It's hard to design out that mess above 10khz but if it breaks up in a downward fashion it's not as bad. The new 18s look like they do that. My current favorite, the JBL 2431 which breaks up downward too.The implication would be that you have experience with the 951BePb? I have a pair on SEOS24's. My guess would be that all the Be frams come from truextant (probably 4"?).
In any case, it should be par for the course that any 1.4 throat will exhibit the same mess over 10k that would be expected for any other 1.4" throat no?
Amazingly as a 34 Y/o male musician I can still hear out to 20k. Nerdy as it may be I bring earplugs to the movies (frozen isn't worth hearing loss). But from what I can still hear, no system is excellent directivity wise for the top octave. Not domes or compression drivers etc....
But me thinks that whenever a comp driver can bend the space time continuum, what is at stake is quite a bit larger than building speakers.
Which is only to say that "quid pro quo" the sacrifice is going to be the top end is a tad ragged for a 1.4 throat.
Here's the polar response of a $80 Eminence ring radiator on a $20 waveguide. It can definitely be achieved:

There only exists one version of the 4015. That has a 1,5" exit, and different diaphragm materials hence ND 4015BE , N and Ti2.
Check the brochure i added,it used to say the ND4015 was available with 1,4" and 2,0" throats, by fitting throat adapters again.
The picture you linked from voice coil clearly shows the 1,5"exit ND4015 besides the 2" exit 2064 wether you see it or not🙂
And yes i should read more closely sometimes👍 But still the review is pretty much a hack review of a ND4015BE making it look a lot worse in performance then the driver itself is.
2" version would be a ND4020BE in 18S webpage these days.
What was reviewed was a ND4015be 1,5". Hopefully with the 18sound adapter i linked below attached. But clearly the Combination of ND4015BE, 2" throat adapter and XR2064C is not a good solution for the upper octave. Not that it is something shocking for a 2" exit compression driver from 10-12k and up. But the measurements clearly shows the is a mismatch in geometry somewhere along the exit path or similar, it drops 15db! 9-10k, along with clear traces in the impedance curves that are not there in the mfg. datasheets, or other measurements, that also occurs around 5khz, where you can also see the THD increase.
Go to Eighteensounds webpage, look up the ND4020Ti2 and ND4015Ti2. see if you can spot the difference. Hint: look at the link below.
https://en.toutlehautparleur.com/adaptor-for-compression-driver-1-5-inch-to-2-0-inch.html
While there go look up the ND3ST and the ND32ST, see if you can spot the difference. a hint : https://en.toutlehautparleur.com/adaptor-for-compression-driver-1-4-inch-to-2-0-inch-for-nd3st.html
Again while there, go look up a ND1460/80, and compare them with the Different ND2080 and 2060 versions. See if you can spot the difference. Hint : https://en.toutlehautparleur.com/ad...4-inch-to-2-0-inch-for-nd1480-and-nd1460.html
Now i will leave it up to you to guess what the difference between the HD2000 and the HD2020 is 🤔
Maybe more obvious here as the 2" exit HD2020 has a 2,4" voice coil.
And if you ever want to experiment with a 1,4" exit ND4015 this one will do that, just as described in the 'vintage' specsheet i added, just don't expect greatness and be disappointed.
https://en.toutlehautparleur.com/adaptor-for-compression-driver-1-5-inch-to-1-4-inch.html
You achieve a wide range of transducer models in a very economical way with throat adapters, but the results are not always ideal as can be seen in that review. The same can be said for diaphragms in 4 different versions on the same driver. One compression driver can give you 8 different models to sell. But there are compromises and tradeoffs for that choice too, but it is highly beneficial for the manufacturer in terms of economy, efficiency in production, stock, spare parts etc.
They're 2" drivers mentioned above does not have the phasepulg at the driver exit as shown in the picture below, of the ND4015BE stolen from @docali webpage. That is actually a important thing to consider when looking for a driver, and a horn /waveguide to match it to.
You also never see the throats of the drivers in the mfg. webpage.
Straight from 18S's website, in the drawing of the 4020 you can clearly see where the ND4015 driver ends and the throat adapter begins.
Separated by the line. Also easily visible in the 18S webpage of the mentioned 2" models.
That Voice coil mag, have'nt got the details specified or shown is not my fault or yours 🙂
Now this is no different then a Radian 950 vs 951. The 950 version has some anomalies in the 9-10 khz range with alu diaphragms likely due to the same reasons.
Or the classic example a JBL 2450H and 2451JH.
