18SOUND ND1480
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) ND1480 — 1.4" / 1.4 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · Titanium Dome
3" voice coil · 8 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0035
Documents
18SOUND ND1480 — Compression Driver
100 W AES · 110 dB Sensitivity · Frequency range 500 Hz – 20000 Hz
Technical data
- Diameter: 1.4 "
- Voice coil: 3 "
- Power handling: 100 W AES
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Weight: 3.08 kg
- Mounting depth: 62 mm
- Frequency range: 500 – 20000 Hz
- Cone material: Titanium
- Exit: 35 mm (1.4 in)
- Rec. crossover: 0.8 kHz
Datasheet (PDF) · Manufacturer page
Series: ND · Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0035
18Sound ND1480: 1.4" compression driver with 110 dB, 3" titanium coil and 100 W AES
Two-way tops with a large woofer need a high-frequency driver that crosses over low and still withstands continuous level. The 18Sound ND1480 is built for that: 1.4" horn interface with 35 mm throat exit, 3" voice coil, titanium dome, neodymium magnet. It delivers 110 dB sensitivity, handles 100 W AES and operates from 500 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Impedance is 8 Ω, and a 16 Ω version exists as well.
Within Eighteen Sound's ND range, the ND1480 stands for the combination of high sensitivity and high power handling in the 1.4" format. The 3" coil provides winding area for heat dissipation and a large diaphragm that allows low crossovers without excessive excursion. At 3.08 kg and 62 mm mounting depth the driver is solidly dimensioned; the weight sits in the magnet system and the rear chamber.
Use and enclosure
Suitable horns are the 1.4" models from 18Sound that 42.audio lists in the Horns & Waveguides category. Tops with a crossover around 800 Hz need a horn that still loads acoustically in this region; line array modules need waveguides with a matching vertical pattern.
The recommended crossover of 800 Hz is the right starting point for continuous operation. 500 Hz describes the start of the operating range and is reserved for special cases with low level or very large horns. Crossed over at 24 dB/octave and with a limiter in the active channel, you can safely exploit the 100 W AES. With a passive crossover: calculate components for 8 Ω, plan an attenuation network for the level difference to the woofer, and include a series protection capacitor. At 110 dB a small amplifier is enough; an oversized amplifier without a limiter is the most common cause of damaged titanium diaphragms.
What to look out for
- 100 W AES on a 3" voice coil: high continuous power handling, crossover from 800 Hz.
- 110 dB sensitivity, 8 Ω: little power needed, limiter rather than a big amplifier.
- 3.08 kg and 62 mm deep: design horn and cabinet for weight and depth.
- Titanium dome: high stiffness, treble up to 20,000 Hz, sensitive to low-frequency overload.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes the ND1480 from the ND1480A?
The ND1480A has an aluminium dome, the ND1480 a titanium one. Titanium is stiffer and handles more power; aluminium sounds softer and is more strongly damped. For PA with continuous level, the ND1480 is the more robust choice.
Which horn for a top cabinet?
A 1.4" horn from 18Sound with controlled coverage and enough length for 800 Hz. You will find the datasheet PDF on the product page at 42.audio; the Horns & Waveguides category lists the matching models.
Can I cross over at 500 Hz?
Technically the operating range starts there, but power handling and distortion argue against it. For continuous operation stay at 800 Hz or above; 500 Hz is at most justifiable at low levels and with very large horns.
At 42.audio you get the 18SOUND ND1480 with datasheet PDF, all key data in the driver database. More drivers from this manufacturer: Atlas 18Sound.
Specifications
| Allgemein | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | 18SOUND |
| Category | Compression Driver |
| Series | ND |
| Magnet | Neodymium |
| Impedance (Ω) | 8 |
| Power handling (W) | 100 |
| Sensitivity (dB) | 110 |
| Frequency from (Hz) | 500 |
| Frequency to (Hz) | 20000 |
| Abmessungen & Korb | |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.4 |
| Voice coil (inch) | 3 |
| Mounting depth (mm) | 62 |
| Weight (kg) | 3.08 |