Item #: QSC K12 LIST

QSC K12 12 Inch 1000 Watt PA Active Loudspeaker

The QSC K12 Powered PA Speaker - 1000 watt powered, high quality PA speaker. Unparalleled performance and professional appearance. Housed in a rugged ABS enclosure.
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Product Highlights

Product Description

The QSC K12 Powered PA Speaker is a 1000 watt powered PA speaker featuring high quality for unparalleled performance and professional appearance that is at home in any application. Extensive DSP processing is employed throughout, providing levels of sonic clarity and total output that defy the system's size and weight.

Housed in a rugged ABS enclosure, the K12 offers an additional measure of sonic clarity due to its internal rigidity. Ergonomic aluminum handles and a highly protective steel grille complete the package for ease of transport and long term durability.

Purchase a K/KW Series Amplifier from AMS and Receive QSC's
QSC 6 Year Extended Warranty
after registering your product at QSC.com

QSC K12 Powered PA Speaker Features
  • Lightweight portable powered speakers with legendary QSC amplifier power and reliability
  • 1000 watt Class D power module
  • Extensive DSP enhances system performance
  • Attractive and professional appearance
  • Rugged ABS enclosures
  • Tour-grade 18 gauge steel grilles
  • Ergonomic handles with comfortable, non-slip grip
  • 35 mm pole sockets with Tilt-Direct
  • K12 performs as a main PA or stage monitor
Connectors
The QSC K12 features balanced female XLR and 1/4 inch line/mic level input, balanced female XLR and 1/4 inch line level input, dual balanced male XLR full range line level out, balanced male XLR mix out, stereo RCA line level input, remote gain control and locking IEC power connector.

Preset Application Settings
On-board switches provide preset EQ settings. The HF setting can be set to VOCAL BOOST for additional presence in the critical mid frequency area or FLAT for accurate reproduction of the incoming signal. The LF switch can be set to NORM, DEEP for additional bass extension, or EXT SUB for use with an external subwoofer. The rear panel LED switch can be set to POWER, illuminating the front-mounted LED when the unit is powered on, OFF for applications where it is not desirable to illuminate the front LED, or LIMIT which indicates to the system operator that the clip limiter circuit has been engaged during operation.

Extensive DSP
  • DMT (Directivity Matched Transition) provides for matched LF and HF coverage across the entire listening area, eliminating unnatural dead or hot frequency zones
  • Intrinsic Correction, first featured in our high-end line-array products maps 65-75 spacially-averaged measurements to IIR and FIR filters that actively adjust time, frequency and amplitude response to a maximally flat bandpass target. The result is a speaker that behaves equally well across the entire sound field
  • DEEP and excursion limiting allow for extended low-frequency response by actively managing low-frequency transients without degradation of the underlying signal or adjacent frequencies
  • GuardRail protection, first introduced on our GX Series amplifiers protects both the amplifier module and your performance from unnatural and destructive clipping
Set Up
The QSC K12 features a unique Tilt-Direct pole cup mounting system. A simple turn of the dial engages a 7.5 degree downward tilt of the speaker allowing acoustic energy to be kept on the audience and off reflective surfaces for applications where maximum coverage from a high-positioned speaker is desired.

DEEP - Digital Extension and Excursion Processing
DEEP is an exclusive QSC process that allows a K Series loudspeaker to deliver far more undistorted low-frequency output than could be produced by conventional means.

DEEP begins by applying an equalization boost at low frequency. Certainly many loudspeaker systems do the same thing (there's nothing new about this). Some even take the next step and apply limiting to reduce the amount of EQ boost as the amplifier approaches overload. The effect may be better than nothing at all, but this process does create audible pumping and unnatural high frequency reductions at higher performance volume.

DEEP employs sophisticated digital signal processing to identify and reduce only those brief, transient low-frequency peaks that can cause woofer over-excursion or amplifier clipping. Reduction of the transient peaks is nearly inaudible and allows the average low-frequency output to remain high. The result is an astonishing amount of low-frequency output, previously impossible to achieve from compact, smaller-format speaker systems.

