QSC K12.2 2-Way 12" Powered Portable PA Speaker

The QSC K12.2 (K12.2, K 12.2, K122) is a 12-inch, 2-way powered PA speaker from the QSC K.2 Series, the second generation of the QSC K12. Its 2000-watt Class D amplifier sends 1800 W peak to the 12-inch woofer and 225 W peak to the 1.4-inch titanium compression driver, for 132 dB peak SPL at 1 m, a frequency range of 45 Hz to 20 kHz (-10 dB) and 75° axisymmetric coverage. It weighs 39 lb (17.7 kg). QSC writes application guides for using it in clubs and venues, DJ and mobile entertainment, houses of worship, live bands, rental and production, and solo or duo musicians.

On the back is a 3-input mixer (Mic/Line, Hi-Z/Line for guitar or bass, and a 3.5 mm jack for a phone or laptop), an LCD menu with factory presets, savable Scenes, EQ, delay and a subwoofer crossover, and XLR loop-thru and mix outputs. It mounts on a pole straight or with a 7.5° down-tilt, works as a floor monitor, and has M10 points for flying. QSC backs it with a 6-year warranty when you register it within 30 days of purchase.

Which QSC K12.2 should I buy?

The speaker and package options below all contain the same K12.2; the last row is accessories.

How is the K12.2 different from the K8.2 and K10.2?

All three K.2 models use the same 2000-watt amplifier, DSP, inputs and outputs. The K12.2 has the most bass extension and output; the K8.2 is the lightest and has the widest coverage.

Is the K12.2 the same as the QSC K12?

No. The K12.2 is the second-generation K12 (QSC says the .2 marks the second-generation K Series), and QSC now lists the original K12 as a discontinued product. Compared with the K12, QSC lists these changes on the K12.2:

• An amplifier that delivers 1800 W peak to the woofer, against 1000 W peak on the legacy K Series
• 132 dB peak SPL against 129 dB for the K12, when QSC measured both the same way
• An LCD menu with presets, Scenes, crossover, delay and EQ
• A Hi-Z input for passive instruments, and a 3.5 mm input in place of the old RCA inputs
• Dual pole cups (straight and 7.5° down-tilt) in place of the single Tilt-Direct cup

The K12 TOTE and K12 Outdoor Cover fit both models. The yoke does not, so the K12.2 needs the K12.2 YOKE.

Does the K12.2 have Bluetooth?

No. QSC's K.2 FAQ answers no to Bluetooth audio streaming. Plug a phone, tablet or laptop into the 3.5 mm input, which accepts a stereo source and sums it to mono. If you want Bluetooth built in, the QSC CB10 battery speaker and the KC12 column system both have it.

Which subwoofer should I use with the K12.2?

A QSC KS Series subwoofer, with the K12.2's SUB menu set to 80 Hz KS, the crossover QSC phase-optimized for the KS Series. The KS118 has an 18-inch woofer and 3600 W peak; the KS212C is a dual 12-inch cardioid sub with 15 dB rear rejection at 70 Hz, which keeps bass off the stage; the KS112 is the single 12-inch model. With a QSC KW181, choose the 100 Hz setting. QSC says the K12.2 will over-power the older KSUB, so it does not recommend that pairing.

Can I put the K12.2 on a pole over a subwoofer?

Yes, on a 35 mm pole with an M20 thread, at the lengths QSC rates OK in its KS Series manual:

• Over one KS118: the SP-16X extension pole, the SP-26 or the SP-36. Over two stacked KS118: the SP-16X or the SP-26 only.
• Over a KS212C standing upright: the SP-16X or the SP-26. The 36-inch SP-36 pole that comes with the KS212C is not recommended for a K12.2 over an upright KS212C; with the KS212C on its side, the SP-36 is OK.
• Over a KS112 standing upright: the 16-inch SP-16X only. With the KS112 on its side, the SP-26 and SP-36 are OK.

QSC says not to use the setups it marks as not recommended unless the subwoofer is secured so it cannot lean more than 10 degrees. On a speaker stand, use either of the two 35 mm pole cups: one points the speaker straight ahead, the other tilts it down 7.5°. See the QSC SP-26 pole.

Disclaimer: Hollywood DJ provides weight ratings as each manufacturer publishes them, for general reference only. Stay within the rating for your model and follow the manufacturer's setup instructions.

Can I use the K12.2 as a floor monitor?

Yes. Every K.2 model has a 55° floor monitor angle, and the Stage Monitor 1 and Stage Monitor 2 presets voice it for monitor use. Stage Monitor 1 reduces bass build-up on stage; Stage Monitor 2 keeps more low end.

Can I fly or wall-mount the K12.2?

Yes. It has two load-rated M10 suspension points and a built-in pull-back ring, so it needs only two eyebolts from the QSC M10 Kit-C (the legacy K needed three). Any other forged shoulder eyebolt must have an M10 thread no longer than 0.8 inch (20 mm). The K12.2 YOKE mounts it vertically or horizontally, permanently to a wall or ceiling or temporarily to truss with third-party hardware.

Disclaimer: Hollywood DJ provides load information, including the manufacturer load tables we host, for general reference only. It is not intended to replace a qualified engineer or professional rigger, who should plan and approve any truss or staging installation.

What presets and settings does the K12.2 have?

It has 11 factory presets (Default, Live, Live Bright, Dance, Stage Monitor 1, Stage Monitor 2, AC Guit/Vox, Bass Amp, Hand Mic, Head Mic and Studio Mon), and firmware 2.1 adds Club, Vox Boost and Smooth. Five user Scenes save your input type, preset, crossover, delay and EQ. The 4-band EQ is cut-only, which QSC says lowers the risk of feedback, and room delay goes up to 200 ms with firmware 2.1 (100 ms before). The K.2 firmware is user-installable from QSC's website.

Can I plug a microphone or guitar straight in?

Yes. Input A takes a microphone or a line source. Input B takes a line source or, set to Hi-Z, a passive instrument such as an acoustic guitar, electric bass, mandolin or ukulele. Input C is the 3.5 mm jack. Each input has its own level knob, so one K12.2 works as a small PA for a singer with a guitar and backing tracks. Two XLR outputs pass Inputs A and B through to another speaker, and a third XLR sends the mix of all inputs.

QSC K12.2 specifications

Specifications from QSC's K.2 Series spec sheet, user manual, FAQ and firmware 2.1 addendum and the K12.2 product page; pole lengths from the QSC KS Series user manual.

What else goes with the K12.2?

See every K12.2 package, case and accessory in K12 Series speakers and accessories, every QSC powered speaker in QSC speakers, the matching subs in QSC subwoofers, or the whole range in QSC.