18 Sound 12MB720 – High-Sensitivity Ferrite 12-Inch Mid-Bass with 100 dB Output and 1000 Watt Program Handling
The 18 Sound 12MB720 is a very high sensitivity (100 dB 1W/1m) mid-bass driver with high power handling capabilities. It can be used as either a bass/mid driver in compact two-way reflex enclosures or as a direct-radiating or horn-loaded, dedicated midrange driver, in multi-way touring and fixed installation concert and arena systems — the identical dual-purpose application philosophy and specification set documented on the 12MB810, sharing every parameter we can verify.
The 75 mm diameter state-of-the-art voice coil employs 18 Sound’s Interleaved Sandwich Voice Coil (ISV) technology with a 15 mm winding depth operating in a 10 mm magnetic gap. This results in an extremely linear motor assembly with a reduced tendency for eccentric behaviour when driven hard. The excellent performance capabilities of this loudspeaker are further enhanced by the Single Demodulating Ring (SDR), designed to dramatically reduce the intermodulation and harmonic distortion and improve transient response.
The magnetic structure has been optimised using FEA CAD resource, maximising the flux density in the voice coil gap and its cooling. An exclusive treatment has been applied to the cone giving it water-repellent properties.
Limited distribution U.S. only — contact Universal Music, 18 Sound’s U.S. official distributor, for information, the same distribution channel and note documented on the 12MB810.
Design and Construction of the 18 Sound 12MB720
Its curvilinear paper cone, made from a special high-strength wood pulp, has been designed to achieve the best possible linearity within its intended frequency range and to control bell-mode resonances around the cone circumference. The cone is carried by a multiroll suspension formed of a linen-like material, which is more resistant to ageing and fatigue than traditional materials.
The 75 mm diameter voice coil employs Interleaved Sandwich Voice Coil (ISV) technology — 18 Sound’s product page text describes it as copper while the published winding material specification lists aluminium; both the 12MB720 and 12MB810 listings share this same discrepancy, suggesting a shared template or common origin for these near-identical entries.
The 20.5 Tm force factor driving 59 g of moving mass produces 100 dB sensitivity and the 0.20 Qts / 230 Hz EBP alignment. Voice coil cooling and thermal management follow 18 Sound’s standard FEA-optimised approach for this coil and gap geometry.
At 7.8 kg, 310 mm overall diameter, 283 mm baffle cutout, and 142 mm depth, every mounting dimension we can verify matches the 12MB810 exactly.
Performance and Applications for the 18 Sound 12MB720
The 18 Sound 12MB720 delivers 100 dB sensitivity across a 90 Hz – 4000 Hz bandwidth, with 500 W AES / 1000 W continuous program power handling. 18 Sound recommends a 25-litre (0.88 ft³) vented enclosure tuned to 60 Hz.
Given the identical specifications, application guidance, and distribution note shared with the 12MB810, builders evaluating either model number should treat them as functionally equivalent for specification purposes — the same dual-purpose bass/mid driver for compact two-way reflex enclosures, or direct-radiating and horn-loaded dedicated midrange in multi-way touring and arena systems.
Conclusion – 18 Sound 12MB720 Mid-Bass Driver
The 18 Sound 12MB720 is a high-sensitivity ferrite 12-inch mid-bass driver that, on every specification we’ve verified, matches the 12MB810 precisely — 100 dB sensitivity, 500 W AES / 1000 W continuous program power handling, SDR distortion reduction, and identical Thiele-Small parameters and physical dimensions. For U.S. market applications requiring this specification profile, both model numbers appear to represent the same underlying product.
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About 18 Sound
18 Sound products are proudly made in Reggio Emilia, Italy, combining advanced technology with Italian craftsmanship. Known for their high-performance professional audio components, 18 Sound is a trusted name in the global audio industry. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing and strict quality control ensure exceptional reliability and sound clarity. 18 Sound products are designed to meet the demands of speaker builders and audio professionals, 18 Sound offers premium products with outstanding value and performance worldwide.
