COSTA MESA, CA —QSC introduced its K Series line of powered loudspeakers. The line features an ABS enclosure, uniformly matched drivers, advanced DSP and QSC’s touring spec amplification. The same 1,000-watt Class D amplifier module powers all four models: the K8, K10, K12 and KSub (dual-12” subwoofer).
“The K Series has been designed entirely without compromise, from the ground up,” said Ray van Straten, QSC director of entertainer solutions. “QSC has departed from convention and at the same time exploded a myth that smaller woofers must equate to lower performance.
“Apart from using the same amp module across the line, we are also using the same quality woofer motor in all four models, and the same 1.75-inch HF device in the three 2-way enclosures,” van Straten said. “The primary differentiator is the resulting output dispersion — the K8 being the widest at 105° and the K12 the narrowest at 75°. The choice for the customer then is not ‘good, better, best’, but ‘best, best, best’ — and ‘How wide a box do I need?’”
The company said this approach is achievable due to a process called Directivity Matched Transition DMT™. QSC noted that smaller diameter woofers have wider coverage patterns than larger ones, and by matching the HF device to the LF dispersion, it is able to achieve a smoother and flatter frequency response across the entire sound field.
Other QSC DSP technologies incorporated into the K Series include Digital Extension and Excursion Processing (DEEP™), which, according to QSC, allow each of the K Series models to deliver new levels of low-frequency extension for comparably sized enclosures. The company added that what it calls Intrinsic Correction™, first featured in QSC line-array technology, uses spatially averaged measurements that are mapped to the processor to deliver “smooth and accurate reproduction across the entire sound field.”
QSC added that its GuardRail™ technology is intended to prevent amplifier clipping or overload. Also present in the company’s GX amplifier line, GuardRail™ monitors the input voltage and controls the amplifier output stage before the onset of clipping. In addition, there are user EQ controls to select between application settings (EXTSUB, VOCAL, or FLAT response).
Other K Series features include the Tilt-Direct™ pole socket, which allows the speakers, when pole-mounted, to convert to a 7.5° down-tilt with a simple 180° rotation of the dial.
A locking IEC power cord is included, preventing accidental disconnect during a performance, and for installed applications, connecting a commonly available potentiometer to the unit lets the operator obtain gain control from a remote location. Multiple K Series units can also be daisy-chained together to one centralized control. Additionally, the K Series enters standby mode after five minutes of inactivity.
Most of the gear is housed in ABS plastic, except for the sub, which is in birch plywood, and features steel grilles (2-way models) and aluminum handles. The KSub also features casters for easy transport.
Three two-way models are available, with 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch woofer diameters. Built around a switch-mode power supply and Class D output section, the subwoofer power module delivers 1,000 watts.
The K12 is a 12-inch two-way system with 75° horizontal and vertical coverage. Low frequencies extend to 48 Hz (-10 dB high acoustic output, 131 dB peak).
The K10, a 10-inch powered loudspeaker system, offers 90° (conical) coverage and 129 dB peak output, with low frequencies that extend to 56 Hz.
The K8 is an 8-inch powered loudspeaker touted for its minimal impact on audience sightlines and its 105° wide dispersion. Low frequencies extend to 61 Hz (-10 dB) and the unit outputs 127 dB.
The KSub is positioned as a supplement to the K Series two-way models. An M20 threaded pole socket (pole included) provides a way to elevate a mid-high speaker over the subwoofer.
Along with the company’s DSP functions, including Intrinsic Correction™, DEEP™, DMT™ and GuardRail,™ two XLR-combo inputs, each with its own level control, are also provided. Both accommodate line-level inputs and one may be switched to microphone level sensitivity.
Phono (RCA) input jacks are also included, as are dual XLR outputs and a single XLR jack. All three input sources can be used at once and mixed via the two gain control knobs (2-way boxes only).
Input Panel LED indicators are provided for power, signal present, mic level sensitivity and limit annunciation. A front-mounted power LED may be disabled by means of a rear panel switch when desired, or set so it indicates when the limit circuitry has been engaged.
Each K model incorporates a conical waveguide for maintaining pattern control.
The K Series two-way models may be pole-mounted, suspended or yoke mounted. The K8, K10 and K12 yoke accessory kits allow for either horizontal or vertical yoke mounting. When suspended deployment is required, M10 threaded inserts support vertical or horizontal suspension, while the integral pole mount socket accommodates 35mm speaker poles for use on a speaker stand or over a sub. The pole socket is designed so that the speaker may be angled down 7.5° in order to cover the audience while keeping acoustic energy off reflective walls and ceilings.
For more information, please visit www.qscaudio.com.
