Dynaudio 18S 9.5″ Active Dual Subwoofer

Description

About the Dynaudio 18S 9.5″ Active Dual Subwoofer

The Dynaudio 18S 9.5″ Active Dual Subwoofer’s appeal goes beyond additional bass output. Presets for selected Dynaudio monitors, distance compensation and parametric equalisation help you blend the subwoofer with your speakers and room.

Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections accommodate professional and domestic equipment. Whether you are assessing electronic bass, editing film sound or enjoying music, the 18S provides a practical route to a broader listening range.

 

 

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→ What We Think About The Dynaudio 18S

The Dynaudio 18S gives you useful control over how bass fits into the system. That matters because a subwoofer should make low-frequency information easier to follow, with kick drums, bass notes and room ambience retaining their individual character.

For owners of compatible Dynaudio monitors, the speaker presets provide a useful starting point. The LYD 48 is a particularly appealing partner, creating a system that extends from deep bass through dedicated bass, midrange and treble drivers.

We would allow time for placement and measurement when setting up the 18S. Its adjustment options reward a methodical approach. Start with the position, establish a sensible level, then refine integration. The aim is bass that belongs to the recording and blends naturally with the main speakers.

 

→ Suggested System Match

The LYD range is a natural starting point for the 18S. Dynaudio provides specific integration guidance for these monitors, including using their +10Hz Bass Extension setting with the appropriate subwoofer preset and leaving the 18S high-pass filter disengaged.

The 18S also works with other speaker brands. In those systems, choose the crossover and level to suit the main speakers, then verify the result at the listening position.

For hi-fi use, check the available connections before purchasing. A preamplifier with variable line outputs is convenient. Passive speakers still require their own amplifier, because the 18S outputs carry a line-level signal.

Recommended With This Product

• Dynaudio LYD 48: Three-way monitors for a system with dedicated deep-bass reproduction.
• Dynaudio LYD 8: A practical pairing where an upright two-way monitor suits the workspace.
• Dynaudio BM5 mkIII: Compact monitors that can benefit from additional low-frequency reach.
• Balanced XLR Interconnects: Connect suitable interfaces, controllers and active monitors.
• Quality RCA Interconnects: Accommodate compatible domestic preamplifiers and source equipment.
• Measurement Microphone: Helps identify placement problems and guide EQ adjustments.
• Acoustic Treatment: Complements electronic adjustment by addressing the room itself.

 

→ The Dynaudio 18S Is Ideal For

• Extending compatible Dynaudio studio monitors
• Electronic music and hip-hop production
• Assessing deep bass in recordings
• Film sound and post-production
• Dedicated music listening systems
• Studios needing balanced connections
• Buyers wanting adjustable bass integration
• Systems where a compact sealed enclosure is preferred

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Dynaudio 18S contain an 18-inch driver?
   It uses two opposing 240mm drivers, commonly described as 9.5-inch. The 18S model name does not indicate a single 18-inch woofer.
2. Does “dual subwoofer” mean two separate cabinets?
   This product is one powered subwoofer with two drivers inside one enclosure. A second cabinet must be purchased separately.
3. Does the 18S need an external amplifier?
   Its internal amplifier powers both bass drivers. It requires mains power and a suitable line-level audio connection.
4. Which Dynaudio monitors have presets?
   Dynaudio lists profiles for models including LYD 5, LYD 7, LYD 8, LYD 48, BM5 mkIII, BM6 Classic, BM15 Classic and M5P. Check the installed firmware and available menu options for your unit.
5. Can I use the 18S with another speaker brand?
   Its adjustable filtering allows integration with other speakers. Set the crossover, phase and level to suit the system, then assess the combined response at the listening seat.
6. How do I connect it to active studio monitors?
   A typical arrangement sends the monitor controller’s stereo outputs to the 18S, then connects its outputs to the active speakers. This also enables its distance-compensation function.
7. Can it power passive speakers?
   Its outputs are line level. Passive speakers need a separate power amplifier connected after the subwoofer outputs.
8. How does time alignment work?
   You enter the distances from the listening position to the left speaker, right speaker and subwoofer. The processing compensates for their different positions. It does not measure those distances automatically.
9. Does the 18S have automatic room correction?
   It provides manually configured parametric EQ. Measurements can guide those adjustments, but the subwoofer does not perform an automatic microphone-based calibration.
10. Should I enable the high-pass filter with LYD monitors?
    Follow Dynaudio’s preset-specific guidance. For its recommended LYD setup, set the monitors’ Bass Extension to +10Hz and leave the 18S high-pass filter off.
11. Can I use it with a home theatre receiver?
    A compatible receiver’s subwoofer output can feed an 18S input. Use the appropriate filter bypass setting when the receiver manages bass, and keep the main speakers connected through the receiver’s normal speaker system.
12. Can I connect a computer through USB?
    The USB connection is for service and firmware updates. Computer playback requires an audio interface or DAC with suitable analogue outputs.
13. Can I add a second 18S later?
    Multiple-subwoofer configurations are supported. Placement, level and delay need careful adjustment because the additional subwoofer introduces another signal path and acoustic source.
14. Will the 18S improve bass in any room?
    It can extend bass capability, but the result depends heavily on placement and integration. Start with sensible positioning, then use measurements and EQ to reduce peaks. Deep room cancellations usually require placement changes rather than added boost.

