JBL’s 18-inch speakers are the foundation of many high-performance sound systems. They are almost always subwoofers, as an 18-inch driver is too large for most full-range applications. These products are engineered for maximum efficiency and power handling to reproduce low-end audio with precision and force.
Key Features and Performance (General):
Subwoofer Design: The 18-inch driver is specifically designed to handle low frequencies. Its large cone area allows it to move a significant amount of air, producing deep bass notes with high SPL (Sound Pressure Level).
Power Handling: These speakers are built for high power. A single 18-inch JBL subwoofer driver can typically handle continuous power from 600 W to over 1,000 W RMS, with peak power ratings of several thousand watts.
Frequency Response: They are designed to reproduce a limited but critical frequency range, typically from around 30 Hz up to a crossover point of 80 Hz to 150 Hz.
Transducer Technology: Many of JBL’s professional 18-inch drivers, such as the 2269H or 2279H (used in SRX and VTX series), feature patented technologies like Differential Drive®. This technology uses dual voice coils and dual magnet gaps to reduce weight, increase power handling, and lower distortion.
Build Quality: The drivers are constructed with durable materials, including high-quality cone materials (often treated paper or composite fibers), large-diameter voice coils (e.g., 4-inch), and robust cast-aluminum frames.
Enclosure Options: JBL offers these 18-inch drivers in various configurations:
“Naked Speaker” / Component: The driver itself, sold without an enclosure, for custom-built or replacement applications.
Passive Subwoofer System: The driver is housed in a rugged enclosure (e.g., 18mm birch plywood) with a passive crossover, requiring an external amplifier (e.g., JBL SRX818S or SRX718S).
Powered Subwoofer System: The driver and an integrated amplifier are housed in a single cabinet, making it an all-in-one solution. These typically feature advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) for equalization and system control (e.g., JBL EON718S or JBL PRX918XLF).
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