The next generation of advanced, intelligent, active loudspeakers has been released, and is aimed at applications ranging from simple, portable, plug-and-play setups, to demanding, networked, high-tech AV productions and fixed installations. Through a deep understanding of customer needs and application requirements, QSC’s L Class delivers its exceptional performance and extraordinary audio experience via high-output amplification, state-of-the-art DSP, premium components, extensive system intelligence and an elegantly intuitive user interface.

L Class also sets a new standard for ease of use, as its users will be able to confidently configure and deploy any L Class system with unmatched speed and reliability. Onboard Dante connects L Class to networked AV systems and connected stages. Meticulously developed with sound quality and expandability in mind, the new LA108 (two-way, 8-inch) and LA112 (two-way, 12-inch) active line array loudspeakers are complemented by the LS118 (single 18-inch) active subwoofer, each offering a brilliant combination of leading-edge innovation and ease of use.

Technical innovations abound in the LA108 and LA112, including the proprietary QSC LEAF (Length-Equalized Acoustic Flare) waveguide, the ergonomically designed, single operator QSC RapidDeploy rigging system, and QSC AWARE (Automatic Wireless Array Recognition) system intelligence, which also provides one-button single box or full array intelligence and optimisation.

The LS118 active subwoofer’s on-board DSP further optimises and protects system performance while also offering advanced capabilities such as the ability to array two units in a cardioid arrangement, maximising low frequency output in front while minimising unwanted energy around the sides and rear of the system. DEEP mode provides additional low frequency extension and driver excursion processing. All models feature QSC Acoustic Linear Phase (ALP) design, allowing cohesive phase response when deployed with other QSC loudspeakers in a given environment.

Both line array loudspeakers can be deployed using dedicated array frames, ground-stacked (array frame combined with optional sub-stack adapter) or mounted in one of two pole cups using loudspeaker stands or poles of various lengths. The LS118 can be deployed in both horizontal and vertical orientations in a ground-stack configuration or using one of its two pole receptacles.

All three models feature daisy-chain connections for analog and digital audio as well as AC power (PowerCON TRUE1) and are backed by an industry-best global Six-Year Extended Warranty, with product registration.

The QSC SysNav (System Navigator) App for Windows and iPadOS further enhances the L Class user experience, providing the ability to easily design, configure, control, monitor and apply signal processing to individual loudspeakers, full arrays or groupings of both. Additionally, the AIM (Array Installation Modeling) prediction tool lets the user visualise array coverage by positioning virtual loudspeakers and arrays in a scaled, graphical model of a venue or installation space.

“The innovations found in L Class are truly astonishing in their capacity to equip users at every level of experience with the capability to achieve superior sonic performance quickly and easily,” states David Angress, General Manager, QSC Pro Audio. “The ability to bring this quality of product to market and make it accessible to a wide range of customers is remarkable, and if the early reviews from key customers are any indication, L Class is destined to be another runaway success for QSC and our channel partners everywhere.”

Firmware update v3.0 has been announced by QSC for its highly acclaimed TouchMix-30 Pro digital mixer. The new standard for performance in a compact digital mixer, the TouchMix-30 Pro with firmware v3.0 satisfies the needs of many professionals with the addition of Scenes, Snapshots, Cue List management and offline editing functionalities.

Scenes provide the user with the ability to store and recall the entire mixer configuration, while Snapshots allow the user to save and recall selected settings for designated channels without affecting other mixer settings. Cue Lists select and arrange Scenes, Snapshots and audio files into a predetermined sequence for recall during a show, while offline editing provides the user with the ability to create and edit mixer configurations without the mixer being connected to Wi-Fi.  

Previous TouchMix-30 Pro firmware updates added advanced features such as two independent 24-channel, gain-sharing Automatic Microphone Mixers, Custom Fader Banks and the capability to interface with certain third-party external motorised fader control surfaces.  

“From the start, our vision for the TouchMix Series was to bring ‘big console’ features to users in the form of an easy-to-use, compact package,” states Jon Graves, QSC Mixer Product Manager. “These new enhancements give our users an unprecedented array of professional features, tools and functions that simply don’t exist in other products close to this price point. Plus, the ability to deliver these enhancements to existing users at no additional cost demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting and helping our customers achieve exceptional results with their QSC investment.”