Directivity
There is an important relationship between woofer size and waveguide coverage pattern but it is frequently overlooked. It's known that all woofers have very wide coverage at lower frequencies and narrowing coverage as frequency increases. The smaller the woofer, the wider its coverage will be at a given frequency. However, many speaker designs simply ignore this acoustic principal and pretend that only the high-frequency horn coverage matters. But in reality, a smooth, directional transition from woofer to high-frequency is important in terms of consistent audience coverage and loudspeaker power response.

K Series is designed using the Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) approach. DMT matches the high-frequency coverage angle to the natural coverage angle of the woofer at the crossover frequency. As a result, frequency response remains far more uniform across the entire audience area.

Axisymmetrical
There are a few basic concepts that guided the design of the K Series waveguides and helped achieve its overall impressive sound quality. First is the understanding that the best, most natural performance in a horn is achieved by avoiding parallel surfaces and abrupt changes in contour. Either will cause phase and acoustical impedance problems that lead to erratic frequency response.

Second, while a waveguide with a large difference between horizontal and vertical coverage angles may be needed for specific applications, it will necessarily exhibit compromised audio performance. For K Series, the horizontal and vertical coverage angles are identical.

Finally, the mouth (opening) of the waveguide should be approximately the same diameter as the woofer. In speakers where that isn't the case, it's likely that either the crossover frequency is too high or the waveguide isn't really controlling the pattern all the way down to the crossover frequency. Either of the above will lead to lack of pattern control in the critical mid-range.

By keeping these concepts in mind, QSC created the large, well-behaved, conical waveguide found on K Series. The sonic benefits, both on and off axis will be clear when you listen for yourself.
 
1000 Watts
K Series gets its name from the industry-best kilowatt amplifier module that drives its performance. Rated for 1,000 watts of continuous available power, this state of the art, light-weight Class-D module is comprised of both a 500 watt low-frequency (LF) amplifier and a 500 watt high-frequency (HF) amplifier (two 500 watt LF amplifiers in the K Sub). The 500 watts of HF amplification makes it nearly impossible to drive the system into distortion by pushing the amp beyond its design limits. The result is a cleaner sound and a far more robust design.

EQ Modes
Because fullrange music and speech reproduction place different demands on a loudspeaker system, the K Series High Frequency (HF) circuitry can be switched to either normal (FLAT) for fullrange, non-equalized music applications or (VOCAL BOOST) whereby frequencies in the vocal range are augmented for increased intelligibility and overall presence.

K Series Low Frequency behavior is selected by the LF switch. In the default (NORM) position, low frequency response is set for flat music reproduction in stand-alone, full range applications. When pairing any of the K Series models with a subwoofer, the LF switch is set to the (EXT SUB) position, engaging the 100 Hz High Pass Filter for error-free reproduction of frequencies surrounding the crossover point. For users seeking extra low frequency output without a subwoofer, switching to the (DEEP) position engages the proprietary QSC DEEP signal processing circuit. Low frequency content is enhanced far beyond what one would typically expect from a compact loudspeaker.

Energy Management
When the K Series DSP doesn't sense input to the amplifier module for 5 minutes, it automatically enters standby mode - effectively shutting down the amplifier, conserving energy and extending the life of the product. Once signal is restored, the processor instantly turns the amplifier back on without any noticeable audio delay. In this manner, the energy-conscious operator is able to conserve resources without taking any additional measures, regardless of the number of K Series loudspeakers in the system.

LED Operation
Located on the front of each K Series loudspealer is a blue LED that's more than just a simple power indicator. A switch on the rear panel allows the user their choice of three ways to utilize the light.

In the default (PWR) position, the LED will illuminate and stay on as long as the speaker is powered on. For instances when a bright blue light may not be aesthetically consistent with the venue or the event, moving the switch to the (OFF) position defeats the front LED operation entirely but doesn't affect the status of the amplifier module. In (LIMIT) mode, the front LED indicates the onset of system limiting, allowing the operator to monitor the well being of the system from in front of the box.

