KW Series
Active Loudspeakers
KW122 | KW152 | KW153 | KW181
Features
• K Series performance in a lightweight,
birch design
• 1000 watt Class D power modules
in all models (2 x 500 W continuous)
• Extensive DSP featuring DEEP™ and
Intrinsic Correction™ enhances system
performance
• Directivity Matched Transition™ (DMT)
ensures uniform coverage across the
entire sound field
• Rugged, texture-painted birch enclosures
• Four-position Mic/Line gain (full-range
models)
• Tour-grade 16 gauge steel grilles
• Comfortable ergonomic handles
• 35 mm pole sockets with Tilt-Direct™
(KW122, KW152)
• M10 rigging points for suspended
installation (full-range models)
• KW122 also functions as stage monitor
Building on the success of our K Series, the KW
Series represents the next evolutionary step in
wood enclosure loudspeakers. Our system
engineers have created the KW Series to feature
all the groundbreaking electronic attributes of
our popular K Series while at the same time
designing a product that is both smaller and
significantly lighter than previous wood
enclosure models.
High Output: Like K Series, each of the four
KW Series models features a QSC designed,
1000 watt (2 x 500) Class D power module. And
continuing in the K Series tradition, every model
is fitted with the identical high-output 1.75" HF
device (full-range models) and woofers of the
same high quality design, regardless of speaker
size.
Defined Coverage Area: Directivity Matched
Transition™ (DMT) provides for matched LF and
HF coverage across the entire listening area,
eliminating unnatural “dead” or “hot” frequency
zones.
DSP: Extensive signal processing is employed
throughout, providing levels of sonic clarity and
total output that defy all expectations for a
product in this category:
• Intrinsic Correction™, first featured in our
high-end line array products maps 65-75
spatially-averaged measurements to IIR and
FIR filters that actively adjust time, frequency
and amplitude response to a maximally flat
bandpass target. The result is a speaker that
behaves equally well across the entire sound
field.
• DEEP™ and excursion limiting allow for
extended low-frequency response by actively
managing low-frequency transients without
degradation of the underlying signal or
adjacent frequencies.
• GuardRail™ protection, first introduced on
our GX Series amplifiers protects both the
amplifier module and your performance from
unnatural and destructive clipping.
Connectivity: KW Series features a
four-position mic / line gain switch that allows
for connection of a wide variety of devices.
Combo XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs accept both
mic and line level input while a set of RCA
phono inputs (except KW181) allow additional
connectivity to portable MP3 players, CD
players and line-level mixers. Up to three audio
sources can be mixed internally and summed
to a balanced output for ”daisy-chaining” of
multiple units. Separate direct outputs are also
provided on each channel for additional output
flexibility.
Control: On-board switches provide preset EQ
settings. The HF setting (full-range models) can
be set to VOCAL BOOST for additional
presence in the critical mid-frequency area or
FLAT for accurate reproduction of the incoming
signal. The LF switch can be set to NORM,
DEEPTM for additional bass extension, or EXT
SUB (full-range models) for use with an external
subwoofer. The rear panel LED switch can be
set to POWER, illuminating the front-mounted
LED when the unit is powered on, OFF for
applications where it is not desirable to
illuminate the front LED, or LIMIT which
indicates to the system operator
that the clip limiter circuit has been engaged
during operation.
Tilt-Direct™: The KW122 and KW152 feature
a unique Tilt-Direct pole cup mounting system.
A simple turn of the dial engages a 7.5 degree
downward tilt of the speaker allowing acoustic
energy to be kept on the audience and off
reflective surfaces for applications where
maximum coverage from a high-positioned
speaker is desired.
Remote Gain: Remote gain control capability is
offered via a potentiometer (not included)
connected to the on-board Phoenix-Style
connector. In an installed application, multiple
KW Series speakers can be “daisy-chained” for
total gain control from a single remote pot.
Auto-standby mode is engaged after 5 minutes
of inactivity.
Premium-Grade Materials: KW Series is
designed to withstand the rigors of professional
use. Advanced construction processes,
premium-grade Baltic birch cabinetry,
ergonomic, cast aluminum handles, low-noise
casters (KW181) and a highly protective steel
grille provide for ease of transport and long term
durability. Integrated M10 suspension points
allow for flown applications with a KW M10 KIT
(sold separately) and a threaded pole receptacle
(KW181) provides for a positive, wobble free
connection to a threaded speaker pole
(included).
