B&C Speakers 18NW100 4 Ohms

A B&C 18-inch Designed for Modern Enclosures, Balancing Efficiency and Compactness

In the world of sound reinforcement speakers, B&C is a benchmark for transducers intended for bass enclosures that need to withstand stress, remain clear, and be portable. The 18NW100 SUB fits this logic: an 18-inch neodymium magnet speaker, optimized for sub and kick-sub applications, with a sensitivity rated at 98 dB (1 W/1 m) and a frequency response covering the low spectrum up to 1 kHz. The goal is clear: to offer a speaker capable of generating a solid foundation while remaining consistent in realistic enclosure loads for performance.

Intended Uses and Systems for the B&C 18NW100 SUB

This model is aimed at integrators, rental companies, enclosure manufacturers, and demanding DIY enthusiasts looking for an 18-inch bass driver capable of powering a subwoofer enclosure in mono configuration or stacks, for applications such as clubs, live sound, DJ setups, or front bass reinforcement. Thanks to its recommended load and parameters, it is particularly suitable for a tuned bass-reflex enclosure where level, foundation, and good handling at high volume are expected. It is also well-suited for systems where weight is an important factor, with neodymium helping to keep the transducer mass down.

Design and Key Points: Power Handling, Excursion, and Stress Resistance

100 mm voice coil and high-level oriented architecture

The 18NW100 SUB is equipped with a 4-inch (100 mm) copper wire voice coil, a typical choice for subwoofer drivers designed for sustained power handling. The manufacturer specifies a power rating of 2400 W AES (data provided at "8 ohms"), while the mentioned version is a 4-ohm variant : depending on your amplification and wiring configuration, this should be considered when selecting the version and tuning the system.

Triple roll suspension and Xmax rated at 9 mm

For a subwoofer enclosure, the ability to move air cleanly is essential. With a triple roll suspension and an Xmax rated at 9.0 mm, this speaker is designed to maintain mechanical stability under heavy demands. Expected result: cleaner bass, less mechanical compression, and a better impact feel when the system is pushed hard.

Treated cone and double siliconed spider: stability and durability

The cone features a waterproof treatment front and back, useful for preserving performance during transport, in humid environments, or under intensive use. The double siliconed spider helps with centering and consistency of the moving assembly, ensuring stable behavior over time, even at high excursion.

Recommended load: tuned to 37 Hz for a solid foundation

The manufacturer recommends a 160-liter enclosure volume with a tuning frequency of 37 Hz. This recommendation provides a clear direction: a sufficiently large bass-reflex enclosure to reach low frequencies while maintaining usable response and a good compromise between extension, level, and control. The Fs rated at 31 Hz confirms the subwoofer orientation of this driver, targeting the low end of the spectrum.

Technical specifications

Rackable	No	Type	Speakers
Category	sound reinforcement accessory

Nominal diameter	18 inches (46 cm)	Cone	radial with waterproof treatment front/back
Version mentioned	4 ohms	Spider	double siliconed
Power	2400 W AES / 8 ohms (manufacturer data)	Fs	31 Hz
Sensitivity	98 dB (1 W / 1 m)	Qts	0.26
Frequency response	35 Hz - 1 kHz	Total diameter	460 mm
Voice coil	4 inches (100 mm), copper wire	Height	209 mm
Magnet	neodymium	Weight	9.3 kg
Xmax	9.0 mm	Recommended enclosure volume	160 liters
Suspension	triple roll	Recommended tuning	37 Hz