- Strong glass fiber loaded cone
- High temperature voice coil, double layer silicone spider
- High power handling
- The 18NPW is a high efficiency, (99 dB 1watt / 1 meter) 18-inch woofer with incredibly linear frequency response characteristics, extreme high power handling capability while generating low harmonic distortion artifacts. The 18NPW uses a lightweight, but strong, glass fiber loaded cone assembly along with a high excursion triple roll constant geometry surround. This combination provides
- remarkable strength,high efficiency and a peak to peak maximum excursion of 21.5mm. Power HandlingAt the core of the 18NPW is it’s voice coil technology featuring a composite Polyimide former material capable of withstanding peak temperatures in excess of 350°C, well beyond the thermal requirements of modern professional audio systems. The 18NPW delivers incredible
- performance. REDCATT has implemented a double layer/silicone spider design to ensure long term Fs memory, consistency and diminish anomalies associated with spider deterioration. The sealed spider works as a air pump and pushes the air trough out motor to increase heat transfer and cooling of the parts.
General specs Nominal Diameter: 18 in. Rated Impedance: 8 Ohm Power handling AES Power: 1,200 Watts Program Power: 2,400 Watts Voice Coil Diameter: 4 in. Winding wire: Copper Former: kapton Winding height: 23.7 mm T/S Parameters Resonant frequency: 36 Hz Re: 5.1 ohm Qes: 0.28 Qms: 8.39 Qts: 0.28 Vas: 211.5 liters Sd: 1,257 cm2 Mms: 199.4 grams Bl: 27.3 Le: 1.51 mH Sensitivity: 99.14 dB Design details Surround Material: Fabric Cone material: Paper Spider: Nomex Plate thickness: 14 mm Peak to peak linear cone Displacement n/a mm Overall diameter: 468 mm Bolt circle diameter: 442 mm Baffle cutout dia.: 426 mm Number of mounting holes: 8 Depth (flange to rear): 189 mm Net weight: 9.4 kg Ordering codes: Recone kits: Download: Spec download 2D drawing 3D model
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PRODUCT CODE: 18NPWX8-017
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--- ENCLOSURE RECOMMENDATIONS ---
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ENCLOSURE RECOMMENDATIONS: 18NPWX8-017
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Driver: 18NPWX8-017 (18NPW) — 18" Woofer
Key T/S: Fs=36.0Hz, Qts=0.278, Vas=211.5L, Sens=99.14dB
Power: AES 1200W / Cont 2400W / Peak 4800W
Xmax=4.85mm, Sd=1257.0cm², Bl=27.3T·m
RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURE TYPE: Bass Reflex (Vented)
PORT RECOMMENDATION: Slot port (full-width or L-shaped internal duct) — provides large cross-sectional area needed for high air displacement; reduces port noise at high SPL
a) High SPL
Net Volume: 210 liters
Tuning (Fb): 37 Hz
Est. -3dB: 34 Hz
HP Filter: 29 Hz (24dB/oct recommended)
Round Port: 125mm dia × 37mm long
Slot Port: 341mm W × 75mm H × 135mm L
Port Velocity: 11.5 m/s
Notes: Strong mid-bass impact, reduced cone excursion, maximum output
b) Balanced Response
Net Volume: 245 liters
Tuning (Fb): 32 Hz
Est. -3dB: 27 Hz
HP Filter: 22 Hz (24dB/oct recommended)
Round Port: 125mm dia × 51mm long
Slot Port: 341mm W × 75mm H × 164mm L
Port Velocity: 10.1 m/s
Notes: General-purpose PA/subwoofer, even response, good transient behavior
c) Extended Low Frequency
Net Volume: 275 liters
Tuning (Fb): 29 Hz
Est. -3dB: 25 Hz
HP Filter: 20 Hz (24dB/oct recommended)
Round Port: 125mm dia × 68mm long
Slot Port: 341mm W × 75mm H × 200mm L
Port Velocity: 9.0 m/s
Notes: Deep bass extension, requires proper system protection below tuning
--- Summary ---
The 18NPWX8-017 is a 18-inch high-output woofer driver designed for professional subwoofer systems where high efficiency (99 dB 1W/1m) and maximum acoustic output are required. The motor and suspension are optimized to maintain consistent performance at high drive levels, with controlled excursion and reduced thermal compression during long-term operation.
In bass reflex enclosures, the driver performs best in net internal volumes of 210 to 275 liters, tuned between 29 and 37 Hz. This alignment provides a balanced combination of low-frequency extension, cone control around resonance, and efficient port loading. Lower tuning improves deep bass extension but increases excursion below tuning, requiring appropriate high-pass filtering. Higher tuning increases sensitivity and output in the upper bass region while improving mechanical control.
The driver is intended for use with high-power amplification (approx. 1200 W AES / 2400 W continuous) and DSP control. A high-pass filter in the range of 20–29 Hz is recommended depending on enclosure tuning, along with proper limiting to manage thermal and mechanical stress. Typical operating bandwidth is 25–100 Hz, making it suitable for integration with mid-bass or full-range systems.
This design is particularly effective in single or multi-driver bass reflex systems used in touring, installation, and high-SPL applications, where consistent performance, durability, and output capability are critical.
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