QSC

QSC E118SW 18" 800W Passive Subwoofer Black

1.0 (2 reviews)
800W

QSC E118SW 18-inch passive subwoofer delivers 800W continuous power with tour-grade durability for live sound.

$1,341.68*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The QSC E118SW is an 18-inch passive subwoofer built for professional live sound reinforcement and permanent installation. Rated at 800 watts continuous power handling, it produces the kind of deep, authoritative bass needed for live music, DJ events, and high-energy performances in medium to large venues. The direct-radiating enclosure design prioritizes punch and clarity in the low frequencies, while the 4-ohm impedance allows compatible amplifiers to deliver maximum power efficiently. The included M20 threaded pole socket and speaker pole make it straightforward to stack a full-range top cabinet directly above the sub for a complete PA column.

Durability is a clear design priority for the E118SW. The exterior is finished in a rugged, tour-grade textured paint that resists scratches and scuffs from regular transport, while the foam-lined perforated steel grille protects the driver from impacts without compromising acoustic output. Where the E118SW particularly distinguishes itself is in its integration with the broader QSC E Series ecosystem. When paired with QSC GXD or PLD amplifiers or TouchMix digital mixers, users can access advanced DSP tunings that optimize crossover points, equalization, and limiter settings specifically for this cabinet — effectively turning a passive sub into a precisely tuned component of a complete system. At 93.8 pounds, it is a substantial cabinet that demands careful handling, but the performance and build quality are consistent with professional touring and installation expectations.

Key Features

High output, professional quality sound with 800 W continuous power

E Series Entertainment System – Advanced digital signal processing tunings and options using QSC GXD, PLD amplifiers or Touch Mix digital mixers

Rugged tour-grade textured paint

Foam-lined perforated steel grill

E18SW includes speaker pole

Specifications

Brand
QSC
Model
E118SW
Woofer Size
18 inches
Continuous Power
800W
Impedance
4 Ohms
Amplification Type
Passive
Enclosure Type
Direct Radiation
Grille
Foam-lined perforated steel
Finish
Tour-grade textured paint
Pole Socket
Threaded M20
Included Accessories
Speaker pole
Color
Black
Weight
93.8 lbs
DSP Compatibility
QSC GXD, PLD amplifiers; TouchMix digital mixers

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 800W continuous power handling delivers substantial low-frequency output for medium to large venues
  • Included M20 speaker pole allows immediate stacking with a full-range top without extra purchases
  • Tour-grade textured paint and foam-lined steel grille provide serious road-ready durability
  • Optimized DSP tunings available when paired with QSC GXD, PLD, or TouchMix products
  • 18-inch direct-radiating driver design provides deep, punchy bass response

👎 Cons

  • At 93.8 pounds the cabinet is heavy and may require two people to transport and position
  • Passive design requires a separate amplifier purchase, increasing total system cost
  • DSP optimization is only available through specific QSC amplifiers and mixers, not third-party gear
  • No built-in handles or casters mentioned, which complicates moving this heavy enclosure
  • 4-ohm impedance limits the number of cabinets that can be safely driven per amplifier channel

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the E118SW is a passive subwoofer and requires an external power amplifier. QSC recommends pairing it with their GXD or PLD series amplifiers, which provide built-in DSP tunings specifically optimized for this cabinet.
The E118SW has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. When selecting an amplifier, ensure it can deliver sufficient power into a 4-ohm load for optimal performance.
Yes, the E118SW includes a threaded M20 pole socket and comes with a speaker pole, allowing you to mount a full-range speaker directly on top of the subwoofer.
The cabinet features a rugged tour-grade textured paint finish and a foam-lined perforated steel grille, both designed to withstand the rigors of repeated transport, setup, and teardown in live event environments.
When paired with QSC GXD or PLD amplifiers or TouchMix digital mixers, the E118SW can take advantage of advanced digital signal processing tunings designed specifically for QSC's E Series cabinets, optimizing crossover, EQ, and limiter settings.