The TouchMix-30 Pro is ideal for AV production professionals, musicians and bands with 32 mixing channels (24 Mic/Line, 6 Line, Stereo USB) and 16 outputs for tremendous signal management flexibility. It features Class-A microphone preamplifiers, Anti-Feedback and Room Tuning Wizards, two real-time analysers (RTA), patch matrix, 32-channel direct-to-external-drive recording and DAW interface with macOS and Windows computers making the TouchMix-30 Pro equally competent as both a professional live sound and recording mixer. 

The v3.0 firmware release is also supported by an updated TouchMix Control app for iOS and Android devices, providing further enhancements to the remote control experience. 

It’s coming up to a decade since QSC’s original K series burst onto the scene with an impressive array of features that changed expectations for portable speakers. The coherent sound quality was the immediate attraction. Solo artists and small groups playing acoustic instruments took to them first, but their appeal quickly spread as their punchy bass response and ample DSP-controlled power worked well for pumped-up music playback, too. The packaging was equally good with distinctive professional looks, flexible and mixable inputs, good handles and the best tote bags. They were clean, loud and indestructible; a good combination.

In 2016, they got even better. The totally reworked K.2 Series replaced the K Series. The cabinets were still made from polypropylene but more solidly constructed; the updated 2kW amps and improved drivers made the sound bigger and louder; and the introduction of an LED screen really enhanced the user’s control. The top of the line QSC KW Series features a texture-painted 15mm birch cabinet for ruggedness and the deadening benefits of the wood.

CP: COST VS PERFORMANCE

In the realm of powered boxes, the K and KW series sound great, but they are relatively up-market. Could a cheaper QSC speaker shake up the market like the K did a decade ago? With QSC’s reputation established, the new CP Series looks to broaden the brand’s appeal with prices well below the AU$1k barrier. It positions them at about half the cost of the QSC KWs, and two-thirds of the K.2 Series. It also puts them right in the middle of a crowded field of big-name competitors.

It’s not much of a series at the moment. There are only two models, the diminutive CP8 and the average-sized CP12. They both get a new 1000W (peak) amp controlled by the same DSP that plays a big part in the sound of all QSC speakers by controlling the overall voicing, presets and dynamic behaviour. Proven technical features are also shared. Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) synchronises the HF and LF drivers to deliver an even frequency response across the listening area. Intrinsic Correction is a multi-band limiter that keeps the speakers tidy at high levels as well as providing effective overall limiting and overload protection. On the odd occasion, my pair of K10s have taken beyond normal abuse — screaming vocals, kick drums forced into them and cranked as loud as they’ll go — and they don’t complain or stop.

The CP12 looks like a QSC, with its familiar concave front and perforated steel grille. It’s a more compact design, with the horn offset from the centre and the port moved up beside it to save space. It makes the new CP12 about the same size as the old K10. It’s also 5kg lighter than the original K12, at just 13.7kg. The smaller CP8 is only 9.5kg… that’s very light.

There are some noticeable cost-cutting differences. On close inspection, the finish on the CP Series polypropylene cabinets is a bit rough and uneven, making them look like cheaper speakers when compared to the smoother impact-resistant ABS finish used on the K Series. The top handle is good but the moulded half-handle on the side is not much use.

QSC introduces the CP Series of powered loudspeakers combining an ultra-compact form factor with light weight to offer easy transport and deployment in both portable and installed applications.

The CP Series is comprised of two two-way models, the CP8 and CP12. Both models feature a highly efficient 1000W Class-D power module, one-touch preset DSP contours for the most common sound reinforcement applications, and line, mic/line and 3.5mm stereo inputs. Each can also be pole-mounted, utilised as a floor monitor, or deployed in a fixed or temporary installation. Available accessories include carrying tote, outdoor cover and quick-connect yoke mount.

“QSC is known the world-over for delivering quality, high performance products for professional use,” states QSC David Fuller, Sr. Director, Product Development. “The ability to deliver that same value proposition to a far broader range of customers is a remarkable achievement for our teams.” Fuller adds, “Likewise, CP offers an incredible introduction to the QSC brand for first-time buyers, as well as a long sought-after QSC solution for commercial customers.”