18 Sound ND1460A – Aluminium-PEN Diaphragm Variant of the ND1460 with Higher Sensitivity
The 18 Sound ND1460A 1.4-inch exit neodymium HF compression driver has been designed for high-level sound systems applications — sharing the ND1460’s exact 75 mm coil, chassis footprint, and 19 kGauss elementary-piece neodymium motor, but built around an aluminium-PEN composite diaphragm rather than pure titanium, mirroring the identical diaphragm-material trade-off documented on the ND2060/ND2060A pairing at 2 inches.
The diaphragm assembly is composed of an aluminium dome sandwiched to a proprietary treated polyester suspension. This design maintains low resonance and lowers the minimum crossover point value to 800 Hz. The composite diaphragm assembly is made by an aluminium dome strongly joined to the PEN suspension, in order to assure unmatched transient response. The lower density of the aluminium and PEN structure permits higher levels of sensitivity, especially in the mid-high frequency range — the same fundamental physics explanation documented on the ND2060A, here applied at the 1.4-inch throat scale.
The bended former is jointed in a sandwich configuration between the PEN suspension and the aluminium dome, assuring extended frequency energy transfer for improved response linearity and unparalleled reliability — a slightly different construction description from the ND1460’s simple bent-edge joint, reflecting the composite diaphragm’s genuinely different sandwich assembly method.
Design and Construction of the 18 Sound ND1460A
Through careful use of elementary pieces of neodymium magnets, 18 Sound engineers have developed a powerful neodymium magnet assembly able to reach 19 kGauss in the gap in a compact and lightweight structure — matching the ND1460’s flux density exactly. The motor structure, through the precisely coherent phase plug with 3 circumferential slots and copper ring on the pole piece, reduces inductance effects and distortion.
Four top plate air ducts were designed to act as a loading chamber for the diaphragm, implementing mid band distortion and response figures. 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.
The ability to perform properly under inclement weather conditions is a key point of 18 Sound’s philosophy — the special coating applied to the magnet and the top and back plates makes the driver resistant to the corrosive effects of salts and oxidisation.
At 3.2 kg, 132 mm overall diameter, and 62 mm depth, the 18 Sound ND1460A matches the ND1460’s physical footprint exactly, at 300 g more weight — a slightly heavier package than its titanium sibling, despite the ostensibly lighter aluminium-PEN diaphragm material, suggesting the magnetic structure or other chassis components differ subtly between the two variants.
Performance and Applications for the 18 Sound ND1460A
The 18 Sound ND1460A delivers 110 dB sensitivity across a 0.5 – 20 kHz frequency range, with a recommended crossover of 0.8 kHz using a 12 dB/octave or steeper high-pass filter — 1 dB above the ND1460’s 109 dB, matching the exact sensitivity advantage pattern documented on the ND2060A over the ND2060.
The 80 W AES / 160 W continuous power handling is notably lower than the ND1460’s 100 W AES / 200 W — the same aluminium-PEN-versus-titanium power handling trade-off documented consistently across 18 Sound’s diaphragm material comparisons throughout this session.
For applications where maximum sensitivity and PEN’s characteristic smooth, low mid-band distortion matter more than absolute power ceiling, the 18 Sound ND1460A is the stronger choice; for maximum sustained power handling, the titanium ND1460 remains the more robust option — the same clean trade-off documented on every other titanium-versus-aluminium-PEN pairing in 18 Sound’s range covered in this session.
Conclusion – 18 Sound ND1460A Compression Driver
The 18 Sound ND1460A is the aluminium-PEN diaphragm sibling of the ND1460, delivering 1 dB more sensitivity at the cost of 40 W less continuous power handling, from an identical 19 kGauss elementary-piece neodymium motor and matching physical footprint. This completes the full family of 1.4-inch neodymium options 18 Sound offers — the ND1424BT (small coil, lightest), ND1460 (large coil, titanium), and 18 Sound ND1460A (large coil, aluminium-PEN, highest sensitivity).
For system integrators specifically prioritising sensitivity within this platform family, the 18 Sound ND1460A delivers 18 Sound’s strongest available figure at the 1.4-inch throat.
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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.
