Electro-Voice S18 User manual

S18
Subwoofer
•SG18 18-inch woofer for remark-
able, extended low-frequency
output
•300-watt long-term rms power
capacity
•Roadworthy enclosure with metal
corners, a metal grille and a
durable black carpet finish
•Dual 1/4-inch phone jack or dual
Neutrik Speakon®inputs 1
•Compact design allows stacking
with other S-series systems
•Subwoofer for augmenting the
low-frequency performance of EV
stage systems
__________________
1See Connections section.
Description
The Electro-Voice S18 is a 300-watt com-
pact subwoofer loudspeaker system that has
been designed specifically to complement
the Electro-Voice S-Series stage systems. It
provides solid low-frequency performance
to 45 Hz for a variety of applications. The
enclosure venting provides control of the
woofer’s excursion at the lowest frequencies
of the subwoofer’s output. Excursion is
minimized at 48 Hz, with the majority of the
output coming from the vents.
Use In Multiples
The S18 may be used in multiples to increase
acoustic output. A 6-dB increase in maximum
acoustic output occurs when two speaker sys-
temsareplacedsidebysideandparalleled,yield-
ing a 4-ohm load. For operation at very-low-
frequencies,thewoofercones“mutuallycouple,”
actingasonesystemwithtwicetheeffectivecone
areaatvery-lowfrequenciestoprovide3-dBmore
output, while the doubled power capacity pro-
vides the potential for an additional 3-dB gain in
maximum acoustic output.
Mutual coupling occurs when the frequency is
such that the center-to-center distance between
thetwowoofersislessthanaboutone-halfwave-
length. When the distance is greater than one-
half wavelength, as would occur if two S18’s
were widely spaced, the level increase is limited
to the 3-dB power capacity increase.
Crossover
Although the S18 can be used without an active
crossover to a full-range system, for optimum
performance, an active crossover with a mini-
mumslopeof12-dB-per-octaveandacrossover
frequency of 200 Hz or below is recommended.
Speaker Protection
The S18, like all other vented systems, ex-
periences rapidly increasing cone excursion
below the box-tuning frequency. The acous-
tic output also decreases rapidly. Therefore,
it is necessary to protect the S18 and maxi-
mize the power output of the subwoofer by
inserting an active high-pass filter. The fil-
ter should be in the 30- to 40-Hz range with
a typical value of 32-Hz and a slope of at
least 12 dB per octave. Such subpassband
filters are found in many crossovers and
equalizers manufactured by Electro-Voice,
as well as other commercially available
equipment.
Enclosure Construction
The S18 enclosure is constructed of Road-
WoodTM, a structural material that combines
thestrengthofhigh-qualityplywoodwith the
density and acoustic damping of particle
board, without brittleness. Road-WoodTM
uses the same principle of crossbanding ve-
neers as in plywood, in order to achieve its
very high rigidity. A tough liquid-phenolic
resin is blended with long, narrow strands
of hard-wood. Alternate layers are perpen-
dicularlybondedunderintenseheatand pres-
sure to form panels of superior uniformity.
Unlike many grades of plywood, Road-
WoodTM isdimensionally stable, water-resis-
tant and free from voids.
A combination of dado cut joints and tough
adhesives ensure a sonically dead enclosure
free from panel resonances.
Thedensely-woven, industrial-grade, abuse-
resistant carpeting provides a finish that is
both attractive and highly durable. Heavy-
duty metal corner protectors, firmly secured
rubber feet, recessed handles and a protec-
tive metal grille complete the picture and en-
sure that the S18 speaker system is ideally
suited to a long and reliable life on the road.
Frequency Response
The S18’s axial frequency response is shown
in Figure 1. This response was measured at
3.05meters(10feet),usinga4-voltsweptsine-
wave input in an anechoic chamber. No ex-

S18 Subwoofer
S18 Subwoofer
ternalequalizationwasused. Figure1hasbeen
averaged and normalized to 1 watt at 1 meter.
Connections
The S18 is equipped with two parallel 1/4-inch
phone jacks. (The S18-E has two parallel
Neutrik Speakon®NL4MP connectors.) An-
other woofer can be connected in parallel by
usingtheotherconnector. Caremustbetaken
not to abuse the amplifier by connecting im-
pedances which are too low. (See amplifier
specifications supplied by the manufacturer.)
