18SOUND ND2080
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) ND2080 — 2" / 2 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · Titanium Dome
3" voice coil · 8 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0029
Documents
18SOUND ND2080 — Compression Driver
100 W AES · 110 dB Sensitivity · Frequency range 500 Hz – 20000 Hz
Technical data
- Diameter: 2 "
- Voice coil: 3 "
- Power handling: 100 W AES
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Weight: 3.4 kg
- Mounting depth: 99 mm
- Frequency range: 500 – 20000 Hz
- Cone material: Titanium
- Exit: 50 mm (2.0 in)
- Rec. crossover: 0.8 kHz
Datasheet (PDF) · Manufacturer page
Series: ND · Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0029
18Sound ND2080: 2" compression driver with titanium diaphragm, 110 dB, 100 W AES
The 18Sound ND2080 is the more strongly motorised model of the 2" family in the ND series: same basic construction with 2" throat, 50 mm exit, 3" voice coil and titanium diaphragm, but with 110 dB sensitivity at 8 Ω and 3.4 kg weight. The extra mass sits in the neodymium motor, which provides more drive force and hence the higher efficiency. Power handling: 100 W AES, mounting depth 99 mm, operating range up to 20,000 Hz.
The ND2080 is built for two-way tops and three-way systems where the driver takes over everything above the woofer from 0.8 kHz and has to deliver high continuous levels. The combination of a large coil and a strong motor yields a high force factor that keeps the driver tightly controlled down into the midrange. Titanium as a diaphragm material is the choice for maximum treble extension; if you prefer a softer midrange, the ND2080A with aluminium diaphragm is the alternative.
Use and enclosure
As a 2" driver the ND2080 belongs on a 2" horn. From the 18Sound range the 2" models in the horns and waveguides category fit, among them horns for directional coverage over medium and long distances. With a crossover near 800 Hz the horn mouth should be large enough so that the coverage does not widen just above the crossover point and the driver is loaded properly.
The recommended crossover frequency is 0.8 kHz. With an active 24 dB filter the driver can be run right there; passively, 12 dB/octave is the minimum, then set somewhat above the recommendation. The 100 W AES applies above this limit. Suitable partners are large woofers in two-way boxes or a midrange unit in three-way systems. Because of 110 dB the ND2080 needs less amplifier power than the woofer; a channel with twice the rated power is common provided a limiter is in place.
What to look out for
- 8 Ω, also available as 16 Ω: prefer the 16 Ω version when running two drivers per channel.
- 3.4 kg due to the stronger motor: build the horn bracket and cabinet front sturdily.
- Mounting depth 99 mm: check clearance to the rear panel behind the horn.
- 3" coil, 100 W AES: high thermal reserve for continuous sound reinforcement duty.
- Titanium diaphragm with band up to 20,000 Hz, recommended crossover 0.8 kHz.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes the ND2080 from the ND2080A?
Same motor, same 3" coil, same dimensions with 99 mm mounting depth and 3.4 kg. The ND2080 carries a titanium diaphragm with 110 dB and 100 W AES, the ND2080A an aluminium diaphragm with slightly higher sensitivity and lower continuous rating. Titanium for maximum continuous load and treble reach, aluminium for a more damped midrange.
Can I cross the ND2080 passively?
Yes, with a high-pass of at least 12 dB/octave, sensibly somewhat above the 0.8 kHz recommendation. Because of the high sensitivity an L-pad is also required to match the driver to the woofer. An active solution at 24 dB/octave is simpler and protects the driver better.
Which horn fits the ND2080?
Any 2" horn with the matching bolt pattern, from 18Sound the models in the horns category. For wide coverage have a look at the horns category. Datasheet PDF, driver database and a comparison with the ND2080A are available at 42.audio.
At 42.audio you get the 18SOUND ND2080 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 | 2 |
| Voice coil (inch) | 3 |
| Mounting depth (mm) | 99 |
| Weight (kg) | 3.4 |