QSC KW122 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker (1000 Watts, 1x12")

Upgrade to QSC's KW series powered speakers and get 1000 watts of power, a tough birch cabinet, versatile inputs and onboard mixing, built-in DSP and more.

The QSC KW122 powered loudspeaker builds on the immensely popular QSC K12 speaker, adding a few key upgrades that make it an excellent fit for larger venues. While the KW122 and K12 are both 1000-watt 2-way 12" speakers with a 75-degree coverage angle, the KW series offers a few key upgrades not found in the QSC K series. The KW122's enclosure is made of machined birch plywood with aluminum handles, while K series enclosures are high-impact ABS molded plastic. While wood is heavier, it simply sounds better. To accommodate the KW122's larger tweeter horn, its birch wood cabinet is 26 inches tall and weighs in at 49 pounds. And of course, this speaker is packed with all the powerful DSP that QSC is known for, from DEEP and Vocal Boost processing to GuardRail limiting.

Learn more about the KW series of loudspeakers with this video from QSC:


QSC's KW Speakers: Ideal for Cluster Applications

QSC's KW series speakers are made to be splayed. While K series speakers project sound in a cone-shaped pattern, KW series speakers like the KW122 project an axis-symmetric pattern with a more square cross-section. In plain English, KWs lend themselves to being grouped in a cluster of 2 or more speakers, because the square pattern edges match up with each other -- helping to blanket a large venue in consistent sound. Even if you're starting out with a single pair of KW122s, these speakers make an excellent starting point for a PA that you plan to expand in the future.

Multiple Inputs and On-Board Mixing

read more The QSC KW122 can simultaneously accept mic, line, and stereo RCA inputs, mix all 3 inputs within the speaker, and then send output to a second daisy-chained KW122. If you're installing a PA that will be fed by multiple mixers, the ability to connect all those inputs is a big plus.

KW Stands for Kilowatt: 1000 Watts of Class D Power

As part of QSC's KW series, the KW122 is a powered, active speaker with 1000 watts of lightweight Class D amplification. These speakers' built-in Class D power amps employ QSC's Guardrail limiter to prevent destructive clipping distortion and woofer over-excursion, while a virtually silent internal fan turns on when the amp senses high temperatures -- making the KW122 truly robust.

DEEP Mode: Bigger Bass Output, Less Distortion

To get impressive bass output from 1000 watts, the QSC KW122 employs DEEP: Digital Extension and Excursion Processing. Flip the DEEP switch on the back of your KW122, and this virtually transparent limiter kicks in to increase the average output of bass frequencies. Much more than just a low-frequency EQ boost, DEEP employs sophisticated DSP to identify and limit brief low-frequency transients while preventing distortion.

Cover the Room Consistently, from Lows to Highs

The QSC KW122 loudspeaker lets you control high frequencies with application-specific EQ settings. Set the HF switch to "Flat" for full-range music, or "Vocal Boost" for increased intelligibility and presence for speech or vocal reinforcement. In addition, QSC's Intrinsic Correction EQ implements FIR linear phase filters to adjust the speaker's response, helping deliver consistent sound over the entire audience.

Check out our exclusive demo of the QSC KW122 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker:


Features:

- Bi-amped 1000-watt powered speaker with 12" woofer and 1.75" tweeter
- 75-degree coverage angle with square pattern lends itself to cluster applications
- Simultaneous mic, line, and stereo RCA inputs
- DEEP processing extends your system's bass response
- Four-position mic/line gain knobs
- Machined birch plywood cabinet with ergonomic aluminum handles
- M10 rigging points
- 35mm pole cups with Tilt-Direct for angling toward the audience

QSC has set the standard for lightweight powered PA loudspeakers with their industry-leading KW series. With 1000 watts of room-filling sound, QSC KW122s are an excellent choice for full-range PA speakers.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Configuration: 12 inch, 2 way multipurpose

Transducers:
- Low Frequency: 12 inch cone transducer
- High Frequency: 1.75 inch diaphragm compression driver
- Frequency Response (-6 dB): 53 Hz - 18 kHz
- Frequency Range (-10 dB): 50 Hz - 20 kHz
- Nominal Coverage (-6 dB): 75 degrees axisymmetric
- Maximum SPL (1 meter): 131 dB peak
- Power Output: 1000 watts Class D

