18SOUND NSD4020N
18SOUND (Eighteen Sound) NSD4020N — 2" / 2 inch Compression Driver · Tweeter / HF Driver · Neodymium · NSD-Dome
4" voice coil · 8 Ω
Part no.: 42A-CHS-KD-18S-0016
18Sound NSD4020N: 2" Compression Driver with 4" Voice Coil for Large Horns
The 18Sound NSD4020N is the NSD series driver for the case where a 2" horn must be driven with maximum power handling: 2" horn throat, 4" voice coil, neodymium magnet, 8 Ω, nitride-coated titanium diaphragm. Compared with the NSD2080N and its 3" coil, the diaphragm is larger and the motor thermally stronger; this is the design for low crossovers and high continuous load.
Why nitride on titanium? Titanium is light and stiff but has pronounced break-up resonances in the upper hearing range that are perceived as harshness. The nitride layer raises the surface stiffness, shifts those resonances upward and makes the top end more even without making the diaphragm noticeably heavier. On a 4" diaphragm that already moves more mass, this is a relevant advantage for resolution.
Use and enclosure
The NSD4020N is a driver for large two-way boxes with a big woofer, for mid-high units in horn systems and for long-throw coverage where a 2" horn narrows the dispersion. Determine the crossover from the datasheet and the horn; with a steep slope (24 dB/octave) and enough margin above the lower limit, diaphragm excursion stays small, which for a driver of this size decides lifespan and distortion. In three-way systems with a midrange horn you can set the crossover higher and use the 4" coil purely as reserve.
As a 2" horn, 42.audio lists the 18Sound XR2064C; further models are in the 18Sound Horns & Waveguides category. A driver with a 4" diaphragm deserves a horn with a low loading frequency, otherwise its ability to cross low goes unused. The 42.audio driver database keeps the complete parameters ready for comparison with other 2" drivers.
What to look out for
- 2" horn throat: fits the 18Sound XR2064C.
- 4" voice coil: highest thermal capacity of the NSD series in the 2" format.
- 8 Ω impedance, neodymium magnet.
- Nitride-coated titanium diaphragm for a calmer top end.
- For a low crossover, choose a large horn with a low loading frequency.
Frequently asked questions
NSD4020N or NSD2080N: what is the difference?
Both are 2" drivers with neodymium and NSD diaphragm. The NSD4020N has a 4" coil, the NSD2080N a 3" coil. The 4020N carries more power and works lower, the 2080N is lighter and resolves slightly finer at the very top.
Which horn do I need?
A horn with a 2" throat, at 42.audio the 18Sound XR2064C. The horn's loading frequency should sit below the planned crossover so the driver works cleanly at the bottom of its range.
How much amplifier power makes sense?
Compression drivers of this class have high sensitivity, so power is rarely the issue. What counts is a limiter that prevents clipping and a crossover with a steep filter. The 8 Ω load is easy for any power amp.
18Sound NSD4020N: 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 NSD4020N is a compression driver with neodymium magnet from the NSD 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 NSD4020N with all key data in the driver database. More drivers from this manufacturer: Atlas 18Sound.
Specifications
| Allgemein | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | 18SOUND |
| Category | Compression Driver |
| Series | NSD |
| Magnet | Neodymium |
| Impedance (Ω) | 8 |
| Abmessungen & Korb | |
|---|---|
| Voice coil (inch) | 4 |