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KS Series Active Subwoofers – Bass Your Way!play button

KS Series Active Subwoofers – Bass Your Way!

Tech Talk- KS118 Overviewplay button

Tech Talk- KS118 Overview

Tech Talk- Keeping Bass in its place: KS Series Cardioid Subwoofer Solutionsplay button

Tech Talk- Keeping Bass in its place: KS Series Cardioid Subwoofer Solutions

QSC

collapse expand iconDescription

QSC is proud to introduce the KS118 18" active subwoofer, a revolutionary powered subwoofer designed to bring thunderous bass to any live-sound application. Featuring a 3,600W Class-D amplifier powering an 18" woofer, the KS118 delivers chest-pounding low end that will electrify audiences. Onboard DSP provides advanced system optimization and protection while allowing users to enable DEEP mode for intensified low-frequency response.

Massive Power and Performance

At the heart of the KS118 is a 3,600W high-powered amplifier that gives this sub the muscle to produce massive low-end performance for any venue. The 18" direct-radiating woofer was engineered to handle the high power and long excursion needed for deep, tight bass reproduction down to 35Hz.

Optimized and Protected

Onboard DSP allows the KS118 to optimize and protect overall system performance. Users can array two units in a cardioid setup to maximize low-end projection in front of the system while minimizing unwanted energy behind. The DSP also provides system protection by monitoring temperature, excursion and voltage to prevent damage.

DEEP Mode for Intensified Low End

For those wanting to push the low-frequency capabilities, the KS118 offers a DEEP mode that redirects more amplifier power to the lowest frequencies, giving the deepest parts of your music far more punch and rumble. DEEP mode is perfect for modern bass-heavy genres of music where deep, chest-pounding bass is a must.

Road-Ready and Built to Last

Despite its power and performance, the KS118 is highly portable thanks to its lightweight yet durable components. The birch cabinet, robust hardware and steel grille are built to handle the rigors of life on the road. Ergonomic handles and casters make loading and transporting the 104 lb. KS118 surprisingly easy for a subwoofer of this size and capability. A standard M20 pole mount allows the KS118 to be deployed with a full-range loudspeaker atop for a high-powered, full-range system.

QSC KS118 3,600W 18" Powered Subwoofer
QSC KS118 3,600W 18" Powered Subwoofer
QSC KS118 3,600W 18" Powered Subwoofer

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 3,600W Class-D peak amplification
  • 18" direct-radiating driver
  • Rugged birch plywood cabinet with smooth-rolling casters
  • Onboard DSP with DEEP mode

collapse expand iconSpecs

Speaker Configuration
  • Active/passive: Active
  • Type: Direct-radiating subwoofer
  • LF driver: 18"
  • MF driver: Not applicable
  • HF driver: Not applicable
Power
  • Amplifier class: Class-D
  • Wattage: 3,600W peak
  • Mixer/preamp: Not applicable
Audio
  • Frequency response: 35Hz–111kHz
  • Coverage pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Max SPL: 136dB
Inputs
  • XLR: 2
Outputs
  • XLR: 2
Enclosure
  • Cabinet material: 18 mm birch plywood
  • Width: 20.5"
  • Height: 25.2"
  • Depth: 30.9"
  • Weight: 104 lb.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

48 Reviews

91%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

42504430221

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Best pro audio sub in class without a doubt!

I've been DJing for 17 years, I've heard Vegas, EVs, JBLs, Yorkvilles, and many other pro audio subwoofers. These QSC KS118 have a very similar sound to the JBL 718 subwoofers, they go down to about 30hz and they hit you right in the chest and gut. One of the biggest differences is the distance that these bad boys are able to throw sound. My KW181s and JBLs would fall off about half court in a gymnasium, but from what I can tell these throw at least 50-100 yards and possibly further. Very clean and precise sound, tight punch and plays the extended low frequencies smoothly with no distortion. Last time I was this impressed with a subwoofer was when I heard the Yorkville LS 800p. I would say these are actually louder than the Yorkvilles and also go lower. If you're in the market for a new subwoofer, these are worth the money and will outperform anything in their price range. I'm running 4 of them and I feel as if each sub has the output of 2 KW181s.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Great sub- when it works…

