Martin Audio SXH218 – 2x18" Passive Hybrid Horn/Reflex Subwoofer (Black)

Product Overview

The Martin Audio SXH218 is the ultimate ground-stack passive subwoofer in the SX Series, capable of producing 148dB peak output at 1 metre through its Hybrid Horn/Reflex loading technology. Dual long-excursion 18" (460mm) drivers with 4.5" (115mm) neodymium voice coils are loaded by Martin Audio's proprietary Hybrid technology — combining horn and reflex loading for maximum acoustic efficiency and low-frequency extension simultaneously. It is the correct selection for outdoor festivals, stadiums, arenas, concert halls, and nightclub permanent installations where maximum LF output is required from a ground-stack subwoofer configuration.

Product Description

The SXH218 implements Martin Audio's Hybrid Horn/Reflex technology, which distinguishes it fundamentally from direct-radiating passive subwoofers in the SX range. Conventional bass reflex designs trade efficiency for enclosure size; pure horn designs provide efficiency but require large enclosure volumes. The Hybrid Horn/Reflex approach combines both loading mechanisms within a single enclosure to achieve higher acoustic efficiency and lower frequency extension than either approach alone — yielding the 148dB peak SPL at 1 metre that positions the SXH218 at the top of the SX Series output hierarchy. Dual 18" (460mm) neodymium drivers with 4.5" (115mm) voice coils provide the motor force required to drive the Hybrid loading system at extreme SPL levels. The forward or rear-facing operation option provides system designers with deployment flexibility in ground-stack configurations. The SXH218 is the ideal LF partner for Martin Audio WPS, WPC, and WPL Wavefront Precision arrays in large-venue touring and permanent installation contexts including outdoor festivals, stadiums, theatres, concert halls, and premium nightclub installs where absolute maximum LF output is the primary system design criterion. The SXHF218 is the flown companion for rigged WPL array configurations.

Key Features

• Hybrid Horn/Reflex Loading — Proprietary technology combines horn and reflex loading for maximum acoustic efficiency and LF extension simultaneously.
• 148dB Peak SPL at 1m — Top of the SX Series output hierarchy, suited to the most demanding large-venue applications.
• Dual 18" Neodymium Drivers — 460mm drivers with 4.5" voice coils provide the motor force for extreme high-output LF reinforcement.
• Forward or Rear-Facing Operation — Deployment flexibility for ground-stack system design.
• Ultra-High Output Ground-Stack Subwoofer — Positioned for outdoor festivals, stadiums, and premium permanent nightclub installations.

Typical Applications

• Outdoor festival LF reinforcement requiring maximum output from ground-stack arrays
• Stadiums and arena sound systems
• Concert hall and large theatre LF reinforcement
• Premium nightclub permanent LF install systems
• House of worship large-venue LF reinforcement
• Outdoor entertainment and theme park installations

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hybrid Horn/Reflex technology?

Martin Audio's Hybrid Horn/Reflex technology combines horn loading and reflex loading within a single enclosure to achieve higher acoustic efficiency and greater LF extension than either approach alone, yielding the extreme output levels the SXH218 achieves.

Is the SXH218 a passive or powered subwoofer?

The SXH218 is a passive subwoofer requiring an external high-power amplifier and DSP processor.

How does the SXH218 differ from the SX218?

The SXH218 uses Hybrid Horn/Reflex loading and neodymium drivers to achieve 148dB peak output, significantly higher than the direct-radiating SX218. It is targeted at the highest-output large-venue applications.

What is the difference between the SXH218 and the SXHF218?

The SXH218 is the ground-stack variant; the SXHF218 is the flown variant designed for rigged WPL line array configurations.

What line array systems does the SXH218 pair with?

The SXH218 is designed as the LF partner for Martin Audio WPS, WPC, and WPL Wavefront Precision series arrays in large-venue touring and permanent installation contexts.

Where can I view the full Martin Audio SX Horn/Reflex subwoofer range?

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