TEST: QSC KW 122

 What hasn't everything changed in terms of sound reinforcement in recent years. Active speakers of a third of a man's height work with power in the kilowatt range, sometimes in price regions where you might have gotten just 6 crates of beer for in the past. Due to Asian manufacturing, one has secretly become accustomed to the same price regions and it may seem rather unusual for some, why products of the above category were or are originally located in the four-digit euro range.

It was all the more astonishing for me to receive a product from the aforementioned segment with the note "Made In USA" from a manufacturer that I previously knew only from the power amplifier sector. The same amplifier from the American manufacturer QSC has been doing an impeccable job in my recording studio for over 20 years. It's a pleasure to get to know a member of the new House-Of-K family, which, in addition to its unusual manufacturing area, can also offer a few other equally unusual features.


Construction

The QSC KW122 is an active multi-function full-range system, which is a two-way system consisting of a 1 inch tweeter and a 12 inch bass speaker. The speakers are protected by an extremely sturdy grille plate, the rest of the cabinet is covered with a resistant textured paint. Three very sturdy recessed grips allow for good handling of the construction, and there is also a Direct Tilt high stand flange on the bottom of the cabinet, which allows for a straight setup or a 7.5 degree tilt. The overall workmanship of the case can be described as exemplary and very solid.

All models from the K-series have the power of 1000 watts in common, with the designation W, the cabinets are also made of comparatively light but sturdy birch plywood, a construction method as used in Marshall 4x12" guitar boxes. Unusual is the splitting of equal parts of 500 watts each to the tweeter and woofer, respectively, which however leads to an increased protection of the tweeter against clipping peaks. As expected, the power is generated by a Class D power amplifier, which is characterized by a compact design and low heat development. Should heat build up nevertheless occur, the proprietary GuardRail system and a built-in fan intervene.

In terms of dimensions, the product measures 660 mm x 381 mm x 391 mm with a weight of a comparatively moderate 22.2 kilograms. The technical key data are quickly dealt with, according to the manufacturer, the construction has a frequency response of 53 Hz - 18 Khz at - 10 dB and a maximum sound pressure of 131 dB peak, measured at a distance of 1 meter. The system has a total of 8 pieces of M10 flying points and can therefore be positioned in any orientation in flight. Due to its trapezoidal shape, the KW122 can also be used as a powerful floor wedge. Although the power output also suggests, as a drumfill I would recommend the system because of the 12-inch woofer used only in an emergency.

Striking for a system of this design is the extensive connection periphery of the system, where especially on the daisy chain use was placed great emphasis. Two independent combo jacks allow both a console connection and the direct connection of a microphone or a high-impedance instrument such as an acoustic guitar. The level of both inputs can be adjusted independently via a rotary potentiometer in 20 steps. If required, the same signals can be looped through directly to another component via 2 XLR outputs. The mixed signal is also output via a third XLR out if required. For the connection of an MP3 player or similar, 2 Cinch connectors are available. For fixed installations, an external 10 kOhm volume control can be connected via a three-pin remote gain.

The two driver sections can be divided into different presets via two sliders. For the bass range, the settings "NORM" (standard full range), "EXT SUB" (subwoofer operation, crossover frequency at 100 Hz) and "DEEP", (bass boost with internal limiter circuit as protection against distortion) are distinguished. For the high frequency driver, the settings "FLAT" and "VOCAL BOOST" are available, a filter preset that specifically boosts frequencies affecting the voice. The blue LED on the front of the cabinet can indicate either the operating status or the use of the internal limiter.



Practice

First test area, an MP3 player. The first thing that stands out is the conspicuously large volume jump between grid position 2 and 3. This is no problem when connecting a mixer with separate volume control, but when connecting a non-adjustable output, the delivered volume for background pause music could already be too loud in position 3, but barely perceptible in position 2.

However, the signal quality coming out of the speakers is of a very high quality. A very powerful bass, which already delivers a soft, but still defined low frequency range without the Deep circuit, a successful crossover frequency, which doesn't contain the notorious midrange hole, which tends to occur with a 1"/15" combination and a high frequency range, which never works in the limit range thanks to overdimensioned power reserves. In general, one seems to literally feel the power reserves in the high frequency range; at no time, even under heavy use, does the high frequency range seem angular or even edgy.

