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QSC KW181

Item ID: KW181

1,000-watt Subwoofer with 18" Low-frequency Driver

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This item is available for immediate delivery. Our centrally-located warehouse ensures you the fastest delivery time in the industry. Order now by adding to your cart or call your Sales Engineer.

Note: While most of the items we sell ship for free, this item does not qualify for free shipping due to special circumstances.

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  • Retail Price$1749.00
  • Sweetwater Savings-$350.00
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  • Sale Price:$1399.00
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From Our Research Team:

Ultra-efficient, Earthshaking Subwoofer!

When we first experienced QSC's super-powerful and amazingly portable active K-series PA speakers, we were blown away, to say the least. Now, here's your chance to change the way you look at live sound; add the KW181 active subwoofer to your PA rig and prepare to be amazed! QSC packed a 1,000-watt, Class D powerplant into this sub's premium birch enclosure, and very effective onboard DSP lets you get the absolute maximum out of its 18" speaker. You'll love the connection and control options on the KW181's back panel. You'll also love the fact that this sub is built for the long haul. You won't believe how much beef this outstanding subwoofer adds to your sound!

If it's power you're after, then this is your sub. QSC built the KW181 to give you big-time performance, to the tune of 1,000 watts. And, thanks to the Class D design, this speaker won't break your back when it's time to set up or tear down! You get easy access to XLR and TRS connection options on the KW181's rear panel.

QSC built DSP right into the KW181, so you get the absolute most out of this speaker's formidable wattage. Guardrail protection keeps the amplifier safe from overloads and minimizes clipping. Hit the DEEP switch and hear just how big this sub can get. This isn't just a series of filters and limiters thrown in to enhance the sound; this DSP makes an already outstanding speaker incredibly efficient and perfect for any room.

You know that a well-made loudspeaker is only as good as the ruggedness of its enclosure. After all, if it can't take the rigors of the road, then what good is it? That's why QSC made the KW181 extremely tough. You get premium-grade Baltic birch cabinet construction, a tough steel grille, and very handy cast-aluminum side handles. This sub is made to make you sound great, anywhere you use it.

QSC KW153 Active 1,000-watt, 18" Subwoofer Features at a Glance:
  • K Series performance in a lightweight, birch design
  • 1,000-watt, Class D power module
  • Extensive DSP (featuring DEEP and Intrinsic Correction) enhances system performance
  • Rugged, texture-painted birch enclosures
  • Tour-grade 16-gauge steel grille
  • Comfortable ergonomic handles

Add QSC's KW181 active sub to your PA and find out what big, full sound is all about!

KW181 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Powered Yes
Power Configuration Mono-amped
LF Driver Size 1 x 18"
Power Amp 1000W
Power Rating (Program) Self-powered
Peak Power Capacity Self-powered
Impedance Input: 38k balanced / 19k unbalanced
Frequency Range 40-112Hz (±6 dB)
Crossover Frequency No crossover
Maximum Peak SPL 135dB
Enclosure Material Plywood
Mounting Options Floor only (pole socket on top)
Inputs Dual balanced XLR/¼" (line level)
Outputs Dual Balanced XLR full range (line level)
Height 20.1"
Width 23.4"
Depth 29.9"
Weight 88 lbs
Manufacturer Part Number KW181

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Reviews

based on 6 reviews

QSC KW181

by Wyatt R.Curtis "The EventsMan" from Fayetteville, North Carolina
December 12, 2011
Music Background: DJ
I purchased this beast and man, it growls..By far this is the best subwoofer I have ever owned. The Lows are deep and clean. I must admit the price kept me from purchasing this high end speaker for 2 ... read more [+]years ,so I upgraded my MAN CARD and purchased 2ea....what a relief to have worldclass sound . I performed our annual company Christmas party and everyone agreed the the quality of sound was immaculate..Much love to Sweetwater,QSC and Ms. Katie Stockman sales rep #1365 who helped me...go KATIE!!!! close [-]

Unbelievable Bass Sound & Thump

by Tim from Michigan
November 27, 2011
Music Background: 23 year professional
I finally added this sub to my pair of K12s and I'm SO glad I did. I had high hopes that this compact sub would deliver huge, deep, thumpy bass after my experience with the awesome QSC K12s. My expect... read more [+]ations were exceeded when I used the KW181 (with K12s) for a gig last night in my rock band. HOLY COW does this speaker produce amazingly clear, deep, thumpy bass. We first sound checked with a recording of LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem and the bar was vibrating with just one of these speakers at half volume.. I didn't even have deep mode on which makes it sound even deeper and it does make a noticeable difference. Deep mode is probably best for playing Club style music and DJing. Our bassist plays really high-quality, super expensive custom basses and the KW181 allowed me to finally hear just how nice his bass guitars can sound. You know that big powerful bass sound you experience at live rock concerts when you're in the front row? This produces that sound. The drums sounded awesome as well. This sub also runs cool all night long. During the night while we were playing I put my hand by the back fan and the air temp was actually cool. Numerous people commented on how awesome mix sounded. My coworker even commented it sounded like he was at a rock concert. I can only imagine what it would sound like having two of these, which is on my wish list for the future. I am totally sold on powered QSC speakers. Excellent job QSC! close [-]

WOW! AWESOME, PERIOD!!

by Kahuku1 from Hawaii
September 14, 2011
Music Background: Weekend performer
So I started with the EON 515's and a 518 Sub. No complaints until I heard the K-series and the KW 181. No comparison here. Yes, the K-series are twice the Watts of my EONs, but the bottom line is,... read more [+] you get what you pay for. I even sold my pair of brand new JBL PRX 612m's, the EONs and the 518 for a pair of K-10's, a pair of K-Subs, and a pair of KW 181's. I'm a convert from JBL to QSC's and I could not have made a better choice. If you think one KW 181 sounds awesome, you gotta here them when there's two of them, side-by-side....INCREDIBLE, house-shaking BASS!! QSC in general, makes awsome speakers with awesome features. GREAT JOB, QSC!! close [-]

Fantastic Woofer

by Sean Birtch from Spokane, Wa
August 23, 2011
Music Background: Pro Musician,
When my sales rep Alex Moralis recommended the QSC speakers to me, I had never heard of them. Next thing I knew they kept popping up everywhere and I couldn't wait to get some. The QSC KW181 is just... read more [+] an amazing piece of equipment that moves a large volume of air with apparent ease. I truly am blown away buy the performance of this speaker. I am also blown away by the knowledge, expertise and care that Alex delivers every time I need information or order something.
Thanks Sweetwater and Alex you all Rock! close [-]

Another Amazing Product From QSC!!!!

by Andrew Robinson from Maryland
January 6, 2011
Music Background: Recording Enginer, Disc Jockey, Live Sound
I exchanged the QSC K-sub for this subwoofer and let me tell you this subwoofer blows the k-sub out of the water. It is about 400$ more but is well worth it. I use it a few times weekly when I DJ and ... read more [+]it definitely thumps. It is enough bass for small to mid size venues/bars and gigs. Very clean low end-bass response and can be pushed very far. I use it with the QSC K12's and together I have yet to come close to peaking the system.

Job Well done again QSC!!!! close [-]
Read more reviews

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See Also: PA Subs , QSC , QSC PA Subwoofers

QSC KW181

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Our Customers Say...

When it came time to start from scratch with the studio, I had a lot of questions. The Sales Engineers I've worked with are really friendly and patient, and the guidance they provided was invaluable; they basically helped build the studio.
Joel Hurd, Canton, NY

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