To download a PDF of the June 2022 FOH Buyers Guide, CLICK HERE
The heart of most high-output sound reinforcement loudspeakers is the 1.4”-exit compression driver. Other versions of compression drivers exist — from half-inch to four-inch models — yet the 1.4”-exit neodymium units offer efficiency, power handling and serious midrange punch, in compact, lightweight packages.
All of these factors make 1.4” neodymium compression drivers ideal as replacements / upgrades in existing live sound systems or as the centerpiece in a custom-build design. Here are a few models we uncovered in a recent survey. Note that most are offered in 8- and 16-ohm versions.
B&C DCX464-16
- Diaphragm: Coaxial MF/HF design
- Power Rating: 220W continuous program
- Response: 300 Hz to 18k Hz
- Sensitivity: 111.4 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 or 16 ohms
- Voice Coil: 2.5” HF / 4” MF
- Weight: 8.16 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
Beyma CP-855nd-8
- Diaphragm: Titanium
- Power Rating: 200w program
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 112 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Voice Coil: 4-inch
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
BMS 4594 ND
- Diaphragm: Coaxial MF/HF design
- Power Rating: 320w
- Response: 300 Hz to 22k Hz
- Sensitivity: 118 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 or 16 ohms
- Voice Coil: 1.75” (HF) / 3.5” (HF)
- Weight: 5.6 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
Celestion CDX14-3040
- Diaphragm: Titanium
- Power Rating: 150W continuous
- Response: 500 Hz to 18k Hz
- Sensitivity: 106.5 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 or 16 ohms
- Voice Coil: 3-inch
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
EighteenSound ND1460
- Diaphragm: Titanium
- Power Rating: 200w continuous
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 109 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 or 16 ohms
- Voice Coil: 3-inch
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
Eminence N314X Tour Grade
- Diaphragm: Thin-ply carbon
- Power Rating: 150w AES
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 110.5 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 or 16 ohms
- Voice Coil: 3-inch
- Weight: 5.1 pounds
- Mount: 4 1/4×20 holes on 4” circle
FaitalPRO HF1440
- Diaphragm: Ketone polymer
- Power Rating: 240w
- Response: 50 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 109 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Voice Coil: 3.4-inch
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
JBL Professional 2451H-J
- Diaphragm: Titanium
- Power Rating: 100w above 500 Hz
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 111 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 or 16 ohms
- Voice Coil: 4-inch
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Mount: 4 1/4×20 holes on 4.5” circle
LaVoce DN14.300T
- Diaphragm: Titanium
- Power Rating: 220W program
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 109 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Voice Coil: 3-inch
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
Oberton NB72HB
- Diaphragm: Carbon hybrid
- Power Rating: 200W program
- Response: 500 Hz to 19k Hz
- Sensitivity: 109 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 or 16 ohms
- Voice Coil: 2.85-inch
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
Radian Audio 951Be
- Diaphragm: Beryllium
- Power Rating: 250W continuous
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 114 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Voice Coil: 4-inch
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
RCF nd850 1.4
- Diaphragm: Titanium
- Power Rating: 220w continuous
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 109 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Voice Coil: 3-inch
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
SB Audience Rosso-65CDN-T
- Diaphragm: Titanium
- Power Rating: 140w program
- Response: 500 Hz to 20k Hz
- Sensitivity: 109 dB, 1w/1m
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Voice Coil: 2.56”
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Mount: 4 M6 holes on 4” circle
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