Bose DesignMax DM2C-LP In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair)

Bose DesignMax DM2C-LP In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair)

The Bose DesignMax DM2C-LP is a low-profile in-ceiling loudspeaker for commercial background music and paging, sold here as a pair. Its backcan is only about 10 cm (3.9 in) deep, so it fits the shallow ceiling voids of older buildings and tight modern plenums where a standard-depth ceiling speaker cannot go. A single 2.25-inch (57 mm) full-range driver delivers a frequency response of 95 Hz to 18,000 Hz (-3 dB), extending to 85 Hz at -10 dB, with wide conical coverage of 150 degrees (1 to 4 kHz) so fewer speakers cover a given area evenly. Power handling is 16 W long-term continuous on the Bose extended-lifecycle test (20 W AES), 64 W peak, with 84 dB sensitivity and a calculated maximum SPL of 96 dB at 1 m.

For distributed systems, the DM2C-LP carries a multi-tap transformer: 1.2, 2.3, 4.5 and 9 W taps at 70 V, and 2.3, 4.5 and 9 W at 100 V, plus a bypass position for 16-ohm low-impedance use. That 16-ohm rating is a practical advantage in small systems, because it allows four units on a single low-impedance amplifier line. Wiring is front-access through a 6-pin Euroblock connector with loop-through for 18 to 14 AWG cable, which makes both installation and later fault-finding easier. The integrated steel-formed backcan is plenum-rated to UL2043, and the loudspeaker is UL-1480A listed and CE compliant.

Key features

• Low-profile backcan around 10 cm deep for shallow ceiling spaces
• 2.25-inch full-range driver; 95 Hz to 18 kHz response (-3 dB)
• 150-degree conical coverage (1 to 4 kHz) for even background music
• 70 V / 100 V transformer taps plus 16-ohm bypass
• 16 W continuous and 64 W peak (Bose test); 84 dB sensitivity
• Patented QuickHold spring-loaded mounting arms
• Front-access Euroblock wiring with loop-through; plenum-rated backcan (UL2043)
• Minimum-bezel magnetic grille, paintable, with removable logo

QuickHold installation

Bose’s patented QuickHold system uses two spring-loaded mounting arms: push the speaker into the 165 mm cut-out and the arms clamp it in place, cutting installation time and removing the strain of holding a speaker overhead while driving screws. Adjustable tile bridges are included for suspended ceilings, the maximum ceiling thickness is 39 mm, and the perforated steel grille attaches magnetically with a safety tether. Bose recommends high-pass protection at 85 Hz with a 24 dB per octave filter, and Bose loudspeaker EQ voicing with SmartBass processing is available when the speakers are driven from Bose DSPs and amplifiers, though neither is required for standalone use.

Distributed audio, simplified

The combination of transformer taps, front-baffle wiring and a 16-ohm bypass makes the DM2C-LP easy to specify into mixed systems: long 70 V or 100 V runs for large floors, short low-impedance runs for small zones, all from the same loudspeaker model. The minimum-bezel grille in white (RAL 9003) can be painted to match the ceiling, and the rotatable, removable logo keeps the finished installation discreet.

Where it fits

The DM2C-LP suits retail stores, restaurants, cafes, offices, hospitality venues and conference spaces with limited ceiling depth that need discreet, even background music and clear paging. It is rated for indoor use only, over an operating range of 0 to 50 degrees C. Full specifications are listed in the Additional Information table on this page.