Join Hoang Bao Khoa as we explore how to pair Eighteen Sound drivers with amplifiers, subwoofers, and DSPs to fully harness the power of the system. This article shares tips on selecting the right power ratings, setting up appropriate crossovers, and optimizing the signal, helping professional audio systems achieve maximum performance and superior quality.
Introduction
Eighteen Sound is a professional loudspeaker driver brand from Italy, renowned for its high-performance bass, mid, and treble drivers. To fully maximize the quality and durability of Eighteen Sound drivers, precise matching with speaker cabinets, amplifiers, and DSP is a key factor.
1. Selecting the Right Speaker Cabinet
- Cabinet size and volume: Must be compatible with the driver’s specifications (FS, Qts, Vas) to ensure optimal frequency response and sensitivity.
- Cabinet type: Bass reflex, sealed, horn-loaded, or line array depending on the application (stage, auditorium, club, etc.).
- Material: High-quality MDF or plywood is recommended to minimize resonance and distortion.
- Port design: For sub/bass drivers, port size and placement have a significant impact on low-frequency extension and sound pressure.
2. Choosing the Right Amplifier
- Power output: RMS power should be 1.5 – 2 times the driver’s RMS rating to ensure sufficient headroom and prevent distortion at high levels.
- Impedance: Must match the driver’s impedance (typically 4Ω or 8Ω).
- Damping factor: A high damping factor improves cone control, especially for high-power bass drivers.
- Class D or Class H amplifiers: High efficiency and lightweight, ideal for live sound reinforcement.
3. Optimization with DSP
- Accurate crossover settings: Follow Eighteen Sound’s recommendations to protect the driver and optimize its operating frequency range.
- EQ tuning: Reduce resonances, flatten frequency response, and adapt to real-world acoustics.
- Limiter: Set SPL limits to prevent overloading and damage to the driver.
- Delay alignment: Time-align different speakers, especially when using multiple drivers and subwoofers.
4. Practical Matching Suggestions
- 18LW2400 bass driver: Pair with a 200–250L bass reflex cabinet, amplifier power 1500–2000W/8Ω, DSP crossover at 35–100Hz, limiter at -3dB.
- ND3ST high-frequency driver: Use with a suitable horn, crossover above 1.2kHz, amplifier power 100–150W/8Ω, EQ to reduce harshness in the 5–8kHz range.
Buy Genuine Eighteen Sound Drivers at Hoang Bao Khoa
Hoang Bao Khoa is the official distributor of Eighteen Sound in Vietnam, supplying a complete range of bass, mid, and treble drivers along with compatible speaker cabinet accessories, amplifiers, and DSP solutions.
- Genuine Italian products with complete CO-CQ certification
- 12-month manufacturer warranty with accurate technical matching consultation
- Support for cabinet design, DSP programming, and amplifier selection
- Nationwide delivery and dedicated after-sales service
