18SOUND ND1N
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) ND1N — 1" / 1 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · NSD-Dome
1.75" voice coil · 8 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0027
18Sound ND1N: 1" neodymium compression driver with NSD dome and 1.75" voice coil
The 18Sound ND1N is a 1" compression driver from Eighteen Sound's ND range that sets itself apart from the titanium and polymer models by its diaphragm: an NSD dome, as the manufacturer also uses in larger drivers carrying the N designation. The motor consists of a neodymium magnet system with a 1.75" voice coil, and nominal impedance is 8 Ω.
In the 1" format, the 1.75" coil is the size that brings continuous power handling and sensitivity for sound reinforcement without making the driver heavy; the neodymium motor keeps the mass low, which counts for carried or flown tops. A compression driver works fundamentally differently from a dome tweeter: the diaphragm sits behind a phase plug that forces the air into a narrow throat. This compression raises efficiency considerably but requires a horn that matches the acoustic impedance to free air. The ND1N is intended for two-way boxes, monitors and installations in which a 1" tweeter with a balanced character is wanted.
Use and enclosure
The 1" interface makes the ND1N compatible with the 1" horns and waveguides from 18Sound that 42.audio lists in the Horns & Waveguides category. For sound reinforcement a horn with controlled coverage makes sense; for monitor and home use, a waveguide with a wider pattern.
The crossover depends on horn and level requirements: the shorter the horn and the higher the level, the higher the high-pass should sit. With a 1.75" coil you are in the region where 1" drivers usually take over in two-way systems. Steep filters, a protection capacitor in passive operation and a limiter in active operation are the ground rules here too. Because the sensitivity of a compression driver far exceeds that of a cone driver, plan attenuation via L-pad or DSP. For frequency and impedance response, the driver database at 42.audio is worth a look.
What to look out for
- 8 Ω nominal impedance: uncritical load for any amplifier; a high-pass is mandatory.
- 1.75" voice coil: more thermal reserve than smaller 1" coils.
- Neodymium magnet: low weight, high field strength in the gap.
- NSD dome: diaphragm variant from 18Sound, an alternative to titanium and polyethylene.
Frequently asked questions
Which horn suits the ND1N?
Any 1" horn or waveguide with a matching flange. In the Horns & Waveguides category at 42.audio, 18Sound offers models for sound reinforcement and for shallow cabinets.
How high should I cross over?
That depends on horn and level. As a rule of thumb for 1" drivers with a 1.75" coil: not too low, filter steeply, and set a limiter at high levels. Check frequency and impedance response in the driver database.
Is the driver suitable for a hi-fi project?
Yes. A neodymium driver with 8 Ω and an NSD dome integrates well into two-way concepts on a waveguide. Expect substantial level attenuation relative to the woofer.
18Sound ND1N: manufacturer, spellings and classification
18Sound, 18 Sound and Eighteensound all refer to the same manufacturer: Eighteen Sound S.r.l. of Reggio Emilia, Italy. The ND1N is a compression driver with neodymium magnet from the ND series, available from 42.audio, 18Sound dealer in Germany, with datasheet and full specifications in the driver database.
At 42.audio you get the 18SOUND ND1N with 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 |
| Abmessungen & Korb | |
|---|---|
| Voice coil (inch) | 1.75 |