QSC's new WL218-sw subwoofer  Add your News

A dual-eighteen subwoofer built for flown or groundstack applications, the new WL218-sw subwoofer from QSC meets the demands of discerning touring and installed sound reinforcement professionals. Operable down to 31 Hz and capable of delivering high acoustic output (139 dB SPL@1m), the device is a working coalition of sonic punch, extended response, and low frequency accuracy. Ideally suited for use with QSC's WideLine loudspeakers, it can be used with other professional, full-range enclosures as well.

As sound system designers and operators increasingly seek out the performance and space-saving attributes afforded by flown subwoofer systems, the WL218-sw stands ready to easily go airborne using an elegantly simple, three-point rigging scheme that is essentially a larger-scale version of that used with QSC's WideLine system. Utilizing a proprietary, heavy-duty frame (model AF218-w) made from welded, aviation-grade aluminum, each hanging WL218-sw array facilitates the suspension of up to eight individual subwoofers with a 10:1 design factor.

In cases where flying is impractical, the WL218-sw can quickly be pressed into groundstack service with the aid of interlocking feet and recess features machined into each enclosure's end-caps.

Every WL218-sw enclosure is built from birch plywood protected with an eco-friendly, waterborne polymer finish capable of surviving life on the road while still remaining field-repairable. Each cabinet additionally features extensive internal bracing that eliminates acoustical losses caused by panel resonance. The design's integrity is further enhanced by vent walls constructed of the same plywood as the outer enclosure, and generous, strategically located ports capable of moving large amounts of air with a minimum of turbulence. The latter design element also eliminates asymmetrical loading of the woofers, a factor frequently contributing to distortion and voice coil failure.

Safeguarded by a 14-gauge, powder-coated steel grille, each of the WL218-sw's 18-inch, premium transducers are housed in their own separate chamber to prevent failure of one driver from affecting the performance of the other. Incorporating a double-layer spider and triple-roll surround that promotes extended and controlled excursion at extreme power, the woofers are equipped with a four-inch voice coil wound on a fiberglass former that resists deformation at high operating temperatures.

During the development of the WL218-sw, mindful care was given to both transport and handling issues. As a result, the enclosure now finds itself outfitted with a dozen ergonomically placed handles that are always within easy reach no matter how the box is being deployed. A dolly is also included at no extra cost. Sporting 3.5-inch, ball bearing casters, it can be instantly put to use via a snap-on mechanism that attaches directly to the enclosure.

The WL218-sw will be available beginning in August 2006. QSC Audio Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of power amplifiers, loudspeakers, signal processing, digital signal transport, and computer control systems for professional audio markets worldwide.