QSC Product

KW-Series: The next evolutionary step in wood enclosure loudspeakers

KW-Series: The next evolutionary step in wood enclosure loudspeakers

The KW Series represents the next evolutionary step in wood enclosure loudspeakers, featuring 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.

The groundbreaking electronic attributes of our popular K Series in smaller and significantly lighter wood models.

RRP: £ From 1318.80
  • K Series performance in a lightweight, birch design
  • 1000 watt Class D power modules in all models (2 x 500 W continuous)
  • Extensive DSP featuring DEEP™ and Intrinsic Correction™ enhances system performance
  • DMT™ (Directivity Matched Transition) ensures uniform coverage across the entire sound field
  • Rugged, texture-painted birch enclosures
  • Four-position Mic/Line gain (full-range models)
  • Tour-grade 16 gauge steel grilles
  • Comfortable ergonomic handles
  • 35 mm pole sockets with Tilt-Direct™ on KW122 and KW152, standard (non-tilt) pole socket on KW153
  • M10 rigging points for suspended installation (full-range models)

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.

High Output

Like K Series, each of the four KW Series models features a QSC designed, 1000 watt (2 x 500 W continuous) 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 (DMT™) 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:

  • Intrinsic Correction™, 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.
  • DEEP™ and excursion limiting allow for extended low-frequency response by actively managing low-frequency transients without degradation of the underlying signal or adjacent frequencies.
  • GuardRail™ 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, DEEP™ for additional bass extension, or EXT SUB (full-range models) for use with an external 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-Direct™

The KW122 and KW152 feature a unique Tilt-Direct™ 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).

  • Operating Mode: Active
  • Weatherproof: No
  • KW Series KW122 KW152 KW153 KW181
    Specifications KW122 KW152 KW153 KW181
    Configuration 12" 2-way multipurpose 15" 2-way trapezoidal 15" 3-way trapezoidal 18" subwoofer
    Transducers
    • Low-frequency
    • Mid-frequency
    • High-frequency

    • 12" cone transducer
    • -
    • 1.75" diaphragm compression driver

    • 15" cone transducer
    • -
    • 1.75" diaphragm compression driver

    • 15" cone transducer
    • 6.5" mid range cone transducer
    • 1.75" diaphragm compression driver

    • 18" cone transducer
    Frequency Response (-6 dB) 53 Hz - 18 kHz 47 Hz - 18 kHz 35 Hz - 18 kHz 38 Hz - 124 Hz
    Frequency Range (-10 dB) 50 Hz - 20 kHz 44 Hz - 20 kHz 33 Hz - 20 kHz 34 Hz - 143 Hz
    Nominal Coverage (-6 dB) 75° axisymmetric 60° axisymmetric 75° axisymmetric  
    Maximum SPL1 132 dB peak 133 dB peak 135 dB peak 135 dB peak
    Amplifier
    Power Output2
    • 1000 W Class D (500 W LF, 500 W HF) continuous
    • 2000 W peak
    • 1000 W Class D (500 W LF, 500 W MF/HF) continuous
    • 2000 W peak
    • 1000 W Class D continuous
    • 2000 W peak
    Input Impedance (ohms)

    Channel A XLR / ¼":

    • Mic Gain Setting 0 dB: Balanced: 38k, Unbalanced:19k
    • Mic Gain Setting +12 dB: Balanced 10k, Unbalanced: 5k
    • Mic Gain Setting +24 dB: Balanced: 2.66k, Unbalanced: 1.33k
    • Mic Gain Setting: +36 dB: Balanced: 660 ohms, Unbalanced: 330 ohms
    Channel B XLR / ¼": 38k balanced / 19k unbalanced
    Channel B RCA: 10k
    XLR / ¼": 38k balanced / 19k unbalanced
    Controls Power, Gain A, Gain B, Channel A Input Gain (0 dB / 12 dB / 24 dB / 36 dB), LF Mode (Ext Sub/Norm/DEEP™), HF Mode (Flat/Vocal Boost), Front LED (On/Off/Limit) Power, Gain, LF Mode (Normal/DEEP™), Polarity (Normal/Reverse), Front LED (On/Off/Limit)
    Indicators Power, Signal A, Signal B, Standby, Limit, Mic (24 dB and 36 dB settings) Power, Signal, Standby, Limit
    Connectors Balanced female XLR/¼" line/mic level input, Balanced female XLR/¼" line level input, Dual Balanced male XLR full range line level out , Balanced male XLR "mix" out, Stereo RCA line level input, Remote gain control, Locking IEC power connector 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, GuardRail™
    Transducer Protection Thermal limiting, excursion limiting
    AC Power Input Universal power supply 100-240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz 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) 26" x 15" x 15.4"
    660 mm x 381 mm x 391 mm
    32.1" x 17.5" x 15.2"
    816 mm x 445 mm x 386 mm
    43.1" x 18.5" x 16.8"
    1094 mm x 470 mm x 427 mm
    20.1" x 23.4" x 29.9" with casters
    510 mm x 595 mm x 761 mm with casters
    Weight (Net) 49 lb (22.2 kg) 62 lb (28 kg) 87 lb (39.5 kg) 88 lb (40 kg)
    Available Accessories
    • KW SUS KIT 122
    • KW122 COVER
    • KW M10 KIT
    • KW152 COVER
    •  
    KW M10 KIT
    • KW153 COVER
    • KW M10 KIT
    • KW181 COVER
    • 1: For comparison purposes and in accordance with common industry practice, maximum peak SPL specifications are theoretical calculations based upon transducer sensitivity and peak available amplifier power.
    • 2: Independent of limiters and driver protection circuits.
    • All Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice.
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kw153_web_front (168 KB)
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kw152_web_rigging_closeup (96 KB)
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kw152_web_amp_panel (143 KB)
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EASE Downloads

Recognized as the de facto standard for sound system modeling software, EASE is designed to assist architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors discover the sonic characteristics of an environment before a building is completed. The following downloadable ZIP files are archives of the loudspeaker's data set.

Software Downloads (ZIP-Files)

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Video: New QSC KW Speaker Series presented at the ProLight+Sound 2010