18 Sound ND1060 – Neodymium Treated Polyethylene Driver with Copper Ring Refinement
The 18 Sound ND1060 1-inch exit neodymium high-frequency compression driver has been designed for use in high-quality audio system designs — the direct neodymium counterpart to the ferrite HD1040 documented earlier in this session, sharing the identical treated polyethylene diaphragm philosophy and quantified elasticity claims, but built on 18 Sound’s elementary-piece neodymium magnetic architecture instead.
One key advancement in the 18 Sound ND1060 is its 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 behaviour 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 — matching the HD1040’s exact figures and construction philosophy precisely.
By careful use of elementary pieces of neodymium magnets, 18 Sound engineers have developed a powerful neodymium magnet assembly capable of reaching 18 kGauss in the gap, within a compact and lightweight structure — the same elementary-piece platform documented on the ND1018BT, ND1020, and ND1030.
Design and Construction of the 18 Sound ND1060
An edge-wound aluminium 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, and this proprietary former material is also suitable for use in high-moisture-content environments.
Equipped with proprietary phase plug architecture, the 18 Sound ND1060 shows 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, this phase plug design assures low distortion and demonstrates remarkable improvements in mid-high frequency reproduction.
A copper ring on the pole piece reduces inductance above 10 kHz, improving phase and impedance linearisation — the identical specific, frequency-quantified benefit documented on the ND1018BT. 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 aluminium cover, which facilitates a lower power compression value. A special treatment has been applied to the magnet and the top and back plates of the magnetic structure, making the 18 Sound ND1060 driver more resistant to the corrosive effects of salts and oxidisation. This treatment is more effective than any other treatment used by other manufacturers.
At 1.1 kg, 98 mm overall diameter, and 53 mm depth, the 18 Sound ND1060 is genuinely more compact than the ferrite HD1040 (1.6 kg, 110 mm) at matching power handling.
Performance and Applications for the 18 Sound ND1060
The 18 Sound ND1060 delivers 108 dB sensitivity across a 1.6 – 20 kHz frequency range, with a recommended crossover of 1.6 kHz using a 12 dB/octave or steeper high-pass filter — matching the HD1040’s crossover recommendation, exceeding its 107 dB sensitivity by 1 dB.
The 40 W AES / 80 W continuous power handling matches the HD1040 exactly. 18 Sound now lists the ND1085 as the alternative/current model, indicating this driver has been formally succeeded within 18 Sound’s current 1-inch neodymium range.
For high-quality audio system designs requiring treated polyethylene’s specific elasticity advantages from a neodymium platform with genuine weight savings over the ferrite HD1040, the 18 Sound ND1060 delivers 18 Sound’s established answer, even as the company now points toward its successor.
Conclusion – 18 Sound ND1060 Compression Driver
The 18 Sound ND1060 brings treated polyethylene diaphragm technology to a neodymium platform, matching the ferrite HD1040’s diaphragm philosophy and quantified elasticity claims while delivering genuine weight savings (1.1 vs 1.6 kg) and the copper ring’s specific inductance reduction above 10 kHz. 18 Sound now lists the ND1085 as the current alternative.
For applications requiring this proven diaphragm technology with neodymium weight advantages, the 18 Sound ND1060 remains a capable specification within 18 Sound’s 1-inch compression driver range.
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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.
