QSC KS118 Review and Comparison - BETTER THAN KW181?

[@DjRiviera21]

I never comment on anything online.. But This Is THE BEST Review and Comparison.. Thank you!! 👏🏻

[@thats_entertainin]

it really was

[@DJRachelLynch]

Very well done! I appreciate the production and effort put into this.

[@2beJT]

I was going to buy a KS118.. now I realize I need to get 2 of them. I hope QSC let you keep some of that gear. You got me doubling my next order with that great demo.

[@jaywansley]

For years I wanted the KW181s. I was saving up to purchase them when the KS212C came out. I found that I actually preferred the bass response of the 12” better. But honestly, the two were close in terms of which one I liked better. I began looking for a good deal on a KS212C. And right before I pulled the trigger on a used one at a great price, the KS118 came out. I went to Guitar Center to check it out. Fortunately, they had the KW181, the KS212C , and the KS118 in stock, so I was able to compare all 3. I fully expected that the KS212C would be preferred and that the new KS118 would sound similar to the older KW181. I was completely wrong. There was no comparison. The KS118 blew the other two out of the water. I bought one new on the spot. I use it paired with KW122 Mains in a rock band situation. The single KS118 provides plenty of low end. I turned it up once louder than I typically set it for our gigs while we were setting up for an outside gig. It was literally vibrating the windows of every house on the street. Amazing sub!

[@WhaTheHammmer]

The clip at the end was legendary

[@rudypena74]

I have a set of these KS118 subs and when I purchased them I thought I made a mistake.....I was so wrong. When I used them the 1st time I fell In love and knew that I had hit the nail on the head with this purchase. I've had these for 1 year now and I am so happy with them. Thank you QSC!!!

[@vicente1mejia]

Que tal salen ya las ordene pero como que no estaba decidido con la yorkville ES18P

[@lensmccracken3678]

Dude you're really good at this no lie.

[@steelcityneal]

Brian This the BEST review I have ever seen on speakers! I traded up my pair of 181s for a KS212C and then these came out! Still going to get a pair of the new ones! Thanks again for the awesome review!

[@adamdjxclusivesa8191]

I also have 2 of the KS212C, I think they sound amazing! I did a comparison at home with both of them running +10db. The KS212C was loader and punchier, but the 18 is slighty deeper and the lower bass travels farther (good for large gyms) . So it depends on your application. I do lots of private events in hotels so the KS212C do the job for 250-300 people for an event is good to me. I have one KW181 right now I hardly use. It's currently for sale, once sold I want to get 2 KS118's but I heard the Yorkville ES18P the other day and wow, a different type of bass and OMG loud! I think I'll get the Yorkville down the road.

[@isomorphic97]

@@adamdjxclusivesa8191 did you get the Yorckville? I’m mean they are horn loaded and super large so of course they deliver differently

[@jasonrankin9515]

They let you borrow them? After this stellar review they should make you keep them!!

[@RealG23__]

Jason Rankin exactly

[@johnorbegozo685]

Thanks to this video I was able to buy this sub this past weekend it's amazing I never heard anything so loud and clear it's scary loud

[@MrPee-xg6lj]

Did you only buy one

[@johnorbegozo685]

@@MrPee-xg6lj yeah I bought one for about 1500 it's incredibly loud the bass is scary I use it on alot of edm, hip hop and its perfect I wanted the extra power and its worth every dollar

[@MrPee-xg6lj]

Thanks about to order now

[@angustmcd]

Most professional review video I have come accross. Top notch.

[@djdigital3806]

I never considered QSC but after this review I'm interested. Great and informative review.🔊

[@wesleywright7348]

I was almost sold on JBL until I listened to this review.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

I always preferred QSC speakers over JBL as an audience member. I feel like their subs hit noticeably harder, and the top speakers are incredible for their size, even without a sub for certain genres! The treble and vocal range also sounded clear to me. I also think their equipment looks really nice, especially the older K and KW series with the exposed drivers behind the grill: they just screamed “powerful” as soon as you looked at them.

[@rlg222]

I've had my KW181's for about 5 years. They have been rained on twice and still rockin. After hearing other subs they just don't compare anymore. Still a solid sub though...

[@djdashdfw]

The editing and production value on this video is outstanding!

[@parrogakaparadise9477]

First review of yours I’ve watched and it’s first class. Thank you from a new subscriber to your YT channel.

[@Mani-aX]

back to back for me, that has the best sound and output.

