3. Illuminator 12MU/8731T00

Illuminator 12MU/8731T00

80 Watt

Illuminator 12MU/8731T00

Technical Highlights

  • Power 80/150W, impedance 8 Ohm, frequency range 70-6000 Hz.
  • Resonant frequency 66 Hz, voice coil Ø 32mm, efficiency 87.2 dB.
  • Diaphragm area 58 cm², linear excursion +/3.4mm, Qts 0.29.
  • More technical details
€314.95
€314.95 €314.95
2% discount with credit card
including VAT
Estimated delivery: Sep 14–Sep 17.
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datasheet
A Scanspeak Illuminator 12MU/8731T00 subwoofer with black and silver circular cone, exposed frame, and mounting holes, shown on a white background.
€314.95
€314.95 €314.95

Discover the Illuminator 12MU/8731T00, a high-quality 4" (10cm) midrange driver from Scanspeak. This midrange driver stands out due to its open design, large linear excursion, and its underhung voice coil system SD-3. With a neodymium drive and minimized distortion through intelligent copper cap construction, it offers exceptional performance. Additionally, it features a patented cone that, together with the SD-3 system, guarantees a lossless linear excursion. With its wide frequency range of 100Hz - 10KHz and high efficiency, this midrange driver offers quality that is hard to surpass.

features
  • 4" (11cm) midrange driver of the Illuminator series
  • Underhung vibrating coil with neodymium drive
  • Membrane and dust protection cap are made from one piece.
  • Very wide frequency range (100Hz - 10KHz)
  • Patented symmetrical drive (SD-3)
  • low-loss linear suspension
  • High efficiency, 87dB @ 2.83V
Data
  • Load capacity (Nominal/Music) = 80/150 W
  • Frequency range = 70-6000 Hz
  • Resonance frequency fs = 66 Hz
  • Impedance R = 8 Ohm
  • Sound pressure level SPL = 87.2 dB (2.83V; 1m)
  • Direct current resistance Re = 5.9 Ohm
  • Power factor BL = 6.1 N/A
  • Swing coil inductance L = 0.13 mH
  • Effective membrane area Sd = 58 cm2
  • Moving mass incl. air load mms = 4.7 g
  • Equivalent volume Vas = 5.8 l
  • Outdoor overall quality Qts = 0.29 (Qms=3.63, Qes=0.31)
  • Diameter of the vibrating coil = 32 mm
  • Linear displacement xlin +/- 3.4 mm
  • Installation diameter d = 101 mm
  • Outer diameter d = 120 mm
  • Installation depth (not milled) t = 70 mm

datasheet

Open data sheet

Frequently Asked Questions about Illuminator 12MU/8731T00

What are the advantages of the underhung voice coil in the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00?

The underhung voice coil of the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 improves linear excursion and reduces distortion. By integrating with a neodymium drive, precise movements are enabled, resulting in clear sound reproduction. The design of the voice coil ensures that the magnet remains constant even at high excursions, minimizing distortion. This significantly contributes to the high efficiency of the midrange driver, which has an efficiency of 87 dB at 2.83V. The symmetrical arrangement supports the SD-3 drive, leading to even energy distribution and improved performance.

How does the neodymium drive affect the performance of the Illuminator 12MU/8731T00?

The neodymium drive in the Illuminator 12MU/8731T00 ensures high efficiency and strong performance. Neodymium is known for its high energy density, which is essential in compact designs. This achieves a uniform and powerful sound output. In combination with the underhung voice coil system, harmonic distortions are minimized. This is further supported by the intelligent copper cap construction, which optimizes the magnetic flux. The use of neodymium thus contributes to powerful and precise sound reproduction. The compact unit also offers a lightweight design without compromising performance.

What frequency ranges does the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 cover?

The Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 covers an exceptionally wide frequency range from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. This range allows for clear reproduction of both low tones and high frequencies, making it ideal for various applications. The resonance frequency is at 66 Hz, indicating that the midrange driver operates effectively even at lower frequency ranges. The high efficiency of 87.2 dB underscores its ability to provide rich sound development even at lower power levels. These specifications make the 12MU/8731T00 a versatile component for high-quality audio systems.

