Altec 844A
A wall-mountable monitor speaker system designed for professional playback in clubs, studios, and small venues.
Overview
The Altec 844A is a monitor/playback speaker system built for professional audio environments. Marketed as suitable for nightclubs, discotheques, and small auditoriums, it delivers playback quality that found use in post-production studios well into the 1990s. The system features a coaxial driver configuration centered on a 604 Duplex (15-inch) driver and includes an internal crossover with a 3,000 Hz crossover point. Designed for installation flexibility, it comes in a compact bass-reflex cabinet intended for wall-mounting.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 31" wide by 24" high by 16" deep |
| Cabinet type | compact bass-reflex cabinet |
| Cabinet feature | designed for wall-mounting |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Frequency Response | Approx. 50 Hz – 16 kHz |
| Crossover | 3.000 cycles |
| Crossover | Internal |
| Driver Configuration | Coaxial (604 Duplex: 15) |
| High Frequency Shelving | 10 db constantly |
| Power handling capacity | 150 watts (pink noise) |
| Sensitivity | 0.59V |
Design
The 844A uses a compact but efficient bass-reflex cabinet designed specifically for wall-mounting. It integrates a coaxial 604 Duplex driver with an internal crossover, offering wide frequency response and extremely low noise levels. The system is noted for high reliability and professional-grade playback performance.
Context
The Altec 844A was promoted for professional playback applications, including use in nightclubs, discotheques, and small auditoriums. Its studio-grade quality ensured longevity in professional settings, with units still in use in post-production environments as late as the mid-1990s.
Market
Due to their age, many Altec 844A units require restoration to perform optimally. A common maintenance issue is aging crossover capacitors, particularly electrolytics, which often need replacement. Some users have implemented DIY crossovers or used N-1500A units in place of original components.
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