Page 1 of 4 >>
Audio Review: QSC K12 Self-Powered Loudspeaker
QSC is a familiar name in pro sound circles, due primarily to their ubiquitous power amps. QSC amps have been delivering great sound for decades, in every venue from huge touring rigs to hotel meeting rooms. QSC amps have a reputation for bulletproof reliability and great sound, so the company's decision to offer low-cost self-powered speakers a few years back piqued the interest of the industry. QSC's HPR speakers were (and still are) a hit, delivering excellent sound and value from a line that included a 12-inch two-way, 15-inch two-way, large 15-inch three-way and two subs.
QSC's newest K-Series line is designed for high output from smaller cabinets, offering two-way models with single 12-inch, 10-inch and 8-inch woofers (models K12, K10 and K8 respectively). Each K-Series speaker offers the same 1,000 watts of power, which puts QSC as the current winner of the "horsepower war" brewing between speakers in this class (more on this later). A 1,000-watt subwoofer with dual 12-inch drivers rounds out the line. List prices for the speakers are $999, $899 and $759 from the K12 on down; the KSub has a list price of $1,199.
Each two-way cabinet is made from ABS plastic with integrated high-frequency wave guide, metal grille, handles, suspension points and pole socket. All three speakers use the same 1.75-inch diaphragm compression driver, though the dispersion of each wave guide is matched to that of the low-frequency driver. Since larger cones "beam" higher frequencies, coverage gets progressively tighter as you move up the K-Series line. The K8 offers 105-degree conical coverage; the K10 and K12 speakers offer 90- degree and 75-degree conical coverage respectively. The K10 and K12 cabinets are angled for floor wedge use on one side; the K8 does not have a similar angled side.
A conical horn pattern is rarely as good for smaller venues as an asymmetrical pattern (wider horizontal dispersion), as the latter will keep more of the acoustic energy on the audience. Thankfully, all K-Series speakers have an innovative rotating pole cup that can tilt the speaker down
7.5 degrees if needed. This puts less acoustic energy on the back wall and ceiling, which is a plus when room acoustics are controlled and a lifesaver when they're not. Nice touch, QSC.
The KSub uses a compact birch plywood enclosure of the bandpass persuasion. It includes back-panel casters, handles and sturdy threaded pole mount (pole included). At just 74 pounds, rolling and setting up the KSub is easy.
In and Out
No longer content to just build amplifiers into speakers, some manufacturers are apparently adding mixers, too. The K-Series speakers have decked-out rear panels with multiple inputs, gain controls, direct outputs and a mix output. Inputs A and B have combo 1/4-inch/XLR inputs, gain controls and direct outputs. Input A has a mic/line switch which allows you to plug a mic directly into the speaker; input B offers an additional stereo input on RCA connectors. These input signals move through their respective gain controls and are then summed to the power amp section and XLR line out connector.
Page 1 of 4 next page >>
Loren Alldrin is a regular contributor to Church Production Magazine.
Post a Comment
ADD NEW COMMENT