18SOUND ND3SA
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) ND3SA — 1.4" / 1.4 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · Aluminium Dome
3" voice coil · 8 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0055
Documents
18SOUND ND3SA — Compression Driver
110 W AES · 112 dB Sensitivity · Frequency range 800 Hz – 20000 Hz
Technical data
- Diameter: 1.4 "
- Voice coil: 3 "
- Power handling: 110 W AES
- Sensitivity: 112 dB
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Weight: 2.3 kg
- Mounting depth: 53 mm
- Frequency range: 800 – 20000 Hz
- Cone material: Aluminum - Pen
- Exit: 36 mm (1.4 in)
- Rec. crossover: 1.2 kHz
Datasheet (PDF) · Manufacturer page
Series: ND · Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0055
18Sound ND3SA: 1.4" driver with aluminium diaphragm and uprated neodymium motor
At 2.3 kg it is obvious where the difference from the lighter ND3A lies: the ND3SA by 18Sound (Eighteen Sound) carries the larger magnet assembly of the S versions in the ND series. More magnet material at the gap means higher flux density, i.e. more force on the 3" voice coil for the same current. For a compression driver that primarily means better control of the diaphragm at the bottom of its range and lower distortion when the horn loads the diaphragm heavily at low crossover points.
The aluminium dome is the tonally restrained choice within the series: aluminium damps diaphragm resonances better than titanium and takes the edge off the treble. The key data: 112 dB sensitivity, 110 W AES, working range 800 Hz to 20,000 Hz, 8 Ω, 36 mm exit with 1.4" flange and 53 mm depth.
Use and enclosure
The ND3SA is intended for systems where the high-frequency driver should start as low as possible without losing fine detail – two-way studio monitors with a large woofer, theatre and cinema sound, or domestic horn systems where the midrange is largely carried by the treble horn. The recommended crossover frequency is 1.2 kHz, the lower limit 800 Hz; thanks to the stronger motor this driver gets closer to that limit than the light versions, provided the horn plays along.
Horn choice: 18Sound offers the XT1464, XR1464C, XR1496C, PR614 and the H860 3D Print as classic 1.4" horns, plus the XG14 Alu waveguide. For monitoring and home use the waveguide fits; for sound reinforcement pick a horn whose coverage matches the room. Electrically: high-pass at 24 dB/octave, limiter, and in passive operation a series capacitor ahead of the actual crossover.
What to look out for
- 8 Ω nominal impedance – standard load, nothing special on the amplifier side.
- 2.3 kg – considerably heavier than the ND3A; size the horn flange and rear panel accordingly.
- Aluminium diaphragm on a 3" coil: damped treble, 110 W AES power handling.
- 53 mm depth – compact in length despite the larger motor.
- 1.4" exit (36 mm) – for horns with a 1.4" throat.
Frequently asked questions
ND3SA or ND3A – which one when?
Diaphragm, coil and exit are identical; the ND3SA has the larger magnet and 8 Ω, the ND3A 16 Ω and less weight. If you cross low or run high continuous levels, the stronger motor pays off. For light cabinets and parallel operation the ND3A is the more practical choice.
Why an aluminium diaphragm when titanium is tougher?
Because aluminium has more internal damping and dome resonances come out weaker. For applications where tonal colour matters more than the last dB of peak level, that is an advantage. At 110 W AES the aluminium version is designed for continuous duty too.
Which horn for a domestic horn system?
A waveguide such as the XG14 Alu, or a horn with wide, even coverage. In a living room constant directivity across frequency counts for more than throw. Combine it with a crossover at 1.2 kHz or higher so the driver works with ease.
At 42.audio you get the 18SOUND ND3SA 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) | 110 |
| Sensitivity (dB) | 112 |
| Frequency from (Hz) | 800 |
| Frequency to (Hz) | 20000 |
| Abmessungen & Korb | |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.4 |
| Voice coil (inch) | 3 |
| Mounting depth (mm) | 53 |
| Weight (kg) | 2.3 |