[@djtj9484]

The difference is HUGE! Thanks for the great review. I’ve always been a fan of QSC’s speakers

[@sonny9546]

Yes KW181 has no chances.

[@powersquadentertainment8172]

Your videos are amazing and well put together very elegant and professional.

[@djgslimm]

This has to be the best review of the QSC KS118 I have seen since it hit the market to make me really consider upgrading my QSC subs.

[@driggaknot6042]

Bro u have done the best comparison I have seen on KZbin yet, u rock

[@TylerMarletteNY]

put a VRX918sp side by side and be amazed in the difference in deepness and quality, just did a show where venue was using both boxes and turned the qsc off, also the Srx828sp / rcf 9004 are great options. this box is to give DJ’s the “wow that’s loud” feel but play something like “put on” and you will be missing the last 2 notes with any qsc product

[@BrianDiener]

Indeed, the VRX918SP is rated down to 31hz versus the KS118 at 35hz (both at -10dB). The VRX remains lower by around 7hz as those levels increase. QSC and JBL don't provide equal measurements, so that's the difference between the JBL at plus/minus 3dB and the QSC at -6dB. However, the VRX918SP has a peak SPL of 126dB, versus the KS118's 136dB. So you're sacrificing overall output power in exchange for lower frequency range. 10dB is a substantial difference. For certain applications and genres, I do agree the

[@matthewfox2959]

Great video Brian! Very well done! Thank you for taking the time to put together this review and comparison. Much appreciated! I'm looking forward to hearing the KS118. I have had my two 181's since the first year QSC put them out. I have ran my 181's in a back to back cardiod configuration for the last 5-6 years. You simply reverse the polarity switch in the rear sub. I'm sure there's a few finer tech adjustments/crossover points, etc... that go into a cardiod mode in DSP. Though, mostly what it does is reverse the polarity. I wanted to share this in case someone has two 181's and is considering buying the 118's so they can run a configuration.... no realizing they can do it with the 181's. All that being said, I imagine these things sound unreal and I'm looking forward to picking them up.... probably keep my 181's too for outdoor/high wear gigs. Do you notice a richer/tighter response in frequency with the 118's? Again, thank you for posting. Cheers! DJ GUNZ

[@laszloturi9633]

you need delay, another wise it will wont work how it suppose

[@blazinvybes_829]

If I didn't already purchase 2 more kw181 (less than 4months) ago I'd definitely pick up a set of kw 118. Suprised that qsc made stacking point that fit the kw 181 ontop of the kw118. Wonder how the combo would actually sound together

[@MrVirgo91771]

Thank you for that AWSOME demonstration...

[@coolflex1]

Great review, best one yet!! For my mobile dj set-up, I'm rockin RCF 705 AS-II's(50lbs) which is a 15in that held it's own against a 18in KW181!! Price, size and weight is what sold me and as for the QSC KS118, MONSTER speaker! I fell in love with it as soon as I saw the 3600 peak power(which is really 1800watts RMS) so I went to Guitar Center to check them out. But damn, 100lbs?? I can't see myself coppin them because of the size, weight & price. So my logic is, If I were to go big like that, I'd be lookin at either a JBL SRX828SP, Yorkville, Yamaha or something like that and compare them using the 3P's, power, price and portability. But still QSC is one of the best brands out there to me and I know it's a great subwoofer

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

Ive been watching your channel since its inception, if and when you decide to do something other than Djing you may want to consider sales your good at it. thats a compliment. great review.

[@soentertainmentdjs2316]

centerstage entertainment this boy is good

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

yeah I agree, BTW what do you think of the new QSC KS118 DJ SO.

[@DJFlowtunes]

You have done a fantastic job in reviewing the QSC KS118. The audio quality, video quality, presentation and overall production quality are top notch. I give you kudos for that. I would have loved it if you could have also used an SPL meter but ain't nothing. I noticed that in the cardioid mode the subs sounded better side by side as opposed to the back to back mode which QSC says is the best option. Additionally, I think the KS118 has a deeper and fuller sound than the kw181 and has more headroom therefore, it will probably be louder than the kw181. I like QSC for their overall quality and so I will probably be getting a pair cause of your review and will be selling my kw181. Overall, you did a good job on the review. You just got a subscriber buddy.

