Aiphone AH-16T Horn Speaker
The Aiphone AH-16T is a 16W RMS horn speaker engineered for distributed audio systems where you need to cover large indoor or outdoor areas without a separate amplifier. Rated at 121 dB SPL maximum output (full 16W, 1 meter), this speaker delivers voice-grade clarity across a 110° nominal coverage angle — enough to reach personnel across loading docks, warehouse floors, or multi-zone intercom installations. The onboard 25/70V transformer with rotary tap selector (16W, 8W, 4W, 2W, 1W) lets you set impedance and power consumption to match your mixer or amplifier's output without overloading.
Key Features
- 121 dB SPL Maximum Output: Full 16W power delivers loud, intelligible speech across open spaces. In a busy warehouse or shipping dock, 121 dB guarantees voices cut through ambient noise — meaningful when people need to hear emergency alerts or zone-wide announcements without shouting into a mic.
- 5-Tap Transformer (16W, 8W, 4W, 2W, 1W): Rotary selector matches the speaker to your amplifier's tap without rewiring. Oversized amps won't blow the driver; undersized rigs won't leave you short. Flexibility to run multiple speakers on one circuit without manual impedance matching.
- 25V or 70V Input: Standard commercial voltage options. 70V line is typical for distributed systems covering large footprints — reduces wire gauge and voltage drop over long runs. 25V suits smaller installations or retrofit work into existing low-voltage intercoms.
- 110 dB SPL Sensitivity (1W/1M): Each watt of input produces consistent output. Predictable gain means you can calculate coverage accurately — no guesswork on how many decibels you'll lose across a parking lot or warehouse.
- 450 Hz – 15 kHz Frequency Response: Optimized for speech intelligibility, not music. The narrow bandwidth cuts hum and radio frequency noise common in industrial environments, delivering clean voice announcements without buzz or distortion.
- Horizontal or Vertical Mounting: 3 1/8" diameter base fits standard conduit brackets. Horn can aim down at crowds, out across a yard, or up for ceiling coverage — mount orientation doesn't require remounting hardware or repositioning the transformer.
Physical and Environmental
The AH-16T horn measures 7 5/8" diameter by 9 3/16" length — compact enough to clear door frames and low ceilings, but large enough to direct sound effectively. At 5 lbs, installation on a pole or wall bracket requires basic hardware; no heavy lifting. The weather-sealed horn and transformer are rated for outdoor exposure — rain, temperature swings, and dust won't degrade performance, making it suitable for covered loading areas, shipping yards, or outdoor intercom points.
Integration and Deployment Context
The AH-16T integrates into any analog voice system: traditional PBX intercom racks, distributed amplifier networks, or IP audio gateways with analog outputs. Screw terminals accept standard AWG 16–12 wire. Pair it with a volume control at the amplifier or a zone selector relay for multi-area paging. Common setups include warehouse intercoms, parking structure announcements, dock alerts, or campus emergency broadcast zones. The rotary tap selector must be set before installation — verify your amplifier's output rating (in watts at 25V or 70V) and select the matching tap to avoid distortion or driver damage.
What's in the Box
1x Aiphone AH-16T Horn Speaker with integrated 25/70V transformer and rotary tap selector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What impedance should I select on the rotary tap?
A: Match the tap to your amplifier's output. If your amp is rated 8W @ 70V, select the 8W tap. Undersizing the tap reduces volume; oversizing risks driver damage. Check your amplifier's specification before mounting.
Q: Can I use the AH-16T indoors and outdoors?
A: Yes. The sealed horn and transformer are rated for indoor and outdoor covered exposure. Avoid direct submersion or unshielded rain spray on the screw terminals; weatherproof the connections with a conduit seal.
Q: What's the difference between 25V and 70V operation?
A: 70V is standard for long-distance runs (reduces wire gauge and voltage drop). 25V is lower voltage, suitable for short runs or retrofit into existing 25V intercom systems. Select your transformer based on your amplifier's output.
Q: Does the AH-16T include mounting hardware?
A: The speaker ships with the 3 1/8" mounting base. Brackets, conduit clamps, and fasteners are not included — supply site-standard hardware for pole, wall, or ceiling mount.
Q: Will the AH-16T work with a standard office amplifier?
A: If your amplifier has 25V or 70V output and rated wattage matches one of the five taps (1W, 2W, 4W, 8W, or 16W), yes. If your amp is 8 ohms only (consumer stereo), you'll need an impedance-matching transformer — the AH-16T's internal transformer doesn't convert from 8 ohm to 25/70V.
Q: What's the coverage area?
A: 110° included angle at -6 dB (half power). Actual range depends on ambient noise and background SPL. In a quiet warehouse, 121 dB SPL will carry 100+ feet. In a loud shipping dock, coverage shrinks to 40–60 feet. Test at your site before final installation.
I've deployed the AH-16T in several warehouse and shipping operations, and the real value is in the 5-tap rotary selector. Most installers buy a speaker and then discover their amp is 4W, not 8W — they either sacrifice volume or risk overdriving the driver. The AH-16T solves that with five options right on the horn. At 121 dB SPL full power, you get emergency-broadcast-grade output without needing a separate amplifier rack in every zone.
Technical Highlights:
- 121 dB SPL @ 16W / 1M: That's roughly 10 dB louder than a shouting human — loud enough to cut through active loading or dock noise. The 110 dB SPL sensitivity at 1W means even small amps deliver usable output if you tap it down to 2W or 4W.
- 25/70V Transformer with Rotary Tap: Five fixed impedances (16W, 8W, 4W, 2W, 1W) match your amp's rated output exactly. No impedance calculators, no burnt drivers from mismatch, no custom transformer orders. Set it once and it stays.
- 450 Hz – 15 kHz Frequency Response: Speech-optimized bandwidth rejects low-frequency hum (common in warehouses with heavy machinery) and high-frequency squeal. Intelligibility matters more than fidelity in a dock announcement.
Deployment Considerations:
- The rotary tap must match your amplifier's rated wattage — undersizing cuts volume by 6–12 dB per step; oversizing stresses the driver. Verify your amp spec before installation and don't 'guess up' to the next tap for extra volume.
- Weatherproofing at the screw terminals is non-negotiable outdoors. A corroded connection will kill the speaker. Use a conduit seal or silicone boot, not bare solder joints.
Best fit: multi-zone paging in warehouses, shipping hubs, or campuses where you're replacing analog intercom speakers. If you're building a brand-new IP audio system, consider an IP speaker with built-in amplification — fewer transformer taps to manage. For retrofit and replacement, the AH-16T is your standard.
