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QSC KW181 18
QSC

QSC KW181 18" 1000W Active PA Subwoofer

★★★★★4.9 (136 reviews)
1000W

Powerful Bass Performance with the QSC KW181 Active SubwooferThe QSC KW181 is a high-performance active subwoofer designed to deliver exceptional low-frequency reinforcement for live sound applications. With a robust 18-inch woofer and a 1000-watt Class D amplifier, this subwoofer provides powerf...

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Overview

Powerful Bass Performance with the QSC KW181 Active Subwoofer

The QSC KW181 is a high-performance active subwoofer designed to deliver exceptional low-frequency reinforcement for live sound applications. With a robust 18-inch woofer and a 1000-watt Class D amplifier, this subwoofer provides powerful and articulate bass response.

  • Amplifier Power: 1000 Watts (2 x 500-watt Class D)
  • Woofer Size: 18-inch
  • Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 112 Hz (-6 dB)
  • Enclosure: Rugged birch plywood with textured black paint
  • Accessories: Includes fixed-length, M20 threaded speaker pole and pole-mounting cup

Key Features

1000-watt powered subwoofer (2 x 500-watt Class D amplifiers)

1000 watts continuous output, 2000 watts peak. Frequency Response (minus 6 dB) : 40 Hz to 112 Hz

18-inch woofer

Includes fixed-length, M20 threaded speaker pole and pole-mounting cup

Rugged birch plywood enclosure with textured black paint

Specifications

Brand
QSC
Model
KW181
Woofer Size
18-inch
Amplifier Type
Class D
Amplifier Power
2 x 500-watt
Continuous Output Power
1000 watts
Peak Output Power
2000 watts
Frequency Response (-6 dB)
40 Hz to 112 Hz
Enclosure Material
Birch plywood
Enclosure Finish
Textured black paint
Included Accessories
Fixed-length, M20 threaded speaker pole and pole-mounting cup

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The QSC KW181 subwoofer delivers robust audio with 1000 watts continuous output and 2000 watts peak power, suitable for demanding PA setups.
  • It features a large 18-inch woofer, capable of producing deep and impactful bass frequencies crucial for live sound.
  • The speaker is built with Class D amplifiers (2 x 500-watt), known for their efficiency and powerful sound delivery.
  • It includes a fixed-length, M20 threaded speaker pole and pole-mounting cup, facilitating easy integration with other PA speakers.
  • The rugged birch plywood enclosure with textured black paint provides durability for professional use and transportation.

👎 Cons

  • The frequency response is specified as 40 Hz to 112 Hz (minus 6 dB), indicating it's a dedicated subwoofer and not a full-range speaker.
  • As an active (powered) subwoofer, it requires its own power outlet, adding to setup complexity compared to passive units.
  • The 18-inch woofer and rugged enclosure likely contribute to a substantial weight, potentially making transport more challenging.
  • Specific details about input/output connections (e.g., XLR, RCA) are not provided, which could impact integration with existing systems.
  • The textured black paint finish, while durable, might be prone to showing scuffs and dust over time with frequent use.

Frequently Asked Questions

The QSC KW181 subwoofer provides a continuous output of 1000 watts and can reach a peak output of 2000 watts, delivering powerful bass performance.
This QSC KW181 subwoofer is equipped with a large 18-inch woofer, designed for producing deep and resonant low frequencies.
Yes, it includes a fixed-length, M20 threaded speaker pole and a corresponding pole-mounting cup, allowing for easy setup with top speakers.
The enclosure of the QSC KW181 is constructed from rugged birch plywood and finished with textured black paint, ensuring durability for professional applications.
The QSC KW181 subwoofer has a frequency response range of 40 Hz to 112 Hz (at -6 dB), focusing specifically on reproducing deep bass.
This subwoofer utilizes efficient Class D amplifiers, specifically two 500-watt amplifiers, contributing to its high power output.

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