What technical features ensure low distortion in the 12MU/8731T00?

The construction of the 12MU/8731T00 minimizes distortion through a combination of copper caps and an optimized neodymium drive. The copper cap, in particular, optimizes the magnetic circuit by reducing eddy currents, thereby improving the distortion behavior. Additionally, the symmetrical SD-3 drive ensures a linear force distribution. The efficiency of 87 dB shows that a clear sound is achieved even with 2.83V. Furthermore, the underhung voice coil allows for precise movement, which ensures precision, especially in the mid frequencies. These technical features harmonize optimally for the best sound quality.

What parameters of the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 influence sound quality?

Several parameters of the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 significantly influence sound quality: The force factor BL of 6.1 N/A indicates the strong magnetic force that allows for precise control of the diaphragm. The DC resistance of 5.9 Ohms ensures stable power output. The effective diaphragm area of 58 cm² contributes to powerful sound reproduction. With a Qts of 0.29, the midrange driver exhibits good damping, which makes the sound precise. Additionally, the moving mass of 4.7 g supports light and fast diaphragm movements, enabling clearly defined sound radiation.

How do I correctly install the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 midrange driver in the car?

For the installation of the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 in the car, some technical details must be considered: The cutout diameter is 101 mm, while the outer diameter is 120 mm. The non-recessed installation depth is 70 mm. These dimensions are crucial for compatibility in existing enclosures or installation spaces in the vehicle. The midrange driver is designed for vehicles that require a flat yet powerful mid-frequency solution. Due to the specific dimensions, it is advisable to check in advance whether there is enough space for integration into existing speaker mounts or custom enclosures.

Why is the efficiency of the 12MU/8731T00 important?

The efficiency of 87 dB at 2.83V of the 12MU/8731T00 is crucial for the efficiency of sound reproduction. A higher efficiency means that the speaker requires less power to achieve a certain volume level. This is particularly advantageous if you want powerful yet energy-efficient sound reproduction. The efficiency is also an indicator of the quality of the driver and chassis construction. An optimized SD-3 drive contributes to this high efficiency by maximizing audio performance and minimizing distortion without requiring high power consumption.

How does the patented symmetrical drive (SD-3) contribute to the performance of the 12MU/8731T00?

The patented symmetrical drive (SD-3) of the 12MU/8731T00 enhances sound fidelity through an innovative balance of mechanical and magnetic forces. SD-3 allows for the reduction of distortions by targeted force distribution. The symmetrical design ensures that the force is evenly distributed across the entire diaphragm area, promoting extremely linear and low-loss sound radiation. The integration with the underhung voice coil ensures precise control of diaphragm movement even at high levels. This combination results in excellent sound quality, even in challenging acoustic environments.

What impact does the equivalent volume Vas have on the performance of the 12MU/8731T00?

The equivalent volume Vas of 5.8 liters in the 12MU/8731T00 provides insight into how the air suspension works in a cabinet. Vas plays a crucial role in determining how the speaker will perform in various cabinet types. A properly tuned cabinet optimizes bass reproduction and minimizes distortions. The specification of Vas at 5.8 liters is typical for compact midrange drivers and offers flexibility in cabinet selection. This directly affects the reproduction of the lower frequency range and, in combination with the other Thiele-Small parameters, ensures optimal acoustic tuning.

What role does linear excursion play in the sound profile of the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00?

The linear excursion of +/- 3.4 mm of the Scanspeak 12MU/8731T00 is crucial for sound dynamics. This excursion allows the speaker to have precise, self-recovering movement and reduces the risk of mechanical distortions at high volumes. This technical feature contributes to a precise and clear sound profile, even in complex musical passages. This is particularly noticeable during frequency changes or bass-heavy sequences. In conjunction with the SD-3 system and the neodymium drive, a low-loss excursion is achieved, promoting a stable and dynamic sound profile.

Manufacturer information/responsible person

Audio Components B.V.
Koen Pronk, Martijn Ouwerkerk
Peizerweg 97a
9727AJ Groningen
Netherlands

Contact: info@audio-components.com