[2024 Edition] Highly Recommended by PA Experts! QSC Powered PA Speakers!!

In this article, I’ll introduce the key points of powered PA speakers, the CP Series and K.2 Series from a PA sound equipment manufacturer QSC, for which Sound House is a distributor in Japan.

CP Series

1. Compact Size!

The 8-inch CP8 model has dimensions of 411 x 273 x 256 mm. To give you an idea of the size, here’s a comparison: (Left: QSC/CP8, Right: JBL/IRX108BT).

The compactness of the 12-inch version is also apparent when compared side-by-side.
(Left: Electro-Voice/SX300, QSC/CP12, JBL/IRX112BT).

For portable PA systems, which require frequent transport, storage, setup, and teardown, this compact and lightweight design is a significant advantage!

2. Simply, Great Sound!

QSC delivers “clear yet balanced sound with a strong and full-bodied tone.”
The CP8 produces a sound that feels one or even two sizes larger than its compact appearance, which was surprising upon first hearing. The larger CP12 model excels in bass and projection, proving its worth during an outdoor dance event with its powerful sound. You can check out more on the blog below.

⇒ Related Blog: Intense dance battle F-1 GRAND PRIX

⇒ QSC Powered Speakers CP Series

Sample Audio

3. Simple Connections and Setup!

“Just connect your devices and turn the knobs!” Even those who are not confident in PA setup can use the CP Series with ease. With three input channels, you can build a simple PA system without needing an analog mixer. For example, here’s a setup for a singer-songwriter performance:

• Input A (Line Input) → Acoustic guitar or keyboard
• Input B (Mic/Line switchable) → Dynamic microphone
• Input C (Stereo Mini) → Smartphone or BGM source

4. Versatile for Both Main Speakers and Floor Monitors!

When using them as main speakers, simply select ‘Default’ for a balanced sound.
If you need more bass for DJing or dance lessons, choose ‘Dance’ for a more powerful sound. For floor monitor use, selecting ‘Floor Monitor’ will provide a sound that reduces bass for easier monitoring.

Default：

Standard Voice (for live performances, playback, or instruments)

Default Ext Sub：

Adds an 80Hz high-pass filter to the standard voice (for use with subwoofers like KS112)

Dance：

Emphasizes low frequencies and clarifies mid-high frequencies (ideal for pop or electronic music playback) *When MIC BOOST is enabled, Input A remains in ‘Dance’ mode, while Input B switches to ‘Speech’.

Dance Ext Sub：

Adds an 80Hz high-pass filter to Dance mode (for subwoofers like the KS112) *When MIC BOOST is enabled, Input A remains in ‘Dance’ mode, while Input B switches to ‘Speech’.

Floor Monitor：

A sound optimized for stage monitors with balanced bass even with nearby microphones.

Speech：

Provides a clear sound for handheld or headset mics on Input B, while Inputs A/C remain in Default mode.

K.2 Series

1. Recommended for Those Prioritizing Sound Quality!

All models, the 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch, feature a 2000W high-power amplifier. Many people associate QSC with ‘power amplifiers’, and when combined with their latest DSP and high-quality speaker units, the result is exceptional. Compared to speakers from other manufacturers of the same size, these speakers deliver a richer, more detailed sound, even at high volumes.

Sample Audio

2. Flexible Standalone Settings!

The K.2 Series allows for easy switching of input levels, presets, low-cut for subwoofer use, parametric equalizer, and even time alignment/delay, fully catering to users who want to fine-tune their sound. Of course, the settings can be saved and recalled, allowing you to instantly configure the system without needing to start from scratch on-site, which is a major benefit of DSP-equipped models.

3. 11 Versatile Presets

While I recommended manual adjustments earlier, don’t worry—just like with the CP Series, these presets make setup easy.
Whether you’re using DEFAULT or DANCE for main PA speakers, or STAGE MONITOR for floor monitoring, the two-stage low-frequency options let you tailor the sound to your needs. QSC sound quality even extends to non-PA applications, like bass amps or studio monitors.

4. Two Output Ports for Easy PA System Expansion

The K.2 Series features a thru output (PRE GAIN) for both chA and chB, as well as a MIX OUT (POST GAIN) that mixes the stereo mini input of chC with chA and chB. This setup is ideal when you need to expand your PA system in a large area by adding more speakers that deliver the same sound. If you want the gain knobs to affect the output, use the MIX OUT.

What do you think? Both the CP Series and K.2 Series are equipped with QSC’s high-quality power amplifiers, making it easy for anyone to set up a high-quality PA system. These powered PA speakers are highly recommended, as they provide exceptional sound quality, regardless of the use case or genre, and will deliver great satisfaction to your audience. Be sure to check them out!