There are also no failures to report when using the microphone. The sound reproduction is balanced, the speech intelligibility good. In terms of dispersion, the conically shaped tweeter driver, which is aligned at 75 degrees, is particularly convincing. It is noticeable that QSC tunes the two speakers to each other, i.e. both speakers have the same dispersion behavior. The acoustic room illumination is unusually even, even strong lateral radiation is mastered very well within the aforementioned angle and ensures a good sound image even in the close range of the speaker.



Conclusion

With the K-Series, QSC has a real trump card up its sleeve. The system is mature, quickly expandable and of very high quality, both acoustically and in terms of processing. Easy daisy chain expansion allows the system to be expanded almost at will, especially since up to five speakers can be powered from a 10 A, 230 V line.

The KW 122 is a comparatively small, but incredibly powerful active loudspeaker, which covers a wide range of professional applications through flexible application possibilities.

Be sure to test it!


Additional Informations:

QSC Audio: Revolutionizing Professional Audio Solutions

Introduction:

QSC Audio, established in 1968, is a leading global manufacturer and innovator in the field of professional audio equipment and solutions. Based in Costa Mesa, California, USA, the company has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge products that have redefined the audio industry. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, QSC Audio has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for professionals in the sound reinforcement, live performance, and entertainment sectors.

Company History and Evolution:

QSC Audio was founded by Patrick Howe Quilter, Barry Andrews, and John Andrews. The name "QSC" stands for Quilter Sound Company, reflecting the founder's vision to provide high-quality sound solutions. The company initially focused on guitar amplifiers and developed a strong presence in the musical instrument industry. However, as technology evolved and market demands shifted, QSC diversified its product line to include power amplifiers, speakers, digital signal processors, and complete sound systems.

Innovative Products and Technologies:

QSC Audio has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio technology, revolutionizing the industry with its innovative products. The company's flagship product lines include:

    Power Amplifiers: QSC's power amplifiers are renowned for their robustness, reliability, and efficiency. The PowerLight series, featuring Class D amplification, significantly reduced the weight and power consumption of amplifiers without compromising performance. This breakthrough technology made QSC a pioneer in the realm of lightweight, high-power amplifiers.

    Loudspeakers: QSC's loudspeaker offerings cater to various applications, from portable speakers for small venues to line array systems for large-scale events. The K Series and KW Series are notable examples, designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and versatility.

    Digital Signal Processors (DSP): QSC's DSP platforms, like the Q-Sys series, provide comprehensive audio processing and system control. The Q-Sys platform is a flexible and scalable solution, enabling users to manage audio in various environments, from conference rooms to complex live events.

    TouchMix Series: The TouchMix digital mixers have gained popularity among musicians, sound engineers, and performers due to their user-friendly interface, powerful processing capabilities, and compact design. These mixers strike a balance between advanced features and ease of use.

    Cinema Solutions: QSC has also made significant strides in the cinema industry, providing audio solutions for movie theaters worldwide. Their DCP series of cinema processors and amplifiers have become an industry standard, delivering immersive audio experiences to moviegoers.

Global Reach and Customer Base:

QSC Audio's commitment to innovation, reliability, and superior performance has garnered a loyal customer base worldwide. The company's products are widely used in various industries, including:

    Live Sound and Touring: Many renowned artists, bands, and production companies rely on QSC's audio systems for their live performances and touring events.

    Installed Sound: QSC provides solutions for various fixed installations, such as houses of worship, conference centers, stadiums, and theme parks.

    Corporate and Enterprise: QSC's audio solutions are employed in boardrooms, conference rooms, and meeting spaces to facilitate clear communication and seamless collaboration.

    Entertainment and Hospitality: The entertainment industry, including theaters, music venues, hotels, and restaurants, benefits from QSC's audio technology to create immersive and memorable experiences for their patrons.

Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility:

As a responsible corporate citizen, QSC Audio emphasizes sustainability and environmental consciousness. The company actively pursues eco-friendly practices throughout its operations, from product design to manufacturing and packaging. QSC aims to minimize its environmental impact by reducing energy consumption, using recyclable materials, and promoting responsible waste management.

