QSC KW181 | 18in - 1,000 Watts - 132dB
DISCONTINUED
This product has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Please contact us to find a replacement.
QSC KW181 Subwoofer
Building on the success of our K Series, the KW Series represents the next evolutionary step in wood enclosure loudspeakers. Our system engineers have created the KW Series to feature all the groundbreaking electronic attributes of our popular K Series while at the same time designing a product that is both smaller and significantly lighter than previous wood enclosure models.
| SPECIFICATIONS | QSC KW181 Subwoofer |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 18" QSC powered subwoofer |
|
Transducer  |
18" cone transducer |
| Frequency Response (-6 dB) | 43 Hz - 97 kHz |
| Frequency Range (-10 dB) | 39 Hz - 145 Hz |
| Maximum SPL (1 meter) | 132 dB peak |
| Amplifiers | |
| Power Output | 1000 W Class D continuous |
| Input Impedance (ohms) | XLR / ¼": 40k balanced / 20k unbalanced |
| Controls | Power, Gain, LF Mode (Normal/DEEPâ„¢), Polarity (Normal/Reverse), Front LED (On/Off/Limit) |
| Indicators | Power, Signal, Standby, Limit |
| Connectors | Dual balanced female XLR/¼" line level input, Dual Balanced male XLR full range line level out, Remote gain control, Locking IEC power connector |
| Cooling | On demand, 50 mm variable speed fan |
| Amplifier Protection | Thermal limiting, output overcurrent, overtemperature muting, GuardRailâ„¢ |
| Transducer Protection | Thermal limiting, excursion limiting |
| AC Power Input | Universal power supply 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz |
|
AC Power Consumption (1/8 Power) |
100 VAC, 2.3 A 120 VAC, 2.01 A 230 VAC, 1.13 A |
| Enclosure | |
| Material | 15 mm painted birch plywood |
| Finish | Black textured paint |
| Grille | Black powder coated 16 gauge steel |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 20.1" x 23.4" x 29.9" with
casters 510 mm x 595 mm x 761 mm with casters |
| Weight (Net) | 83 lb (37.6 kg) |
| Available Accessories | KW181 COVER |
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High Output: Like K Series, each of the four KW Series models features a QSC designed, 1000 watt (2 x 500) Class D power module. And continuing in the K Series tradition, every model is fitted with the identical high-output 1.75" HF device (full-range models) and woofers of the same high quality design, regardless of speaker size.
Defined Coverage Area: Directivity Matched Transition (DMTâ„¢) provides for matched LF and HF coverage across the entire listening area, eliminating unnatural "dead" or "hot" frequency zones.
DSP: Extensive signal processing is employed
throughout, providing levels of sonic clarity and total output that defy all
expectations for a product in this category:Â
Intrinsic Correctionâ„¢, first featured in our high-end line array products maps
65-75 spatially-averaged measurements to IIR and FIR filters that actively
adjust time, frequency and amplitude response to a maximally flat bandpass
target. The result is a speaker that behaves equally well across the entire
sound field.
DEEPâ„¢ and excursion limiting allow for extended low-frequency response by
actively managing low-frequency transients without degradation of the underlying
signal or adjacent frequencies.
GuardRailâ„¢ protection, first introduced on our GX Series amplifiers protects
both the amplifier module and your performance from unnatural and destructive
clipping.
Connectivity: KW Series features a four-position mic / line gain switch that
allows for connection of a wide variety of devices. Combo XLR and 1/4" TRS
inputs accept both mic and line level input while a set of RCA phono inputs
(except KW181) allow additional connectivity to portable MP3 players, CD players
and line-level mixers. Up to three audio sources can be mixed internally and
summed to a balanced output for "daisy-chaining" of multiple units. Separate
direct outputs are also provided on each channel for additional output
flexibility.
Control: On-board switches provide preset EQ settings. The HF setting (full-range models) can be set to VOCAL BOOST for additional presence in the critical mid-frequency area or FLAT for accurate reproduction of the incoming signal. The LF switch can be set to NORM, DEEPâ„¢ for additional bass extension, or EXT SUB (full-range models) for use with an external QSC powered subwoofer. The rear panel LED switch can be set to POWER, illuminating the front-mounted LED when the unit is powered on, OFF for applications where it is not desirable to illuminate the front LED, or LIMIT which indicates to the system operator that the clip limiter circuit has been engaged during operation.
