The QATSub-18 is built for DIY cabinet builders, speaker repair technicians, and sound engineers who need a professional-grade 18-inch subwoofer driver for custom installations or replacements. Whether you're building a ground-up subwoofer cabinet or replacing a blown driver in an existing enclosure, this raw speaker delivers the foundation your low-end needs.

This driver handles 500 watts RMS and peaks at 1000 watts, providing the power handling needed for serious bass reproduction in live sound applications. The 85-ounce magnet and 3-inch voice coil work together to move serious air while maintaining control across the 25 Hz to 2 kHz frequency range.

The pressed steel chassis provides the structural integrity required for high-excursion bass performance, while the paper cone delivers natural, musical low-frequency response. At 8 ohms impedance with 91 dB sensitivity, this driver integrates easily into most amplifier and cabinet configurations. The comprehensive Thiele-Small parameters (Qts: 0.932, Vas: 700.8 liters, fs: 23.1 Hz) give cabinet designers the precise data needed for optimal enclosure tuning.

Deploy this driver in custom subwoofer cabinets for live bands, DJ systems, or permanent installations in venues up to 500 people. It works equally well in ported or sealed enclosures, depending on your bass response preferences.

Standard speaker wire connections make installation straightforward. You receive one complete 18-inch driver ready for mounting.

Seismic Audio backs the QATSub-18 with a one-year warranty and ships nationwide. Professional-grade components at a price point that makes sense for working sound professionals.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What cabinet volume does this driver require?

With a Vas of 700.8 liters and Qts of 0.932, the QATSub-18 works well in both ported and sealed enclosures. For a sealed box, aim for 3-4 cubic feet internal volume. Ported designs typically require 4-6 cubic feet with proper tuning calculations based on the provided Thiele-Small parameters.

Can I use this to replace a blown driver in my existing subwoofer?

Yes, as long as your current cabinet houses an 18-inch driver with similar mounting dimensions and your amplifier can handle 8-ohm loads. Check that your amp provides adequate power - this driver performs best with 300-500 watts RMS. The 23-pound weight may differ from your original driver, so verify mounting strength.

What amplifier power do I need for this subwoofer driver?

Match this driver with amplifiers providing 300-500 watts RMS at 8 ohms for optimal performance. You can use up to 1000 watts peak power, but sustained high power requires proper thermal management in your cabinet design. Underpowering (below 200 watts) won't fully utilize the driver's capabilities.

How low will this subwoofer go in a properly designed cabinet?

The 23.1 Hz resonant frequency means this driver can reproduce genuine low-bass content when housed in an appropriate enclosure. In a well-tuned ported cabinet, expect usable output down to around 28-30 Hz. Sealed designs typically roll off higher but provide tighter bass response.

What venues can this driver handle when built into a subwoofer cabinet?

A properly constructed cabinet housing this driver can provide bass reinforcement for venues up to 500 people when paired with adequate amplification. For outdoor events or larger spaces, consider multiple cabinets. This driver excels in applications requiring clean, powerful low-frequency reproduction like live music, DJ setups, and permanent sound installations.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov