Building upon the QSC K-Family legacy, QSC’s KC12 “K-Column” is an innovative new concept in active column loudspeakers, combining a column aesthetic with the acoustic performance of traditional “box” systems. Easy to transport, deploy and use, this compact 3-way loudspeaker system is ideal for event production professionals, AV rental companies, bands and DJs. Available in black or white, the stylish KC12 is backed by QSC’s global 6-year extended warranty.
Simple, Elegant 3-Piece Design
Unlike traditional column loudspeakers employing a series of small drivers with limited high frequency bandwidth prone to distortion, the KC12 takes a different approach. Its column houses dual 4” high-excursion mid-frequency drivers and a 1” compression driver with QSC’s proprietary LEAF™ Waveguide. The result is a full range top coupled with a 12” subwoofer providing uniform defined coverage (145° H x 35° V). The entire system is driven by a 3000-watt amplifier platform designed to provide extra headroom for high SPL applications.
Each KC12 has three components: a 12” subwoofer, the column top section and a 32” long aluminum center pole. The lightweight, durable column top assembly combines a short aluminum pole with an ABS plastic housing and powder-coated steel grille. Fully assembled the KC12 stands over seven feet tall and when the system is set on the floor, the column section at an optimum listening height. Alternatively, the column section can be plugged directly into the subwoofer allowing the system to be placed on a stage or riser and still achieve desired coverage. The column section and/or center pole seat into the subwoofer via rugged D-shaped fittings for secure mechanical and electrical connections.
For transport, QSC includes a rugged nylon tote for the column section and center pole. Additionally, an optional KC12 CVR cover is available for the subwoofer.
Power with Headroom
The subwoofer’s ported enclosure houses a long excursion 12” driver extending down to 40Hz. Constructed of 12 mm birch plywood, the subwoofer has a rugged 18-gauge powder-coated steel grille. Its ABS plastic top has an integral carrying handle while the cabinet’s rear has two runners offering additional protection to the amplifier module. Two recessed grip handles on the bottom made it easy to lift the 48 lb. subwoofer onto a stage or into the back of my van.
Utilizing energy-efficient Class-D amplification with Power Factor Correction, the KC12 delivers 3000 watts total peak power with very low AC power consumption for an undistorted 132 dB peak SPL. I found that even when pushing the KC12 hard, the sound was always clean with sufficient headroom and the limit LEDs rarely illuminated.
To conserve energy, when there is no input signal present, an automatic standby mode powers down the amplifier while keeping the DSP active. A rear-panel USB-C port used for updating firmware can also provide 5V-3A DC of power for charging a phone or tablet. Like other QSC subwoofers a low-noise variable speed fan provides forced air cooling and runs only when needed.
Multi Inputs, Bluetooth and DSP Galore
KC12’s input section has three mixable inputs and Bluetooth. Inputs A and B are equipped with XLR/1/4” combo jacks while Input C has an 1/8” TRS mini jack. Select Line, Mic or Hi-Z instrument for input A and select Line, Mic or Mic with 48V phantom power for input B. Both inputs A and B have dedicated signal/clip LEDs along with specific input status LEDs. Input C’s 1/8” TRS connector accepts line level stereo inputs which are summed to mono along with Bluetooth.
Direct loop outs are provided for Inputs A and B. Additionally, input B’s loop out can be assigned to a post DSP mix output. Loudspeaker DSP functions are configured using a rear panel LCD display with rotary encoder and two function buttons. I found navigation and control straightforward and responsive. Use the rotary encoder to scroll through the functions and the Enter/Back buttons to make changes and confirm them. Although the bright black and white LCD display was visible even under harsh stage lights, at times it appeared washed out unless you were looking directly at it. A display brightness setting would be nice.
QSC equipped the KC12 with Bluetooth Audio featuring True Wireless Stereo (TWS), for low latency pairing simultaneously between a music source and both left and right loudspeakers. Pairing a Bluetooth device is a simple process. Touching the Bluetooth button accesses the Bluetooth menu page, and a long press engages pairing mode. On the host device simply locate the KC12_BT and select connect. The KC12 supports Bluetooth multicast enabling up to four KC12 loudspeakers to pair with a single Bluetooth host.
The KC12’s powerful onboard DSP offers pre-defined input presets, built-in reverb, system contour, four-band parametric EQ, subwoofer level, and room delay. Input presets select pre-programmed EQ and dynamic processing for vocals, acoustic guitar, keys, bass guitar, and speech intelligibility. Contour tailors the entire KC12 for specific applications including Live, Dance, and Cinema playback. The Sub level function can be used to control the subwoofers output independently of the column top. In addition to the presets tailored for program material playback and EDM, the subwoofer level can be decreased in 1 dB increments for applications needing less low frequency support. With this much DSP, having it accessible via a remote-control phone app would be a nice feature for dialing in EQ settings and calling up presets.
