QSC Introduces Their New K.2 Series Loudspeakers

Aloha!

I have been using QSC K Series powered loudspeakers for years, and my K12 and K10 speakers have never let me down. Yesterday, QSC announced their new K.2 Series speakers, and they have twice the power output with no weight gain. I imagine the old versions of the speakers will be on clearance, and there might be some killer bargains out there.

Here is the QSC press release:

Costa Mesa, CA (April 17, 2017) – QSC, LLC is pleased to introduce the K.2 Series, the highly anticipated next generation of the company’s global best-selling K Family line of powered loudspeakers. The new K.2 Series, which is comprised of the 8-inch K8.2, 10-inch K10.2 and 12-inch K12.2 full-range loudspeakers, offers a number of significant feature upgrades, establishing an entirely new standard in powered loudspeaker technology. QSC is also announcing the introduction of the KS212C, a first-in-class, single-box powered cardioid subwoofer.

Each loudspeaker model in the K.2 Series is equipped with a 2000-watt power module carefully matched to high-performance woofers and compression drivers. DMT™ (Directivity-Matched Transition) ensures smooth coverage across the entire listening area. On-board DSP provides Intrinsic Correction™ voicing and advanced system management to further optimize performance.

Superbly flexible, K.2 Series models additionally provide operators with a library of preset contours for common applications such as Stage Monitor, Dance Music, Musical Instrument Amplification, Hand-held Microphone and more, while also offering storable Scenes to recall user-configurable settings such as input type, delay, EQ, cross-over and selected contour via the loudspeakers’ LCD screen and control panel. All three models can be operated as either main PA or as a floor monitor. Each model can also be flown, wall- or truss-mounted, or placed on a speaker pole, either straight-firing or with 7.5-degree down-tilt utilizing the new dual pole cup. “The phenomenal success of the K Series is unprecedented in the pro audio industry and a testament to the values of great design, high performance, steadfast quality and long-term reliability,” says Ray van Straten, Sr. Director of Marketing, QSC Professional. “This next-generation product raises the bar yet again for the category and will most certainly further reinforce the reputation of the K Family brand for many years to come.”

The perfect complement to both the new K.2 loudspeaker line as well as legacy K Series full-range models, the new KS212C Cardioid Subwoofer represents a breakthrough in innovation and design, uniquely providing all the benefits of a cardioid subwoofer array in a single, compact enclosure. “Keeping bass in its place” for mobile entertainers, AV production and rental professionals, as well as modestly-sized performance venues, the KS212C cardioid subwoofer is unparalleled in its ability to manage low frequencies on the stage, or any application where undesirable low frequency energy needs to be minimized. Dual 12-inch long-excursion drivers, each arranged in a 6th order bandpass chamber, are powered by a 3,600 Watt amplifier and controlled by the system’s DSP to produce a staggering 15 dB more output at the front of the cabinet than at the rear. Like the K.2 Series, the KS212C provides advanced DSP with on-board user-controllable and recallable Scenes via the LCD screen and control panel. Highly portable, the cabinet features comfortable, aluminum handles and four, rear-mounted casters. Two M20 sockets are provided to accept a 35mm speaker pole in either vertical or horizontal deployment of the sub.

Additionally, QSC is also proud to announce that K.2 Series models as well as the KS212C Cardioid Subwoofer feature a global 6-Year Warranty with product registration.

The K.2 Series will be available in select markets in mid-May 2017. Estimated (U.S) street prices are: $649.99 for the K8.2; $699.99 for the K10.2 and $799.99 for the K12.2. The KS212C cardioid subwoofer is expected to ship in late Summer 2017. Estimated US street price is $1,399.99.

Mahalo!

QSC K10 Powered PA Speakers Review

Howdy!

My favorite sports bar just re-did their sound system, and I notice that they went with QSC K series loudspeakers. I am a fan of these self-powered units, and currently am using two KSubs, two K10s and two K12s. We are going to look at my K10 speakers today, and they are the best-performing speakers in their price range.

