JBL AWC159-BK - 500W 15-inch Passive 2-Way IP56-Rated 70V/100V Installation Loudspeaker with 90 x 90-Degree Coverage in Black Finish

The JBL Professional AWC159-BK is a robust, high-performance, coaxial-driver, 2-way loudspeaker designed to provide outstanding sound clarity and durability across a wide variety of outdoor and indoor applications. Ideal for environments such as sports facilities, racetracks, stadiums, fairgrounds, water parks, and swimming pools, this loudspeaker is built to deliver consistent and reliable performance in harsh weather conditions. It features a 15-inch Kevlar-reinforced low-frequency driver paired with a 1.5-inch high-frequency compression driver, providing a wide, broadband 90° x 90° coverage pattern, making it perfect for both speech and music reproduction.

The AWC159-BK uses a unique coaxial design that seamlessly integrates the high and low-frequency drivers, utilizing a tapered polepiece to create a large diameter pattern control horn. This design eliminates high-frequency beaming and extends pattern control to the lowest frequencies, ensuring consistent coverage across the entire frequency range. The speaker's 500W power handling (continuous pink noise) allows it to produce high output levels, making it suitable for large, open spaces and areas requiring powerful sound reinforcement. With a frequency response of 52 Hz - 20 kHz, the speaker covers the full audio spectrum, delivering exceptional clarity for speech and extended range for music.

The AWC159-BK features a durable and weather-resistant enclosure constructed from ABS with glass fiber, ensuring its ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions. The speaker is rated IP56 per IEC529, providing excellent protection against dust and water, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations. The corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel grille offers additional durability and protection from the elements. This loudspeaker is equipped with a 300W 70V/100V multi-tap transformer for versatile installation options, while also supporting direct 8Ω low-impedance connections for flexibility in various sound systems.

The advanced crossover network of the AWC159-BK is designed to provide smooth midrange performance and precise frequency separation, with a high-pass filter at 1.5 kHz, 3rd order (18 dB/oct) for the high frequencies and a 2nd order low-pass filter for the low frequencies. The speaker's design ensures a constant, uniform sound distribution, making it perfect for large-scale installations where even coverage is essential. The AWC159-BK also features SonicGuard overload protection for the high-frequency driver, which prevents damage from excessive input levels while maintaining exceptional audio fidelity.

With a net weight of 45.5 lbs (51.5 lbs with the included U-bracket), the AWC159-BK is relatively easy to install and can be mounted securely with the included U-bracket. The speaker's rugged construction and heavy-duty components ensure it delivers reliable performance over the long term, making it an ideal choice for demanding environments that require both high SPL capabilities and long-lasting durability.

Features

• Coaxial 2-way speaker with a 15-inch Kevlar-reinforced woofer and 1.5-inch high-frequency compression driver for consistent 90° x 90° coverage
• IP56-rated enclosure designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations
• 500W power handling (continuous pink noise) with high sensitivity, providing high SPL capabilities
• Frequency response of 52 Hz - 20 kHz, delivering full-range sound for both speech and music
• 300W 70V/100V multi-tap transformer with options for 200W, 100W, 50W, and 25W taps, and direct 8Ω low-impedance option
• Advanced passive crossover network with a 1.5 kHz high-pass filter and low-pass filter for smooth midrange and precise frequency response
• SonicGuard overload protection for the high-frequency driver, ensuring long-lasting performance and protection from excessive power
• Durable ABS and glass fiber enclosure with a corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel grille for excellent environmental protection
• Dimensions: 19.1 x 19.1 x 18.8 inches, net weight: 45.5 lbs, shipping weight: 61 lbs (with U-bracket)

Specifications

System

• Frequency Range (-10 dB): 52 Hz - 20 kHz
• Frequency Response (±3 dB): 80 Hz - 20 kHz
• Coverage Pattern: 90° x 90°
• Directivity Factor (Q): 11.1 (1 k - 16 kHz)
• Directivity Index (DI): 9.7 dB (1 k - 16 kHz)
• Long-Term System Power Rating (IEC): 500 W (2000 W peak), 2 hrs. 300 W (1200 W peak), 100 hrs
• Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 98 dB (Ave. 80 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Maximum SPL: Direct 80°: 125 dB (peaks of 131 dB) 100W Tap: 123 dB (peaks of 129 dB)
• Crossover Network: 1.5 kHz, 4th order (24 dB/oct) high-pass plus conjugate to HF, 2nd order low-pass to LF
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Transformer Taps:
  • 70V: 300W, 150W, 75W, 38W
  • 100V: 300W, 150W, 75W

Transducers

• Low Frequency Driver: Kevlar-reinforced cone with weather treatment, 75 mm (3 in) voice coil.
• High Frequency Driver: 2408H-2 38 mm (1 in) diaphragm and voice coil diameter, patented high-temperature annular polymer diaphragm, copper-clad aluminum coil, fluid-cooled.

Physical

• Enclosure: ABS with Glass enclosure, heavily braced
• Attachment: Two M10 (fine-thread) points for included U-bracket. Reference torque 15 ft-lb (20 N·m). M6 secondary safety attachment point on back panel.
• Grille: Corrosion-resistant zinc-rich extra-thick powder coated steel grille, 3-layer assembly with foam and woven poly mesh backing.
• Input Connection: CE-compliant covered barrier strip terminals. Barrier terminals accept up to 8 mm outside 4 mm inside open-lug (#6 or #8) plus bare wire up to 2.5 mm2 (12 AWG) wire or spade lugs. Terminal compartment cover equipped with gland nut that forms water-tight seal with round-jacketed cables with outside diameter between 4.0 mm (0.16") and 9.0 mm (0.36").
• Environmental: IP56 for IEC529, with a minimum 5° downward aiming angle. Exceeds Mil Spec 810 for humidity, salt spray, temperature & UV, and ASTM G85 for acid-air/salt-spray.
• Dimensions: 19.1 x 19.1 x 18.8 inches, 507 mm (19.9 in) depth including bracket extending to back 546 mm (21.5 in) including bracket extending to back
• Colors: Available in gray (similar to Pantone 420C) and black (-BK)
• Net Weight: 45.5 lbs (one speaker) 51.5 lbs with U-bracket
• Shipping Weight: 61 lbs
• Included Accessories: U-bracket, matches loudspeaker color (gray or black), zinc-rich extra thick powder coated, steel.