Martin Audio SXCF118B – 18" Cardioid Flown Subwoofer (Black)

Product Overview

The Martin Audio SXCF118B is a compact, high-performance cardioid flown subwoofer designed as the rigged companion to the portable SXC118, engineered for integration with flown WPS line array systems where maximum LF output and directional low-frequency pattern control are simultaneously required. It employs a dual-driver cardioid dispersion architecture with a forward-facing 18" (460mm) driver and a rear-facing 14" (356mm) driver, each driven by independent amplifier channels and DSP, producing 28dB of rear rejection at 75Hz. For theatre sound, live event venues, nightclubs, and corporate AV applications where controlling rear-stage LF radiation is essential, the SXCF118B delivers both output performance and pattern discipline from a flyable enclosure.

Product Description

The SXCF118B implements Martin Audio's cardioid subwoofer technology through a dual-driver configuration where a forward-facing 18" (460mm)/4" (100mm) voice coil driver and a rear-facing 14" (356mm)/3.5" (88mm) voice coil driver are independently driven by separate amplifier channels with optimised DSP processing. This arrangement produces a cardioid dispersion pattern — the forward drivers combine additively to maximise front-hemisphere LF output, while the rear driver introduces cancellation that reduces rear-hemisphere radiation by 28dB at 75Hz. This rear rejection level is highly significant in practice: it keeps low-frequency energy away from stage, reduces coupling with rear walls, and minimises reverberant low-frequency buildup in the room — directly improving the accuracy, transient clarity, and impact of the overall system LF response. Each driver operates in its own chamber with individually optimised bass reflex porting. As the flown variant of the SXC118, the SXCF118B is designed to integrate within rigged line array configurations, complementing WPS Wavefront Precision series arrays in permanent venues and live event spaces. The tour-grade plywood enclosure meets the structural demands of rigged deployment. Available in white as SXCF118-W.

Key Features

• Cardioid Flown Configuration — Designed for rigged deployment within WPS line array systems for pattern-controlled LF reinforcement.
• 28dB Rear Rejection at 75Hz — Minimises rear-stage LF radiation, reducing reverberant energy buildup and improving system LF accuracy.
• Forward 18" Driver — 460mm/4" voice coil driver maximises front-hemisphere LF output.
• Rear 14" Driver — 356mm/3.5" voice coil driver provides cardioid cancellation in the rear hemisphere.
• Independent Amplifier Channels & DSP — Each driver requires independent amplification and DSP optimisation for correct cardioid pattern formation.
• Separate Chambers with Optimised Porting — Each driver operates in its own independently tuned bass reflex chamber.
• Tour-Grade Plywood Enclosure — High-durability construction meets demands of rigged permanent and live event installation.

Typical Applications

• Flown cardioid LF systems in live event venues and concert halls
• Theatre sound with rear-stage LF rejection requirements
• House of worship flown subwoofer systems with pattern control requirements
• Nightclub permanent install flown LF with directional control
• Corporate AV and broadcast studio environments requiring controlled LF pattern
• Auditoriums and multi-purpose performance rooms with reverberant acoustics

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "cardioid" mean in the context of the SXCF118B?

Cardioid refers to the directional dispersion pattern of the subwoofer. The dual-driver arrangement produces high LF output toward the audience while cancelling approximately 28dB of LF energy at 75Hz in the rear hemisphere, reducing coupling with stage, rear walls, and reverberant room surfaces.

What is the difference between the SXCF118B (flown) and the SXC118 (portable)?

The SXCF118B is the rigged variant, optimised for integration within flown WPS line array configurations. The SXC118 is the portable ground-stack variant with flying inserts, suited to touring and portable deployments.

Does the SXCF118B require specialised amplification?

Yes. The forward and rear drivers must be driven by independent amplifier channels with appropriate DSP processing to achieve the cardioid dispersion pattern. Consult Martin Audio system documentation for amplifier and DSP requirements.

Can the SXCF118B be used as a ground-stack subwoofer?

The SXCF118B is the flown variant and is optimised for rigged deployment. For ground-stack cardioid applications, the SXC118 portable subwoofer is the appropriate selection.

Is a white version available?

Yes. The SXCF118-W is the white finish variant for colour-matched permanent installations.

What line array systems does the SXCF118B integrate with?

The SXCF118B is designed as the flown LF partner for Martin Audio WPS Wavefront Precision series arrays in permanent venues and live event installations.

Where can I view the full Martin Audio SX cardioid subwoofer range?

Visit creationnetworks.net/collections/martin-audio for the complete Martin Audio SX Series.