Altec Lansing MRII594 (c. 1980?)

Name: Altec Lansing MRII594
Brand: Altec Lansing

A lightweight FRP manta ray horn designed for compact high-directivity audio systems, compatible with Altec 288, 290, and 291 drivers

Overview

The Altec Lansing MRII594 is a manta ray horn—also referred to as a mantalehorn—engineered for directional sound control in professional audio setups. Built around 1980, it belongs to the MRII series and was designed to offer miniaturized, lightweight performance while maintaining the acoustic characteristics of its predecessor, the MR94A. Constructed from robust yet lightweight FRP (fiberglass-reinforced plastic), the MRII594 supports high directivity across an expanded frequency range and pairs specifically with Altec drivers 288, 290, and 291.

Specifications

Directional property	90° x 40°
Crossover frequency	500Hz
Applicable throat	No throat required
Compatible Drivers	288, 290, 291
288 Sensitivity	110dB/W/m, 122dB/15W/m
290 Sensitivity	108dB/W/m, 128dB/100W/m
291 Sensitivity	109dB/W/m, 125dB/40W/m
External Dimensions	Width 580 x Height 324 x Depth 317 mm
Weight	3.6kg

Design

The MRII594 is constructed from lightweight and robust FRP, supporting a compact form factor without sacrificing structural integrity. It was designed to be miniaturized and lightweight while preserving the core performance traits of the MR94A. The horn achieves directional control from 500 Hz up to 16 kHz and requires no additional throat component, simplifying integration with compatible drivers.

Context

Part of the MRII series, the MRII594 was developed as a downsized successor to the MR94A, aiming to deliver similar acoustic performance in a more compact and portable format. It was intended for use with specific Altec compression drivers—288, 290, and 291—tailoring it to professional sound reinforcement applications where size and directionality mattered.