When I first started getting into audio engineering, I thought there couldn’t possibly be more to it than twisting some dials to lower or heighten the volume of any sound, music, or speech. I was proven wrong when I was tasked to look into new speakers for our new installment two weeks into the industry. I went through a shortlist and found QSC. It was my first time hearing about it, believe it or not, and it piqued my interest. I began researching about the company and its products. As you will see, I was impressed enough to pick it among others and purchase from them.
QSC KLA12 Reviewed
QSC entered the market by selling amplifiers to Californian musicians in 1968, which is a significant turn in the music age. At the start of the next decade, the company turned its attention to the growing need for speakers in the area. Since those days, QSC has been riding the wave of innovations and technological advancements. Part of the KLA series, KLA12 is a two-way speaker designed to be suspended along with four other speakers for optimum audio transmission. However, it also works as a standalone speaker. I hope that you get something out of this review.
This speaker is curved inwards from bottom to top and is slightly tapered when viewed from the side. It has a nominal coverage of 90 degrees by 18 degrees. It is 15 inches in height, 23.4 inches in width, and has 16.6 inches for depth. It weighs 55 pounds. The whole speaker is made from impact-resistant ABS. The steel grille is rugged powder-coated. The best thing about this speaker is that it has an option of either a black or white finish.
The power button is found at the back, below the AC In and AC Out slot. Beside these buttons is the cooling fan. Next is the Line In and Line Out plugs. Above the plugs is a set of three LED light indicators with corresponding colors: red is when the speaker has reached its limit, green when the speaker is on standby, and plain when the unit is powered on. The Front LED switch is beside the LED indicators, with three levels of Power, Limit, and Off. The Remote Gain is along this line as well.
Below these indicators and switches are three dials. External, LF, and the controllable amount of decibels being projected by the speaker. It has a green LED light. I noticed that this particular speaker has writings all over the rear, stating warnings and disassembling instructions. It looks a little cluttered if you ask me; however, it is useful, especially for emergencies where you don’t have time to look for the owner’s manual.
Every purchase comes with a manual, warning information sheet, the speaker assembly, two power cords from AC powerCON, an XLR Audio, and a powerCON Loop-Through cable, both measured 2 feet, and a Euro-style 3-pin connector plug. One AC powerCON Power Cord is CEE 7/7 and is 3.6 meters in length, while the other is a NEMA 5-15 (USA Style) measuring 12 feet.
Thanks to its non-slip feet, the KLA 12 can be used alone. It can also be suspended through the three M10 rigging points, two of which are at the top of the device, and the other one is below the control panel found at the back of the speaker. There are two handles on each side of the speaker.
Care and Maintenance
Like most speakers, this unit can be cleaned only with a dry cloth. It shouldn’t be installed near wet places or heat sources. It is common sense to do this, but it cannot be stressed enough by companies because some people refuse to be responsible for their belongings.
It also cautions installers about placing the rear of the unit where it can’t breathe. It must have enough clearance to prevent overheating. The warranty lasts for three years for non-accessory products, while there is a 90-day limited warranty for accessories. Something to keep in mind when installing your unit.
Review
Our company only needed one speaker, so I purchased the KLA 12. It does not disappoint. The sound emanating from it is rich and enjoyable, even from a distance. The bass is strong. It doesn’t give much mic feedback with the right configuration.
Patrons and clients have attested to the quality of sound that they hear from our sound systems. Some are like me, who are surprised about the brand, while others smile with a twinkle in their eye as if they know a little known secret. Whatever their reaction, it is clear that I underestimated this brand.
Pros and Cons
I have nothing but high praises for this equipment. It is easy to install, lightweight, and a sturdy case. Maybe a point of contention is the way there are no cleaning instructions in the manual. Thankfully, I’ve handled a few other speakers and just applied my cleaning technique on this unit.
Conclusion
Don’t ever judge a book by its cover. For me, it goes, “Don’t judge a brand by its fame.” I trusted QSC, and it delivered above and beyond my expectations. I am now looking into more of their products to recommend. I do hope you find this review helpful. Here’s to more QSC ting known in the market!
FAQ: Frequent questions
? Which is the best?
QSC KLA12 Line Array Loudspeaker
? How did we test them?
We tested 19 products, researched 14 sources, evaluated 163 reviews and spent 7+ hours on our guide.
? What should you look at before buying?
When choosing it’s best to make a decision based on the price/quality, functionality and compatibility with other devices/technologies.
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