Designed to complement its L-Class line arrays, QSC’s LS118 Active Subwoofer is easy to configure and deploy, making it ideal for applications ranging from portable, plug-and-play setups, to demanding, networked, AV productions and live sound fixed installations. Incorporating QSC’s Acoustic Linear Phase (ALP) design, the LS118 provides complementary coherence between other QSC loudspeakers used in the same audio system for a uniform listening experience. When used with QSC LA108 or LA112 active line array loudspeakers, the LS118 can be set up with an array frame/ground stack adapter or using loudspeaker poles. Additionally, integrated suspension points allow a single LS118 to be safely suspended.
The LS118 is based on a purpose-designed 18” long-excursion direct radiating driver driven by an energy-efficient 4,000-watt peak power Class-D amplifier module with power factor correction. The result is very high output (138 dB peak SPL) with impressive LF response and extremely low AC power consumption. A built-in DSP limiter with indicator LED engages to protect the driver if the LS118 is overdriven.
Two or more LS118’s can be easily configured to produce a cardioid radiation pattern using the loudspeakers built-in DSP. Simply select “FORWARD” or “REAR” in the Cardioid menu for each loudspeaker based on which way it is facing and send the same audio signal level to both. No complex calculations or processing settings required.
The LS118 is compatible with the QSC SysNav control application, allowing users to easily design, configure, control, monitor and apply signal processing to individual subwoofers, full arrays or groupings of both. Additionally, the LS118 can interface with QSC’s Q-Sys Designer application for discovery, control and monitoring in fixed installations.
Built for the Road
The LS118’s 15mm birch ply enclosure has a tough Polyura coating and a rugged 16 Ga powder-coated steel grill backed by foam to keep moisture and dust off the driver. Four heavy-duty swivel casters with locking brakes are standard. Additionally, an optional nylon/Cordura padded cover protects the LS118 during transport.
The rear-mounted amplifier module is recessed to protect connections and controls. A series of vent openings and a small variable speed fan provide quiet, effective cooling. A 2.4” 240 x 320-pixel color screen displays system status and configuration settings while a rotary push encoder and a pair of pushbuttons are used to configure the DSP, network and other settings. Dedicated status LEDs are provided for power, limiter active, standby and signal present.
Like other L-class products, the LS118 uses Neutrik PowerCON True AC power connectors to support daisy-chaining multiple loudspeakers/subwoofers. I prefer these over the original PowerCON, as they handle a higher amperage load and can be connected/disconnected safely under load, eliminating the need for a power switch. Each LS118 includes a 6’ heavy-duty 12 Ga PowerCON True molded cable, which can be quite stiff when used in cold weather.
Network and I/O Flexibility
Two locking etherCon network ports allow for remote control, status monitoring and Dante audio. These are configured to operate as identical switched Ethernet ports for use as a network input or daisy-chained to the next box in the array. The subwoofer has two IP addresses, one dedicated for control and one devoted for Dante audio-over-IP. These can be individually configured for DHCP operation, or static IP addresses can be selected. Each network port on the LS118 carries both network control and Dante data traffic over a single Cat-5/6 cable.
The LS118 also offers QSC AWARE wireless data transmission. This enables one box connected via Ethernet to send control information to other boxes in the array without the need to connect Cat-5/6 cables between them. If a more robust control scenario is desired, each box can connect directly to a switch on the control data network.
A set of balanced analog line in and line out XLRs support daisy-chaining multiple loudspeakers / subwoofers in an array. The line out is a direct pass-thru unaffected by the LS118’s DSP or digital gain settings. It’s configurable for +24 dBu / +4 dBu sensitivity to handle a wide range of input signals.
Additionally, the LS118 is equipped for Dante digital networked audio using the etherCon ports. Up to 10 daisy-chain connections can be made between LS118 subwoofers and other L-Class components with default 1ms Dante latency. If connections are made to both analog and Dante inputs, the LS118 automatically selects the digital input and mutes the analog audio inputs when a Dante audio connection (subscription) is made. If the Dante connection be broken, the LS118 switches to the analog line input. I can see some very creative applications for this feature.
You’re in Control
The color display screen provides real-time operating status while an intuitive menu structure provides onboard setup. Make selections for low-pass filter (80/100 Hz) or engage DEEP mode for at either filter point for more LF extension. Select normal or reverse polarity for the audio input, activate a pre-configured EQ setting and configure the LS118 for cardioid front or rear orientation. A time delay setting enables the LS118 to be delayed in ms, feet or meters for system time alignment.
The “Settings” mode accesses less frequently viewed parameters such as input sensitivity level, LED mode and network config settings. To keep unauthorized users from changing settings, assign a 4-digit security code to lock out the controls.
Make Some Noise
QSC sent me a pair of LS118’s. Although similar in size to my KS118’s, I immediately noticed subtle differences; the larger, beefier blue wheel casters made it easier to roll the 110-pound subs across the grass at an outdoor gig. Like other L-class products, the build quality was first-rate. The bright color display is easy to read and easy to navigate with intuitive menus. I am also a big fan of the PowerCON True connectors as they seem more robust than traditional PowerCONs.
For an outdoor community holiday tree lighting event, I combined the LS118’s with QSC KS212C directional subs and LS108 line array tops. I could easily drive a pair of subs and four LA108s from a single 20-Amp circuit with no power issues. I had plenty of solid low-end while the LA108’s brought out the detail and clarity.
All the L-class components have integrated Dante digital audio, so on the next gig I set up a basic Dante Network with a DHCP router and managed switch, using the two LS118s and four LA108s. With Dante Controller running along with SysNav on a PC, I quickly configured the network, named my destinations and created the necessary Dante subscriptions between my Dante-enabled mixer and the speakers. Dante deployment using DHCP was seamless, and I had no latency issues. By means of SysNav, I quickly verified my settings and balanced the input levels for each loudspeaker.
The Verdict…
With its built-in networking, Dante digital audio and PowerCON true connections, the LS118 is an ideal companion sub for the L-class line arrays. Easy to set up and configure, the LS118 is a powerful performer worthy of the QSC Name.
At a Glance
QSC LS118 Powered Subwoofer: Powerful and Complementary
QSC’s LS118 Active Subwoofer is a powerful single-18 sub that complements L-class line arrays. Offering solid performance, road-tough construction, Dante interfacing and coupled with the ever-expanding functions of the SysNav control app, the versatile LS118 subwoofer is in a class of its own.
PROS
- Solid low-end
- 4,000-watt Class-D amp
- Integral Dante Digital Audio
- SysNav control
- PowerCON True AC connectors
CONS
- Stiff power cord
SPECS
- Configuration: Direct radiating, active subwoofer
- LF Transducer: 18” cone
- Frequency Range: 35 – 111 Hz (-10 dB)
- Coverage: Omni or cardioid (cardioid setup requires min. 2 units)
- Max Peak SPL: 138 dB @1 m
- Amplifier: Class-D 4,000w peak
- Cooling: Low-noise, variable speed fan
- Dimensions: 25.2 x 20.5 x 31.1” (HxWxD)
- Weight: 110 pounds (including casters)
- Street Price: $2,999
MANUFACTURER:QSC
More Info: www.qsc.com
