JBL 044 Tweeter
1978-1983
The 044 was JBL's refined aluminum-deposited phenol dome tweeter, used in the L96 and L112. Building on the 066's innovation, it offered smoother response and better integration with the ceramic-magnet-era speakers.
Specifications
| Type | Dome tweeter |
|---|---|
| Nominal Diameter | 1" (25mm) |
| Magnet Type | Ferrite (Ceramic) |
| Diaphragm Material | Aluminum-deposited phenol resin |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Frequency Response | 4 kHz - 20 kHz+ |
| Crossover | 3.7-4 kHz (application dependent) |
Key Features
- Phenol Resin Diaphragm: Aluminum-deposited phenol for smooth, extended response
- Ferrite Magnet: Cost-stable ceramic magnet structure
- Low Crossover Point: Can be crossed over as low as 3.7 kHz
- Smooth Response: Refined high-frequency character
Applications
Historical Context
The 044 represented the maturation of JBL's dome tweeter technology. By switching to phenol resin as the base material and refining the aluminum deposition process, JBL achieved a tweeter that was both more consistent to manufacture and smoother in its frequency response.
The use of ferrite magnets instead of Alnico was driven by cost considerations, but JBL's engineering ensured no performance was lost in the transition.
Documentation
- L112 Brochure (PDF) - Contains 044 tweeter information
- JBL Loudspeaker Components 1979 Catalog - Contains tweeter specifications