Configuration 12" 2-way multipurpose loudspeaker 15" 2-way trapezoidal loudspeaker 15" 3-way trapezoidal loudspeaker 18" subwoofer
Transducers
Low-frequency 12" cone transducer 15" cone transducer 15" cone transducer 18" cone transducer
Mid-frequency — — 6.5" mid range cone transducer —
High-frequency 1.75" diaphragm compression driver 1.75" diaphragm compression driver 1.75" diaphragm compression driver —
Frequency Response (-6 dB) 53 Hz–18 kHz 47 Hz–18 kHz 35 Hz–18 kHz 40 Hz–112 Hz
Frequency Range (-10 dB) 50 Hz–20 kHz 44 Hz–20 kHz 33 Hz–20 kHz 37 Hz–129 Hz
Nominal Coverage (-6 dB) 75° axisymmetric 60° axisymmetric 75° axisymmetric —
Maximum SPL1 131 dB peak 133 dB peak 134 dB peak 135 dB peak
Amplifiers
Power Output2 1000 W Class D continuous 1000 W Class D continuous 1000 W Class D (500 W LF, 1000 W Class D continuous
(500 W LF, 500 W HF) (500 W LF, 500 W HF) 500 W MF/HF) continuous
Input Impedance (Ω)
Channel A XLR / 1⁄4"
Mic gain setting 0 dB, +12 dB, +24 dB, +36 dB
Balanced 38 k, 10 k, 2.66 k, 660 Ω
Unbalanced 19 k, 5 k, 1.33 k, 330 Ω
Channel B XLR / 1⁄4" 38 k balanced / 19 k unbalanced
Channel B RCA 10 k
XLR / 1⁄4" 38 k balanced / 19 k unbalanced
Controls Power, Gain A, Gain B, Channel A Input Gain (0 dB / 12 dB / 24 dB / 36 dB) Power, Gain, LF Mode (Normal / DEEP™), Polarity (Normal / Reverse), Front LED
LF Mode (Ext Sub / Norm / DEEP™), HF Mode (Flat / Vocal Boost), Front LED (On / Off / Limit)
(On / Off / Limit)
Indicators Power, Signal A, Signal B, Standby, Limit, Mic (24 dB and 36 dB settings) Power, Signal, Standby, Limit
Connectors Balanced female XLR / 1⁄4" line/mic level input, Balanced female XLR / 1⁄4" Dual balanced female XLR / 1⁄4" line level input, Dual Balanced male XLR full range line
line level input, Dual Balanced male, XLR full range line level out, Balanced level out, Remote gain control, Locking IEC power connector
male XLR “mix” out, Stereo RCA line level input, Remote gain control,
Locking IEC power connector
Cooling On demand, 50 mm variable speed fan
Amplifier Protection Thermal limiting, Output overcurrent, Overtemperature muting, GuardRail™
Transducer Protection Thermal limiting, Excursion limiting
AC Power Input Universal power supply 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
AC Power Consumption 100 VAC, 2.3 A, 120 VAC, 2.01 A, 230 VAC, 1.13 A
1/8 Power
Enclosure 15 mm painted birch plywood
Finish Black textured paint
Grille Black powder coated 16 gauge steel
Dimensions (H x W x D) 26" x 15" x 15.4" 32.1" x 17.5" x 15.2" 43.1 x 18.5" x 16.8" 20.3" x 23.4" x 29.9" w/casters
660 mm x 381 mm x 391 mm 816 mm x 445 mm x 386 mm 1094 mm x 470 mm x 427 mm 516 mm x 595 mm x 761 mm w/casters
Weight (Net) 49 lb (22.2 kg) 64 lb (29 kg) 87 lb (39.5 kg) 93.6 lb (42.5 kg) w/casters
Available Accessories KW SUS Kit 122, KW122 Cover KW152 Cover, KW M10 Kit KW153 Cover, KW M10 Kit KW181 Cover
KW M10 Kit
1
*
KW Series Specifications
KW122 KW152 KW153 KW181
1 For comparison purposes and in accordance with common industry practice, maximum peak SPL specifications are theoretical calculations based upon transducer sensitivity and peak available amplifier power.
2 Independent of limiters and driver protection circuits.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Amplifier Modules / Applications
24
12
KW122 | KW152 | KW153 KW181
KW122 in floor monitor position.
KW152 on speaker stand
with Tilt-Direct™ engaged
for 7.5 degree down-angle.
KW122 over KW181, using
KW Series speaker pole
(included with KW181).
15"
381 mm
KW122
Top
Front Side
26"
660 mm
15.4"
391 mm
15.4"
391 mm
8.9"
226 mm
17.5"
445 mm
KW152
Top
Front Side
32.1"
816 mm
15.2"
386 mm
8.9"
226 mm
18.5"
470 mm
16.8"
427 mm
KW153
Top
Front
Front
Side
Side
43.1"
1096 mm
23.4"
595 mm
KW181
Top
Front Side
20.1"
510 mm
25.6"
650 mm
29.9"
761 mm
© 2019 QSC, LLC. All rights reserved. QSC and the QSC logo are registered trademarks of QSC Audio Products, LLC in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and other countries. QSC World of K, Tilt-Direct, DMT, Intrinsic Correction,
DEEP and GuardRail are all trademarks of QSC Audio Products, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Patents may apply or be pending. QSC, LLC. 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, CA 92626 USA.
+1·800·854·4079 | +1·714·754·6175 | WWW.QSC.COM
Dimensions 0944-2019