18 Sound ND1060 Driver

Key features

• 108 dB SPL 1W / 1m average sensitivity
• 1 inch exit throat
• 44 mm (1 3/4 inch) voice coil diameter
• 80 Watt continuous program power handling
• Treated polyethylene diaphragm
• Patented phase plug design
• Neodymium magnetic structure
• Excellent thermal exchange

Description

The ND1060 has been designed for use in high quality two way audio systems. With a 1-inch throat exit, the ND1060 has been developed to match the XT1086 constant directivity horn.
One advancement in the ND1060 is its new innovative diaphragm assembly made from a proprietary treated Polyethylene material. Consequently, the ND1060, with its inherent superior diaphragm dimensional stability (160°C), is able to maintain constant behavior during its whole working life. Moreover, the proprietary treated polyethylene film, with its very high value of modulus of elasticity (50% more than standard Mylar and 100% more than polyimide film), is capable of superior transient and intermodulation distortion response. The flat suspension shape has been designed to maintain low stiffness and low mid band distortion and response. An edge-wound aluminum voice coil wound on proprietary treated Nomex completes the diaphragm assembly. Nomex shows a 30% higher value of tensile elongation at a working operative temperature (200°C) when compared to Kapton. This feature enables proper energy transfer control from the voice coil to the dome in real working conditions. Further, this proprietary former material is also suitable for use in high moisture content environments.
Equipped with unique Phase Plug architecture (Patent n. WO 2004/040942), the ND1060 has been designed to give high level manufacturing consistency and a smooth coherent wavefront at the horn entrance across the whole working frequency range. With its short openings and high flare rate value, the phase plug assures low distortion and demonstrates remarkable improvements in mid-high frequency reproduction. Another big innovation in ND1060 is the new magnetic architecture. By careful use of elementary pieces of neodymium magnets, Eighteen Sound engineers have developed a powerful neodymium magnet assembly capable of reaching 18KGauss in the gap, within a compact and lightweight structure. A copper ring on the pole piece reduces inductance above 10 kHz, improving phase and impedance linearization. The custom designed O-ring creates a tight seal between the plate and the cover assuring air chamber loading. Excellent heat dissipation and thermal exchange are guaranteed by the direct contact between the magnetic structure and the aluminum cover which facilitates a lower power compression value.
Due to the increase in use of high power audio systems at outdoor events or in marine environments, the ability to perform properly under inclement weather conditions is a key-point in the Eighteen Sound philosophy. Hence, in addition, a special treatment has been applied to the magnet and the top and back plates of the magnetic structure making the driver more resistant to the corrosive effects of salts and oxidization. This treatment is more effective than any other treatment used by other manufacturers.