ELECTRO-VOICE ETX 18SP

Product overview

The ELECTRO-VOICE ETX 18SP is a powered 18-inch subwoofer with an 1800 W amplifier, 135 dB peak SPL and response down to 28 Hz (-10 dB), FIR-Drive DSP and a true cardioid preset, in an 18 mm EVCoat plywood cabinet on professional castors.

Put the weight out front and keep the stage tight. The true cardioid preset delivers cardioid response across all frequencies, so deep low end goes to the audience instead of bouncing off the back wall. A combination pole receptacle takes threaded and unthreaded poles for the tops. Festival, club, touring rig: serious sub-bass to place and control.

Key features

• 1800 W amplifier and 135 dB peak SPL from the DVX3180A 18-inch woofer
• True cardioid DSP preset: cardioid response across all frequencies, up to 30 dB rear rejection
• FIR-Drive DSP with independent peak and thermal limiting
• Single-knob DSP with LCD: function, location, low pass, room EQ, delay, polarity and menu lock
• Low pass at 80, 100, 120 or 150 Hz, or matched ETX top settings with delay
• Two XLR/TRS combo inputs, each linked to its own XLR output
• Professional-grade removable castors on an 18 mm EVCoat plywood cabinet
• Combination pole cup (M20 thread and 35 mm) for the ETX two-way tops

Direct it forward

Cardioid processing, originally developed for EV concert subwoofer systems, keeps bass off the stage, gives more consistent bass coverage in the audience and reduces bass in surrounding areas. Two or three ETX 18SP subwoofers are stacked or placed side by side with one facing away from the audience: front-firing units use the NORMAL location, rear-firing units use CARDIOID, with all other settings identical.

Protected at full output

FIR-Drive uses Finite Impulse Response filters to optimise transducer linearity, with independent peak and thermal limiting. The LCD shows the low pass, master level, location, delay and input meters; under adverse conditions such as very low or high mains voltage or high ambient temperature the amplifier reduces its output gain rather than shutting down.

Move it solo, mount tops fast

Four professional castors on the rear make transport easy and can be removed for permanent installation (refit the 16 M6 screws). The M20 threaded and 35 mm combination cup carries a top on either type of pole; the M20 thread gives the more secure connection.

In the box

• ETX 18SP powered subwoofer
• AC power cord

ELECTRO-VOICE ETX 18SP: frequently asked questions

How do I build a cardioid array?

Use two or three ETX 18SP subwoofers. Point one away from the audience (bottom of a stack, or the centre of three side by side), set it to LOCATION CARDIOID and the others to NORMAL, and keep all other settings, polarity and delay identical.

Can the castors be removed?

Yes. Remove the 16 M6 screws, washers and four castors from the rear, then refit the screws and washers so the enclosure stays sealed.

Which poles fit the pole cup?

Both M20 threaded poles and standard 35 mm (1 3/8 in) poles; the M20 thread gives a more secure connection.

Where can I buy the ELECTRO-VOICE ETX 18SP in India?

The ELECTRO-VOICE ETX 18SP is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Cardioid subwoofer stack

Festivals and loud stages.

Connections

Setup

1. Stack two subwoofers, the bottom one facing away from the audience.
2. Set the front-facing unit to LOCATION NORMAL.
3. Set the rear-facing unit to LOCATION CARDIOID.
4. Keep polarity, delay and other settings identical.

Tip: The cardioid setting gives up to 30 dB rear rejection without extra processing.

Workflow 2: ETX top on the subwoofer

Bands and DJs.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw an M20 pole into the combination cup.
2. Set the top on the pole with two people.
3. Select the top model in the LOW PASS menu.
4. Select ETX-18SP in the top's SUBWOOFER menu.

Tip: Matched settings include delay for best summation.

Workflow 3: Club installation

Clubs and bars.

Connections

Setup

1. Remove the castors for permanent installation.
2. Refit all 16 M6 screws.
3. Set FUNCTION to MUSIC.
4. Lock the menu.

Tip: Open screw holes cause air leaks: always refit the screws.

Workflow 4: Live sound

Live engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Set FUNCTION to LIVE.
2. Set the low pass for the tops.
3. Use room EQ to tame room modes.
4. Watch for constant PEAK on the display.

Tip: The temperature limiter protects the transducer by reducing gain.

Workflow 5: Time-aligned ground stack

Large rooms and outdoor events.

Connections

Setup

1. Measure the offset to the tops.
2. Enter the distance in the DELAY menu.
3. Add the same delay to front- and rear-facing units in a cardioid array.
4. Check polarity is the same on all units.

Tip: Delay is set in 0.25 m steps up to 343 m.

Workflow 6: Touring rig

Rental and touring companies.

Connections

Setup

1. Roll the subwoofer in on its castors.
2. Place it on a level surface.
3. Connect inputs and link outputs.
4. Recall the settings and lock the menu.

Tip: Link outputs are not affected by MASTER VOL or DSP.