Celestion has announced the debut of the new 18-inch PowerProX18 cone driver, designed specifically for low-frequency reinforcement in subwoofers for installation and touring applications as well as cinema sound, and it will be on display at the 2023 NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center in booth #6602.
The PowerProX18 is equipped with an advanced cooling design stated to enable its voice coil to run 20 degrees (C) cooler than comparable drivers, reducing heat-related stress on the 4-inch glass-fiber voice coil former and other thermally sensitive parts. It’s also designed to help reduce the temperature-related rise in Re (coil resistance) that causes power compression.
Through research Celestion has identified adhesives designed to help ensure additional driver performance and durability. In the interest of performance longevity, especially in outdoor applications such as concerts, the glass fibrer-loaded cellulose cone is weatherproofed not only on the front side, but on the back as well.
With a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, the PowerProX18’s power rating is stated as 1200 watts nominal (AES) and 2400 watts continuous, while sensitivity, measured at 1W@1m in 2π space, is 97 dB. The Bl (motor force) curve is stated to exhibit added symmetry, and due to the cone’s polysiloxane-laminated dual suspension that’s designed to offer greater stability and improve cone displacement symmetry, the K (stiffness) curve reveals optimum symmetry that results in reduced distortion.
An aluminium demodulation ring is designed to reduce the inductance (Le) of the motor circuit — stated as 1.61 mH at 1 kHz — which also contributes to lowering power compression. The ring also reduces harmonic distortion as the voice coil and cone move in the gap toward either pole of the magnet.
The subwoofer has a usable frequency range of 35 to 1000 Hz, making it suitable for any large subwoofer applications. Xmax is calculated at ±9.3 mm. Its chassis supports a 3.5 kg ferrite magnet, while the overall weight of the driver is is 13.2 kg (29.1 lb.)
“The PowerProX18 a subwoofer designed for longevity of high performance, delivering maximum durability and reliability throughout the lifespan of each speaker,” says Ken Weller, marketing manager at Celestion. “It is intended to surpass the performance of other 18-inch subwoofer drivers in its class, making it ideal for challenging sound reinforcement and cinema sound applications.”
Go here for more information on the new PowerProX18.