QSC K10 speakers a miracle of modern engineering and technology, combining the speaker and amplifier into a tidy and lightweight package. The come in at an amazing 32 pounds each, including an integrated 1000-watt (2000 watt peak) power amp and an on-board variable-speed cooling fan that keeps the temperatures under control.

The amplifier is a class D (efficient, cheap and small) assembly, with 500 watts going to the 10-inch driver, and 500 watts to the 1 ¾-inch high frequency driver. It has a variable power supply from 100 to 240 volts, and both US and Euro spec connectors are included (there is an IEC spec socket on the back).

Though this is the middle-size speaker of the K-series, the enclosure is small: 21-inches tall by 13-inches wide by 12-inches deep. It is made of ABS plastic, and there is a heavy-duty steel speaker grill. Recessed aluminum handles are built into the top and the side, and the cabinet is shaped so it can be put on its side to be used as a stage monitor, like the K12 (the K8 is not shaped like this). QSC also provide threaded sockets all over these speakers so they can be used in permanent installations with truss clamps or cables. Or, for portable use there is a standard-size speaker stand socket in the bottom that tilts up to 7.5-degrees so you can adjust the speaker angle

There are plenty of input options, including combination XLR / 1/4” sockets, as well as RCA jack in case you would like to hook up an iPod or CD player without using a mixing board. There are also line and mix level XLR outputs if you wish to hook up more speakers or a subwoofer. There is a great subwoofer option, the Ksub, which I have written about before.

There are also quite a few controls on the back of these speakers. You get two gain controls, as well as two digital signal processing options for low frequency (Ext Sub/Norm/DEEP) and high frequency (Flat and Vocal Boost).

The specifications are impressive with a frequency range of 56 Hz to 20 kHz, and a deafening peak output of 129 dB. This all comes together in the real world as a package that really works. The bigger drivers fill in gaps that my old K8s could not, and they are still clear and punchy, and can be louder than any guitarist I have found. They are very even across the frequency range, and I have not found any hot spots.

I mostly use my K10s as floor monitors in conjunction with my K12s as house speakers. They replaced my Mackie Thumps, both of which crapped out within a year of purchase. The QSCs are rock-solid, and I cannot imagine wanting anything more than what they can provide.

Unlike the Thumps, these are quality-made speakers, and QSC stand behind the K Series with a 6-year transferable warranty, which is the best I have seen on any power speakers. Just make sure that you register them with QSC, or you are S.O.L. I never register any products, but I make an exception with QSC because their warranty is that good.

The list price for the QSC K10 powered loudspeakers is $899 each, with a street price of $749. On occasion they go on sale, or B-stock units become available, which gets the price about 100 bucks cheaper, so that is the time to buy. But, even at their normal price, with their sound, size, weight, power capability and warranty, they are worth every penny. Mahalo!

QSC K12 Powered Speaker Review

Howdy!

When I go to clubs and shows I still see oodles of JBL speakers, but the past few years I have started to see a lot more of the QSC K series loudspeakers. I am a fan of these self-powered units, and currently am using two Ksubs, 4 K8s and 2 K12s. We are going to look at my K12 speakers today.

The QSC K12 speakers are one of the miracles of modern engineering and technology, combining the speaker and amplifier into a tidy and lightweight package. The come in at a surprising 41 pounds each, including an integrated 1000-watt (2000 watt peak) power amp and an on-board variable-speed cooling fan keeps the temperatures under control.

The amplifier is a class D (efficient, cheap and small) assembly, with 500 watts going to the 12-inch driver, and 500 watts to the 1 ¾-inchhigh frequency driver. It has a variable power supply from 100 to 240 volts, and both US and Euro spec connectors are included.

