18 Sound ND1480A compression driver, 8 ohm, 1.4 inch exit

111 dB 1W/1m average sensitivity
1.4 inch exit throat
3 inch edgewound aluminum voice coil
160 W program power handling
Aluminum PEN sandwich diaphragm
Neodymium magnetic structure
Ideal for line array applications

The ND1480A is a 1.4 inch exit, 3 inch diaphragm neodymium HF compression driver that has been designed for high level sound systems application.

The diaphragm assembly is composed by an aluminum dome sandwiched to a proprietary treated polyester suspension. This design maintains low resonance and lowers the minimum crossover point value at 800Hz. The composite diaphragm assembly is made by an aluminum dome strongly joined to the PEN suspension, in order to assure unmatched transient response. The lower density of the aluminum and PEN structure permits higher levels of sensitivity, especially in the mid-high frequency range.

A bended former edge-wound aluminum 75mm voice coil completes the diaphragm assembly. The proprietary treated Nomex former material shows 30% higher value of tensile elongation at working operative temperature (200°C) when compared to Kapton. Moreover, Nomex is suitable to work also in higher moisture contents environments. The bended former is jointed in a sandwich configuration between PEN suspension and the aluminum dome, assuring extended frequency energy transfer for improved response linearity and unparallel reliability.
The ND1480A powerful neodymium magnet assembly has been designed to obtain 22 KGauss in the gap for major benefits in transient response. The motor structure, throughout the precisely coherent phase plug with 3 circumferential slots and copper ring on the pole piece, reduces inductance effects and distortion. Four top plate air ducts were designed to act as a loading chamber for the diaphragm, implementing mid band distortion and response figures.

The custom designed O-ring creates a tight seal between the plate and the cover assuring air chamber loading. Excellent heat dissipation and thermal exchange are guaranteed by the direct contact between the magnetic structure and the aluminum cover that allows to obtain a lower power compression value.

The ability to perform properly under inclement weather conditions is a key-point of Eighteen Sound philosophy. The special coating applied to the magnet and the top and back plates of the magnetic structure makes the ND1480A compression driver resistant to the corrosive effects of salts and oxidization.