Or he Tad TD-4002 that is 39mm exit, coming with a 2" throat adapter so it could be used both ways.
Or ordered as 4002Z as used in the TSC series, simply without the adapter.
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Another view of the ND1480 and ND2080 if anyone is not convinced, from both sides, easily showing the difference and the fact that it is a throat adapter, not a different driver. Meaning that of 18sounds selection of 2" compression dirvers only 2 out of 9 are anything close to 'unique' drivers.
If you look at the HD3020T and HD2080T you can easily see what drivers they dripped down from, in the 1,4" exit range.
But they have shorter throats with faster flare rate, being that the throat is contained in the depth of the Ferrite magnet motor structure. So there is some difference beyond the simple throat adapters.
🙂
Now for the next exercise:
Look at the picture below of the 2080. You see the phaseplug exits into a seemingly straight circular / conical? adapter.
Also keep in mind the exit angle of the ND4015 is close to zero.
Compare the drawings of the ND4015Ti2 and the ND4020Ti2.
The driver depth of the ND4015 is 56 mm, the depth of the 4020 is 90,1 mm. a difference of 34,1 millimeters
There is a sharp discontinuity from the exit of the ND4015 into the circular/conical 34mm long 2" throat adapter, which pretty much explains the issues as viewed in the review in Voice coil mag.
If you look at the HD3020T and HD2080T you can easily see what drivers they dripped down from, in the 1,4" exit range.
But they have shorter throats with faster flare rate, being that the throat is contained in the depth of the Ferrite magnet motor structure. So there is some difference beyond the simple throat adapters.
🙂
Now for the next exercise:
Look at the picture below of the 2080. You see the phaseplug exits into a seemingly straight circular / conical? adapter.
Also keep in mind the exit angle of the ND4015 is close to zero.
Compare the drawings of the ND4015Ti2 and the ND4020Ti2.
The driver depth of the ND4015 is 56 mm, the depth of the 4020 is 90,1 mm. a difference of 34,1 millimeters
There is a sharp discontinuity from the exit of the ND4015 into the circular/conical 34mm long 2" throat adapter, which pretty much explains the issues as viewed in the review in Voice coil mag.
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Thanks @Arez for the detailed descriptions of the 18s drivers. And I can confirm once and forever that there is only one 1.5 version ND4015Be! Additionally,there exist two adapters. The 2" adapter has a quite fast flare rate and is almost useless imo for traditional horns. I will never understand why 18 approved such a strange setup like in VC. You can easily see the true potential in my review.
Yes that's right. Although Vance writes that the driver is 2 inches))most do not notice the horn it was tested on is a 2" exit ( 18S XR2064 ) that causes the anomalies in the 10khz+ range. So the review is not really useful or representative of the performance of the driver.
The driver is in production range, so there is no need to close the thread.And no i did not request to reopen this thread, after 10 years.
Which is only to say that "quid pro quo" the sacrifice is going to be the top end is a tad ragged for a 1.4 throat.
In posts # 3,5, 11, RyanC seems to be asking if a Radian Be, regardless of diaphragm size (?), would exhibit a ragged HF response if it has a 1.4” throat exit. https://www.usspeaker.com/radian 951Bepb-1.htmNow this is no different then a Radian 950 vs 951. The 950 version has some anomalies in the 9-10 khz range with alu diaphragms likely due to the same reasons.
But wouldn’t that be just as true if the same Be driver had of a 2” throat?
https://www.usspeaker.com/radian 950Bepb-1.htm
Instead, would these two drivers’ un-EQed HF response be more impacted by the size of the diaphragm, where a 4” diaphragm would breakup at a lower part of the HF band than would a 3”?
But will, for example, a 1.4”/2” driver/horn throat mismatch also degrade HF response?
Or is that not so, where instead as long as a 1.4” Radian 951Be is mated with a 1.4” horn, such as
https://audiohorn.net/next-gen-bi-radial-horn/ , there neither be HF response degradation nor any consequent resonances?
Likewise for a 2” driver throat and 2” horn entrance?
And likewise all of the above is true for these 1.4” and 2” throat 3” diaphragm drivers?
https://www.usspeaker.com/radian 745neoBepb-1.htm
https://www.usspeaker.com/radian 760neoBepb-1.htm
Thus, while applying DSP would likely flatten and maybe also extend the 950Be’s and/or 951Be’s HF response more effectively than a passive filter, it won’t remove any resonances from any throat/horn mismatches, yes?
