JBL 2482 Compression Driver

Name: JBL 2482
Brand: JBL

The JBL 2482 is a high-power, high-sensitivity two-inch compression driver from JBL's professional line. It is the 16-ohm version of the 2485. The two were sold as a family, and the datasheet lists them as "2482 (16Ω)" and "2485 (8Ω)," so you could match impedance to your system. It has a 4-inch edgewound aluminum ribbon diaphragm, a radial phase plug and a ferrite magnet structure. It is rated at 75 watts with a sensitivity of roughly 110 dB SPL (1W@1m), and it covers 500 Hz to 12 kHz. The throat is 2 inches.

These were workhorse drivers in JBL's professional sound reinforcement and cinema systems. They show up in discussions of the 4670 and 4682 series cabinets, often paired with 2220 or 2205 woofers. A classified ad in Modern Recording (July 1981, p.106) listed a used 2482 for $250. A separate Modern Recording classified listing from November 1980 (p.98) mentions JBL compression driver repair and reconing services. The 2482 also belongs to the JBL 2480-series "Radial" driver family, which included the 2480 and 2481.

What little user commentary exists is generally positive. One ProSoundWeb forum user calls it "a great horn driver, very smooth and detailed," and another says it suits midrange duty from 500 Hz to 5 kHz. They disagree on how it stacks up against modern drivers, with one user saying it's "not as detailed as a modern compression driver." The practical concern is the original aluminum diaphragm, which can work-harden and crack after decades of use. JBL service documentation lists the D16R2482 as the replacement diaphragm for the 16-ohm model. Some users recommend the newer titanium version (D16R2482Ti) for better durability.

No original retail price, production years or physical dimensions are documented in the available sources. The 2482 is discontinued, so repair means replacement diaphragms, original or aftermarket.