18SOUND ND3ST
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) ND3ST — 1.4" / 1.4 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · Titanium Dome
3" voice coil · 8 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0038
Documents
18SOUND ND3ST — 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: Titanium
- Exit: 36 mm (1.4 in)
- Rec. crossover: 1.2 kHz
Datasheet (PDF) · Manufacturer page
Series: ND · Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0038
18Sound ND3ST: 1.4" driver with titanium diaphragm, 120 W AES and large neodymium motor
Titanium diaphragm, 3" voice coil, 1.4" exit and a magnet assembly that brings the driver to 2.3 kg: the ND3ST is the titanium version with the large motor among the 1.4" drivers of the ND series by 18Sound (Eighteen Sound). 120 W AES power handling and 112 dB sensitivity stand for a driver that can take over the mid-high band from 800 Hz in two-way tops and horn systems – with the recommended crossover at 1.2 kHz and up.
Why the large motor? A compression driver works against the air load in the compression chamber and the horn throat. The lower the crossover, the larger the diaphragm excursion and the more force the coil has to deliver. A stronger magnet raises force per ampere, improves electrical damping and lowers distortion at high levels. Depth 53 mm, exit 36 mm, nominal impedance 8 Ω.
Use and enclosure
With its 1.4" flange the ND3ST fits the 18Sound horns XT1464, XR1464C, XR1496C, PR614 and H860 3D Print as well as the XG14 Alu waveguide. In a PA top with a large woofer a horn with defined coverage makes sense, in a studio monitor the waveguide. The horn also determines the practical crossover frequency: a small horn stops loading below 1.2 kHz, and then even the strongest motor is of no use.
Electrically: high-pass at least 24 dB/octave, limiter, never run without a horn. 120 W AES is a rating for band-limited noise – in use the average power at the high-frequency driver is far lower, because the music spectrum carries little energy above 1.2 kHz. So the amplifier can be small, but it must limit cleanly or, better, never clip at all.
What to look out for
- 8 Ω, 112 dB – a small power amp is enough; limiter and high-pass matter more than watts.
- 2.3 kg – the driver hangs on the horn; dimension horn flange and cabinet mounting accordingly.
- Titanium diaphragm, 3" coil, 120 W AES – designed for continuous duty at high level.
- 36 mm exit with 1.4" flange, 53 mm depth.
- Lower limit 800 Hz – never high-pass below it; recommendation 1.2 kHz.
Frequently asked questions
ND3ST or ND3T?
Same titanium diaphragm, same coil, same exit. The ND3ST has the larger motor, 120 W AES and 2.3 kg; the ND3T is the lighter version with lower power handling. For loud cabinets and low crossover points the ST is the safe choice.
Can I use the ND3ST in a three-way system?
Yes; you then cross higher than 1.2 kHz and the driver works far from its lower limit. The large motor is not fully exploited there, but it still delivers low distortion and thermal reserves in continuous use.
Which horn for sound reinforcement?
A 1.4" horn with coverage that matches the room: XT1464, XR1464C or XR1496C from 18Sound, alternatively the H860 3D Print or the PR614. The coverage angles are listed with the horns; compare them with the dimensions of your audience area.
At 42.audio you get the 18SOUND ND3ST 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 |