PRODUCT
PRODUCT
TESTS
By Jon Matthews
QSC KS112 & KS212C Powered Subwoofers
As live sound professionals , I think it ’ s safe to say we ’ re all constantly searching for new and effective ways to lighten our loads and make our gigging lives easier , while at the same time maintaining the quality standards of the audio experience we deliver . The folks at QSC have recently unveiled two new entries in their low-frequency arsenal that seem purposely designed to help us with those very objectives : the KS112 and KS212C powered subwoofers .
Overview After unboxing , I was instantly struck with the quality fit and finish of both units , with a handsome black paintjob covering the solid-feeling enclosures , and well-placed cast aluminum handles . Both the KS112 and KS212C are tricked out with sturdy-looking “ silent ” heavy duty casters , a welcome and useful feature , along with some chunky slipresistant rubber feet on both the bottom and side and matching feet cups built into the cabinet to allow for stable stacking . Both units also feature M20 threaded sockets for standard 35 mm speaker poles , one of which is included with the KS212C .
Both models share the same rear controls and connections , with two separate female combination XLR and 1 / 4-in . inputs , and a pair of pass-through male XLRs . Note that these output connections provide the same signal as the inputs and are not passed through a crossover in the subs , so you ’ ll need to engage high-pass filtering on your chosen top speakers . There are back panel LEDs for “ Power ” and “ Signal ,” a red LED indicating limiter engagement , and a gain knob allowing adjustments of plus or minus 10dB to the internal amplifier . Both subs feature DSP controlled via a digital display menu , offering selection and dialing of features such as crossover frequency , delay , and saving or loading “ scenes .”
KS112
In Use Let ’ s start with the compact KS112 , which serves up 2,000 W of class-D peak power in a sixth-order bandpass 15 mm birch enclosure and weighs in at a lower back-friendly 62 lbs . Inside , you ’ ll find a 12-in . excursion driver capable of handling a maximum peak SPL of 128dB at 1 m . QSC quotes the unit ’ s frequency response ( -6dB ) at 41 to 108 Hz , with a frequency range ( -10dB ) of 38 to 121 Hz – impressive for a single 12-in . subwoofer . The enclosure , including casters , measures 24.5 x 15.5 x 24.25 in ., making it very attractive to those who need big performance in a compact package .
Fortunately , the KS112 ' s performance belies its size . I took it out for a test drive paired with my favourite powered 10-in . full-range speaker and was quite pleased with the results . I set the subwoofer crossover point at 100 Hz and ran the system flat while auditioning a variety of program material , from folk to pop rock to bass-heavy EDM . I found the KS112 ’ s sound to be deep , clean , and even with decent throw . I think a pair of KS112s would be quite suitable for most small to medium DJ , club , or live music applications , with the added advantages of easy lifting , transportation , and placement .
Now , the KS212C is an entirely different beast altogether ! QSC touts this product as “ the world ’ s first-in-class single-box powered cardioid subwoofer solution ,” meaning it is designed to provide a degree of bass attenuation to the rear and sides . ( More on that later ).
The KS212C is spec ’ ed to deliver 3,600 W of peak power to its dual 12-in . drivers inside an 18-mm birch plywood enclosure . This unit is capable of handling 132dB of peak SPL at 1 metre , with a quoted frequency response ( -6dB ) of 44 to 104 Hz and a frequency range ( -10dB ) of 39 to 118 Hz . As you would expect , the KS212C occupies a larger slice of real estate than the KS112 , measuring 24.5 x 15.5 x 33.5 in . including casters .
The main advantage of a cardioid subwoofer setup is in enhancing directivity and minimizing the buildup of bass energy in unwanted areas like the stage , where it could potentially interfere with musicians ’ monitor mixes or amplifiers . Typically , this is
KS112C
achieved with multiple subs in a front-backfront configuration , but now , the advantages of this kind of setup are accessible to those of us running more modest systems thanks to QSC ’ s K Cardioid Solution . The KS212C is quoted to provide a significant 15dB rear reduction at 70 Hz , and in practical testing , this welcome effect was easily noticeable .
Upon swapping in the KS212C with the same trusty 10-in ., full-range top speaker used earlier , I was again struck by the fullness , clarity , and push of the low end it produced . As expected , the KS212C had plenty of headroom on offer , and as such , would be an optimal choice for a single-subwoofer solution . The added benefits of the rear attenuation make the KS212C an even more attractive prospect for this role , though it would work just as well in a multi-unit configuration .
QSC ’ s K and KS Series have become trusted standards in the pro audio world , and these strong and innovative new subwoofer offerings should continue to uphold the company ’ s well-earned reputation – particularly in highly portable entertainment and installation applications .
Jon Matthews is an acclaimed producer and studio and live sound engineer based in Charlottetown , PE . He is the owner / operator of The Sound Mill and a 2018 East Coast Music Award nominee for Producer , Studio Engineer , and Live Sound Engineer of the Year . For more information , visit www . thesoundmill . ca . Facebook : www . facebook . com / thesoundmill Twitter & Instagram : @ redmudmusic or @ thesoundmill .
24 PROFESSIONAL SOUND