Low frequencies are very important to our sound perception. Adding accurate, deep bass tones greatly improves the realism of the reproduction, with a sound that engages the listener, adding weight, body, and musical authority.
But reproduction below 80 Hz has its own set of rules. Relatively speaking, these are “slow”, long-wavelength signals. For example, a 30 Hz tone has a wavelength of over 11 metres. Producing convincing low frequencies means moving a lot of air, which requires a large, long-stroke diaphragm and a powerful motor to produce realistic levels.
The diaphragm of the C18 low bass module has a very large diameter of 460 mm and is capable of +/- 10 mm displacement. This allows the driver to move a volume of air approximately nine times that of a comparable 8″ high-end woofer.
The very large diaphragm surface of the C18 displaces a large volume of air even at a small stroke and thus enables a very dynamic low bass reproduction down to the subsonic range. Since the air is compressed less than with smaller diaphragms due to their spring stiffness, the sound impression is much more physical and perceptible.
For compression-free dynamic reproduction even at very high levels, the driver has a 150 mm voice coil and a high power handling of 1,600 watts (AES2012 standard). This gigantic motor structure achieves outstanding values of power factor and power handling. At the same time, thermal compression is significantly reduced.
Because we cannot actually locate low-frequency sounds below 100 Hz, the C18 bass module can be placed anywhere in the room. We have kept the C18’s cabinet to a compact 70 litres and its depth to a deliberately slim 32cm, so it can easily be placed against a wall, in a corner of the room or hidden behind a sofa.
Internal braces stiffen and stabilise the cabinet. In addition, the front and rear baffles are rigidly connected by the solid metal frame of the 18″ driver. Three elastomer damping elements further reduce vibration in the cabinet structure.
Horn loudspeakers are the oldest and most natural physical principle for rendering sound. Their functionality until today has undeniable advantages over other loudspeaker technologies. In this section we invite you to follow us through history and present time, theory and application of this fascinating technology!