Remote Control
A unique, yet highly beneficial function for many users of a product in this class is the K Series remote gain control. By way of a three pin block connector, a potentiometer (pot) can be wired to the K Series from a remote location. This pot will then act as an attenuator allowing volume adjustment from a remote location. Multiple speakers can also be wired to a single control knob – a particularly handy benefit when K Series speakers are suspended in out-of-reach locations within a venue. Combined with the Energy Management function, this capability presents a compelling solution for many venues.

Professional Appearance
Unlike typical molded enclosures, the professional appearance of K Series makes it at home in any environment. Extensive consideration was given to the K Series industrial design to ensure that an artful balance between form and function was achieved at the highest level.

Tasteful lines and curves define a product that enhances a performance rather than detracts from it. From its sleek shape, to its full form-fitted grille, to the elegant non-reflective matte black finish and user-defeatable status light, everything about the K Series appearance is in perfect harmony with the professional quality inherent throughout the product.

Locking IEC Power Cable
Every K Series loudspeaker is equipped with a locking IEC power connector and cable. With a simple ‘click’ the AC cord creates a positive lock with the amp module all but eliminating accidental disconnect during a performance. This feature is especially useful when using either the K10 or K12 as a floor monitor. If damaged or lost, the locking cable can be easily replaced with a standard widely available IEC cable.

Connectivity
The K Series is capable of connecting to just about any audio source – a microphone, iPod or other MP3/CD player, a musical instrument or mixing console. Inputs can also be combined and mixed at the K Series rear-panel. For instance, a microphone and CD player can be combined for background music with announcements. Or, a musical instrument, MP3 player and microphone can all be combined for solo entertainer applications. Neutrik Combo XLR/1/4 inch and RCA inputs are featured, as well as XLR outputs for either daisy-chaining multiple K Series speakers or providing a mixed output to an amplifier, mixer or other audio device.

Tilt-Direct Pole Mount
Not all performance venues are alike. Sometimes, low ceilings, reflective back walls and other room attributes conspire to work against a system's ability to deliver sonically pleasing sound to the audience. The K Series fullrange enclosures feature QSC’s unique Tilt-Direct adjustable pole-mounting system that lets you put the sound on your audience and keep it off the ceiling and back wall. A simple turn of the dial is all it takes to alter the K Series directivity by 7.5 degrees, providing ample opportunity for pleasing results.

Threaded Pole
The K Sub features a threaded pole socket which accommodates a 31" positive-fit speaker pole (included). Unlike typical open-cup designs that can cause a speaker to wobble or tilt in the subwoofer receptacle, the K Series threaded mounting system assures a snug, safe fit. At the top of the pole, a 35mm circular end cap inserts into any K Series or other fullrange enclosure outfitted with a standard pole receptacle.

Rugged Construction
Unlike typical molded loudspeakers, K Series fullrange models are made with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) which is harder and more rigid than most traditional plastics. Used for high-pressure or high-impact applications, ABS can withstand greater temperature extremes, resist impact and stay rigid against high pressure fluctuations far better than polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane. ABS is used in golf club heads, very high pressure plumbing, car body parts, helmets and other products requiring robust physical performance.

Not only is ABS tough, it also delivers acoustic benefits. An ABS enclosure will vibrate less with low frequency audio energy resulting in more and tighter bass. The stability of ABS also makes it ideal for a molded enclosure that is going to be suspended for installation applications.

Additionally, all K Series speakers are designed to withstand a rigorous series of drop tests and other abuses that make the wear and tear typically encountered by years of real-world use seem tame. Solid cast aluminum handles and an 18 gauge steel grille round out the K Series road-ready design.

Intrinsic Correction
K Series features Intrinsic Correction, a process found on many of QSC’s high-end concert sound products. Far more than just simple signal processing, Intrinsic Correction begins with between 60 and 75 extensive measurements of the loudspeaker's characteristics taken across a spatial field. The results of those measurements are then averaged.

Utilizing an average derived from this many sampling points produces results that are far more representative of the loudspeaker's performance than taking a typical, single on-axis measurement. Next, a combination of IIR and FIR filters is applied in the DSP engine to adjust time, frequency and amplitude response to a maximally flat band-pass target.

