QSC Active Powered KW Series Speakers

By | February 18, 2015

Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, are great devices to use in audio setups. They don’t require a power amplifier like passive speakers do. These kinds of units work well in both music and speech applications/environments. The KW Series from QSC features active speakers (or powered speakers) that function as mains or monitors.

QSC KW152 Active Speaker Powered Loudspeaker angle side

There are four models in the KW Series: the QSC KW122, the QSC KW152, the QSC KW153 and the QSC KW181. Before you ask, yes the numbers stand for something. The first two numbers stand for the size of the woofer, while the third and final number stands for how many amplifiers each speaker has. So the QSC KW122 powered speaker has a 12-inch woofer and two amplifiers and the QSC KW152 active speaker has a 15-inch woofer and two amplifiers. The QSC KW153 active speaker also has a 15-inch woofer, but also includes a 6.5-inch horn-loaded midrange driver. All three of these loudspeakers feature a single 1.75-inch compression tweeter as well. The QSC KW181 is different because it’s an active subwoofer. It has an 18-inch woofer and a single amplifier. All four of these QSC KW Series speakers feature Class-D amplifiers that reach a total power of 1000 Watts!

QSC KW152 Active Speaker Powered Loudspeaker rear back

The design of the KW Series speakers is professional, yet durable. A lightweight birch cabinet houses all the interior components that are integral to the proper functioning of each speaker. The 16-gauge steel grille matches the texture-painted cabinet and succeeds in keeping the speakers safe and road worthy. Ergonomic cast-aluminum handles make transporting and carrying these active speakers a breeze. All four powered speaker models in the KW Series feature standard 35mm pole sockets (one per unit) and suspension points for creative mounting and installation solutions. The KW181 sub also has a threaded pole so that a loudspeaker can be mounted on top of the unit.

QSC KW153 Active Speaker Powered Loudspeaker front face

On top of being nice to look at, the QSC KW Series speakers offer multiple features and connections. The Class-D amplifiers give each active speaker 1000 Watts of power that delivers solid sound with minimal distortion. Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) technology offers matched low and high frequency coverage across the entire listening area. This helps to eliminate dead zones and keeps audio flowing smoothly. XLR/TRS combination inputs and line level RCA inputs allow the powered speakers to take in a variety of sources. Up to three sources can be mixed internally and then sent to the outputs. The internal, advanced digital signal processing (DSP) makes use of GuardRail, DEEP and Intrinsic Correction technologies to provide phenomenal audio clarity and component protection. Each QSC powered speaker has onboard control options that allow you to adjust EQ, with the additional option of using the rear panel Phoenix connector to connect an optional external potentiometer for remote gain control.

QSC KW181 Active Subwoofer Powered sub angle side

All four of these active speakers work well with music and speech applications. To learn more, get in touch with us at sales@muzeekworld.com.