Live Music ∙ Clubs/Venues ∙ DJs/Dance · AV Rental/Event Production
The QSC KS118 powered subwoofer delivers potent bass for DJs, live bands and other performers. Its onboard 3,600W Class-D amplifier drives an 18″ direct-radiating woofer for impressive low end. This powered sub is ideal for both mobile and installed applications. It’s the perfect complement to QSC’s K.2 and CP Series powered loudspeakers. The QSC KS118 active subwoofer will take your PA live sound system to new lows — low frequencies, that is. Whether you’re looking for the best powered subwoofer for a live band or you want to install a nightclub sound system, the KS118 delivers deep bass in spades. This rugged, reliable subwoofer is also perfect for AV rental houses and event production companies. Plug it in and prepare to change the way you think about portable PA systems.
Live bands, DJs and mobile performers all rely on clean, clear audio to sound their best and create an enjoyable experience for their audiences. In each case, the larger the audience, the harder the PA system has to work. This is especially true for subwoofers. The QSC KS118 active subwoofer has the power to make dance music fans feel the bass, not just hear the music.
Since the QSC KS118 powered sub is easy to move around, wedding DJs, bands and venue owners can customize their sound with strategic subwoofer placement. No two performance venues are the same. Some night clubs or wedding venues require special subwoofer positioning. In most cases, mobile DJs will want to place a pair of QSC KS118 subwoofers on the floor on either side of their booth. Full-range speakers can then be mounted on poles above the subs using the KS118’s built-in M20 threaded pole socket. In smaller venues, a performer may choose to corner-load a single KS118 subwoofer. This technique calls for facing the subwoofer facing into a corner of a room to take advantage of its acoustics and maximize efficiency.
The KS118 active subwoofer can also be set up to create a cardioid output pattern when used in pairs. This speaker arrangement avoids bass buildup on stage and directs the sound to the audience. One of the best subwoofer placement techniques for bands and DJs is known as coupling. By placing two or more KS118 powered subwoofers very close to one another, their effectiveness is amplified. Coupling can be done by either stacking a pair of KS118 subs, or placing them on the floor together closely. However you decide to deploy or install your QSC KS118 powered subwoofer, you can count on reliable performance and deep bass to keep the dance floor moving.
Rugged wooden cabinet packed with 3,600 watts
With an incredible 3,600W peak output at its disposal, the QSC KS118 cranks out 1,600W more than its predecessor, the KW181. QSC engineers managed to pack almost twice the power of the KW181 into the same footprint with the KS118 and keep the weight nearly the same. That makes the QSC KS118 surprisingly easy to move and transport. It’s fitted with smooth-rolling, low-noise casters that let you roll it effortlessly. Despite its modern, professional look, this robust birch enclosure is designed for life on the road. A powder-coated steel grill protects the driver from damage. The wooden cabinet’s textured exterior resists scratches, scrapes and dings. The tight fit and finish of the KS118 is exactly what you’d expect from QSC. The moment you touch this subwoofer, you know it’s made to last. The moment you hear it, you’ll know it’s the last sub you’ll ever need.Advanced digital signal processing
The raw horsepower from its onboard amp is only part of the KS118 sub’s arsenal. As with a race car, power is useless without control. It must be tamed, tuned and finessed to get impressive results. That’s why the KS118 features advanced digital sound processing (DSP). The KS118’s high-tech DSP optimizes system performance. It also enables advanced capabilities and protects the sub’s components. This keeps the QSC KS118 18" subwoofer running at peak efficiency. The result is flawless, tight bass, even when you’re pushing it to its limits. Pair two KS118 subs together to take advantage of Cardioid mode in the DSP settings. This helps you keep bass in its place, not overpowering performers on stage. Other settings include delay, crossover and scenes that can be saved and recalled for common applications. An ultra-quiet internal fan keeps things running cool under heavy use.Deep bass and high SPL
There’s no denying that a live sound PA system with tight, deep bass can really get the dance floor going. If you’re a mobile DJ, this is especially important. Wedding DJs and nightclub DJs rely on dedicated subwoofers, particularly when the audience and venue is large. Modern powered speakers, such as the QSC K.2 Series, have impressive bass response on their own. But the only way to accurately reproduce the ultra-deep frequencies in modern dance, pop and rock music properly is to deploy a separate subwoofer. The QSC KS118 delivers low-end reproduction down to 35Hz, so your audience will get the bass they crave. With a maximum SPL of 136dB, dance music fans will feel the music, not just hear it. The selectable DEEP mode routes more of the amp’s power to the lower end of the sub’s frequency range. Think of it as a turbo boost for the ultra-low frequencies. Just make sure you’re ready for it, because the difference is like night and day.Ideal for mobile DJs, live bands and venue installations
AV rental houses and event production companies will love the KS118 for its ruggedness and rock-solid reliability. It upholds QSC’s well-earned reputation for build quality and durability. Whether you install the KS118 in a dance club or other venue, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from owning a QSC product. Live bands, musicians and DJs will appreciate its versatility, raw power and clean, deep sound. Mobile performers will appreciate the casters, ergonomic handles and portability. Everyone will love that it’s built to withstand intense professional use, gig after gig.
Features
- 3,600W Class-D peak amplification
- 18" direct-radiating driver
- Rugged birch plywood cabinet with smooth-rolling casters
- Onboard DSP with DEEP mode
- Active/passive: Active
- Type: Direct-radiating subwoofer
- LF driver: 18"
- MF driver: Not applicable
- HF driver: Not applicable
- Amplifier class: Class-D
- Wattage: 3,600W peak
- Mixer/preamp: Not applicable
- Frequency response: 35Hz–111kHz
- Coverage pattern: Omnidirectional
- Max SPL: 136dB
- XLR: 2
- XLR: 2
- Cabinet material: 18 mm birch plywood
- Width: 20.5"
- Height: 25.2"
- Depth: 30.9"
- Weight: 104 lb.