The KS118 is a great sub- when it's working. Lots of power and great sound. Had no problems after using it only a few times a month for a couple of months, and then without warning, sub stopped working mid show. Wasn't being pushed hard at all. Maybe running at the most at 12 o'clock. No limiter light ever came on, no warning messages, just flat out died. Not the usual QSC quality. I was surprised. I figured no problem with 6 year warranty. Took it in to a service center and now 6 months later, they tell me QSC has yet to ship them a replacement amp. Still waiting for it to get back into service. At least the warranty is going to fix it, but when is anyone's guess. QSC has new units available, but can't fix existing units- which is strange considering they use the same parts. So if you purchase one- make sure you have a backup sub as you maybe without one- for going on 6 months like mine. If yours works, you'll be very happy with the sub. Casters rattle a lot- way more that the KW181.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing30
  2. Outdoor Events / Games28
  3. Performances28
  4. Home Studio5
  5. Professional Recording2
Cons
  1. Bulky/Heavy17
  2. Pricey / Poor Value4
  3. Not Durable2
  4. Unreliable2
  5. Poor Sound Quality1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced27
  2. Professional Musician16
  3. Novice3
Pros
  1. Good Audio43
  2. Easy To Use32
  3. Durable31
  4. Compact20
  5. Versatile20
  • Yes

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 months ago

    byJuan

    fromAddison il

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Live band

  • Great product and professional price

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted5 months ago

    byGerardo

    fromSan Diego ca

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Best sub on the market. Loud, clean , effective bass. No distortion.

  • Sounds Great, Don't Buy

    1

    submitted6 months ago

    byJared

    fromKnoxville, TN

    Used my QSC KS118 3 times. Sounded unbelievably good until today. Plugged it up and got no sound. Tried everything. For this kind of price tag, this level of quality control is unacceptable. I really wish I would've listened to all of the reviews on it.. you would think by now that QSC would've recalled all of the defective units. Thankfully, guitar center was able to honor their return policy and I was able to get a full refund. This has really put a bad taste in my mouth for QSC stuff. Not sure I'll ever buy or recommend them again. Sucks because it sounded phenomenal while it worked....

  • One of the best subs you can buy

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byYatin

    fromApopka FL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    this is one of the best subs you can buy. I have 4 of them.

  • I would not think twice about buying this product again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byAnthony

    fromColton

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I am gonna use the speaker for my djaying business, and im definitely gonna invest in more products from this center

  • Nice!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byDan

    fromGrand Rapids MI

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Solid

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byTim

    fromFrisco, TX

    What is the continuous power rating for the KS118 3600W 18" powered subwoofer? 
The peak is Wattage: 3,600W peak
Continuous wattage  is ?

    What is the continuous power rating for the KS118 3600W 18" powered subwoofer? The peak is Wattage: 3,600W peak Continuous wattage is ?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Continuous wattage is:::::1260 Watts RMS
  • asked byRoberto

    fromTX

    where can i replace the motherboard of my QSC KS118 3,600w subwoofer

    where can i replace the motherboard of my QSC KS118 3,600w subwoofer

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please contact QSC.
  • asked byLuai

    fromIndiana

    I wonder if the QSC KS118 is in stock?

    I wonder if the QSC KS118 is in stock?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call for product availability 877-687-5403
  • asked byThe Man

    fromVA

    What is the rms power for the QSC KS118

    What is the rms power for the QSC KS118

    Open Reply - Beau
    This powered subwoofer is 1000 watts RMS.
  • asked byMaggie

    fromLehighton pa 18235

    Does this QSC ks181 come with a speaker  pole

    Does this QSC ks181 come with a speaker pole

    Open Reply - Beau
    This powered sub woofer does not come with a speaker pole.
  • asked byJason

    fromCA

    How do i feel out N. App.cor credit online

    How do i feel out N. App.cor credit online

    Open Reply - Ronald
    You can fill it out here: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Special-Financing-Offers.gc As well as read up about it further.
  • asked byClement

    fromChicago, IL.

    What's the weight (How many pounds). KS118 subwooffer.

    What's the weight (How many pounds). KS118 subwooffer.

    Open Reply - Beau
    This sub woofer weighs approximately 118 lbs.
  • asked byBonfire

    fromWindsor ct

    Weight

    Weight

    Open Reply - Beau
    This sub woofer weighs approximately 118 lbs.