Dolby DSR1280 – 12-Inch Two-Way Overhead Surround Speaker is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
What is the Dolby DSR1280?
The Dolby DSR1280 is a high-powered, 12-inch two-way passive surround loudspeaker for medium and large cinema auditoriums. Part of Dolby's DSR immersive surround series, it is typically used for overhead positions in Dolby Atmos rooms. Its patented asymmetrical waveguide covers 80° at the top and 130° at the bottom horizontally, with 80° vertical, for wide and even overhead coverage.
How does the Dolby DSR1280 work?
Overhead channels need full-bandwidth speakers that cover a broad area of seats from above. The DSR1280 combines a custom high-sensitivity 12-inch low-frequency driver with a low-distortion 44.4 mm high-frequency driver on a baffle-mounted asymmetrical waveguide. The wider 80°/130° pattern spreads energy over more rows than the side-surround DSR1260 while keeping volume linear and targeted.
The cabinet mounts vertically or horizontally to stay clear of the projector light path, and the high-frequency horn rotates within the enclosure to keep coverage on the most seats. A passive crossover and top-of-cabinet input plate with a high-current terminal allow plug-and-play operation from one amplifier channel. It is rated at 525 W @ 64.8 Vrms into 8 ohms with 127 dB continuous half-space SPL at one metre and a target throw distance of 19 metres.
Overhead feeds come from a Dolby CP950A Atmos processor, and a Dolby Multichannel Amplifier such as the DMA32301 drives the array.
What are the key features of the Dolby DSR1280?
- Wide asymmetrical waveguide — 80° top / 130° bottom horizontal and 80° vertical coverage suits overhead arrays.
- Rotatable HF horn — the horn rotates so the cabinet can be mounted in either orientation.
- 12-inch high-sensitivity woofer — full-bandwidth surround reproduction from 55 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Low-distortion HF driver — a 44.4 mm polyimide dome driver gives smooth, detailed highs.
- Passive crossover — plug-and-play operation from a single amplifier channel.
- Low-reflection Dolby design — the finish minimizes reflection of projection light.
Where is the Dolby DSR1280 typically used?
- Dolby Atmos cinema auditorium (medium to large)
- Premium large-format auditorium
- Screening room
- Auditorium
- House of worship
Technical Specifications
| Model | DSR1280 |
| Frequency range | 55 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Usable LF response | 47 Hz |
| Coverage window (asymmetrical) | 80° top H, 130° bottom H, 80° V |
| Rated impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Sensitivity @ 1 W | 98 dB whole space / 100 dB half space |
| Power handling | 525 W @ 64.8 Vrms |
| Power draw | 420 W |
| Maximum voltage peak | 160 Vpk |
| Max continuous SPL @ 1 m | 125 dB whole space / 127 dB half space |
| Measured peak SPL @ 1 m | 136 dB whole space / 138 dB half space |
| Transducers | MF 12"; HF 44.4 mm diaphragm |
| Enclosure | Wood |
| Accessories | M10 safety eyebolt #6009242 (sold separately) |
| Dimensions (unit) | 25.87" H x 16.13" W x 14.59" D (65.7 x 40.98 x 37.1 cm) |
| Weight (unit) | 55 lb (25 kg) |
| Weight (shipping) | 62 lb (28.12 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DSR1280 designed for Dolby Atmos overheads?
Yes. Dolby positions the DSR1280 as its overhead model in the DSR immersive surround series, driven by processors such as the CP950A or CP950.
How does it differ from the DSR1260?
The two share drivers, enclosure and ratings. The DSR1280 uses a wider 80°/130° horizontal, 80° vertical waveguide for overheads; the DSR1260 uses 60°/120° and 60° for side surrounds.
How is the DSR1280 hung overhead?
Rigging must follow Dolby's owner's manual, using structure and hardware selected by a qualified installer. Dolby lists an M10 safety eyebolt (#6009242) as a separate accessory.
What amplifier does it need?
One channel per speaker into 8 ohms, rated at 525 W @ 64.8 Vrms with a 420 W measured power draw.
What warranty and support are available?
The DSR1280 carries Dolby's manufacturer warranty, confirmed with your quote. Creation Networks designs, installs and tunes Dolby Atmos systems; see the Dolby Professional collection and request a quote.
At Creation Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
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