Power-Handling Capacity
Electro-Voice components and systems are
manufactured to exacting standards, ensuring
they will hold up, not only through the most
rigorous of power tests, but also through con-
tinueduse inarduous, real-lifeconditions. The
EIA Loudspeaker Power Rating Full-Range
(ANSI/EIA RS-426-A 1980) uses a noise
spectrumwhichmimicstypicalmusicandtests
thethermal and mechanical capabilities of the
components. Electro-Voice will support rel-
evant additional standards as and when they
become available. Extreme, in-house power
tests, which push the performance boundaries
of the woofers, are also performed and passed
to ensure years of trouble-free service.
Specifically, the S18 passes ANSI/EIA RS-
426-A 1980 with the following values:
RSR = 5.87 ohms (1.15 x RE)
PE(MAX) = 300 watts
Test voltage = 41.96 volts rms,
83.93 volts peak (+6 dB)
The “peak” power-handling capacity of a
woofer is determined by the peak test voltage
amount. For the S18, a 84.8-volt peak test
voltagetranslates into 1,200-watts short-term
peak power-handling capacity. This is the
equivalentoffour times the “average” power-
handling capacity, and is a peak that can be
sustained for only a few milliseconds. How-
ever, this sort of short-duration peak is very
typical in speech and music. Provided the
amplifier can reproduce the signal accurately,
withoutclipping, the wooferwillalsoperform
accurately and reliably, even at these levels.
Amplifier Power Recommendations
As noted in the Power-Handling section,
above, the S18 has a random-noise power ca-
pacity of 300 watts long term (1,200 watts
peak) per ANSI/EIA RS-426-A 1980. The
following guidelines will help relate this to
an appropriate power amplifier output rating.
1. To use the S18 to full capacity, skilled
experts in sound system installation and
operation will obtain the best results if
the power amplifier is 2.0 to 4.0 times
the long-term average noise power rat-
ing of the speaker system. For the S18
this is 600 to 1,200 watts.
The caution cannot be made strongly
enough, however, that this arrange-
ment is only for experts or those who
can discipline themselves against
“pushing” the system for ever-higher
sound levels and who can avoid “acci-
dents” such as catastrophic feedback
or dropped microphones.
At these levels the system will fail if
pushed beyond these limits even for a
short time. It should be used by ex-
perts only or with a known signal
sourcesuch as CD’s which donotfeed-
back or do not have unknown signals
present.
2. A more conservative, “normal” amplifier
size, which will produce audible results
nearly equal to those of the “expert” rec-
ommendation, is 1.0 to 1.4 times the
long-term average noise power rating of
the speaker. For the S18 this is 300 to
420 watts.
3. To be very conservative, one can use an
amplifier rated at 0.5 to 0.7 times the
long-term average noise power rating of
the loudspeaker. For the S18 this is 150
to 210 watts.
See Speaker Protection section.
Request P.A. Bible Addition No. Two
(“PowerHandlingCapacity”)formoreback-
ground on these recommendations.
Service
In the unlikely event the S18 requires ser-
vice, the woofer can be replaced or serviced
from the front. A service data sheet is avail-
able from Electro-Voice.
Architects' and Engineers'
Specifications
The loudspeaker shall be a compact vented-
box type. The low frequencies shall be re-
producedwith one 300-watt (ANSI/EIA RS-
426-A1980) SG18 457-mm (18-in.) woofer.
The system will reproduce the frequencies
from 45 to 3,300 Hz. The system shall be
capable of producing average sound levels
in excess of 123 dB in the long term, and
short-term peaks of 129 dB.
The enclosure shall be constructed of black-
carpeted Road-WoodTM and have a metal
grille which attaches with 7 screws. The
dimensions shall be 778 mm (30.7 in.) tall,
505 mm (19.9 in.) wide, and 464 mm (18.3 in.)
deep. Thesystemshall weigh 27.7 kg (61 lb).
Two 1/4-inch phone jack connections shall
be provided. (Two Neutrik Speakon®con-
nections shall be provided on the “E” ver-
sion.)
The loudspeaker system shall be the Elec-
tro-Voice S18 (or S18-E).
Uniform Limited Warranty
Electro-Voice products are guaranteed
against malfunction due to defects in mate-
rials or workmanship for a specified period,
as noted in the individual product-line
statement(s)below, or inthe individual prod-
uct data sheet or owner’s manual, beginning
with the date of original purchase. If such
malfunction occurs during the specified pe-
riod, the product will be repaired or replaced
(at our option) without charge. The product
will be returned to the customer prepaid.
