Description
The QSC KS118 (KS 118, KS-118) is an 18-inch powered subwoofer from the QSC KS Series. A 3600 W peak Class D amplifier drives an 18-inch (460 mm) long-excursion, direct-radiating woofer for 136 dB peak SPL at 1 m and a frequency range down to 35 Hz (-10 dB). It weighs 104 lb (47 kg) with its four included casters. QSC makes it for DJs and mobile entertainers, live music, clubs and venues, and AV rental and event production.
On-board DSP gives you an 80 Hz or 100 Hz crossover to match QSC top speakers, a selectable DEEP mode for more extension below 60 Hz, delay, five user Scenes, and a cardioid mode that turns two or more KS118 into a directional array with less bass on stage. An M20 threaded socket takes a 35 mm pole for a top speaker, and it can stand upright or lie on its side. QSC backs it with a 6-year warranty when you register it within 30 days of purchase.
What goes with the KS118?
| Item | What it does |
|---|---|
| QSC KS118 CVR | Soft transport cover made for the KS118 |
| QSC SP-26 pole | 26-inch, 35 mm pole with an M20 thread for a top speaker over the KS118 |
| ProX XS-322127SPW | Flight case with casters that holds a KS118 |
| QSC K12.2, K10.2, K8.2, CP12 | Top speakers QSC rates OK on a pole over the KS118 |
How is the KS118 different from the KS212C and KS112?
The KS118 has the most output and the deepest bass of the three KS subs. The KS212C is cardioid in a single box and comes with a pole; the KS112 is the smallest and lightest.
| KS118 | KS212C | KS112 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Direct-radiating, ported | Dual 6th-order bandpass, cardioid | 6th-order bandpass |
| Woofer | 1 x 18-inch | 2 x 12-inch | 1 x 12-inch |
| Amplifier (peak) | 3600 W | 2 x 1800 W | 2000 W |
| Maximum SPL (peak) | 136 dB | 132 dB | 128 dB |
| Frequency range (-10 dB) | 35 Hz to 111 Hz | 39 Hz to 118 Hz | 38 Hz to 121 Hz |
| Pattern | Omnidirectional, or cardioid with 2 or more units | Cardioid in one box (15 dB rear rejection at 70 Hz) | Omnidirectional |
| Size (H x W x D) | 25.2 x 20.5 x 30.9 in | 24.5 x 15.5 x 33.5 in | 24.5 x 15.5 x 24.25 in |
| Weight | 104 lb (47 kg) | 88.5 lb (40.1 kg) | 62.6 lb (28.4 kg) |
| Pole included | No | Yes, 36-inch SP-36 | No |
Which crossover setting should I use?
Use the default 80 Hz setting with QSC K.2 and CP Series speakers, and 100 Hz with KW, KLA and legacy K speakers. QSC says both crossovers time-align the sub with a K.2 speaker pole-mounted over it, with the front edges parallel.
How does cardioid mode work on the KS118?
Cardioid needs two or more KS118. Set each sub facing the audience to FORWARD and each sub facing the stage to REAR in the Cardioid menu; the processing is built in, so there is nothing to calculate. The array then gives up to 15 dB rear rejection at 70 Hz, which lowers the bass volume on stage. QSC rates back-to-back placement best and stacked placement next. In cardioid mode the delay resets to zero, and any delay you add must be the same on every sub in the array.
What does DEEP mode do?
DEEP boosts the low-frequency extension below 60 Hz without reducing the available headroom, which suits bass-heavy electronic and dance music. QSC says that unlike the DEEP mode on the older KW181, the KS118 version does not lower sensitivity.
Can I put a top speaker on a pole over the KS118?
Yes. The KS118 has one M20 threaded pole socket for 35 mm poles. QSC's KS Series manual rates the K8.2, K10.2, K12.2, CP8 and CP12 OK over a single KS118 on the SP-16X extension pole, the SP-26 or the SP-36, and over two stacked KS118 on the SP-16X or SP-26. For QSC LA108 line arrays, up to four LA108 can be ground-stacked on one upright KS118 with the LA108-AF array frame and LA108-KIT-SA stack adapter kit, and QSC's L Class FAQ allows up to three LA108 on an SP-26 pole over a KS118.
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 fly the KS118?
No. QSC says the KS118 does not have hardware for flying, and its KS Series manual says not to fly or suspend any KS Series subwoofer. Use it on a flat floor or stage.
Can I use the KS118 on its side?
Yes. It deploys upright or on its side, and it has rubber feet on both the bottom and the side. QSC places the side feet so a KW181 can nest on top of a KS118 lying on its side. When it stands upright, the pole socket faces up for a top speaker.
How is the KS118 different from the QSC KW181?
The KS118 replaces the KW181 in QSC's lineup with nearly double the peak power (3600 W, two 1800 W channels bridged to one woofer), a tour-grade woofer with a 4-inch voice coil, more powerful DSP, an LCD, cardioid mode and DEEP without the sensitivity loss. QSC also says it has more headroom before its limiter engages, so it sounds clearer at high levels than the KW181.
What is included?
The KS118 comes with four low-noise, heavy-duty casters. The pole is not included; QSC's optional accessories are the KS118 CVR transport cover, the KS-LOC lock-out cover, the SP-26 and SP-36 poles and the SP-16X extension pole.
QSC KS118 specifications
| Configuration | Direct-radiating, ported subwoofer |
| Woofer | 18-inch (460 mm) long-excursion cone, 4-inch voice coil |
| Amplifier | Class D, 3600 W peak |
| Frequency response (-6 dB) | 41 Hz to 98 Hz |
| Frequency range (-10 dB) | 35 Hz to 111 Hz |
| Coverage | Omnidirectional, or cardioid with 2 or more units (up to 15 dB rear rejection at 70 Hz) |
| Maximum SPL | 136 dB peak at 1 m |
| DSP | Crossover 80 Hz or 100 Hz, DEEP mode, Cardioid (Off, Forward, Rear), delay 0 to 100 ms, 5 user Scenes |
| Controls | Power switch, gain control, rotary encoder, 2 x selection buttons, LCD |
| Connectors | 2 x locking XLR/1/4-inch combo inputs, 2 x XLR loop-thru outputs, locking IEC power |
| Cooling | Low-noise, variable-speed fan |
| Power | Universal 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz; 3.0 A at 120 VAC (1/8 power) |
| Enclosure | Birch plywood, black (RAL 9011); 16-gauge powder-coated steel grille |
| Mounting | 1 x M20 threaded pole socket (35 mm poles); upright or on its side; not for flying |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 25.2 x 20.5 x 30.9 in (640 x 520 x 785 mm), with casters |
| Net weight | 104 lb (47 kg), with casters |
| Shipping weight | 124.5 lb (56.5 kg) |
| Included | 4 x low-noise, heavy-duty casters |
| Warranty | 6 years when registered within 30 days of purchase |
Specifications from QSC's KS118 spec sheet, KS118 FAQ, KS Series user manual and the KS118 product page; LA108 stacking from the QSC L Class user manual and FAQ.
What else goes with the KS118?
See every QSC sub in QSC subwoofers, the top speakers in QSC speakers, or the whole range in QSC.
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