18 Sound ND3G – Glass Diaphragm Driver, the Final Addition to the Natural Sound Family
The 18 Sound ND3G 1.4-inch exit neodymium high-frequency compression driver represents the last addition to the Natural Sound compression drivers family. For the first time, a glass dome sandwiched to a proprietary treated PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) suspension has been used to produce a pro audio high-frequency component — a genuinely novel diaphragm material choice not documented on any other compression driver across this session’s comprehensive HF coverage, and per the product imagery, a recently introduced addition to 18 Sound’s catalogue.
The composite diaphragm assembly is made by a glass dome strongly joined to the PEN suspension, in order to assure unmatched transient response, minimising spurious resonances at very high frequencies. This completes the third and final member of the ultra-compact 109 mm chassis family documented in this session — the aluminium-PEN ND3A, the pure beryllium ND3BE, and now this glass-domed 18 Sound ND3G, all sharing the identical chassis, magnetic architecture, and next-gen 4-slot phase plug.
A bended former edge-wound aluminium 75 mm voice coil completes the diaphragm assembly. The ND3G moving assembly design assures extended frequency energy transfer for improved response linearity and unparalleled reliability, facilitating proper motion control of the dome in real working conditions.
Design and Construction of the 18 Sound ND3G
A proprietary treated Nomex former is used, showing the identical 30% higher tensile elongation figure versus Kapton documented consistently across 18 Sound’s entire HF range, suitable for use in higher moisture content environments.
Despite its compact size, the ND3G neodymium magnet assembly has been designed to obtain 20 kGauss in the gap for major benefits in transient response — matching the ND3A/ND3BE’s exact flux density, confirming this glass-diaphragm variant shares the identical magnetic architecture with its two chassis-mates.
The motor structure, through the precisely coherent metal alloy phase plug with 4 circumferential slots and copper ring on the pole piece, reduces inductance effect and distortion. The diaphragm kit self-centering design allows high-precision mounting and at the same time makes the servicing procedure very easy — glass, like beryllium, benefits genuinely from this precision-centering feature given the material’s inherent fragility relative to titanium or aluminium.
The ability to perform properly under inclement weather conditions is a key point of 18 Sound’s philosophy — the special treatment applied to the magnet and plates is more effective than any other coating commonly used.
At 1.65 kg, 109 mm overall diameter, and 53 mm depth, the 18 Sound ND3G matches the ND3A and ND3BE’s physical footprint precisely — the third diaphragm material variant sharing this exact ultra-compact chassis platform.
Performance and Applications for the 18 Sound ND3G
The 18 Sound ND3G delivers 112 dB sensitivity across a 0.8 – 20 kHz frequency range, with a recommended crossover of 1.2 kHz using a 12 dB/octave or steeper high-pass filter — matching both the ND3A and ND3BE’s sensitivity exactly, with power handling (220 W) matching the ND3A and exceeding the beryllium ND3BE’s 180 W.
For applications where glass’s specific transient and resonance-minimising characteristics matter — 18 Sound frames this material choice around assuring unmatched transient response while minimising spurious resonances at very high frequencies — the 18 Sound ND3G represents a genuinely novel option within 18 Sound’s ultra-compact compression driver family.
18 Sound now lists the ND3N (16 Ω variant) as the alternative/current model, suggesting an impedance-variant successor within this same glass-diaphragm platform.
Conclusion – 18 Sound ND3G Compression Driver
The 18 Sound ND3G introduces glass as a genuinely new diaphragm material to 18 Sound’s compression driver range — described as the last addition to the Natural Sound family, and sharing the identical ultra-compact 109 mm chassis, 20 kGauss neodymium motor, and next-gen 4-slot phase plug documented on both the ND3A and ND3BE. This completes this session’s exploration of 18 Sound’s ultra-compact three-material diaphragm family: aluminium-PEN, pure beryllium, and now glass.
For applications seeking 18 Sound’s most recently introduced compression driver technology, combining glass’s transient and resonance characteristics with the proven ultra-compact chassis platform, the 18 Sound ND3G represents the newest addition to this session’s comprehensive HF driver coverage.
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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.
