18SOUND ND32G
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) ND32G — 2" / 2 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · Glass Dome
3" voice coil · 8/16 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0012
18Sound ND32G: 2" compression driver with glass diaphragm and 3" voice coil
Glass as a diaphragm material is rare in the compression driver world, and that is exactly what makes the 18Sound ND32G interesting. The 2" driver from the ND series combines a glass dome with a 3" voice coil and neodymium magnet and is available in 8 and 16 Ω. It targets developers of two-way tops and three-way systems looking for a 2" driver that offers a sonic alternative to titanium and aluminium.
What sets glass apart: high stiffness combined with considerably better internal damping than metal. The dome's break-up modes are not only pushed upwards but also reduced in Q, which makes the upper midrange and presence region calmer than with a titanium diaphragm, without sacrificing the treble extension that a polymer dome would give up. The 3" coil provides the thermal reserve a driver of this class needs for high continuous levels, and neodymium keeps the weight down.
Use and enclosure
Like all 2" drivers, the ND32G belongs on a 2" horn, at 18Sound one of the 2" models from the horns and waveguides category, where the coverage patterns can be compared directly. For a low crossover and controlled midrange coverage a horn with a large mouth is the right choice; on small horns the efficiency remains, but directivity in the midrange is lost.
The crossover uses a steep high-pass: active 24 dB/octave, passive at least 12 dB/octave with a somewhat higher corner. A limiter on the HF branch is mandatory regardless of the power amplifier. Suitable partners are large woofers in two-way tops or a midrange unit in three-way systems. Because of the high efficiency of a 2" neodymium driver, the level almost always has to be matched to the woofer, via gain offset in the DSP or an L-pad in a passive network. The 16 Ω version is the right pick when two drivers run in parallel on one channel.
What to look out for
- 8 or 16 Ω: the 16 Ω version allows two drivers in parallel on one amplifier channel.
- Glass diaphragm: stiff and well damped, calm presence region with extended treble.
- 3" voice coil: high thermal power handling for continuous operation.
- Neodymium magnet: low weight, suitable for flown tops.
- 2" horn throat: choose a horn with a large mouth for a low crossover.
Frequently asked questions
How does the ND32G differ from the ND32SG?
Both are 2" drivers with glass diaphragm, 3" coil and neodymium in 8 or 16 Ω. The ND32SG is the S version within the same family. Which variant suits your horn and application better is shown by the comparison in the driver database at 42.audio.
Does glass sound different from titanium?
Yes. Glass is similarly stiff to titanium but damps considerably better, so the resonance peaks in the presence region are flatter. The treble stays extended but sounds less hard. For speech and acoustic music this is a noticeable advantage.
Which horn and which crossover?
A 2" horn from the 18Sound horns category, with a large mouth for a low crossover. Steep high-pass, active 24 dB/octave, with a limiter. The lower limit depends on the horn; when in doubt cross higher and keep reserve.
18Sound ND32G: 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 ND32G 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 ND32G 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) | 8/16 |
| Abmessungen & Korb | |
|---|---|
| Voice coil (inch) | 3 |