[@yanikbeauchemin9456]

My guess would be the environment in which he tested the stack plays has a different impact for the cardioid setup. Put these FOH at the front of the stage, and I'm sure QSC's recommendations would be spot on

[@oxnardadrianlopez6684]

The music at the end with booming bass is the kind of audition I was hoping for. DJs play that for hrs and hrs. But thank you.

[@Tha_don58]

One of the best reviews. Ok my order has been made...2 QSC KS 118.

[@DenisDamulira23]

KS118 sounds deeper due to a better driver (some say RCF or B & C driver) but most importantly, it has a built-in small folded horn. Bass pushes further into the audience.

[@chevyrupleix]

This review looks like an official advertisement on the product. I like it!

[@jessemilstead810]

Personally I absolutely love it! We pair them with kw153s. Running two of each, then bigger places or outside we run 4 of each. Then k12.2 as monitors. But I have yet to get to a point where I needed more. Also I can lift them both into the van myself and stack them myself.

[@tommih597]

Back to back config definitely makes the bass sound the best

[@joshuairwin5764]

Your videos are REALLY GOOD. Keep up the good work. Loved the K12.2 video as well! Although I might end up buying the Yamaha DXR or RCF ART 712 instead

[@rogerpedraza]

Are those two QSC 18's an QSC 12's at the 6:49 mark ?

[@undercoverlive6034]

great review best I have seen and watched. Thank you!

[@CosmoEvents-Dj]

Phenomenal review! Thanks Brian all my questions has been answered with this video.

[@andrebryant516]

Although I’m keeping my 181s... I thought this was gonna be a cheesy well done speaker photo shoot slash video shoot but turns out I was wrong... it’s a high dollar well done actual review.

[@BrianDiener]

Thanks for the kind words! Many hours and days went into creating this review with all the various sound tests. Wouldn't waste your time, nor would I waste my own 😁

[@andrebryant516]

Brian Diener I can tell great job and thanks

[@thats_entertainin]

Great video... I've switched over to QSC... and I'm going to grab those KS118

[@djspiritjamuzik1272]

Thank you for this comparison!

[@Emmanuyael]

Nice review, even though it's not really an apples to apples comparison, the KW181 is a 2000W peak and KS118 is almost a double of that at 3600W peak, add in quite a few years of newer developed technology and you get your result :))

[@terrelbennett2970]

I JUST GOT MINES YESTERDAY I SO FREAKIN LOVE IT & I HAVEN'T TESTED IT YET I AM AT THE SWEET SIXTEEN I GOT OMG I CANT WAIT I HEARD NOTHING GOOD REVIEWS FOR IT NOW MY SOUND IS REALLY COMPLETE IMA BE GOOD FOR BIGGER VENUES NOW

[@garyjohnson4988]

In a live band setting they make a difference. I have the cardioid double 12’s. And the new !8’s fill out the sound of the low end a little better. The double 12’s work great for small rooms and controlling the low end. They do thump though. Great video!

[@jitbass.]

Back to back 🔥🔥

[@michaelyoung7911]

Awesome review!

[@abielpangga6314]

To help you guys research about the back to back config its actually called the endfire cardioid

[@michaelyoung7911]

How is it if you just put the two of them side-by-side facing the same direction is it louder than trying to do a cardiod pattern also can you do the stack method laying on its side?

[@samirpurohit5064]

Really well explained video with real live example!! Seidel sir … can you also please make a complete video using QSC digital mixer ?

[@mason7300]

I will say that this 118 is very directional. Out doors you can walk around and hear it 1200 ft easy straight out. From the rear it is really quiet. I would not use cardioid. If you have two stack them.

[@jeffreymiller1031]

Would the QSC 10.2 be a great fit with subwoofer

[@ajvboston1]

Dope Review!

[@HouseNinjaMusic]

Very helpful and well done comparison, thank you!

[@Johnnybang916_]

Mine is coming in on Thursday. ❤😊

[@mashzmash]

In the 181 comparison were you feeding it full-range without a crossover?

[@djmikenyceworld]

good review man. keep up the good work. blessings.

[@drewbixel2216]

need that beat that starts @ 0:56, anyone know??

[@notaturkey2607]

Yep I am convinced that this is a $2500 sub being sold at $1499.

[@BrianDiener]

Right?? My thoughts exactly.

[@WhaTheHammmer]

Shhhh don't tell qsc that haha

[@chipanderson4768]

@@BrianDiener Great Review! Bought mine for $1400 each add tax WITH QSC bags, including freight shipping on a pallet. I picked up at a nearby FedEx.

