Celestion has reinforced its position in the professional audio market with the introduction of two new 1.4-inch exit, neodymium magnet high-frequency compression drivers: the CDX14-3055 and CDX14-3045. These drivers are more than just updates; they represent a significant advancement in Celestion’s line of large-format compression drivers, offering pro-audio users enhanced performance and greater flexibility for high-quality fixed installation and touring sound systems.
Evolution in the Celestion Range
The new models succeed the popular CDX14-3050 and CDX14-3040, marking a concerted effort by Celestion to elevate the standard of its 1.4-inch category. Both drivers boast several key performance upgrades, including an increased power handling capability of 120W AES (240W continuous) and an enhanced sensitivity of 108 dB. Crucially, they feature a lower minimum crossover point of 800 Hz (12dB/oct), which significantly strengthens application flexibility by allowing integration with woofers across a wider frequency band.
Furthermore, a critical development for modern sound systems—particularly line arrays—is a tangible reduction in size. Both the CDX14-3055 and CDX14-3045 are notably more compact than their predecessors. In both cases, the smaller diameter improves close-coupling when multiple drivers are used with less distance between acoustic centres leading to better array performance.
Technological Innovation and Key Differences
The technological innovation in these new drivers lies primarily in diaphragm and clamping design, continuing Celestion’s tradition of engineering excellence.
The CDX14-3055 is an upgraded version of the CDX14-3050. It retains Celestion’s patented two-piece, deep-drawn titanium diaphragm with a polyimide surround working together with the maximum modal suppression phase plug; assisted by the Sound CastleTM soft clamping diaphragm assembly these features deliver an ultra-low noise signal. The CDX14-3055 provides a notable boost in sound pressure level above 5 kHz compared to its predecessor which provides even clearer, more detailed high-frequency reproduction.
The CDX14-3045, is an evolution of the CDX14-3040 featuring a single-piece titanium diaphragm and surround. A tried-and-tested diaphragm profile has been updated with an enhanced surround shape for greater linearity. The addition of an all-new high-temperature polymer clamp ring, enables the driver to provide outstanding performance with maximum reliability while delivering elevated levels of power and sensitivity.
In essence, these drivers provide two distinct high-frequency sonic signatures within the same power and size category: the CDX14-3055 offers the refined, ultra low-noise performance of the patented two-piece diaphragm, while the CDX14-3045 provides the sure-footed reliability of a well-established titanium diaphragm design, with improved linearity.
Both options ensure Celestion’s large-format compression driver offering remains at the forefront of the industry.
