[Product Review] QSCs New KC12 3-way Column Speaker

This time, I had the opportunity to try out QSC's highly anticipated new product, the 3-way column speaker "KC12." I'll be sharing my impressions, including some fine-tuning and how it sounds in action, along with the overall user experience to highlight the appeal of this product.

First off, the first thing I noticed when assembling it was that it’s really big.
Column speakers have now become a standard PA speaker category. They’ve earned their place due to their easy setup, ability to deliver clear sound over a wide area, and versatility for various applications. When you compare it with other column speakers on display, like the CLASSIC PRO and JBL models, you can really see how large the KC12 is.
The one on the far right is QSC's KC12.

A common way of thinking with PA speakers is that larger size is advantageous for volume, sound pressure, and low-end reproduction, and that’s exactly what the KC12 delivers. When I compared it with the usual music sources I’m familiar with, the KC12 stood out with significantly higher volume and deep low-end response.

Even at volumes that would make the LIMIT light come on in other models, the KC12 didn’t trigger the light. I actually started getting a bit nervous myself because I thought that I shouldn’t turn it up any further! (laughs)

The angle of the speaker array also played a significant role.
The room where I tested it had a relatively low ceiling, so I was concerned about possible reflections, but when I listened to it from about 20 meters away, there were no issues at all. It was just simply impressive. As for the sound quality, it’s exactly what you’d expect from QSC. Even at high volumes, there was no distortion or harshness in the high end. The clarity of QSC speakers remains intact and only the sound gets louder.

I don’t think there are many column speakers that can produce this level of sound quality, volume, and low-end punch. I believe it’s more than capable for settings like rock band live performances.

Next, let’s take a look at the rear panel.
The 3-channel inputs are similar to the previous K.2 series, but the KC12 is QSC’s first speaker to support Bluetooth music playback. The range of input options is extensive, allowing it to handle various situations.

chA： Line, Mic, Hi-Z
chB： Line, Mic, Mic (+48V)
chC： Stereo Mini, Bluetooth

You can also see the word "DEFAULT" near the chA and chB inputs.
The KC12 comes with 14 built-in presets, each fine-tuned for different types of instruments and offers optimal sound for a wide range of scenarios.

• DEFAULT: A setting without any EQ or processing applied.
• VOX LO DYN: For dynamic microphones used for low-frequency vocals.
• VOX HI DYN: For dynamic microphones used for high-frequency vocals.
• VOX LO CON: For condenser microphones used for low-frequency vocals.
• VOX HI CON: For condenser microphones used for high-frequency vocals.
• HAND MIC: For handheld microphones, designed for clear speech and feedback reduction.
• LAV MIC: For lavalier microphones, providing clear speech with feedback reduction.
• HEAD MIC: For headset microphones, ensuring clear speech with feedback reduction.
• AC GUIT: For acoustic guitars with either active or passive pickup systems.
• E BASS: For bass guitars with either active or passive pickup systems.
• KEYS: For keyboards.
• E DRUM: For electronic drum kits.
• BAND MIC: For acoustic bands using a single condenser microphone.
• 100Hz HPF: A setting that reduces low frequencies while maintaining a flat response.

“As a bassist, I immediately connected my electric bass, set it to Hi-Z, and tried the "E BASS" preset. And once again, I had a completely new and exciting experience.
What stood out to me was the difference in how the sound came at me. Normally, with the bass amp I use, the sound comes from something lower than my height, so it feels like the sound is coming from a lower position. But with the KC12, the high and mid frequencies seem to fall down from above, almost as if they’re raining down on you. This is a sensation I’ve never experienced before.”
A bass amp paired with a column speaker? This is definitely a win. I highly recommend it to all bassists.

The next standout feature is something new for QSC powered speakers and that’s reverb.

The parameters you can adjust for the reverb are simple—just the effect level and the type of reverb have more notable features. With this setup, I tried playing a solo bass piece called "Sweet Memory" that I learned from a bass instruction book, and the result was a beautifully expansive sound. The reverb provided a really pleasant sense of depth. The quality of the reverb is so refined that I would recommend it to anyone who’s not satisfied with the multi-effects built into mixers.

One standout feature unique to the KC12 is the SUB ONLY MODE.

Incredibly, you can use it as a standalone subwoofer.
This is a feature I haven’t seen in other column speakers. When you switch this mode on, the high and mid frequencies stop being output from the top speakers, and only low-end sound comes from the subwoofer.

There are many other features in the KC12 that make you wonder, "Can it really do that?"

One of those features is the SUB LEVEL.

This allows you to individually adjust the volume of the subwoofer's low-end frequencies. If you feel the bass is a bit too boomy, you can dial it back, or if you want to pump up the low-end for a club DJ-style thumping bass, you can crank it up. I’ve seen situations where the low-end is so overpowering that it becomes difficult to hear clearly, but having the ability to tailor the settings to suit the acoustics of the environment gives you peace of mind.

SUB LEVEL
This allows you to set the level of the subwoofer independently from the top box. When you increase the subwoofer level, the sensitivity decreases, so if you're using the "BALANCED" setting, the limiter might kick in at lower volume levels.

BALANCED:

This setting optimizes the output balance between the top box and subwoofer before the limiter activates, ensuring both components work in harmony.

BOOST:

This raises the subwoofer level and enhances the low-end frequencies, making it perfect for program material or electronic dance music (EDM), where a strong bass is essential.

DEEP (Digital Extension and Excursion Processing):

This is an EQ algorithm designed to achieve the maximum subwoofer level without causing distortion or excessive amplitude. It delivers deep, musically rich low frequencies without unwanted clipping or distortion.

-1 to OFF:

This setting is used when the user needs to lower or completely turn off the subwoofer level to reduce the low-end frequencies.

SUB ONLY:

This setting is for applications where you want to use the subwoofer only. It mutes the top box channel of the KC12 amplifier, so even if the top box is connected, no sound will be produced from it.

CONTOUR

This menu allows you to shape the overall sound character of the speaker. By adjusting this to your preferred sound quality and combining it with other presets, you’re set to achieve the perfect sound.

CONTOUR:
Select the programmed EQ and dynamic processing settings that apply to the entire speaker for shaping the sound profile.

• DEFAULT: Standard setting
• LIVE: Designed for live sound, with clear vocals.
• DANCE: Emphasizes low and high frequencies, ideal for dance music.
• CINEMA: Enhances low frequencies, perfect for cinema sound.

I tried various combinations of the PRESET, SUB LEVEL, and CONTOUR settings, and of course, none of them resulted in any distortion. Each combination produced a solid, usable sound.

Having experienced the sound quality of QSC’s previous K series, I can confidently say that the KC12 exceeded my expectations.

To summarize, whether as a PA speaker or as an amplifier for instruments, this is a top-tier product. A remarkable column speaker that elevates your system to the next level, or even two!

You can listen to the KC12 Speaker at the Narita showroom, so if you’re nearby, I highly recommend stopping by to experience the hype for yourself.