18 Sound HD110 – Phenolic Diaphragm Driver for Standard Screw-In Horn Compatibility
The 18 Sound HD110 is an HF unit suitable for compact size two and three-way lightweight systems. It will deliver an unmatched combination of extended linear frequency response and very high efficiency. With a throat exit of 1 inch, the HD110 is developed to match all 1-3/8″ screw-in type horns — a specific, practical compatibility feature not documented on any other compression driver across this entire session, directly addressing the widespread standard screw-in horn mounting format used across the pro audio industry.
The phenolic diaphragm assembly, with its 1-inch edge-wound aluminium voice coil, is capable of handling up to 40 W continuous program power for a temperature range up to 250°C — phenolic material’s genuine thermal durability advantage, rated to a higher operating temperature than the treated Nomex formers documented on 18 Sound’s titanium-diaphragm range (200°C).
At 109 dB sensitivity and 0.8 kg — the second-lightest compression driver documented across this entire session, behind only the ND2T’s 1.5 kg — the 18 Sound HD110 combines genuine compactness with strong efficiency for a driver of this entry-level construction philosophy.
Design and Construction of the 18 Sound HD110
Computer Aided Finite Element Analysis and extensive testing were used to obtain the phase plug shape, made in high-pressure injection-molded polypropylene foam, designed to assure maximum strength. This is a genuinely distinct phase plug material from every metal alloy or standard plastic phase plug documented elsewhere in this session — polypropylene foam construction reflecting the driver’s cost-optimised engineering approach while still delivering FEA-validated acoustic performance.
The final result is a smooth coherent wavefront in the horn entrance, high thermal stability, and manufacturing consistency. The HD110’s compact size and lightweight ceramic magnet assembly is designed to obtain 16 kGauss in the gap — matching the flux density documented on several of 18 Sound’s premium 1-inch and 1.4-inch ferrite drivers, from a genuinely more compact and economical overall chassis.
At 0.8 kg, 86 mm overall diameter, and 62 mm depth, the 18 Sound HD110 is the smallest-diameter driver among 18 Sound’s 1-inch conventional range, and genuinely lighter than every other ferrite driver documented in this session.
Performance and Applications for the 18 Sound HD110
The 18 Sound HD110 delivers 109 dB sensitivity across a 2.0 – 20 kHz frequency range, with a recommended crossover of 2.5 kHz using a 12 dB/octave or steeper high-pass filter — the highest crossover recommendation of any compression driver documented across this entire comprehensive session, a direct consequence of the driver’s compact 25 mm coil and phenolic diaphragm construction, which favours higher-frequency operation.
The 20 W AES / 40 W continuous program power handling is modest but matches the HD1030’s power class, appropriate for compact, lightweight two and three-way systems where the driver operates purely as a tweeter-range HF section above a genuinely high crossover point.
Usable in two-way or multi-way systems where compact size, standard screw-in horn compatibility, and phenolic’s thermal durability matter more than extended low-frequency HF reach, the 18 Sound HD110 delivers a genuinely practical, cost-conscious option within 18 Sound’s smallest-throat compression driver range.
Conclusion – 18 Sound HD110 Compression Driver
The 18 Sound HD110 closes out this session’s comprehensive exploration of 18 Sound’s 1-inch compression driver family with a genuinely distinct value proposition — direct compatibility with standard 1-3/8″ screw-in horns, a rugged phenolic diaphragm rated to 250°C, and an FEA-designed polypropylene foam phase plug, all packed into 18 Sound’s second-lightest compression driver chassis documented across this entire session.
For compact, lightweight two and three-way systems requiring standard screw-in horn compatibility and genuine thermal durability, the 18 Sound HD110 delivers 18 Sound’s most practical entry point into this throat format.
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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.