Class D
K Series features a state of the art, QSC-designed Class-D amplifier module. The benefits of Class D technology in a powered loudspeaker are many. First, because the power supply is much smaller than other amplifier designs, there is a significant weight savings (The K Series module weighs a mere 6 pounds). Also, because Class D amplifiers generate far less heat, they don't need bulky heatsinks, further reducing the amp's weight.

While amplifier performance in typical designs relies greatly on access to a sturdy, steady AC power source, Class D amplifiers operate with far greater efficiency, drawing less current from the power source.Basic linear amplifiers see significant power losses due to heat generated as they cycle between the positive and negative voltage rails. But an ideal semi conductor wants to be either fully on or fully off in order to maximize efficiency and minimize loss due to heat.

The basic principle of Class D is to utilize fully-on and fully-off switches that operate at a frequency much higher than the audio range so the resulting pulses can be filtered and smoothed out, leaving only the desired audio signal. The result is nearly loss-free operation and far less heat build up when the amplifier is driven continuously at high operating levels.

Protections
K and KW Series are two of the most robust and trouble free systems available anywhere. First, they benefit from the closed design of an active loudspeaker system, offering more protection of both the amplifier and the transducers than would typically be possible with a component system. Next, K and KW Series feature QSC Guardrail technology, originally introduced on QSC’s GX Series amplifiers, which prevents destructive clipping distortion and woofer over excursion.

Heat dispersion is managed by a number of thermal protections including a virtually silent internal fan that engages on-demand during periods when the amp senses high temperatures and turns off when no additional cooling is necessary. There is also discreet signal limiting technology to prevent overheating of the amplifier and transducers as well as short-circuit protection such as is found on all rugged, reliable QSC amplifiers.
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Helpful Info about the Manufacturer
Phone:  800-772-2834 Warranty:  3 Years; 1 Year on TouchMix; CP Series warranty is 1 year +5 upon registration; B-Stock is 1 (one) Year only! Accessories: Limited 90 day

Product Specifications

QSC K12 Powered PA Speaker Specifications
  • Configuration: Multipurpose 2-way
  • Transducers:
    • Low-frequency: 12" cone transducer
    • High-frequency: 1.75" diaphragm compression driver
  • Frequency Response (-6 dB): 52 Hz - 18 kHz
  • Frequency Range (-10 dB): 48 Hz - 20 kHz
  • Nominal Coverage (-6 dB): 75° conical
  • Maximum SPL1: 131 dB peak
  • Power Output:
    • 1000 W continuous Class D (500 W LF, 500 W HF)
    • 2000 W peak:
  • Input Impedance (ohms):
    • XLR / 1/4 inch: 40k balanced / 20k unbalanced
    • XLR / 1/4 inch MIC mode: 2260 balanced:
    • RCA: 10k:
  • Controls:
    • Power
    • Gain A and Gain B
    • Mic/Line
    • LF Mode (Ext Sub/Norm/DEEP)
    • HF Mode (Flat/Vocal Boost)
    • Front LED (On/Off/Limit)
  • Indicators: Power, Signal A, Signal B, Standby, Limit, Mic
  • Connectors:
    • Balanced female XLR/1/4 inch line/mic level input
    • Balanced female XLR/1/4 inch line level input
    • Dual Balanced male XLR full range line level out
    • Balanced male XLR 'mix' out
    • Stereo RCA line level input, Remote gain control
    • Locking IEC power connector
  • Cooling: On demand, 50 mm variable speed fan
  • Amplifier Protection: Thermal limiting, output overcurrent, overtemperature muting, GuardRail
  • Transducer Protection: Thermal limiting, excursion limiting
  • AC Power Input: Universal power supply 100-240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
  • AC Power Consumption:
    • 100 VAC, 2.3 A (1/8 Power)
    • 120 VAC, 2.01 A
    • 230 VAC, 1.13 A
  • Enclosure Material: Impact resistant ABS
    • Finish: Black paint
    • Grille: Rugged Powder-Coated Steel Grille
  • Dimensions (HWD): 23.7 x 14 x 14 inches (603 x 356 x 356 mm)
  • Weight: 41 lb (18.6 kg)

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