Tilt-Directâ„¢: The KW122 and KW152 feature a unique Tilt-Directâ„¢ pole cup mounting system. A simple turn of the dial engages a 7.5 degree downward tilt of the speaker allowing acoustic energy to be kept on the audience and off reflective surfaces for applications where maximum coverage from a high-positioned speaker is desired.
Remote Gain: Remote gain control capability is offered via a potentiometer (not included) connected to the on-board Phoenix-Style connector. In an installed application, multiple KW Series speakers can be "daisy-chained" for total gain control from a single remote pot. Auto-standby mode is engaged after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Premium-grade materials: KW Series is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. Advanced construction processes, premium-grade Baltic birch cabinetry, ergonomic, cast aluminum handles, low-noise casters (KW181) and a highly protective steel grille provide for ease of transport and long term durability. Integrated M10 suspension points allow for flown applications with a KW M10 KIT (sold separately) and a threaded pole receptacle (KW181) provides for a positive, wobble free connection to a threaded speaker pole (included).
Features
Truly one of my favorite pieces of gear! Use it for almost every job and rock some big parties with one 181. Love them paired with k12's
i LOVE these subwoofers. I've got three of these and they sound incredible when paired with the k12's.
I LOVE these subs, they are absolutely amazing, huge bass, in a small light weight cabinate!
Rock The QSC KW181 with your K12's or for you Band Guys Rock it with the KW122 & You would think your @ a night club or Concert…Sound is beautiful + Qsc warranty no 1 can touch it…Make sure you contact KPODJ for all your Dj Needs.
I have been rocking the qskkw181's for the last year. They have never failed me and sound great at every venue. I compared them to every speaker I could find and the sound quality could not be beat.
Can you say, "BASS, HOW LOW CAN YOU GO!"<br /> Hands down, the KW181 is one of the best compact powered subs on the market!<br /> The DEEP/LOW end created by this monster truly fills a room. <br /> The wood enclosure creates a beautiful sound that you cannot duplicate with it's composite counterparts/competitors.<br /> I absolutely recommend it.<br /> *As mentioned with my review on the KW122's, handle with care....after all, it's wood.... Invest in the covers.<br /> Love this Sub!!
I upgraded to the QSC KW-181 subwoofer from a JBL EON subwoofer and there is absolutely no comparison. For a subwoofer of its size and power it's not prohibitively heavy and the built-in casters are a great touch. As with the K-series, it has a nice feature-rich panel on the back and of course the subwoofer itself hits pretty hard. There's a deep mode option like the K-12's that I own but I actually have this subwoofer paired with EV ZXA5 15" powered speakers. I've done events up to around 300 with the three and never have any complaints. I'm actually looking to get a second subwoofer for proms and events where bass is a necessity. As with my other QSC produces, the warranty is fantastic and I actually needed to have this serviced which went off without an hitch. I'm not thrilled with the durability of the QSC cover (the flap that protects the back panel when faced down during transport ripped) and the fact that with my K-12 speaker bags, the carrying pocket has a velcro closure instead of a zipper (what's the point, everything just falls out) but the subwoofer itself is amazing. Don't hesitate on this one. Buy it today!!
This sub is amazing. It has a lot of output. Plus it's nicely sized (in other words, it's a small enclosure especially for the output). For a mobile DJ you should only need one, but if you have two watch out!
The QSC KW-181 is the elite mobile sub. It still baffles me that the simplest thing like wheels is not duplicated by other companies. The sub is light, pumps a lot of bass and simple to use, plug and play. I own 152's, k12's and k10's. QSC is my preferred vendor for sound.
I have been rocking one of these for the past year and a half with no problems. I have this paired with two kw-153's and I am constantly complimented on the sound quality. The finish can be chipped as with all wood speakers so I keep a black marker on hand. Buy the cover, it's great and will keep you looking as good as you sound. I was told DJ'ing with the 153's and this sub was not needed and might be overkill. When they are paired, the sound is clean and clear with great punch without getting muddy. A great investment!
Best investments so far! Great subs & pretty much plug & play! Like everyone else say match with either set of QSC K12s & you got a party! I love em!
