18 Sound ND1070 – Neodymium Titanium-Polyester Driver Matching the HD1050’s Low Crossover Point
The 18 Sound ND1070 1-inch exit high-frequency compression driver has been designed for use in high-quality two-way audio systems — the direct neodymium counterpart to the ferrite HD1050, sharing that driver’s titanium-dome-on-polyester-suspension diaphragm philosophy and low-resonance design goal, but built on 18 Sound’s elementary-piece neodymium magnetic architecture.
The ND1070 diaphragm assembly is composed of a titanium dome sandwiched to a proprietary treated polyester suspension. This design maintains low resonance and lowers the minimum crossover point value to 1.6 kHz — matching the HD1050’s own recommended crossover figure (though that driver’s own text separately cited 1.4 kHz as its actual specification-table recommendation), confirming both drivers pursue the same design goal from their respective ferrite and neodymium platforms.
Equipped with Proprietary Phase Plug architecture, the 18 Sound ND1070 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 configuration assures low distortion and demonstrates remarkable improvements in mid-high frequency reproduction.
Design and Construction of the 18 Sound ND1070
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.
A copper ring on the pole piece reduces inductance above 10 kHz, improving phase and impedance linearisation — matching the identical specific benefit documented on both the ND1018BT and ND1060. 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 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 leads to 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 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 ND1070 matches the ND1060’s physical footprint exactly, confirming both drivers share the identical chassis platform, differing only in diaphragm material and construction.
Performance and Applications for the 18 Sound ND1070
The 18 Sound ND1070 delivers 109 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 — 1 dB above the ND1060’s 108 dB, matching the HD1050’s ferrite sensitivity figure exactly from a genuinely lighter chassis (1.1 vs 1.6 kg).
The 50 W AES / 100 W continuous power handling exceeds the ND1060’s 80 W, matching the HD1050’s power class precisely. Available in both 8 and 16 Ω, the 18 Sound ND1070 provides system design flexibility not documented on the ND1060.
For high-quality two-way audio systems requiring the HD1050’s proven titanium-polyester diaphragm performance and low crossover flexibility from a neodymium platform with genuine weight savings, the 18 Sound ND1070 delivers 18 Sound’s answer at this format.
Conclusion – 18 Sound ND1070 Compression Driver
The 18 Sound ND1070 is the neodymium counterpart to the ferrite HD1050, matching its titanium-polyester diaphragm philosophy, 109 dB sensitivity, and 100 W power handling, while delivering genuine weight savings (1.1 vs 1.6 kg) through the elementary-piece neodymium architecture shared with the ND1018BT, ND1020, ND1030, and ND1060.
For applications requiring the HD1050’s proven diaphragm technology with neodymium weight advantages and 16 Ω impedance flexibility, the 18 Sound ND1070 delivers a genuinely capable specification within 18 Sound’s comprehensive 1-inch compression driver family.
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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.
