Martin Audio BlacklineX X118B – 18" Passive Portable Subwoofer

Product Overview

The Martin Audio BlacklineX X118B is a compact, high-performance 18" passive portable subwoofer engineered to extend the low-frequency operating range of BlacklineX Series full-range loudspeakers down to 42Hz with exceptional low-frequency impact. Built around a long-excursion 18" driver with a 4" (100mm) voice coil in a reflex enclosure, the X118B provides a significant step up in low-frequency authority and SPL over the 15" X115B, making it the preferred choice for live event productions, nightclubs, and rental applications where deep, high-output bass reinforcement is a primary requirement. Four front-facing reflex ports with a large total frontal area minimize turbulent air noise at very high output levels. The X118B can be deployed singly, stacked, or flown via integral M10 inserts for flexible configuration across diverse venue types and production scales.

Product Description

The Martin Audio BlacklineX X118B occupies the mid-range of the BlacklineX Series subwoofer lineup, delivering a meaningful increase in low-frequency extension and output capability over the X115B while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for portable PA deployments and rental inventory.

The driver is a long-excursion 18" (460mm) unit with a 4" (100mm) voice coil, providing high excursion capability and power handling for extended sub-bass reproduction at live music SPLs. The 4" voice coil, a significant specification advantage over smaller subwoofer drivers, dissipates heat more efficiently and sustains higher continuous power levels during demanding live event use.

The reflex enclosure uses four large front-facing ports with a generous total frontal area specifically designed to reduce turbulent air noise at high output levels. This is a critical performance consideration in live music and nightclub environments where port noise can compromise sub-bass clarity during extended high-level operation.

The X118B extends the combined BlacklineX system's low-frequency range to 42Hz, providing the sub-bass foundation required for music genres including dance, EDM, hip-hop, and live rock. It integrates with BlacklineX full-range loudspeakers via the Martin Audio DX0.5 system controller or compatible iKON amplifiers, which manage crossover frequency, EQ optimization, and driver protection. The plywood enclosure features M10 flying inserts for aerial deployment and a 35mm pole-mount socket for satellite-over-subwoofer ground stacking. Browse the complete BlacklineX Series at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 18" Long-Excursion Driver — 4" (100mm) voice coil provides high power handling, extended excursion, and efficient heat dissipation for sustained high-level operation.
• 42Hz Low-Frequency Extension — System extends the BlacklineX satellite and subwoofer combination to 42Hz for deep sub-bass performance in live music applications.
• Four Large Reflex Ports — Front-facing ports with large total frontal area minimize turbulent air noise at very high output levels.
• M10 Flying Inserts — Integral suspension hardware supports flown PA configurations in venues with rigging infrastructure.
• 35mm Pole-Mount Socket — Supports satellite-over-subwoofer ground-stack configurations with BlacklineX full-range cabinets.
• Compact Reflex Enclosure — Plywood construction optimized for the 18" driver's output requirements while maintaining a manageable footprint for portable PA use.
• 8Ω Nominal Impedance — Compatible with a wide range of professional power amplifiers and iKON amplifier platforms.
• Perforated Steel Grille — Protects the driver during transport and deployment in rental and touring environments.

Typical Applications

• Live Event Rental — High-output 18" subwoofer in a portable format suits a rental fleet serving clubs, festivals, and corporate events requiring deep bass reinforcement.
• Nightclubs and Dance Venues — 42Hz low-frequency extension and high output levels deliver the sub-bass foundation required for dance music at high SPL.
• Live Music Productions — Provides the low-frequency impact and headroom for live rock, hip-hop, and EDM productions at small-to-medium venue scale.
• House of Worship — Deep sub-bass reinforcement for contemporary worship band productions in large sanctuaries and multi-purpose auditoriums.
• Festival Secondary Stages — Flyable and stackable deployment options support compact subwoofer arrays on secondary and side stages at outdoor events.
• Portable PA Systems — Ground-stack configuration with BlacklineX full-range satellites for full-range portable PA with professional sub-bass performance.
• Auditoriums and Large Multi-Purpose Rooms — 18" subwoofer output suits larger room volumes requiring deeper low-frequency extension than a 15" unit provides.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the X115B and X118B?

The X118B uses a larger 18" driver with a 4" voice coil compared to the X115B's 15" driver with a 3" voice coil. The X118B provides greater low-frequency extension (42Hz combined system), higher maximum SPL, and increased power handling, making it the preferred choice for live music, nightclub, and high-SPL event applications. The X115B is a more compact and cost-effective option for smaller portable PA configurations.

Can the X118B be flown?

Yes. The X118B features integral M10 flying inserts for aerial deployment. Rigging must be performed by qualified personnel using certified rigging hardware in compliance with manufacturer guidelines and applicable safety regulations.

Does the X118B require a DSP controller?

A DSP controller is strongly recommended for integration with BlacklineX full-range loudspeakers. The Martin Audio DX0.5 handles crossover frequency management, EQ optimization, and driver limiting. Without a controller, the system operates without active crossover or frequency protection for the subwoofer.

What full-range speakers pair with the X118B?

The X118B integrates with all BlacklineX Series full-range loudspeakers: the X10B (10"), X12B (12"), and X15B (15"). See the complete range at creationnetworks.net.

How many X118B units are typically used in a live event system?

One X118B per side of a stereo ground-stack system is a common starting configuration for small-to-medium live events. Larger events may use two or more per side stacked horizontally. System configuration depends on venue size, coverage requirements, and amplifier availability.

What amplifier is recommended?

The X118B presents an 8Ω nominal load. Select a professional amplifier rated for the cabinet's continuous and peak power handling as listed in the Martin Audio X118B data sheet. Martin Audio iKON amplifiers with integrated DSP are a natural pairing for this system.

Is the X118B available for purchase at a sale price?

Yes. The X118B is currently on sale at Creation Networks at $1,000 (compare at $1,250). Visit creationnetworks.net for current pricing and availability.