18 Sound ND1480A – Highest-Sensitivity 1.4-Inch Driver, Purpose-Built for Line Array Applications
The 18 Sound ND1480A is a 1.4-inch exit, 3-inch diaphragm neodymium HF compression driver that has been designed for high-level sound systems applications — combining the ND1480’s 22 kGauss ring magnet with the ND1460A’s aluminium-PEN diaphragm philosophy to deliver the highest sensitivity of any driver documented across this session’s 1.4-inch family. 18 Sound explicitly notes this driver is ideal for line array applications, a specific positioning not carried on any other sibling in this closely related family.
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 — combined with the stronger 22 kGauss ring magnet, this produces the driver’s genuinely class-leading 111 dB figure within this platform family.
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.
Design and Construction of the 18 Sound ND1480A
The ND1480A powerful neodymium magnet assembly has been designed to obtain 22 kGauss in the gap for major benefits in transient response — matching the titanium ND1480’s ring magnet exactly, here paired with the lighter aluminium-PEN diaphragm for the combined sensitivity advantage.
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 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 3.1 kg, 131 mm overall diameter, and 62 mm depth, the 18 Sound ND1480A matches the ND1480’s physical footprint almost exactly, at 20 g less weight.
Performance and Applications for the 18 Sound ND1480A
The 18 Sound ND1480A delivers 111 dB sensitivity across a 0.5 – 20 kHz frequency range, with a recommended crossover of 1.0 kHz using a 12 dB/octave or steeper high-pass filter — the highest sensitivity of any driver documented in this session’s complete 1.4-inch family, 1 dB above the titanium ND1480 and 2 dB above the baseline ND1460.
The 80 W AES / 160 W continuous power handling is the lowest of the ring-magnet tier drivers, the familiar aluminium-PEN-versus-titanium power handling trade-off documented consistently throughout this session.
18 Sound’s explicit “ideal for line array applications” positioning is genuinely meaningful here: line arrays benefit disproportionately from maximum sensitivity per driver, since achieving target SPL across many array elements multiplies any per-driver sensitivity advantage across the whole system, while the reduced power handling per element is compensated by the sheer number of drivers working together in the array.
Conclusion – 18 Sound ND1480A Compression Driver
The 18 Sound ND1480A delivers the highest sensitivity of any driver documented across this session’s complete 1.4-inch platform family — 111 dB from the combination of a 22 kGauss ring magnet and lightweight aluminium-PEN diaphragm. 18 Sound’s explicit line array positioning reflects genuine engineering logic: maximum sensitivity per element is precisely the advantage line array system design rewards most.
This completes the full picture of 18 Sound’s 1.4-inch neodymium compression driver range documented across this session — five distinct variants (ND1424BT, ND1460, ND1460A, ND1480, ND1480A) spanning weight, sensitivity, and power handling trade-offs to suit essentially every application within 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.