Though this is the biggest of the K-series, the enclosure is still relatively small: 24-inches tall by 14-inches wide by 14-inches deep. It is made of ABS plastic, and there is a heavy-duty steel speaker grill. Recessed aluminum handles are built into the top and the side, and the cabinet is shaped so it can be put on its side to be used as a stage monitor. QSC also provide threaded sockets all over these speakers so they can be used in permanent installations with truss clamps or cables. O, for portable use there is a standard-size speaker stand socket in the bottom that tilts up to 7.5-degrees so you can adjust the speaker angle

There are plenty of input options, including combination XLR / 1/4” sockets, as well as RCA jack in case you would like to hook up an iPod or CD player without using a mixing board. There are also line and mix level XLR outputs if you wish to hook up more speakers or a subwoofer. There is a great subwoofer option, the Ksub, which I have written about before.

There are also quite a few controls on the back of these speakers. You get two gain controls, as well as two digital signal processing options for low frequency (Ext Sub/Norm/DEEP) and high frequency (Flat and Vocal Boost).

These specs and features are all first rate, and they have a frequency range of 48 Hz to 20 kHz, and a deafening peak output of 131 dB. This all comes together in the real world as a package that really works. The bigger drivers fill in gaps that my K8s cannot, and they are still clear and punchy, and can be louder than any guitarist I have found. They are very even across the frequency range, and I have not found any hot spots.

These are quality-made speakers, and QSC stand behind the K Series with a 6-year transferrable warranty, which is the best I have seen on any power speakers. Just make sure that you register them with QSC, or you are S.O.L. I never register any products, but I make an exception with QSC because their warranty is that good.

The list price for the QSC K12 powered loudspeakers is $999 each, with a street price of $849. On occasion they go on sale, or B-stock units become available, which gets the price about 100 bucks cheaper, so that is the time to buy. But, even at their normal price, with their sound, size, weight, power capability and warranty, they are worth every penny.

Mahalo!

Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 PA System

Everybody needs a PA system, right? Well, almost everybody I know needs one. Today I am writing about the Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 system, which is the PA that I own and am very happy with.

The STAGE PAS 500 system is slick. It includes a pair of passive speakers with a built-in powered mixer. The mixer fits into the back of one of the speakers, and can be easily removed if you want to set it up on a table with the rest of your equipment. The other speaker has a storage compartment in the back so you have a convenient place to store your speaker cables and the power cord for the mixer. By the way, speaker cables are included.

The mixer has two 250-watt class-D power amplifiers with plenty of power for medium-sized room or outdoor gigs. The amplifiers have been reliable thus far, and I have had no problems with overheating or cutting out.

There are 10 input channels: four mono microphone/line inputs (switchable for phantom power) and three stereo line inputs. For output, it has two main speaker jacks, as well as line outputs for additional powered speakers, RCA jacks for recording.

The STAGEPAS 500 mixer has 2-band equalizers for each channel, as well as REVERB switches on channels 1 through 4. A separate REVERB level control adjusts the reverb mix. Channels 1 and 2 have LIMIT/COMP switches. You will need the compression and limiters for those drunken karaoke folks.

The two speakers the system comes with are very rugged. They have 10" woofers and 1" tweeters. The speakers will fit standard 35mm speaker stand tubes.

How well does it work? Pretty darned good, if you’re asking me. I mostly use the STAGEPAS 500 for DJ and karaoke events, and as the bad mother of all garage stereo systems. I have run up to 3 microphones, a dual-deck CD player and my laptop music library through it with no trouble at all. Transporting and setting up the system is a breeze due to its relatively light weight and compact size. I went ahead and sprung for some wall mounts for the speakers to keep them up high and out of my way when they are not in use.

As a bassist, I would not recommend this system to a band that heavily relies on running the bass through the PA at high volume levels. It does not have enough headroom for that. Of course, additional powered speakers can be added to the system if necessary.

The MSRP for the Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 is $1249, and the street price is $899. I found it quite a bit cheaper from a music store that was clearing out all of their Yamaha equipment at blow-out prices.

If you are on more of a budget and don’t need as much presence, the STAGEPAS 300 can be had for a street price of around $600. Of course, it is cheaper so it has fewer channels (8), smaller speakers (8-inch woofers) and less power output (300 watts).

Either way, you cannot go wrong with the STAGEPAS systems. Yamaha has a well-justified reputation for providing reliable products that are an exceptional value.