for a wide range of high-performance loudspeaker configurations.
Designed for 1.4-Inch Compression Drivers
The B&C ME90 utilizes a 36 mm (1.4-inch) throat diameter, making it compatible with a wide selection of professional compression drivers.
The larger throat format offers several advantages compared to smaller throat designs. It allows the use of larger diaphragm compression drivers capable of delivering increased power handling, reduced distortion, and improved low-frequency extension.
When paired with high-quality 1.4-inch compression drivers, the ME90 can produce exceptional output levels while maintaining smooth frequency response and consistent coverage characteristics. This makes it an ideal solution for demanding professional audio systems where both output capability and sonic accuracy are critical.
Its compatibility with industry-standard 1.4-inch drivers also provides designers with flexibility when selecting components for OEM loudspeaker designs or custom-built sound reinforcement systems.
Constant Directivity Performance
The horn geometry of the B&C ME90 has been optimized to maintain consistent directivity across its operating frequency range.
Constant directivity performance ensures that audience members experience similar tonal balance regardless of their seating position within the intended coverage area. Without effective directivity control, listeners located off-axis may experience significant changes in frequency response, reducing clarity and consistency.
The ME90 minimizes these issues by maintaining a more uniform dispersion pattern throughout its operating range. This allows sound engineers to create systems that provide consistent performance throughout the venue, improving audience satisfaction and simplifying system tuning.
The predictable coverage characteristics also make the horn particularly useful in multi-cabinet arrays and complex installation environments where precise acoustic behavior is essential.
Rugged Cast Aluminium Construction
Durability is a major consideration in professional audio applications, particularly in touring and high-use installation environments. To ensure long-term reliability, the B&C ME90 is manufactured using heavy-duty cast aluminium construction.
Cast aluminium provides exceptional rigidity and structural stability, helping maintain the horn’s precise geometry even under demanding operating conditions. This structural integrity is critical for preserving the acoustic characteristics that determine coverage consistency and frequency response.
Compared to molded plastic alternatives, cast aluminium offers superior resistance to impact damage, vibration, and environmental stress. This makes the ME90 highly suitable for touring sound systems, rental inventories, and permanent installations where equipment must withstand years of professional use.
The robust construction also contributes to reduced resonance and unwanted mechanical coloration, supporting cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction.
Improved Speech Intelligibility
Speech intelligibility remains one of the most important factors in professional sound reinforcement, particularly in venues where announcements, presentations, and spoken-word content are common.
The B&C ME90 contributes to outstanding speech clarity through its controlled directivity, low cutoff frequency, and efficient acoustic loading. By directing sound energy toward the audience while minimizing unwanted reflections, the horn helps maintain articulation and vocal definition throughout the listening area.
The controlled 80° x 60° coverage pattern further supports intelligibility by delivering consistent sound pressure levels across the audience while reducing acoustic spill into unwanted areas.
These characteristics make the ME90 an excellent choice for conference centers, educational facilities, houses of worship, auditoriums, transportation terminals, and public address systems.
Excellent for High-Output Music Reinforcement
In addition to speech applications, the B&C ME90 excels in professional music reinforcement systems where dynamic capability and tonal accuracy are essential.
Its efficient acoustic design allows compatible compression drivers to achieve high output levels while maintaining low distortion and excellent transient response. Vocals remain clear and natural, while instruments retain detail, impact, and definition even at elevated sound pressure levels.
The horn’s controlled directivity ensures that musical content is distributed evenly throughout the audience area, helping maintain a consistent listening experience regardless of seating position.
These attributes make the ME90 particularly well-suited for live music venues, touring systems, performing arts centers, clubs, entertainment venues, and high-performance installation projects.
Efficient Acoustic Loading
Horn efficiency is one of the primary reasons professional audio systems rely on horn-loaded high-frequency devices. The B&C ME90 has been engineered to maximize acoustic loading while maintaining smooth response characteristics.
Efficient loading allows more acoustic energy to be transferred from the compression driver into the listening environment. This results in higher sensitivity, increased output capability, and improved overall system efficiency.
Greater efficiency also means reduced amplifier power requirements for achieving target sound pressure levels, helping improve overall system performance and reliability.
For professional users seeking maximum output without sacrificing sound quality, the ME90 provides an excellent balance of efficiency and sonic accuracy.
Suitable for Permanent Installations and Touring Systems
The versatility of the B&C ME90 makes it suitable for a broad range of professional applications.
Its durable cast aluminium construction ensures reliable operation in fixed installations where longevity is essential, while its robust design also makes it highly attractive for touring and rental systems that must withstand frequent transportation and handling.
The horn’s controlled coverage pattern and low-frequency loading capabilities allow it to perform effectively in a wide variety of acoustic environments, from intimate performance spaces to large-scale venues.
Whether incorporated into new loudspeaker designs or used as part of system upgrades, the B&C ME90 delivers dependable professional performance.
Applications
The B&C ME90 is ideally suited for:
- Professional PA systems
- Concert sound reinforcement
- Touring audio systems
- Houses of worship
- Auditoriums
- Theaters
- Stadiums
- Sports arenas
- Conference centers
- Educational facilities
- Public address systems
- Entertainment venues
- OEM loudspeaker manufacturing
- Custom loudspeaker projects
- High-output installation systems
Its combination of controlled directivity, low cutoff frequency, and rugged construction makes it a highly versatile professional horn solution.
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
- Product Model: B&C ME90
- Throat Diameter: 36 mm (1.4 in)
- Nominal Coverage Horizontal: 80°
- Nominal Coverage Vertical: 60°
- Cutoff Frequency: 0.9 kHz
- Material: Cast Aluminium
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 270 x 270 x 138 mm (10.6 x 10.6 x 5.4 in)
- Baffle Cutout Dimension: 225 mm (8.86 in)
- Air Volume Occupied by Driver: 0.42 dm³ (0.01 ft³)
Mounting and Shipping Information
- Net Weight: 1.45 kg (3.19 lb)
- Shipping Units: 1 Piece
- Shipping Weight: 2.05 kg (4.52 lb)
- Shipping Box Dimensions: 295 x 314 x 175 mm (11.61 x 12.36 x 6.89 in)
Conclusion
The B&C ME90 is a premium professional horn designed to provide precise 80° x 60° coverage, exceptional acoustic efficiency, and reliable performance in demanding sound reinforcement applications. Featuring a 1.4-inch throat diameter, low 900 Hz cutoff frequency, rugged cast aluminium construction, and optimized constant directivity characteristics, the ME90 offers outstanding versatility for both OEM loudspeaker manufacturers and professional system designers. Whether deployed in touring rigs, fixed installations, performance venues, or custom speaker projects, the B&C ME90 delivers the coverage control, durability, and acoustic performance required for world-class professional audio systems.
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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.
