JBL AC18/26 Compact 2-Way Loudspeaker with 1 x 8 LF
Description
JBL AC18/26 Compact 2-Way Loudspeaker
The AC18/26 punches through live rooms with articulate, focused output that keeps your mix tight and intelligible without muddying the stage. Its compact footprint and 12.8 kg weight make it genuinely portable—you can move it fast, position it precisely, and still get real acoustic authority. The passive design pairs a tight, focused 8-inch low end with crisp, detailed highs that lock in vocals and instruments with clarity, making it an excellent choice for monitor duty, fill speaker coverage, or as the foundation of a lean PA rig.
Audio Performance & Coverage
The 1 x 8" LF driver combined with a 1" HF compression driver and 120° x 60° field rotatable PT Waveguide delivers focused, directional sound with a Directivity Index of 8 dB across the midrange and treble. Frequency response spans 63 Hz – 19 kHz (±3 dB), with extended reach down to 52 Hz at -10 dB, ensuring both presence and low-end definition across a wide range of program material.
Connectivity & Ruggedness
Dual Neutrik NL4 connectors plus screw terminal backing provide flexible wiring options for permanent or temporary installations. Suspension points at six M8 mounting locations—one top, three bottom, two rear—enable secure rigging or stand mounting, while the black DuraFlex™ finish resists wear in touring and rental environments.
Key Features
- 1 x 8" low-frequency driver
- 1" HF compression driver with field rotatable 120 x 60° Coverage PT Waveguide
- 8 ohm impedance
- 250W continuous / 500W program / 1000W peak power rating
- Frequency range: 52 Hz – 20 kHz (-10 dB)
- Frequency response: 63 Hz – 19 kHz (±3 dB)
- Directivity Factor (Q): 7; Directivity Index (DI): 8 dB
- Dual Neutrik NL4 connectors with screw terminal backup
- Six M8 suspension points for flexible mounting configurations
- Compact dimensions: 469.9 x 237.5 x 254.0 mm (18.5 x 9.4 x 10.0 in)
- 12.8 kg (28.2 lb) weight for portable transport
- Black DuraFlex™ finish for durability
The AC18/26 combines honest, transparent reproduction with the ruggedness needed for real-world deployment, whether as a standalone monitor, fill speaker, or core component in a compact PA rig.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Mexico |
Reviews
At a Glance
The JBL AC18/26 is a compact 2-way passive loudspeaker built for live sound in venues and rooms where clarity and portability matter equally. Its 8-inch woofer and 1-inch compression driver deliver punchy, articulate output that cuts through without muddying the mix, while the 12.8 kg weight and compact footprint make it easy to move between gigs and reposition on stage. Choose this for intimate venues, monitor fills, or supplemental PA coverage when you need dependable, road-tested performance without breaking your back or your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the frequency response and power handling?
The AC18/26 covers 63 Hz – 19 kHz (±3 dB) with extended reach down to 52 Hz at -10 dB. It handles 250W continuous, 500W program, and 1000W peak power at 8 ohms impedance.
How portable is this speaker?
At 12.8 kg (28.2 lb) and measuring just 469.9 x 237.5 x 254.0 mm, the AC18/26 is compact enough to carry one-handed and reposition quickly, making it ideal for touring, rental, or venue-to-venue setups.
What mounting and connectivity options does it have?
Six M8 suspension points (one top, three bottom, two rear) let you rig it securely or stand-mount it in any orientation. Dual Neutrik NL4 connectors plus screw terminal backing offer flexible wiring for permanent or temporary installations.
Is this suitable for vocals and instruments?
Yes. The focused 120° x 60° coverage pattern, tight 8-inch low end, and detailed compression-driver highs make it well-suited for vocal clarity, instrument reproduction, and general fill or monitor duty across a range of program material.
What's the coverage pattern and directivity?
The field-rotatable PT Waveguide delivers 120° x 60° coverage with a Directivity Index of 8 dB across midrange and treble, keeping sound focused where you need it and minimizing spill in live or studio environments.