Test Bench: Celestion CDX1-1412 Compact 1" Pro Sound Compression Driver

The Celestion CDX1-1412 Compression Driver is a compact 1" unit intended for professional audio applications, a traditional segment for the UK-based OEM manufacturer. This compression driver features a FEA-optimized neodymium ring magnet motor structure, a nominal power handling of 35W, a 2kHz recommended crossover frequency (with a minimum 12dB/octave high-pass network), and 106dB sensitivity (1W/1m) measured with its own 1" H1-9050 90°x50° constant directivity horn. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2022.

The focus for this Test Bench is the 2FE24 2.5” full-range driver from FaitalPRO, an interesting small diameter full-range design suitable for pro audio applications such as PA line source speakers. The 2FE24 is built on a proprietary injection-molded polycarbonate four-spoke frame, and the cone assembly consists of an uncoated paper cone and dust cap, low loss half-roll NBR surround, and elevated cloth spider. Powering the cone assembly is a neodymium ring magnet and a milled return cup fitted to a 19mm diameter voice coil wound with aluminum wire on a Kapton former. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, May 2022.

Another great issue of Voice Coil magazine. Vance Dickason writes about the Multi-Tone Measurement Module (MTON) available for the Klippel KA3 Analyzer. Mike Klasco and Nora Wong (Menlo Scientific) compiled an updated Directory of Headphone Test & Measurement Equipment for 2022. We revisit a 2004 patent of a speaker using an "Internal Negative Stiffness Mechanism." And in Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the latest Celestion CDX1-1412 1" Compression Driver and a new 3" dome midrange from Tang Band Speaker (TB Speaker).

The driver on this Test Bench is from B&C Speakers and clearly designed for professional audio. The 10NW76 was designed for uses in line arrays, small two-way monitors, and as a subwoofer, or as a midbass driver in multiway systems. It uses a proprietary 12-spoke (six double spokes) cast-aluminum frame with a series of cooling vents that allow air to move past the voice coil and across the front side of the neodymium motor assembly. The cone assembly consists of a curvilinear waterproof coated paper cone and dust cap. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, December 2021.

This Test Bench explication characterizes the 15DS100 15” professional subwoofer from B&C Speakers. This new transducer from the Italian company is a very high power handling design, able to deliver 3kW continuous (1.6W nominal), thanks to B&C's latest generation of very long voice coils - a great asset in applications from discreet PA subwoofers to three-way PA speakers. The B&C 15DS100-4 uses a proprietary 12-spoke cast aluminum frame with cooling vents for the neodymium FEA motor, which uses a 4” four-layer voice coil wound with round aluminum wire on a non-conducting glass fiber former. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, October 2021.

The latest development from Precision Devices International, following the seismic abilities of the 24-inch and 21-inch sub bass woofers launched earlier in June 2021, the new 18” PD.1845-1N introduces clear design refinements, resulting in an ergonomic, vented cast aluminum chassis that offers improved thermal control, also featuring an aluminum demodulation ring for ultra-low distortion. The 4.5" split winding copper clad aluminum voice coil and vented long-throw motor system leverages a voice coil gap for reduced power compression and an optimized double silicone suspension system for ultimate cone control.

This article characterizes a cutting-edge product from BDNC, a patented “race track” shaped driver, and the first of its kind to use a glass diaphragm composite made up of two layers of “Schott AS87 Glass” with an internal layer of viscoelastomic damping material and aluminum alloy foil. The motor structure uses two neodymium bar magnets driving a two-layer race track-shaped voice coil wound with round copper wire on an aluminum former. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2021.

The product on this Test Bench is Eighteen Sound’s ND1TP Compression Driver and XT120 Horn. Already the result of the company's efforts in the aftermath of the Eighteen Sound (and Ciare) acquisition by B&C Speakers in 2018. The ultra-compact ND1TP compression driver has a 25mm (1") throat diameter driven by a 44mm (1.75") diameter edge-wound voice coil wound with copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) on a non-conducting Nomex former with a proprietary treatment. This article was published in Voice Coil, April 2021.

The driver in this Test Bench is the Wavecor TW022WA09 22mm high-end textile dome tweeter. The TW022WA09 was unveiled by Wavecor together with the TW022WA08/10 high-end tweeter, a new series of 22mm chambered neodymium drivers with increased sensitivity. The precision cloth (textile) dome ensures an extended frequency response, while the voice coil design offers higher power handling and low resonance frequency. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, January 2021

Celestion announced the new 32 ohm version of the AN2075, a low profile 2-inch compact array driver, particularly well-suited for large-scale mini-array applications which require multiple drivers connected together. The new 32 ohm AN2075 joins others in the Celestion AN range of compact and lightweight full-range neodymium loudspeakers that are a popular choice for portable or discreet, low-profile sound reinforcement applications.