PA Compression Drivers
A PA compression driver puts a light diaphragm behind a phase plug and a narrow throat, loaded by a horn. The result is sensitivity around 108 to 109 dB, against 93.5 dB for our WM1850/8 sub driver. Exit size, coil diameter and recommended crossover point decide where each one fits. Wavemark compression drivers are coming soon.
Coming soon. Get in touch to hear when Wavemark compression drivers arrive.
Exit size: one maker's range
B&C's published 8 Ω data, one model per exit size, shows the pattern: bigger exit, bigger coil, more power, lower crossover.
| DE250 (1") | DE800 (1.4") | DE1085TN (2") | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throat | 25 mm | 36 mm | 50 mm |
| Voice coil | 44 mm | 75 mm | 100 mm |
| Diaphragm | Polyimide | Polyimide/titanium composite | Titanium |
| Power (nominal / continuous) | 60 / 120 W | 110 / 220 W | 140 / 280 W |
| Sensitivity | 108.5 dB | 108 dB | 109 dB |
| Recommended crossover | 1.6 kHz | 1.2 kHz | 0.8 kHz |
- 1": compact tops and monitors, crossed over in the upper mids.
- 1.4": larger-format PA; a bigger coil allows a lower crossover and more power.
- 2": large mid-high horns. A crossover near 800 Hz takes load off the mid driver.
Diaphragm materials
Titanium is the established choice for output and top-end extension. Polymer diaphragms such as polyimide are widely used in 1" drivers, and composites combine the two. Check that a replacement diaphragm is sold for the model before you buy: a diaphragm swap is a far smaller job than replacing the driver.
Protect them
- High-pass at or above the maker's recommended crossover frequency. Below it, diaphragm excursion rises and the horn no longer loads it.
- Do not clip the amp channel. A clipped waveform carries extra high-frequency energy straight into the driver.
- Set a DSP limiter to the driver's continuous rating. At 109 dB sensitivity, very little amplifier power produces a lot of level.
Read how compression drivers and horns work, crossover basics and, if one is already misbehaving, compression driver cutting out.
Sources: B&C Speakers published data for the DE250, DE800 and DE1085TN (8 Ω), checked October 2026.
Questions
What is a compression driver?
A driver whose diaphragm radiates into a small chamber and phase plug, then out through a narrow throat into a horn. B&C's 1 inch to 2 inch models are rated at 108 to 109 dB sensitivity, far above a direct-radiating cone.
What is the difference between 1 inch, 1.4 inch and 2 inch compression drivers?
Exit size tracks coil size, power and crossover point. In B&C's range, the 1 inch DE250 has a 44 mm coil and 1.6 kHz recommended crossover; the 1.4 inch DE800 a 75 mm coil and 1.2 kHz; the 2 inch DE1085TN a 100 mm coil and 0.8 kHz.
Can a compression driver be used without a horn?
No. It is designed to be loaded by a horn or waveguide, which sets its efficiency and coverage.
What happens if a compression driver is run without a high-pass filter?
Low frequencies drive the diaphragm beyond its intended excursion, which can crack it or damage the voice coil quickly. Always high-pass at or above the maker's recommended crossover.