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DUPLEX was the trade name given by Altec Lansing to its line of coaxial loudspeakers, beginning with the first model 601 in 1943. However, the name was most commonly associated with the subsequent model 604 which was a seminal loudspeaker that became a milestone in loudspeaker development. Well over a dozen different models carried the Duplex name over a near 50-year period. The vast majority consisted of a high frequency (HF) compression driver mounted to the back of a large diameter (12–15 in) paper cone low frequency (LF) driver. However, there were also a few models with small diameter LF cones and direct radiator tweeters.
The Duplex speakers were extremely versatile with the 604 model alone finding application in studio monitoring, home high fidelity, public address, tour sound reinforcement, cinema sound and installed sound. A number of duplex drivers were developed for very specialized applications, such as ceiling speakers. Some of the more significant models in the Duplex lineup were, in order of introduction, the 15" 601, 15" 604, 15" 602, 12" 601, 15" 605, 15" 904 and 12" 920.
The significance of the Duplex loudspeakers is evidenced by the fact that the Altec Lansing 604 Duplex was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2005.[1]