PreSonus

PreSonus AIR18S Active 18" Sound-Reinforcement Subwoofer

4.1 (30 reviews)
200WXLR

A 1,200-watt active 18-inch subwoofer built to deliver clean, powerful low-end reinforcement down to 35 Hz.

$899.99*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 28, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The PreSonus AIR18s is an active sound-reinforcement subwoofer designed to anchor the low end of both portable and permanently installed PA systems. At its core is an 18-inch woofer with a 3-inch voice coil, powered by a 1,200-watt Class D amplifier that delivers dynamic, responsive bass down to 35 Hz. The variable low-pass filter on the rear panel lets operators set the upper frequency cutoff precisely, ensuring smooth integration with whichever full-range loudspeakers are in the system. With a maximum SPL of 137 dB, the AIR18s has the output to fill mid-size venues, event spaces, and houses of worship with clean, well-defined low-frequency energy.

What sets the AIR18s apart from basic powered subs is its built-in DSP presets for cardioid subwoofer arrays. Ground-stacked and end-fire configurations can be engaged at the push of a button, giving sound engineers tighter directional control over bass without needing external processors. Connectivity is straightforward: two XLR/¼-inch combo inputs with parallel direct outputs make daisy-chaining simple, while a 1/8-inch input accommodates smartphones and tablets for background music or quick sound checks. Whether deployed as a standalone sub for a mobile rig or stacked in multiples for larger events, the AIR18s is built to deliver consistent, powerful low-end reinforcement.

Key Features

18-inch woofer with 3-inch voice coil

1,200W Class D power (dynamic)

35 Hz to 150 Hz frequency response and 137 dB SPL (max) ; Variable low pass filter lets you dial in upper frequency limit

2 XLR/¼” combo inputs with direct outputs and 1/8” input for​ smartphones and tablets

Ground-stacked and end-fire presets to quickly create a cardioid subwoofer array

Specifications

Woofer Size
18-inch with 3-inch voice coil
Power
1,200W Class D (dynamic)
Frequency Response
35 Hz – 150 Hz
Max SPL
137 dB
Crossover
Variable low-pass filter
Inputs
2x XLR/¼" combo, 1x 1/8" auxiliary
Outputs
Direct outputs from each combo input
DSP Presets
Ground-stacked and end-fire cardioid array
Type
Active (self-powered)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 1,200 watts of Class D power delivers substantial headroom for demanding live sound applications.
  • Variable low-pass filter provides precise crossover control to blend seamlessly with companion full-range speakers.
  • Built-in cardioid array presets simplify setup for ground-stacked and end-fire configurations without external processing.
  • The 1/8-inch auxiliary input adds convenient connectivity for quick playback from smartphones and tablets.
  • Frequency response reaching down to 35 Hz ensures deep, impactful low-end reproduction.

👎 Cons

  • An 18-inch active subwoofer of this class is heavy and bulky, making solo transport and load-in difficult.
  • At 137 dB max SPL it may not have enough output for very large outdoor venues without deploying multiple units.
  • No built-in DSP networking or remote control, so on-the-fly adjustments require physical access to the rear panel.
  • The sub handles low frequencies only up to 150 Hz, so it must always be paired with separate full-range tops.

Frequently Asked Questions

The AIR18s covers 35 Hz to 150 Hz, with a variable low-pass filter that lets you dial in the upper frequency limit to match your full-range speakers.
No. This is a powered (active) subwoofer with a built-in 1,200-watt Class D amplifier, so no external amp is needed.
Yes. The AIR18s includes built-in ground-stacked and end-fire presets that let you quickly set up a cardioid subwoofer array for improved low-frequency directional control.
It provides two XLR/¼-inch combo inputs with direct outputs, plus a 1/8-inch auxiliary input for connecting smartphones or tablets.
The AIR18s is rated for a maximum SPL of 137 dB.