 

Key Features

Dual Opposing 9.5-Inch Drivers

Two long-throw drivers operate on opposite sides of the enclosure. Their opposing mechanical forces help reduce cabinet movement, supporting a stable platform for bass reproduction while keeping the overall cabinet relatively compact.

500-Watt Class-D Amplification

The built-in amplifier supplies the subwoofer’s drivers without requiring an external power amplifier. This makes the 18S straightforward to add to a system with suitable line-level outputs and central volume control.

MSP+ Hybrid Drive Construction

The drivers combine aluminium cones, paper backing and MSP dust caps. Dynaudio developed this construction specifically for subwoofer duties, balancing the stiffness and damping needed for substantial low-frequency movement.

Sealed Cabinet Design

The sealed enclosure avoids a bass-reflex port and its associated airflow. Together with the driver and DSP design, it provides a compact foundation for extending a monitoring system into the lowest musical frequencies.

Dynaudio Monitor Presets

Stored profiles tailor the subwoofer’s low-pass response to selected Dynaudio monitors. These presets simplify the initial setup, although final placement and level adjustment remain important for achieving a balanced result in your room.

Distance-Based Time Alignment

Distance settings allow the system to compensate for different speaker and subwoofer positions. For this function to work correctly, the main speakers must receive their signal through the 18S outputs.

Three-Band Parametric Equalisation

Three adjustable EQ bands provide targeted control over low-frequency response. Used with measurements, they can reduce troublesome bass peaks after placement has been established, helping prevent particular notes from dominating the presentation.

Balanced XLR and RCA Connectivity

Stereo XLR and RCA inputs and outputs support a wide range of equipment. This gives the 18S a place in both professional monitoring setups and domestic systems with suitable preamplifier connections.

Optional High-Pass Filtering

A switchable 80Hz high-pass filter can reduce the low-frequency signal sent to connected main speakers. Its use depends on the chosen integration method; Dynaudio’s LYD preset setup uses different guidance.

Display-Based Setup and Automatic Standby

A rear-panel display and rotary control provide access to configuration settings. Once the system is adjusted, automatic standby offers convenient everyday operation, with trigger control also available for compatible installations.

 

Specifications

Brand: Dynaudio
Model: 18S
Product Type: Active DSP studio subwoofer
Driver Configuration: Two opposing long-throw drivers
Driver Size: 2 × 240mm / 9.5-inch, NZ distributor specification
Driver Construction: MSP+ Hybrid Drive
Amplifier: 500W Class-D
Frequency Response: 16Hz–230Hz, published ±3dB limits at 85dB
Maximum SPL: 110dB, manufacturer specification
Enclosure Type: Sealed
Low-Pass Filter: Adjustable, with speaker presets and bypass option
High-Pass Filter: Switchable 80Hz, fourth-order Linkwitz–Riley on main outputs
Phase Settings: 0° / 180°
Equalisation: Three-band parametric EQ
Time Alignment: Distance-based compensation
Control: Rear display and rotary/push controller
Balanced Inputs: 2 × XLR
Unbalanced Inputs: 2 × RCA
Balanced Outputs: 2 × XLR
Unbalanced Outputs: 2 × RCA
Trigger Input: Yes; 5–12V DC operating signal
USB: Service and firmware updates only
Automatic Standby: Yes
Multiple Subwoofer Operation: Supported with appropriate configuration
Mains Supply: 100–120V / 200–240V AC, 50/60Hz
Maximum Power Consumption: 490W
Maximum Standby Consumption: 0.5W
Finish: Black
Cabinet Dimensions: 447mm W × 300mm H × 268mm D
Dimensions with Feet: 447mm W × 333mm H × 268mm D, NZ distributor specification
Weight: 22.1kg, current manufacturer specification
Packaging Dimensions: 600mm W × 450mm H × 400mm D
Quantity: One subwoofer

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Advice on matching the subwoofer to your speakers
✔ Help checking source and amplifier connections
✔ Guidance on placement and crossover settings
✔ Practical support with studio and hi-fi systems
✔ Acoustic treatment recommendations
✔ New Zealand-based product support
✔ Contact us for current availability and delivery options