JBL 2380A Bi-Radial Horn (1980s)
The JBL 2380A is a large-format Bi-Radial horn from JBL Professional's installed-sound and cinema lineup, produced from the 1980s. It's a cast aluminum horn for 1-inch exit compression drivers, typically the 2445, 2446, or 2447, and it was used in the C48 two-way system and the 4894 system. It shows up in permanent installations and touring rigs rather than living rooms. The size and weight explain why: 27.4 inches wide, 20.6 inches high, 21.5 inches deep, and 35 pounds.
JBL called the design Bi-Radial, which means the horn flares in both planes to control directivity. The 2380A has nominal 90° x 50° coverage, and the horn is rotatable, so you can flip the pattern for horizontal or vertical mounting depending on the venue. The frequency range is rated at 800 Hz to 18 kHz. JBL's datasheet claims pattern control extends below 1 kHz, though some forum posts suggest it is usable down to 500 Hz, making it suitable for long-throw applications. A typical crossover point in system use is 800 Hz. Studio Sound (March 1989, p.21) touched on the ergonomic realities of working with large-format professional gear like this.
Sonically, the 2380A paired with a 2445 driver is known for excellent midrange clarity and projection, the kind of presence that cuts through in a cinema or large venue. It has compromises. Users note that it's large and heavy compared to modern compact horns, and there's a common complaint about a slightly metallic ring at very high SPLs. It's a passive horn with no moving parts, so failures are rare, but paint chipping and scratches are common on used examples.
On the used market, the horn alone typically sells for $150 - $300 on eBay and Reverb. Original pairs with 2445 drivers attached go for $600 - $900. If you're buying a pair with drivers, check the diaphragms. The originals in the 2445s often need replacement, and aftermarket options are readily available.
Known Specifications
- Type: Bi-Radial horn, cast aluminum
- Driver compatibility: 1-inch exit compression drivers (2445/2446/2447)
- Frequency range: 800 Hz – 18 kHz
- Directivity: 90° x 50° nominal, rotatable
- Dimensions: 27.4" W x 20.6" H x 21.5" D (696 x 523 x 546 mm)
- Weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- System use: JBL C48 and 4894 systems
Exact production years aren't pinned down beyond "1980s," and no original retail price has surfaced. The record on this horn is mostly practical — what it is, how it was used, and what it sounds like — rather than a tidy paper trail of launch dates and price lists.
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