On another matter, is it true that 2” and even 1.5” drivers will eventually be phase out? Says NicoB
2" compression drivers are no longer being developed, as R&D has shifted away from them. Industrial manufacturers now focus on 1.4" and 1" drivers, with even 1.5" models gradually disappearing.
NicoB said he's no fan of Radian drivers (plugs are “outdated??), but however this apply to my use of Radian Be drivers, please also clarify" If possible, it's better to avoid 2". If the horn is a 2" model but the driver allows for a 1.5" exit, using 2" is a waste, just use 1.5" horn, as I do.
But why would it matter either way?
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Compared to a traditional comp driver no. the Be is well damped and rolls off without alot of issues.In posts # 3,5, 11, RyanC seems to be asking if a Radian Be, regardless of diaphragm size (?), would exhibit a ragged HF response if it has a 1.4” throat exit
The 950 is a 951 with a internal 'throat' expansion. the diaphragm remains the same yes.ut wouldn’t that be just as true if the same Be driver had of a 2” throat?
Depends how well the internal surfaces are mated. (have seen more then one with grim results and Radian answering its within spec).
Also the 2" exit will give you more anomalies due to throat interferences if there are, as you have a 50mm opening more then twice the length of 20khz (consider wavelengths), and higher potential for HOM's.
And the dispersion will be worse obviously.
If everything else is equal then in principle yes.Instead, would these two drivers’ un-EQed HF response be more impacted by the size of the diaphragm, where a 4” diaphragm would breakup at a lower part of the HF band than would a 3”?
Yes.But will, for example, a 1.4”/2” driver/horn throat mismatch also degrade HF response?
This is why you have been advised to get a hron/waveguide that matches the throat of your compression driver multiple times.
There is a fairly recent thread dedicated to the subject with easily understandable input. Also some input on the 950's etc.
A thread to discuss how well a compression driver matches the profile of a particular horn, and how to determine that match - or mismatch.
When choosing a compression driver to go with a particular horn, what is important to know so that the two work well together? Can any driver be used with any horn? Or do some compression drivers work well certain horns and not well with others?
EDIT: April 19, 2023
Attached to this post you will find a spreadsheet, kindly provided by @marco_gea, that allows you to calculate and see the match between a given horn and driver. The...
When choosing a compression driver to go with a particular horn, what is important to know so that the two work well together? Can any driver be used with any horn? Or do some compression drivers work well certain horns and not well with others?
EDIT: April 19, 2023
Attached to this post you will find a spreadsheet, kindly provided by @marco_gea, that allows you to calculate and see the match between a given horn and driver. The...
If the wavefront" is disturbed by mismatching angle/rate/diia, it does affect the output.Or is that not so, where instead as long as a 1.4” Radian 951Be is mated with a 1.4” horn, such as
https://audiohorn.net/next-gen-bi-radial-horn/ , there neither be HF response degradation nor any consequent resonances?
There will be degradation in the response, some resonant energy etc. look up HOM (Higher Order Modes)
Study the Impulse,CSD and ETC measurements close enough and you might find some differences there too.
yes.Likewise for a 2” driver throat and 2” horn entrance?
Yes. But the drivers are not the same.And likewise all of the above is true for these 1.4” and 2” throat 3” diaphragm drivers?
Also they use a different phase plug. 4 vs 5 slits.
That will help with dispersion in the top octave for the 95x series.
more or less yes.esponse more effectively than a passive filter, it won’t remove any resonances from any throat/horn mismatches, yes?
that's a stretch but alot are making 1,4"/1,5" with 2" conversion of some sort. nothing new really. good economics just need a adapter to make 2 drivers.2" compression drivers are no longer being developed, as R&D has shifted away from them. Industrial manufacturers now focus on 1.4" and 1" drivers, with even 1.5" models gradually disappearing.
and yes everyone looks for smaller, lighter, cheaper.
avoid 2"! exit if you don't want a tweeter.And don't use horns with 1,5" to 2" adapters etc.If possible, it's better to avoid 2". If the horn is a 2" model but the driver allows for a 1.5" exit, using 2" is a waste, just use 1.5" horn, as I do.
basically what he wrote, and common sense.
outdated idk, but recent designs have come very far, 255-30 year old design. software came a long way.NicoB said he's no fan of Radian drivers (plugs are “outdated??)
using general style adapters would mean it does not fit the throat and flare rate of the horn etc. and going up in size does not really gain you a lot. a little lower xo if you make the horn correspondingly larger.But why would it matter either way?
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