[@miguelmendoza8152]

So being that there are three different positions to set them up in. Will they be okay to be set up far apart from one another ? Or do they have to be set up in the best, good, better position in order to get the maximum sound bass outta them??

[@tonysilva4988]

They finally fixed the Handle orientation! ok now we are talking...

[@DJSolstice]

Tony Silva NO! This orientation SUCKS! They’re impossible to move when on the ground

[@FireFly14801]

Hi Brian. Great review! I wish you would review the KS212C Vs the KS118.. I'm trying to decide between a KS212C and a KS118 subwoofer for my 8-piece Yacht Rock band. We run everything through the PA system and are currently using 2 Presonus Studio Live 315 IA for front of house with no subwoofer. While they sound great and are plenty loud, we're missing the "thump" of a subwoofer. I realize that a single KS118 will not give us a cardioid pattern but we can always get a second one later. Besides, I've read some people comment that you really need two KS212C cabs to sound good. Anyway, a quality review/comparison like the one you did here would be greatly appreciated by many, I'm sure.

[@idread1104]

What is that beat that you playing in the beginning of this review

[@RandomButBeautiful]

amazing review

[@MobilediscowirralCoUk]

Did you have small odd noise vibration with wheels? Above medium volume

[@fifinecleonechan9119]

Awesome and helpful review!! Will you do more DJ gear review in the future?? can't wait to see that!

[@TheMrL3MON4DE]

Have you ever heard the ev etx 18sp? Do you think I should upgrade mine for a KS 118?

[@BrianDiener]

Haven't had the chance to listen to the ETX18sp so I can't say. But you could always go to a music store and demo both side by side

[@andybelii]

So...can you buy ks or use ev etx??

[@bakerrr333]

Allan- heath mixwizard has three outputs... L, R, Mono... How would I go about connecting my mixer to one or two of these woofers if I am sending my xlr outs to a set of K12s? Thank you, great review by the way. Production value thru the roof

[@BrianDiener]

Just use the L and R as you normally would to send a signal to the left and right top speakers. Then daisychain a subwoofer to each top speaker and set your desired levels on the backs of the speakers and subs.

[@carlotheatheist]

You should try end fire position. That would be much awesome sound.

[@michaelclabaugh2465]

2 of theses and 2 kw 153 In a 5000 sq ft indoor space with live band. Thoughts? Would the bass be felt, plenty of volume?

[@kevinhirt]

That clip at the end.... holy balls😍

[@MartinSteringer]

Is the KS118 a better deal compared to RCF8004 ? RCF ones are used (1680€), QSC new (1480€)

[@josealfredfernandes]

Both are similar, if I were you.. I would had got new.. we never know.. what's the problem with the used one

[@DJTEDDY507]

Great review!

[@paulvl4430]

Best review ever in my life

[@dougberry4674]

While I feel there are much better choices for performance and value than QSC, I always appreciate well-produced video content! One note: Your sub tests are all a bit skewed being that close to a wall. The best place to test subs, but really any speaker, in as objective of a method as possible, is outdoors.

[@BrianDiener]

Appreciate it, Doug! And yeah you are absolutely right, testing subs in a confined space isn't ideal. Outdoors would have been a better choice, and it did cross my mind, but too much time had already been invested into filming the original tests to justify starting over.

[@precisiondrive]

Really good comparison video, easy to tell the difference and comfirtable to watch, when you sy +10dB K181 and +10dB KS118, did both speaker start to trigger it's limiter? I believ this is the only way to know they are both working on their full power.

[@threadoflife]

I just bought 2 QSC 10.2 speakers and 1 118 sub to pair with them. Should I have gone with 2 112’s instead? How would sound quality compare with 2 of the 112’s vs the one 118. I’m also considering trading the 118 out for the 2 112’s for that transportation ability as well, but regardless of transportation, ultimately sound is important, what would anyone suggest. I play live and most use for at home use for karaoke parties. I plug in to play live music as well and also to enjoy music from home for parties/get together etc. I may get into gigging more down the road so I thought the 112’s may be more convenient, but I don’t want to compromise on sound quality overall just for the convenience factor. Long story short who’s the winner? 2 112’s or 1 118???!!

[@Jacob-Faria]

Can you please review/demo high end line array speakers? Your production quality is perfect and no one else on youtube seems to have similar videos. I'm really into live audio but not a "dj".

[@jean-philippechampagne3322]

Ok now I’m buying 2 pairs but what tops should I run with these ?

