QSC KW181 Subwoofer

Best for Most

in Powered Subwoofer

Based on 32 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great sound quality

Easy setup and mounting

Attractive design

Good power output

Reliable and durable

Not as powerful as the original KW181

Heavy and bulky

Pricey

Verdict

Overall, the QSC KW181 Subwoofer receives high praise for its powerful and clear sound quality, easy setup and mounting, and attractive design. Many reviewers recommend pairing it with QSC K12 or K10 speakers for optimal performance. Some reviewers note that it is heavy and bulky, but the addition of wheels makes it easier to transport. The price is considered high by some, but many reviewers believe it is worth the investment for the quality and durability of the product. There are some minor criticisms, such as a decrease in power output compared to the original KW181 and the lack of a noon feature, but these do not detract from the overall positive reviews.

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Best way to setup PA with 3 subs

The feet receivers on the side of the KS118 are placed to also receive the feet of the KW181, so by putting the KS118 on its side you can nest the KW181 on top of it securely. There is no advantage to spacing the subs a couple of feet apart. Maximum coupling and forward directivity will come from tight packing the subs. If that's not possible, try to keep them spaced so that the centers are no more than about 36" apart.

Positive

D-townP-town

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

More bass!!!!!

Active subs really don’t punch until you’re using something like a QSC KW181 or better. I’ve tried EV, Turbosound, and JBL and they were lacking unless clustered or stacked in pairs. Really though, if you have to go DIY, get a pair of B&C TBX or TBW 100 15” or 18” drivers, throw a couple thousand watts at them in a ported enclosure and you’ll never look back at these active/powered “toys”.

Positive

shmallkined

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

anyone have any experience with or own a QSC ks118?

They go maybe like 3db louder at the max, but overall a more respectable response. Vertical design vs horizonal layout is a huge plus, but depending on your setup, doesn't matter.

Positive

mexicanatlarge

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

How to choose powered speakers?

You may also consider Electro-voice, and even QSC (especially for sub, the successor of kw181 is great, can't remember the product number). Can also consider used if you can still find it.

Positive

Roy-Lisbeth

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

Back Yard Day Lounge/Day Club

I think that's the best bang for your buck for a lot of reasons. You can definitely get a cheaper rig but it will probably not sound as good. Also try looking for used k10s with a kw181. I used that rig for years and absolutely loved it.

Positive

Trill_f0x

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

QSC KS118 Issues?

The new drivers came from QSC out of California and so far I can say is I haven't had an issue yet, lets hope that stays that way. After owning the original KW181 and now the KS118, the KW181 seem to be a better speaker and for not having an issue such as this to date. The KW181 can be turned up louder on the gain with out the clip light coming on vs the KS118. The KS118 you will have to keep it right as 0dB on the gain knob the KW181 I can play them with the gain know at the 3 o'clock position all night with no issues.

Positive

DjGslimm

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

Powered 18 inch subwoofers

Keep in mind that the yorkville is big and heavy so be prepared to carry it.if you want something smaller I would recommend the qsc kw181. They are discontinued so you would have to buy them used but they are reliable.

Positive

Kenny0880

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

No Stupid Questions Thread: Week Of 2022-07-11 through 2022-07-17

I'm the sound lead for BAAAHS (www.baaahs.org 🐑) and we've been running QSC for the past 8 years and we've been pretty happy with em. All active, 8x kw181, 2x kw153, 2x kw152, and 2x k10 for the DJ booth. It's worked well for the unique blend of constraints posed by a burning man art car - namely power (our generator is 20kw), weight (our bus is mighty but can only carry so much safely while staying mobile), and space (limited mounting areas for monitors, and we don't have room for a big hot amp rack on the bus, so active is the way to go.).

Positive

AphexSA

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

Yamaha DZR12D

I've owned QSC KW153's, KW122's and KW181's, Yamaha DSR112's and DXR12's and JBL PRX715's and PRX718XLF's when it comes to powered speakers. These sound so damn good, get crazy loud and go much lower than you expect. I'm planning on getting DZR12's over the DXS18XLF's with DZR10'a for foldback and eventually the three ways over two or three 18" DXS18XLF subs each side. 143db for a powered three way under $2,500 is astonishing.

Positive

thenewsmonster01

4 years ago

reddit.com/r/livesound

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