Connectors:
- Balanced female XLR / inch line/mic level input
- Balanced female XLR / inch line/mic level input
- Dual Balanced male XLR full range line level out
- Balanced male XLR mix out
- Stereo RCA line level input

- Remote gain control
- Locking IEC power connector
- Material: 15 mm painted birch plywood
- Grille: Black powder coated 16 gauge steel

- Pole Socket Size: 1-3/8" (35 mm)

- Dimensions (HxWxD): 26 x 15 x 15.4 inches (660 x 381 x 391 mm)
- Weight: 49 pounds
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 65 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 29 x 21 x 20 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): KW122
Blemished, USED
Shipping Weight: 65 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 29 x 21 x 20 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): KW122

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-772-2834
Web: http://qsc.com/support

QSC KW122 2-Way Active Loudspeaker

Building on the success of QSC's K Series, the KW122 represents the next evolutionary step in wood enclosure loudspeakers. QSC system engineers have created the KW122 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.

Features:
- K Series performance in a lightweight, birch design
- 1000 watt Class D power modules in all models (2 x 500 W)
- Extensive DSP featuring Deep(tm) and Intrinsic Correction(tm) enhances system performance
- DMT (tm) (Directivity Matched Transition) 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 (tm)
- M10 rigging points for suspended installation (full-range models)
- KW122 also functions as stage monitor

High Output
Like K Series, each of the four KW 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(tm) protection, first introduced on our GX Series amplifiers protects both the amplifier module and your performance from unnatural and destructive clipping.

Connectivity
The KW122 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 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, Deep(TM) 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(TM)
The KW122 features 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 KW122 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
The KW122 is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. Advanced construction processes, premium-grade Baltic birch cabinetry, ergonomic, cast aluminum handles, 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).

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (11 ratings)
Submitted May 28, 2013 by a customer from gmail.com in Augusta, GA

"No words can describe"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've only been DJing for a few years now and I've had these for 2 years but never used them since the places already had equipment set up. Well I had to do a graduation party in Atlanta Memorial Day weekend and man oh man was I satisfied. I was concerned that these speakers may not fill, the room but after setting them up I realized I had nothing to worry about. Set them up at an angle to hit the crowd and walked away. I threw on an instumental and walked back to the entrance of the room and was pretty much blown away at the sound, clarity, and the distance from where I was in relation to the speakers. It was a pretty nice size room. People complimented the sound and even asked if I had a sub hidden back there somewhere. I laughed and said no. They were satiisfied with the sound coming from these bad boys. I play Hip-Hop and R&B and the thump from these boxes were great. No clipping of the audio whatsoever. Crystal clear sound production. I used the Deep setting to help with the bass and was pleasently surprised. I don't really know what else to say other than to buy them. Even though the price is a little steep, the warranty more than makes up for it in my opinion. Hopefully I never need the warranty but it's nice to have if I do experience any issues down the road.

Sound
The sound is clear with no distortion. I play Hip-Hop and R&B and it handled everything I threw at it like a champ. The Deep feature works just as advertised. Someone asked read more me where I hid the sub and I laughed and said there is no sub. Just 2 12's pumping out bass.

Features
The many available inputs that can be used is definitely a plus. I can hook up my Mic while the speakers are connected. Connect an iPod or other device with the Aux jacks. Adjustable gains, the Deep feature, and increasing the trebile. Even being able to change the power light to off, limiter, or full bright for power.

Ease of Use
Best way to describe is by saying too easy. My 2 year old son could probably plug in the cables and adjust the gains if needed.

Quality
I was very pleased with the cabinet being coated the way it is. I scraped it on accident and there was no discoloration or paint chipping off. It doesn't feel flemsy and is pretty stable.

Value
After going to Guitar Center to listen to all the brands they had available, I was sold on the QSC's. I was going to get the K series but decided that a wood cabinet would probably sound and look better. I'm not a fan of expensive plastic things so that also made me go up to the KW series.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to contact them at all.

The Wow Factor
The sound alone will WOW you. I would say that JBL would probably come next in sound to these. When people compliment my setup then I know in some way they are impressed while they are being entertained.

Musical Style:
Hip-Hop, R&B
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