Martin Audio Q15-B – 15" Passive Two-Way Loudspeaker

Product Overview

The Martin Audio Blackline Q15 (model Q15-B) is a 15-inch passive two-way loudspeaker engineered for high-output portable sound reinforcement and permanent, commercial-grade install work. A user-rotatable Differential Dispersion horn works with a 380 mm LF driver to deliver 133 dB peak SPL and wide, consistent coverage from a single enclosure. It is a practical main or infill choice for AV integrators specifying audio in houses of worship, auditoriums, and multi-purpose commercial rooms. As an 8-ohm passive loudspeaker, the Q15-B integrates with a standard amplifier and system processor for predictable, repeatable deployments.

Product Description

The Q15-B is the highest-output model in Martin Audio's next-generation BlacklineQ series, pairing a 15" (380 mm) low-frequency driver with a 4" (102 mm) voice coil and a 1.4" (35 mm) exit HF compression driver on a 3" (75 mm) dome. The rotatable Differential Dispersion horn lets integrators switch the enclosure between horizontal and vertical orientation, tapering horizontal coverage from 70° to 90° to even out near- and far-field levels across an audience. A die-cast aluminium chassis improves thermal conductivity and motor cooling for sustained output during long events. Rated at 800 W AES (3200 W peak) into an 8-ohm load, this passive two-way loudspeaker reaches 127 dB continuous and 133 dB peak SPL. The symmetrical multi-angle plywood enclosure supports floor-monitor angles as well as upright PA placement, making it a flexible portable PA loudspeaker for rental and production inventories. For fixed installs, 18 M8 inserts plus a dedicated set of 6 for wall brackets accept yoke, eyebolt, or wall-bracket mounting, while a pole-mount socket with a removable cover keeps sightlines clean. Two NL4 connectors handle input and daisy-chain linking between cabinets. Martin Audio recommends driving the Q15-B with a DX-series processor and VIA amplifier, or an iKON combined amplifier-processor, to load the correct presets and driver protection. Typical deployments include main PA and infill for live music, corporate AV events, and houses of worship, plus foreground audio in commercial meeting spaces. The system pairs naturally with a Blackline Q118 or Q218 subwoofer when full-range low-frequency extension is required. Integrators comparing compact install options can also review the Martin Audio CDD10B on-wall loudspeaker and the transformer-equipped CDD10BTX 70V/100V speaker for distributed commercial systems.

Key Features

• 15" high-output LF driver — A 380 mm woofer with a 4" voice coil delivers deep, high-SPL low end for demanding rooms and open-air infill.
• Rotatable Differential Dispersion horn — Horizontal coverage tapers from 70° to 90° and the horn reorients for vertical or horizontal cabinet placement.
• 133 dB peak output — The system produces 127 dB continuous and 133 dB peak (139 dB with crest factor 4) for large-audience reinforcement.
• Die-cast aluminium chassis — Improves thermal conductivity and motor cooling to sustain output across long events.
• 8-ohm passive design — Integrates with standard amplifier and processor rigs for straightforward AV system integration.
• Flexible rigging and mounting — M8 inserts accept yoke, eyebolt, and wall-bracket hardware, with a pole-mount socket for portable use.
• Dual NL4 connectors — Provide secure input and pass-through linking between enclosures in multi-cabinet setups.
• Multi-angle plywood enclosure — Doubles as a stage monitor and upright PA cabinet in a rugged black textured finish.

Typical Applications

• House of worship main PA and foreground audio
• Auditorium sound reinforcement
• Multi-purpose room
• All-hands room
• Training room
• Conference room and commercial meeting space audio

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What amplification and processing does the Q15-B require?
The Q15-B is a passive loudspeaker, so it needs an external amplifier and system processor. Martin Audio recommends a DX0.4, DX0.6, or DX4.0 processor paired with a VIA amplifier, or an iKON combined amplifier-processor, to load the correct presets and driver protection.

Can the Q15-B be flown or wall-mounted for a permanent installation?
Yes. The enclosure provides 18 M8 inserts plus 6 dedicated M8 inserts for wall brackets, accepting the optional WB15 wall bracket, Q15YP yoke, or HTKCT05 M8 eyebolts for suspension. A pole-mount socket with a removable cover supports portable use.

Is the Q15-B rated for outdoor installation?
The Q15-B uses a plywood enclosure with black textured paint and is not IP-rated for weather exposure. For semi-exposed or outdoor commercial zones, consider a weatherized model such as the Martin Audio CDD10B-WR IP54 outdoor loudspeaker.

Which subwoofer pairs with the Q15-B?
For full-range low-frequency extension, the Q15-B is designed to integrate with the Blackline Q118 (single 18") or Q218 (dual 18") passive subwoofers using matching system presets.

What is the impedance load when linking multiple cabinets?
Each Q15-B presents an 8-ohm nominal load. The two NL4 connectors allow input and pass-through linking; confirm your amplifier's minimum load rating before paralleling multiple enclosures on a single channel.

Can the Q15-B be used as a stage monitor?
Yes. The symmetrical multi-angle plywood enclosure includes monitor angles, so the same cabinet serves as unobtrusive stage monitoring or upright front-of-house PA.

What warranty and support are available?
The Q15-B is covered by Martin Audio's manufacturer limited warranty. For warranty registration, specification support, or system design assistance, contact the Creation Networks commercial AV team.