Lantern Illuminator — Dual-Woofer Authority, Paper-Driver Soul
Built to order · Current build time: 6–8 weeks
Bigger scale, deeper bass, and increased sensitivity — all while preserving the warm, organic character of the Alpair 12P.
The Lantern Concept, Expanded
The Lantern Illuminator takes the core Lantern design and elevates it with a dual-woofer 2.5-way configuration. Using two Alpair 12P paper drivers in a 1.5 arrangement, it delivers higher sensitivity, stronger bass authority, and effortless dynamic slam — all while keeping the 12P’s natural midrange tone fully intact.
It uses the same B&C ME45 constant-directivity horn and Beyma CD11Nd compression driver found in the Lantern, ensuring consistent voicing, openness, and detail retrieval. The Illuminator simply delivers more: more scale, more headroom, and greater ease at any listening level.
Designed for those who love the tonal beauty of paper drivers but want deeper extension and a larger, more physical presentation, the Lantern Illuminator represents the full expression of this platform.
Drivers & Horn System
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Dual Mark Audio Alpair 12P extended-range paper drivers in a 1.5 configuration
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B&C ME45 — 12″ constant-directivity horn (same as Hiro family)
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Beyma CD11Nd compression driver — clarity, articulation, and openness
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Crossover: ~2 kHz with adjustable L-pad for horn level matching
Horn Voicing Adjustment
Lantern Illuminator includes a top-mounted resistor socket that allows you to adjust the horn’s output level. This is the control used to fine-tune horn voicing — no internal access, no crossover exposure.
Changing the resistor alters how forward or relaxed the horn feels relative to the dual paper drivers. It does not affect crossover safety, impedance stability, or driver protection.
Bold
More immediate and forward. Increases presence, clarity, and dynamic snap. Ideal for lower listening levels or rooms that benefit from added energy.
Neutral
Balanced and natural. The horn and paper drivers integrate seamlessly with realistic tone and stable imaging. This is the factory reference voicing and the recommended starting point.
Relaxed
Smoother and more laid-back. The horn settles back slightly, emphasizing warmth, body, and long-session comfort. Well suited to lively rooms or listeners who prefer a more organic presentation.
All voicing options are intentional and safe — choose by ear.
Cabinet Construction & Joinery
Built from ¾″ Baltic Birch plywood for stiffness, damping, and long-term stability — the same construction standard used across the Shinjitsu Audio family.
¼-Inch Solid Exotic Wood Front Baffle
Each front baffle is cut from a solid hardwood slab — never veneer. Species include Seasonal species include walnut, oak, Brazilian hickory, black limba, and wenge plus more. See wood options page for details. and more. Grain-matched, hand-sanded, and individually finished.
Rabbet-Joint Joinery
- Large glue surface for superior bond strength
- Mechanical interlock resists cabinet racking
- Self-aligning geometry for precise assembly
- Visible end-grain highlights real cabinetry craftsmanship
Specifications
| System Type |
Dual-woofer + horn, 2.5-way passive |
| Woofers |
Two Mark Audio Alpair 12P (paper cone) |
| High Frequency |
Beyma CD11Nd compression driver |
| Horn |
B&C ME45 |
| Crossover |
~2 kHz with adjustable L-pad |
| Sensitivity |
≈ 93 dB @ 1W / 1m |
| Frequency Response |
32 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB) |
| Impedance |
8 Ω nominal |
| Dimensions |
30 H × 9.25" W × 19″ D |
| Weight |
≈ 67 lbs each |