Conclusion:

QSC Audio has evolved from its humble beginnings as a guitar amplifier manufacturer to a global leader in the professional audio industry. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, QSC has redefined the way audio technology is utilized in various applications. As the company continues to push the boundaries of audio solutions, it remains a reliable partner for professionals seeking cutting-edge, reliable, and environmentally conscious audio equipment.


- Satellite Audio Systems: Advancements and Applications in Modern Communication
Introduction:

Satellite audio systems represent a pivotal aspect of modern communication technology, facilitating global reach and seamless audio transmission across vast distances. These systems utilize satellites in space to transmit and receive audio signals, offering numerous advantages in terms of coverage, reliability, and scalability. Over the years, satellite audio systems have undergone significant advancements, enabling efficient communication across various industries, from broadcasting to emergency services and beyond.
Evolution of Satellite Audio Systems:

The concept of satellite audio systems can be traced back to the early days of satellite technology in the 1960s and 1970s. The launch of communication satellites, such as the Early Bird and Intelsat I, laid the foundation for audio transmission through space. Early satellite audio systems primarily focused on broadcasting radio signals and later expanded to include television audio feeds.

As technological progress accelerated, satellite audio systems evolved from analog to digital formats, offering improved sound quality, reduced signal degradation, and increased bandwidth efficiency. With the advent of high-powered geostationary satellites and advanced compression algorithms, satellite audio systems became more reliable, affordable, and accessible to a broader range of industries.
Components and Architecture:

Modern satellite audio systems consist of several key components, each playing a crucial role in the transmission and reception process:

Satellite: Communication satellites are placed in geostationary or low-earth orbit, serving as relay points for audio signals. Geostationary satellites remain fixed relative to Earth, while low-earth orbit satellites move in a circular path.

b. Ground Station: Ground stations are terrestrial facilities equipped with antennas and transceivers to establish communication with satellites. They handle the uplink and downlink of audio signals to and from the satellite.

c. Encoding and Compression: Audio signals are typically encoded and compressed before transmission to optimize bandwidth usage and ensure efficient data transfer.

d. Receiving Equipment: End-users utilize receiving equipment, such as satellite dishes and receivers, to capture and decode the audio signals sent from the satellite.
Applications of Satellite Audio Systems:

Satellite audio systems find applications in various industries and scenarios due to their widespread coverage and reliability:

a. Broadcasting: Satellite audio systems are extensively used for radio and television broadcasting, enabling broadcasters to reach global audiences without geographic limitations. This technology plays a crucial role in disseminating news, entertainment, and educational content on a global scale.

b. Emergency Services and Public Safety: During disasters and emergencies, terrestrial communication infrastructure may be compromised. Satellite audio systems provide a robust communication alternative, allowing emergency responders and public safety agencies to coordinate efforts and maintain critical communication channels.

c. Teleconferencing and Telemedicine: Satellite audio systems support real-time audio communication for teleconferencing and telemedicine applications. Remote locations with limited internet connectivity can benefit from satellite technology for seamless audio interactions.

d. Aviation and Maritime Communication: Satellite audio systems enable reliable voice communication and data transfer for aircraft and ships, ensuring constant connectivity even over vast oceans and remote areas.
Advancements and Future Prospects:
Advancements in satellite technology continue to enhance satellite audio systems:

a. High Throughput Satellites (HTS): HTS employ multiple spot beams to concentrate higher bandwidth capacity over specific regions, increasing overall system performance and accommodating more users.

b. Interoperability with Terrestrial Networks: Integrating satellite audio systems with terrestrial networks allows for seamless handover of audio signals, ensuring uninterrupted communication for mobile users.

c. Reduced Latency: Future developments aim to reduce signal latency, making satellite audio systems more suitable for real-time applications like online gaming and interactive communication.

Conclusion:
Satellite audio systems have revolutionized communication across industries, offering global coverage and reliable audio transmission. From broadcasting and emergency services to teleconferencing and aviation, these systems play a crucial role in keeping the world connected. As technology continues to advance, satellite audio systems will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of modern communication, catering to ever-expanding applications and ensuring seamless audio connectivity across the globe.