Celestion debuts PowerProX18 subwoofer & TFX0412 driver at NAMM 2023

Celestion will debut the new 18-inch PowerProX18 subwoofer for cinema sound, fixed install and touring sound reinforcement, and the TFX0412 common magnet motor coaxial loudspeaker at NAMM 2023.

The subwoofer features an advanced cooling design that enables its voice coil to run 20°C cooler than comparable competitor drivers. This greatly reduces heat-related stress on the 4-inch glass-fibre voice coil former and other thermally sensitive parts.

It also reduces the temperature-related rise in Re (coil resistance) that causes power compression. By operating at less severe temperatures, the subwoofer offers end users brand-new-out-of-the-box high performance throughout the product’s lifespan.

Through detailed research Celestion has identified advanced adhesives that ensure additional driver performance and durability. In the interest of performance longevity, especially in outdoor applications such as concerts, the glass fibre-loaded cellulose cone is weatherproofed not only on the front side, but on the back as well.

With a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, the PowerProX18 subwoofer’s power rating is 1,200 watts nominal (AES) and 2,400 watts continuous. Sensitivity, measured at 1W@1m in 2π space is 97dB.

Its Bl (motor force) curve exhibits remarkable symmetry, and thanks to the cone’s polysiloxane-laminated dual suspension, which provides greater stability and improves cone displacement symmetry, the K (stiffness) curve again reveals superb symmetry resulting in reduced distortion.

An aluminium demodulation ring reduces the inductance (Le) of the motor circuit — only 1.61mH at 1kHz — which also contributes to lowering power compression. The ring also reduces harmonic distortion as the voice coil and cone move in the gap toward either pole of the magnet.

The subwoofer has a usable frequency range of 35 to 1,000Hz, making it suitable for any large subwoofer applications, and excels when delivering the deep, palpable lows of cinema audio. Xmax is calculated at ±9.3mm. Its chassis supports a 3.5kg ferrite magnet, while the overall weight of the subwoofer is 13.2kg (29.1lb.)

“The PowerProX18 is a subwoofer designed for longevity of high performance, delivering maximum durability and reliability throughout the lifespan of each speaker,” said Ken Weller, marketing manager at Celestion. “It is intended to surpass the performance of other 18-inch subwoofer drivers in its class, making it ideal for challenging sound reinforcement and cinema sound applications.”

Meanwhile, the new TFX0412 4-inch ferrite magnet coaxial driver will also be debuted at NAMM 2023. With a rigid pressed steel chassis, 1.25” diameter (LF) / 1’ diameter (HF) copper clad aluminium voice coil, the TFX0412 provides a cost-effective addition to the company’s well-established series of coaxial units, for applications requiring compact, discreet sound reinforcement such as ceiling speakers and cinema audio.

The TFX0412 features a fully combined LF loudspeaker and HF compression driver that are powered by a common magnet motor assembly, with the same magnet used for both the LF and HF elements.

This enables the voice coils and hence the acoustic centres of the two transducers to be brought as close together as possible, delivering further improvements in signal coherence and time alignment, for a more natural sounding audio reproduction. With the delivery of both low and high frequency signals from the same chassis, the TFX0412 offers a combined frequency response of 90 Hz to 20,000 Hz (a crossover is required).

The single magnet assembly also offers the advantages of a lighter weight and a more compact profile compared to more conventional dual motor coaxial designs, enabling the speaker to be used in applications where space is at a premium.

The TFX0412, features a polyimide film HF diaphragm, enabling it to provide greater high frequency power handling. Celestion’s next-generation Sound Castle soft clamping assembly decreases operational stress on the diaphragm, for further reduced distortion and even greater reliability of performance.

Both HF and LF voice coils are edge wound using copper clad aluminium. Not only does this increase voice coil barrel stiffness for more accurate sound reproduction; it enables a closer coil wire packing density, leading to improved cooling and increased motor strength.

Also included is a demodulation ring that minimises the effects of power compression, as well as substantially reducing the harmonic and intermodulation distortion that is commonly associated with voice coil displacement.

“The TFX0412 delivers the technology and performance level of our highly successful FTX range in a more lightweight and affordable pressed steel form factor,” commented Weller.

“This latest addition to an expanding range of high-performance coaxial drivers is a reflection of Celestion’s commitment to providing sound reinforcement equipment designers with new options,”

The new products will be on display, alongside a range of Celestion’s key PA products, at the company’s NAMM 2023 booth: #6602.