Dolby 218-I-BK – Dual 18-Inch Flyable Installation Subwoofer

What is the Dolby 218-I-BK?

The Dolby 218-I-BK is a high-performance, flyable dual 18-inch subwoofer for cinema auditoriums and professional installations. Integrated rigging points allow it to be suspended from the ceiling or a side wall, making it well suited to bass-management surround duty in Dolby Atmos rooms. Both 18-inch drivers use neodymium magnet structures for low weight and high-temperature voice coils with a large Xmech rating.

How does the Dolby 218-I-BK work?

Dolby Atmos processors redirect low-frequency content from surround and overhead channels to dedicated bass-management subwoofers. The 218-I-BK handles that duty from an elevated position near the surround arrays, where floor-standing cabinets are often impractical. It is a passive 4-ohm cabinet rated at 1200 W (64 V) and is driven from an external amplifier channel.

The operating range is 35 Hz to 180 Hz with 102 dB sensitivity, and calculated maximum output is 133 dB continuous and 139 dB peak at one metre. Angled woofers keep the front surface area small, and the 13-ply wood cabinet is extensively braced. Sixteen M10-1.5 threaded inserts serve as rigging points.

A typical system feeds the 218-I-BK from a Dolby CP950A through a Dolby Multichannel Amplifier such as the DMA24302, with wiring landed on Dolby's spring-loaded input plate.

What are the key features of the Dolby 218-I-BK?

• Dual 18-inch neodymium drivers — two lightweight neo-motor woofers deliver 1200 W handling in a flyable 128 lb cabinet.
• Flyable design — sixteen M10-1.5 threaded rigging points support ceiling or side-wall suspension.
• High-temperature voice coils — a large Xmech rating supports reliable operation at sustained output.
• Angled woofers — a minimal front surface area reduces visual impact in surround positions.
• Braced 13-ply wood cabinet — extensive internal bracing controls resonance.
• Spring-loaded input plate — the advanced input plate speeds field wiring.

Where is the Dolby 218-I-BK typically used?

• Dolby Atmos cinema auditorium
• Screening room
• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Multi-purpose room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 218-I-BK work with Dolby Atmos processors?

Yes. It is designed for cinema auditoriums and bass-management duty in Dolby Atmos rooms, fed from a Dolby processor such as the CP950A or CP950 through external amplification.

How is the 218-I-BK installed?

It uses sixteen M10-1.5 threaded inserts for flying or wall mounting. A qualified installer must select rated rigging hardware and structure following Dolby's owner's manual.

What load does it present to the amplifier?

The 218-I-BK has a 4-ohm nominal impedance with 1200 W (64 V) power handling. Creation Networks sizes Dolby Multichannel Amplifier channels to suit during design.

How does it compare with the 118-I-BK?

The 118-I-BK uses one 18-inch driver at 8 ohms and 600 W. The 218-I-BK doubles the drivers for 1200 W handling and 133 dB continuous output.

What warranty and support are included?

The 218-I-BK carries Dolby's manufacturer warranty, confirmed with your quote. Creation Networks designs, installs and supports Dolby cinema sound; see the Dolby Professional collection and request a quote.