18SOUND ND3SN
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) ND3SN — 1.4" / 1.4 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · NSD-Dome
3" voice coil · 8 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0022
Documents
18SOUND ND3SN — Compression Driver
120 W AES · 112 dB Sensitivity · Frequency range 800 Hz – 20000 Hz
Technical data
- Diameter: 1.4 "
- Voice coil: 3 "
- Power handling: 120 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: Nitride coated Titanium
- Exit: 36 mm (1.4 in)
- Rec. crossover: 1.2 kHz
Datasheet (PDF) · Manufacturer page
Series: ND · Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0022
18Sound ND3SN: 1.4" compression driver with 120 W AES, NSD diaphragm and 2.3 kg
For 1.4" horns built for level and continuous duty, 18Sound (Eighteen Sound) offers the ND3SN: a neodymium driver of the ND series with 3" voice coil, nitride-coated titanium diaphragm and the large magnet assembly of the S variants. 120 W AES power handling and 112 dB sensitivity describe it as a driver for loud two-way cabinets in which the horn takes over everything above the lower mid-high limit.
The NSD diaphragm is titanium with a hardened nitride surface. The layer raises stiffness and shifts the first break-up modes upwards, so the working range rolls off more evenly towards 20,000 Hz. The larger magnet assembly – the driver weighs 2.3 kg – delivers more force on the coil and keeps the diaphragm under control even when working close to the 800 Hz lower limit. Nominal impedance 8 Ω, exit 36 mm, depth 53 mm.
Use and enclosure
Typical place: the two-way top cabinet for live sound with a large woofer, mid-high units in horn stacks and installations with high continuous levels. Crossing at 1.2 kHz is the manufacturer's recommendation and suits most 1.4" horns; going lower only works with steep filters and a large horn mouth. From the 18Sound range the XT1464, XR1464C, XR1496C, PR614 and the H860 3D Print fit, and for monitor applications the XG14 Alu waveguide.
The 120 W AES is a thermal rating for band-limited signal above the crossover. It says nothing about the amplifier you need – that can be small, but it must have a limiter. A DSP with a high-pass ahead of the power amp protects the driver more reliably than any passive circuit. If you build passive, fit a series capacitor as an emergency brake.
What to look out for
- 8 Ω – normal load, a small power amp is enough; a limiter is mandatory.
- 2.3 kg on the horn flange – bolts and horn throat must carry the weight permanently.
- 120 W AES with a 3" coil – for high continuous levels, not for operation below 800 Hz.
- NSD diaphragm (nitride-coated titanium) – replaceable, use the original part only.
- 36 mm exit, 1.4" flange, 53 mm depth.
Frequently asked questions
How does the ND3SN differ from the ND3ST?
Both have 120 W AES, 8 Ω, 2.3 kg and the large magnet assembly. The ND3ST uses plain titanium, the ND3SN the nitride-coated NSD dome with a more even roll-off in the top octave. Both suit PA; if you want the cleaner treble extension, take the SN.
How low may I cross?
Lower limit 800 Hz, recommendation 1.2 kHz. At full level and in continuous duty stick with the recommendation; if you work at moderate levels at home and have a large horn, you can approach the limit.
Which horn for long throw?
A 1.4" horn with a narrow coverage angle. The angles are listed with the XT1464, XR1464C and XR1496C horns, so you can compare directly; for wide coverage at short distances pick the wider-radiating model accordingly.
At 42.audio you get the 18SOUND ND3SN 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) | 120 |
| 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 |