Ciare PWA5.38 – 5″ High-Efficiency Mid-Bass Driver
The Ciare PWA5.38 is a compact, high-performance 5-inch mid-bass driver engineered for pro audio systems that demand clarity, efficiency, and reliable power in small enclosures. Made in Italy, this driver combines robust mechanical design, solid sensitivity, and stable low/Mid-bass reach, making it ideal for compact speaker tops, stage monitors, OEM builds, or distributed systems.
With its modest size yet strong build, the Ciare PWA5.38 punches above its weight, giving you usable mid-bass with excellent clarity under load without compromise.
Balanced Mid-Bass Output and Frequency Reach
The nominal diameter of 130 mm (5 in) gives the Ciare PWA5.38 a compact footprint while still delivering punch and presence. Its frequency range of 70 Hz to 6000 Hz allows it to reconstruct low-mid fundamentals with authority and midrange detail without sounding strained.
This breadth ensures that it can be used effectively both as a mid-bass in larger systems and as a full-range driver in small tops, with smooth crossovers to tweeters when needed.
Reliable Power Handling and Thermal Stability
The Ciare PWA5.38 handles nominal power of 125 W and continuous (program) power of 250 W, giving generous headroom for dynamic content, peaks, and real-world usage. Its 38 mm (1.5 in) voice coil is engineered for heat tolerance and excursion control, maintaining performance without overheating even under heavy demand.
It will hold its tone in performance situations, offering reliability that outlasts many lesser small drivers when pushed.
Efficient Sensitivity and Output
With a sensitivity of 91 dB (1W/1m), the Ciare PWA5.38 converts amplifier power into loud, usable sound efficiently. You get mid-bass presence and dynamics without needing excessive amplifier power, which is especially valuable in portable rigs or applications where power resources are limited.
Its output-to-size ratio is impressive, giving you clarity and punch without adding unnecessary bulk.
Stable Impedance and Robust Integration
The driver runs at a nominal impedance of 8 Ω, with a minimum impedance of about 6.5 Ω, helping to ensure compatibility with typical amplifiers and crossover networks. Its electrical behavior remains consistent across operating conditions, which simplifies cabinet design and system tuning.
Expect predictable performance from the PWA5.38, whether used in passive crossovers or active designs.
Rugged Mechanical Design
Built for professional use, the Ciare PWA5.38 includes a treated paper cone with water-resistant coating and a rubber single-roll surround for controlled excursion. The former materials and surround resilience help reduce distortion under real-world usage.
The motor design uses ferrite, ensuring mechanical reliability and adequate magnetic force while keeping cost and complexity down. The overall assembly is designed to last through repeated use and boundary-stressed applications.
Ideal Applications
The Ciare PWA5.38 finds its strength in:
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Compact full-range cabinets and portable top boxes
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Stage monitors where clarity in mid-bass matters
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Fill speakers for larger PA systems
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OEM speaker builds where weight and size are constrained
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Small install systems needing reliable mid-bass presence
In all these cases, the PWA5.38 delivers dependable mid-bass punch and detail with minimal trade-offs.
Specifications
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Nominal Diameter: 130 mm (5 in)
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Voice Coil Diameter: 38 mm (1.5 in)
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Continuous Power Handling: 250 W
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Nominal Power Handling: 125 W
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Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
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Minimum Impedance: ~6.5 Ω
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Frequency Range: 70 Hz – 6000 Hz
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Sensitivity: 91 dB (1W/1m)
Performance Summary
The Ciare PWA5.38 stands out for delivering clear, impactful mid-bass in compact enclosures. Despite its smaller diameter, it offers strong excursion performance and thermal stability, meaning less power compression and more usable bottom-end.
Its sensitivity and electrical behavior make it efficient in both passive and active systems, while its physical design supports durability and clarity under demanding conditions.
Conclusion
When you need reliable mid-bass performance from a small driver, the Ciare PWA5.38 is an excellent choice. It offers efficient output, robust power handling, and a wide frequency range—all wrapped in a compact body.
Whether you’re building portable cabinets, stage monitors, OEM systems, or fill speakers, the PWA5.38 delivers clarity, punch, and consistent performance.
Learn more about Ciare HERE
About Ciare
Ciare products are proudly manufactured in Italy, with production rooted in tradition and precision engineering. Built in their advanced facility near Ancona, Ciare combines Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge automation and strict quality control to deliver components that meet the highest standards. With decades of experience in the Pro Audio industry, Ciare has earned its reputation as a trusted name for speaker builders worldwide—offering reliable, high-performance solutions that deliver real value without compromise.