Exclusions and Limitations: The Limited
Warranty does not apply to: (a) exterior fin-
ish or appearance; (b) certain specific items
described in the individual product-line
statement(s)below, or inthe individual prod-
uct data sheet or owner’s manual; (c) mal-
function resulting from use or operation of
the product other than as specified in the
product data sheet or owner’s manual; (d)
malfunction resulting from misuse or abuse
of the product; or (e) malfunction occurring
at any time after repairs have been made to
the product by anyone other than Mark IV
Audio Service or any of its authorized ser-
vice representatives. Obtaining Warranty

S18 Subwoofer
S18 Subwoofer
Service: To obtain warranty service, a cus-
tomer must deliver the product, prepaid, to
Mark IV Audio Service or any of its autho-
rized service representatives together with
proof of purchase of the product in the form
of a bill of sale or receipted invoice. A list
ofauthorizedservicerepresentativesisavail-
able from Mark IV Audio Service at 600
Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107 (800/234/
6831 or FAX [phone]). Incidental
and Consequential Damages Excluded:
Product repair or replacement and return to
the customer are the only remedies provided
to the customer. Electro-Voice shall not be
liable for any incidental or consequential
damages including, without limitation, in-
jury to persons or property or loss of use.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential
damages so the above limitation or exclu-
sion may not apply to you. Other Rights:
Thiswarranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Electro-Voice Speakers and Speaker Sys-
temsare guaranteedagainst malfunction due
to defects in materials or workmanship for a
periodoffive(5)yearsfrom the date of origi-
nalpurchase.The Limited Warranty does not
apply to burned voice coils or malfunctions
such as cone and/or coil damage resulting
from improperly designed enclosures. Elec-
tro-Voice active electronics associated with
the speaker systems are guaranteed for three
(3) years from the date of original purchase.
Additional details are included in the Uni-
form Limited Warranty statement.
For warranty repair, service information, or
a listing of the repair facilities nearest you,
contactthe service repair department at: 616/
695-6831 or 800/685-2606.
For technical assistance, contact Technical
Supportat800/234-6831or 616/695-6831,M-
F,8:00a.m. to5:00p.m. easternstandardtime.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Figure 2—Harmonic Distortion, 10%
Rated Power Input (30 watts), (anechoic
environment, 3.05 meters (10 feet) on
axis)
Figure 1—Axial Frequency Response,
(anechoic environment, 4 volts/3.05
meters (10 feet), normalized to 1 watt/1
meter)

S18 Subwoofer
S18 Subwoofer
Part Number 533657 – 9639
600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107
800/234-6831, 616/695-6831, 616/695-1304 Fax
a MARK IV company
SPEAKERS—Low Frequency Systems
Sensitivity (SPL at 1 watt, 1 meter
input, anechoic environment, swept
sine wave, 50 to 200 Hz):
98 dB
Dispersion Angle Included by 6-dB-
Down Points on Polar Responses:
Essentially omnidirectional
Distortion, 0.1 Full Power Input at
100 Hz (see Figure 2),
Second Harmonic:
–30 dB, 3%
Third Harmonic:
–49 dB, 0.4%
Transducer Complement,
SG18 18-inch woofer
Box Tuning Frequency:
48 Hz
Recommended Crossover Frequency:
200 Hz or below
Recommended Crossover Slope:
12 dB per octave, minimum
Impedance,
Nominal:
8.0 ohms
Minimum:
6.2 ohms
Input Connections:
Two parallel 1/4-inch phone jacks
(Two parallel Neutrik Speakon®
NL4MP connectors on S18-E)
Enclosure Materials and Colors:
Black-carpeted Road WoodTM
Black perforated metal grille
Enclosure Dimensions (see Figure 4),
Height:
778 mm (30.7 in.)
Width:
505 mm (19.9 in.)
Depth:
464 mm (18.3 in.)
Net Weight:
27.7 kg (61 lb)
Shipping Weight:
31.8 kg (70 lb)
Specifications
Typical Axial Frequency Response, Swept
Sine Wave, 4 volts at 3.05 meters (10 feet),
(anechoic environment, normalized
for 1 watt at 1 meter; see Figure 1):
60-3,300 Hz
Low-Frequency 3-dB-Down Point:
60 Hz
Usable Low-Frequency Limit (10-dB-
down point):
45 Hz
Half-Space Reference Efficiency:
2.9%
Long-Term Average Power-Handling
Capacity per ANIS/EIA RS-426-A 1980
(see Power-Handling Capacity section):
300 watts
Maximum Woofer Acoustic Output:
9 watts
Figure 3—Impedance Curve
Figure 4—Dimension Line Drawing