[@Sptsmn700]

Ugh bought a used 181 a year ago with plans to get another. Now going to have to sell it and buy two 118's once they hit the used market.

[@akashgaikwad2672]

I think so side by side is good clearly subs coming out

[@tommih597]

The back to back cancellation is pretty impressive

[@patomansvibration6521]

This is a very good review, I've been looking for an active subwoofer speakers for a live band honestly I prefer this setup. Please where can I get this speakers from any contacts or Link please.

[@dynamikdj1]

Great review

[@RenatoVera]

Congratulations on the video. Excellent quality, minimalist, clear and objective. greetings from Brazil

[@tommih597]

The 118 sounds significantly clearer and tighter then the 181 in the final comparison

[@creativespecies7032]

What's the best settings to hook up two k12.2 to a k118 subwoofer for a party for balanced bass for sub and distributed equal for tops?

[@TOPCyber]

I think the KS118 has a bit more kick to it. You feel the punch a bit more. In our sports arena we have 4 KW181 and they lack in punchy bass.

[@joeyjeneane70586]

Hi,Can I run a crossover to it even though it has one built in? If so what setting i need to put the on board crossover at? i have a dbx 234xs 2-/3-way Stereo, 4-way Mono Crossover.

[@nanadjnyk]

what crossover settings ,would you use with the k12.2 and the ks118.

[@simonprice1938]

80khz or 100khz my friend...which ever sounds best in the room your working in. Have a play..

[@DjTecniq]

Great review but seeing as the KW181 are being sold new for $1000 or less is quite a steal.

[@djrickygaz]

Why would you spend around 1000 when you can spend an extra 500 and get three times the power I still wouldn’t buy a KW 181 unless It were around the $600 mark

[@djsavtug]

@@djrickygaz thee times the power. Are u really serious about this. Come on man, do some basic audio training

[@Reedith]

Live this sub I bought one and now I'ma go get another. For my 12.2s

[@mmx2323]

what a well made video !

[@gitucha]

Very good review I loved it.

[@jaredhermans8478]

If you don't care about bass bleed behind the speakers is it louder to place both facing the audience?

[@BrianDiener]

Great question. With a cardioid sub setup, you do get an overall reduced sensitivity/output towards the dancefloor, with the advantage that you get less rear-radiation. However, the KS118's are extremely powerful subwoofers, so the slight reduction in output towards the dancefloor is a drop in the bucket

[@djez3398]

What settings would you recommend for a party. I’m confused on what the crossover setting means. I have the two subs pointing foward with kw12’s on top? Does cardioid setting have to be foward to get the most out of it? Thank you

[@PURESOUND4]

Cardoid settings are only for situations like shown in the video, where 2 subs are used to send more sound forward and less to the rear. If you're using 2 split subs (1 left, 1 right) with a top speaker above each sub, then you shouldn't use the cardoid settings.

[@RichieMillions]

Can you share your thoughts on utilizing two ks118 subs in a cardioid configuration vs a more traditional left + right configuration (tops and mains paired)

[@BrianDiener]

The downside to a cardioid configuration is there will be a slight loss in overall sensitivity, but you get the benefit of directing bass away from the stage. If you've got the headroom for it, cardioid is a great option. But if you need to maximize the output of your system, cardioid isn't the best option. Left/right sub configuration will give you "power alleys" which are exactly what they sound like. Center clustering the subs with both firing toward the audience will give you the best overall output, but with the downside being the stage gets hit pretty hard with low frequencies too. It all really depends on what the venue looks like and the size of the audience.

[@RichieMillions]

@@BrianDiener Very helpful thanks!

[@erlab619]

Brian, you are the real deal : )

[@djnormalmix_]

This video is amazing wow ...very professional

[@winship7891]

Ok, the changing of the handles is my favorite part.

[@sall4818]

Question, how do u have the crossover on the k12.2 with the ks118? Is it just me or having the k12.2 on 80 doesn't sound good? Can you have the k12.2 on no sub? I have a pair of k12.2 and 1 k118.

[@BrianDiener]

I believe 80hz is the least intrusive crossover option you can do on the K12.2, but it's definitely worth going through and looking at all the settings.

[@alexdefrancisco3066]

Have you had any problems with the ks181? I just bought one and found recently some bad reviews and problems with them not working and giving a bad burning odor while played.

[@BrianDiener]

Never had an issue with them! If you just bought it, the unit should still be under warranty.