Simple Explanation

A type of speaker horn that spreads high-frequency sound evenly across a set horizontal and vertical angle.

Concise Technical Definition

A horn-loaded loudspeaker component designed to maintain a near-constant dispersion angle across its operational frequency range, typically using a dual-shaped horn profile to provide uniform horizontal coverage and a consistent beamwidth.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a flashlight that shines its beam evenly across a room, not brighter in the center and dimmer at the edges.

Industry Usage Summary

Commonly used in PA systems, live sound reinforcement, and studio monitors to ensure consistent sound coverage across audience areas. CD horns are especially useful in environments where even horizontal sound distribution is critical. They roll off high frequencies at around 6 dB/octave starting near 2 kHz–4 kHz and often need EQ compensation to maintain tonal balance.

Engineering Shortcut

CD horn = uniform horizontal dispersion + 6 dB/octave HF roll-off → EQ required above ~2 kHz–4 kHz.

Full Technical Explanation

A Constant Directivity (CD) horn, also known as a uniform or constant coverage horn, is a horn-loaded high-frequency driver engineered to maintain consistent sound dispersion over a specified arc—typically 90°, 60°, or 40° horizontally, and ~40° vertically. This is achieved using specialized dual-shaped horn designs to solve the typical narrowing of dispersion at higher frequencies found in traditional horns. The frequency response of CD horns naturally rolls off above 2 kHz –4 kHz at a rate of approximately 6 dB/octave, requiring equalization to compensate for loss in high-frequency output. CD horns are vital in controlled-directivity applications like concert PA systems and large venues.