Four user scenes can store specific loudspeaker settings for quick recall and a security code can be created to lock loudspeaker settings preventing unauthorized access.For high-energy music applications requiring even more bottom end, the KC12 provides an external sub output function which applies a preset system delay to time-align an external subwoofer connected and placed adjacent to the KC12 for optimal subwoofer coupling.
Big Sound in a Small Package
I received a pair of KC12’s for this review. The rugged QSC tote protects the column top and center pole and had space for power cord. My only gripe was the power cord was very stiff and hard to coil. The system was easy to assemble, and the column top and pole fit together securely with no wiggle. I set the inputs to line level, connected my TM16 mixer and played back some tunes. Right away I was impressed with the overall clarity and punch of this small package. The mids and highs were detailed while low end felt solid even when driven hard. I experimented with the contour settings and found Dance was more pleasing for program music playback, and the Live setting offered more vocal clarity making it ideal for spoken word applications. Just to see what it could do, I configured a KC12 with a second subwoofer. As expected, the low-end was massive, yet the column top kept up, punching through without distortion and the neighbors were thoroughly annoyed.
My first gig was a jazz event in a medium sized room with a tiny stage. Because space was limited, I only used one KC12, but it was more than enough P.A., providing balanced full range coverage for the entire room. Even when the vocalist stood close to the KC12, I had no feedback issues.
Next up was a charity event for the local chamber of commerce. Since I only needed a single lectern mic, wireless handheld and program playback I decided to use the onboard mixer. I set the Contour for Live, selected the VOXHI preset for the lectern mic and the HANDMIC preset for the wireless mic. I used Bluetooth on input C for the presenter’s laptop and set the contour to Live. With a little EQ touchup in the low-mids using the onboard four-band parametric EQ I was good to go. Unlike previous years where I used K12.2’s on stands, the KC12s had the clean lines and low-profile appearance favored at these events. The KC12s easily covered the large event space, with zero complaints even from tables close to the speakers.
I’m known for taking things out on unusual gigs, and the KC12s were no exception. I work with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and for the past 30+ years they perform a “Gospel Meets Symphony” concert featuring a 140-voice gospel chorus, vocal soloists, praise band and full symphony orchestra. The biggest challenge at this gig is providing effective monitors for the chorus. With limited space, a wide stage and an orchestra shell that prevents me flying anything, I typically resorted to using side-fill wedges on totem towers. Coverage was spotty and the singers close to the wedges always complained the monitors were too big and loud. This year I placed the KC12’s up on small platforms next to the choral risers, set the contour for “Live” and backed off the sub level by 6dB. I had wide, even coverage, adequate level and no complaints. Plus, KC12’s sleek column visual form factor didn’t shout out “big loudspeakers” even though they were cranking.
The Verdict
After using the KC12s, I have to say that QSC has done their homework. The KC12 may look like a column, but it performed like a high-end three-way system. Mids and highs were clean, clear and punchy while the lows had a solid smooth bottom end that you could feel. The flexible input section and extensive onboard DSP let me leave my mixer home on smaller gigs, while the output routing allowed for some creative applications. QSC’s attention to detail on things like rear runners and grip handles on the sub made deploying the system a breeze. The build quality was first class and the svelte KC12s received many compliments from folks who were amazed at how much sound they put out. When it comes to active column systems, QSC hit a grand slam with the KC12.
At a Glance
A New ‘Go-To’ Choice
QSC’s innovative KC12 combines the column aesthetic with acoustic performance of a traditional “box” system. Offering multiple inputs, advanced DSP and Bluetooth, the powerful KC12 is a go-to choice for stage, corporate AV, and music applications.
QSC KC12 ‘K-Column’ System
- PROS: Powerful sound, easy to deploy, advanced onboard DSP, high SPL, TWS Bluetooth
- CONS: Hard to see display at an angle, remote control app would be nice
SPECS
- Configuration: Active 3-Way Column Loudspeaker System
- Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 18.5 kHz (-6 dB)
- Nominal Coverage Angle: 145° H x 35° V
- Maximum Rated SPL:132 dB @ 1 m (Peak)
- Amplification:Class D, 3000 W (Peak)
- AC Power Input: Universal power supply, 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Color: Black (RAL 9011), White (RAL 9010)
- System Height: Tall Deployment: 2270 mm / 89.4 in. (with KC-SP32)
- Net Weight: Tall Deployment: 27.3 kg / 60.3 lb. (with KC-SP32)
- Price: $1,999 (black finish), $2,099 (white finish)
MANUFACTURER: QSC
More Info: www.qsc.com
