Introduction to the Penton PBC6‑IP PoE IP Speaker
Overview:The Penton PBC6‑IP is a compact, network‑addressable PoE wall/cabinet speaker designed for paging, background music and IP audio applications. It combines an onboard Terracom/IP audio module with DSP, internal storage and SIP/VoIP paging support in a tidy ABS cabinet. Power can be supplied via PoE+ or an optional 24 VDC PSU, making it a flexible choice for modern IP‑based audio infrastructures.
The PBC6‑IP is positioned as a 6 W rated IP PoE speaker with advanced audio and network features. It targets commercial environments—offices, retail stores, classrooms and light industrial spaces—where clear voice paging, scheduled messages and background music are needed without a bulky amplifier rack.
Key features at a glance
- PoE+ Ready:Power over Ethernet (PoE+) simplifies installation and cabling.
- Onboard DSP:Ducker, AGC, parametric EQ, filters, compressor and limiter for optimized intelligibility.
- Networked audio:SIP/VoIP support and common codecs (G.711 µ/a, G.722, PCM16K, MP3).
- Local storage:~200 MB internal plus microSD support up to 512 GB for messages and music.
- Flexible I/O:3 programmable control inputs, 1 contact (relay) output, optional mic input and LED interface for alerts.
- Compact design:White ABS enclosure (RAL9016) with a steel mesh grille—keyhole or screw mounting.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The PBC6‑IP is compact (330 × 240 × 90 mm) and lightweight (≈ 1.5 kg), making it easy to install in corridors, offices, classrooms and cabinet doors. Below are the core technical specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Rated power:6 W — Suitable for small to medium spaces where moderate background music levels or clear voice paging are required.
- Amplifier:Class‑D topology (2 × 20 W channels or bridged 40 W @ 4 Ω) — Efficient amplification with low heat and high reliability; allows headroom and flexible wiring options.
- Driver impedance & SPL:8 Ω driver and 96 dB (1W, 1m) sensitivity — Good acoustic output relative to size, ensuring intelligible paging at reasonable SPLs.
- Frequency range:160–18,000 Hz (BS EN60268‑5) — Optimized for speech with sufficient high‑end for background music clarity.
- SIP/VoIP compatible:Integrates with IP PBX or paging servers for live and scheduled paging.
- Supported codecs:G.711 µ/a, G.722, PCM16K and MP3 — Ensures interoperability with standard VoIP environments and efficient streaming.
- Onboard DSP:Ducker, AGC, parametric EQ, filters, compressor and limiter — These tools let installers tailor the speaker’s behavior to venue acoustics and prioritise paging over music automatically.
- Storage:~200 MB internal plus microSD up to 512 GB — Store pre‑recorded messages, music playlists and emergency tones locally to ensure reliable playback even if network issues occur.
- I/O:3 programmable inputs, 1 relay output, optional mic input and LED interface — Useful for integrating door sensors, fire systems, call buttons and visual alerting.
- IP rating:IP21 — Intended for indoor use only; protects against vertically falling water but not suitable for outdoor exposure.
- Materials and finish:UV‑stabilised ABS in white (RAL9016) with steel mesh grille — Durable, unobtrusive appearance for commercial interiors.
- Mounting:Keyhole and screw mount options simplify retrofit and new installations.
- Operating temperature:−25 °C to +70 °C — Robust enough for most indoor climate conditions, including equipment rooms and warehouses.
Use cases and scenarios where the PBC6‑IP excels
The PBC6‑IP is especially useful where network infrastructure already exists and installers want to minimise additional power cabling or rack‑mounted amplification. Typical scenarios include:
- Desk-to-desk paging and company-wide announcements via the existing IP phone system.
- Background music in breakout areas and lobbies with centralized control and distributed playback.
- Integration with access control or intercom stations using the programmable inputs and relay output.
- Classroom paging and emergency notification, with local audio storage for pre‑recorded alerts and schedules.
- Smaller lecture rooms where a discreet wall speaker with SIP paging is preferred over a full PA system.
- Background music zones combined with live or recorded promotional announcements.
- Easy zoning: program inputs for store hours, door chimes or staff call systems.
- Cabinet or toolbox audio for machine alarms, status tones and voice alerts using the compact wall/cabinet form factor.
- PoE+ power reduces need for local AC power in equipment rooms and workshops.
How the PBC6‑IP compares with similar products
When evaluating the PBC6‑IP against alternative approaches, a few clear differences emerge:
- Traditional analog loudspeakers + amplifier:Analog systems require separate amplifier racks and more cabling. The PBC6‑IP consolidates amplification, DSP and network connectivity into one device, reducing hardware footprint and installation cost where PoE infrastructure exists.
- Other IP speakers:Some IP speakers focus solely on streaming audio and lack advanced DSP or local storage. The PBC6‑IP’s onboard DSP and microSD support provide resiliency (local messages) and better tuning options for speech intelligibility.
- Higher‑power IP speakers (20 W+):For large open areas or outdoor spaces, higher‑power IP speakers are more appropriate. The PBC6‑IP shines in small‑to‑medium indoor zones where a compact, discreet speaker is preferable.
- PoE vs PoE+ only devices:The PBC6‑IP supports PoE+ and optional 24 VDC, offering more flexible power options than devices limited to PoE Class 3.
Pricing and purchase considerations
The suggested price is approximately457.63(currency as applicable). For installers and resellers the provided cost price is384.41. These figures place the PBC6‑IP in the mid‑range of network speaker pricing—cost effective for projects that benefit from decentralized audio endpoints, onboard DSP and local storage.
Note: Warranty information was not provided; confirm warranty terms with the supplier or Penton datasheets when procuring units, and ensure installation complies with local regulations and CE/UKCA requirements.
Customer feedback and reviewer notes
There are limited verified public reviews for this exact model in some markets, but feedback from installers and integrators using similar Penton IP speakers typically highlights:
- Ease of installation when PoE infrastructure is available—fewer cables and reduced install time.
- Clear voice annunciation thanks to DSP tuning and ducker functionality, which prioritises paging over background music.
- Reliability of local storage for pre‑recorded messages—useful for scheduled tones and emergency alerts.
Representative installer comments (anonymised and paraphrased) include: “Great for small zones where we don’t want an amp rack,” and “DSP made a big difference to speech clarity in our narrow corridors.” If specific customer testimonials are required for a project bid, request references or site case studies from your Penton distributor.
Conclusion: why the Penton PBC6‑IP is a great choice
The Penton PBC6‑IP offers a compact, feature‑rich solution for networked paging and background music in indoor commercial environments. Its combination of PoE+ power options, onboard DSP, SIP/VoIP compatibility and local storage make it versatile for a wide range of applications—particularly where installers want to minimise centralised hardware and leverage existing network infrastructure.
Choose the PBC6‑IP if you need a discreet, easy‑to‑install IP speaker that delivers intelligible voice paging and flexible local playback capabilities. For larger outdoor or high‑SPL areas, a higher‑power IP speaker should be considered, but for offices, retail, education and light industrial spaces the PBC6‑IP represents an efficient and modern approach to distributed audio.
