Speaker Driver FAQ
Our speaker driver FAQ: straight answers to the questions we get most: which of our 18s to use, how they are rated, whether they fit, and how to keep them alive. Each section links to the full guide. Anything else, get in touch.
Our drivers
| WM1850/8 | WM18X451 | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Reflex and mixed systems | Scoops and folded horns |
| Power | 1800 W AES / 3600 W peak | 1800 W RMS / 3600 W max |
| Voice coil | 125 mm | 115 mm (4.5"), copper |
| Motor | Ferrite, vented | Ferrite, double spider |
| Impedance | 8 Ω | 8 Ω (4 Ω option) |
| Price | £275 (15.3p per rated watt) | £345 (19.2p per rated watt) |
Details on the WM1850/8 and WM18X451 pages. Tweeters, horns, compression drivers and mid bass drivers are coming soon.
Choosing and fitting
Cab type first, then fit and impedance. See choosing an 18" sub driver, cabinet designs, will it fit? and the replacement guide.
Power and protection
Size the amp to the driver's continuous rating and set limiters so it survives long sets. See amp matching, amp channels for a stack and limiter settings for subs.
Questions
Which Wavemark driver should I use in a scoop bin?
The WM18X451. It is built for scoops and folded horns, with a 4.5 inch (115 mm) copper voice coil, ferrite motor and double spider, rated 1800 W RMS / 3600 W max, at £345.
Which Wavemark driver suits a bass reflex cabinet?
The WM1850/8. Qts 0.644, Fs 42.9 Hz, Vas 120.9 L and 12 mm Xmax suit ported boxes and mixed systems. It is rated 1800 W AES / 3600 W peak, with a 125 mm coil, at £275.
Is the WM18X451 available in 4 ohm?
Yes, in 8 ohm or 4 ohm. The WM1850/8 is 8 ohm only.
Will the WM1850/8 fit my cabinet?
Check the baffle cut-out (392 mm) and mounting depth (202 mm) against your cab. Each product page has a downloadable PDF spec sheet with the full mounting dimensions.
Can I get T/S data for the WM18X451?
Yes, on request for cabinet modelling.
Can I hear the drivers before I buy?
Yes. Both can be heard in our listening room by appointment. Visits are by appointment: send us a message to arrange one.
How many 18 inch subs can I run on one amp channel?
Usually two identical 8 ohm drivers in parallel, which present 4 ohms. Check the amp's minimum load and its rated power at that load.
How do I stop blowing sub drivers?
High-pass a little below the box tuning, set peak and RMS limiters from the driver's continuous rating, and lock amp gains so nobody can push past the limiter.
Where can I find sub cabinet plans?
Our designs page links to plans from the sound system community, with notes on choosing an 18 inch driver for each.