The VAS 18-1700 Series is a range of high-performance 18″ low-frequency transducers engineered for demanding professional sound reinforcement systems. Developed for high-SPL subwoofer applications, these drivers combine a powerful motor structure, high thermal capacity, and a rigid cone assembly to deliver deep low-frequency extension with controlled transient response.

At the core of the design is a 125 mm (5″) high-temperature inside/outside copper voice coil, capable of handling 1700 W nominal and 3400 W program power while maintaining thermal stability under continuous high-output operation. The large voice coil diameter improves heat dissipation and power handling while ensuring precise control of the moving assembly at high excursion levels.

A key feature of the driver is the ultra-strong carbon fibre cone with resin treatment, designed to maintain structural rigidity under high acoustic loads. The carbon fibre reinforcement reduces cone deformation at high SPL while preserving accurate low-frequency reproduction and transient response. This construction is complemented by a carbon fibre dust cap and a silicone double Conex damper, providing long-term mechanical stability and durability in demanding environments.

To reduce distortion and improve linearity, the motor system incorporates a demodulating ring integrated within the spider assembly, helping stabilize inductance and maintain consistent performance across the operating bandwidth. The Klippel® optimized motor and suspension design ensures controlled excursion behaviour and improved BL symmetry, making the driver particularly well suited for horn-loaded and high-efficiency subwoofer designs.

With a frequency response extending from 30 Hz to 1000 Hz and 97 dB sensitivity (1 W / 1 m), the VAS 18-1700 series is designed for use in reflex, bandpass, and horn-loaded subwoofer enclosures where high efficiency, strong motor control, and reliable long-term operation are required.

All drivers in the series are engineered in Germany, tested using Klippel measurement systems, and verified through real-world deployment in demanding festival environments including Rototom Sunsplash, Reggae Geel, and No Logo Festival.

The VAS 1.4″ compression driver is engineered for professional mid-high loudspeaker sections where controlled dispersion, high sensitivity, and consistent high-frequency reproduction are required. Designed to operate across a wide bandwidth from 500 Hz to 20 kHz, the driver provides detailed high-frequency performance while maintaining stable behaviour under demanding sound reinforcement conditions.

At the center of the design is a 75 mm (3″) voice coil built using edge-wound aluminium ribbon wire, allowing improved electrical efficiency and enhanced heat dissipation. The large voice coil diameter increases thermal capacity and enables the driver to handle 80 W nominal and 160 W program power, maintaining stable performance during extended high-output operation.

The compression driver utilizes a titanium diaphragm, chosen for its combination of rigidity and low mass. This material provides excellent high-frequency extension and accurate transient response, ensuring clean reproduction of mid-high frequencies and detailed articulation at higher SPL levels.

To improve linearity and reduce distortion, the motor structure incorporates a copper demodulation ring, helping stabilize inductance and maintain consistent output across the operating frequency range. Combined with a high-flux neodymium magnet assembly producing 1.9 T flux density, the driver achieves 110 dB sensitivity (1 W / 1 m), providing strong acoustic output with efficient power conversion.

The driver features a 1.4″ (35.6 mm) throat diameter, allowing efficient coupling with professional waveguides and horns. When used with properly designed waveguide systems, the driver delivers controlled dispersion and balanced coverage, making it suitable for a wide range of professional loudspeaker top configurations.

With a recommended crossover point of 800 Hz using a 24 dB/octave Butterworth filter, the driver integrates smoothly with midrange sections while maintaining stable performance across the full high-frequency spectrum.

LF speaker drivers:

• Horn-loaded subwoofer enclosures
• Bass reflex subwoofer enclosures
• Bandpass subwoofer enclosures
• Horn-loaded upper bass enclosures
• Front-loaded kick / upper bass enclosures
• Tapped horn subwoofer enclosures
• Hybrid horn-reflex subwoofer enclosures

HF compression drivers:

• Line-array style top enclosures
• Point-source PA top enclosures
• Front-loaded mid-high top enclosures
• Horn-loaded mid-high enclosures
• Kick-top / mid-high hybrid enclosures
• Compound horns enclosures