Description
The CS Subwoofers from EM Acoustics add superb cardioid low frequency control to the product ecosystem. These products are not only compact, beautifully voiced and abundantly powerful but also utilise advanced passive crossover technology for unmatched simplicity and flexibility in use. Critically, subwoofers in the series are fully passive and require only a single amplifier channel in operation. Two size options are available, in variants for install as well as touring environments.
Designed for any application that requires precise control of low frequency directionality, the CS18 is the larger of the two CS Series subwoofers. The compact CS18 enclosure offers a level of SPL and rear rejection that defies its physical size and is built to an exceedingly high standard, giving extended operating life in even the most demanding environments.
The CS18 houses a front-firing 4” voice coil 18” (457mm) LF drive unit, and a rear-firing 3” voice coil 15” (381mm) LF drive unit. Both neodymium drive units are designed for maximum linearity even at high excursion, ensuring performance is consistent throughout the entire operating envelope. Each drive unit is housed within its own acoustic chamber, which are rigidly braced and make use of optimally tuned bass reflex porting.
The CS18 generates a highly consistent cardioid pattern which maximises output whilst significantly reducing the radiation to the sides and rear of the enclosure. To create this pattern, both drive units are linked via a highly advanced internal passive crossover. The R&D parameters of the CS subwoofers called for passive crossovers which equalled or bettered the performance available from conventional dual-channel actively processed designs. This has been achieved, meaning the CS18 requires only one amplifier channel yet produces in excess of 20dB of rejection to the rear. Reducing the low frequency energy radiating to the rear helps to keep stages and performance environments sonically cleaner, resulting in a more accurate overall system response and radically improved sonic presentation.
The robust CS18 enclosure houses four flush bar handles, protective skids on its underside and mating recesses in the top face. Both front and rear drive units are protected by hex-punched grilles, manufactured from stainless steel for enhanced lifespan. Both grilles are backed by an acoustically transparent mesh to complete the discreet appearance. An M20 threaded pole adapter, 20 M10 installation flying points and two keyhole quick release flyplates complete the hardware compliment. The flyplates allow quick and easy mating with flying accessories, and additional subwoofers can be joined into a column using the M10 points and linking plates. A pair of male Neutrik speakONTM NLT4 connectors are fitted as standard. Additionally, the CS18 can be supplied with a female/male combination and other outdoor or installation connector variants. Usefully, the passive design makes available a second pair of contacts on the standard NL4 connectors, allowing subwoofers and fullrange loudspeakers to be driven on a single 4-core cable.
The CS18 enclosure is constructed from multi-laminate premium birch plywood and is finished in an impact and weather-resistant textured polyurethane finish. Black and white are available as standard, and RAL colour matching, as well as enhanced weather protection installation variants are also available.
The CS18 requires a single amplifier channel with DSP for active high/low pass filters and limiters. For peak performance and system matching EM Acoustics’ range of Advanced System Amplifiers are recommended. However, CS series subwoofers are essentially amplifier agnostic, so it is possible to use other DSP-enabled amplifiers, or conventional amplifiers with external DSP. Suitable DSP settings are provided on the EM Acoustics website. Amplifiers driving CS18s should be capable of delivering 1000-1600W RMS into a 6-ohm load.
The CS18 is an ideal companion for medium to large fullrange products within the EM Acoustics range – such as the Reference Series R8, R10 or R12, EMS-156/159 or the HALO-B line array system.