WL218-sw
WideLine™ Subwoofer
The WL218-sw is a premium, high-performance,
dual 18" subwoofer designed for suspended or
ground stacked use in the most demanding
touring or installed concert applications.
With an impressive combination of punch,
low-frequency extension and accuracy, the
WL218-sw is an ideal companion for QSC’s
acclaimed WideLine as well as other professional
sound reinforcement systems.
Sound system designers and operators are
increasingly turning to subwoofer systems that
are flown with the main array for a more
seamless acoustical transition from the bass to
the low-mid region. With a simple, three-point
suspension design that is essentially a scaled
up version of the QSC WideLine system, the
WL218-sw fulfills the requirement while also
delivering powerful and stunningly accurate low
frequency output.
Suspension of the array requires one AF218-sw
for each subwoofer array. The AF218-sw is a
simple, heavy-duty array frame constructed
of welded, aviation-grade 6061-T6 aluminum
and intended for suspension of up to eight
WL218-sw subwoofers with a 10:1 design
factor. For ground-supported applications,
the subwoofers may be stacked using the
interlocking feet and recess features machined
into the enclosure’s end caps.
The 18" woofers incorporate a double layer
spider and triple roll surround for extended
and controlled excursion at extreme power.
The 4" voice coil is wound on a fiberglass
former to prevent deformation at high operating
temperatures and is extensively vented to reduce
power compression. An aluminum demodulating
ring is employed for low distortion.
The extremely musical yet powerful performance
of the subwoofer is the result of carefully
balancing the transducer selection, cabinet
volume and port tuning. The resulting system
offers plenty of “punch” while maintaining
ample extension so the musically important
and satisfying fundamentals are solidly and
accurately reproduced.
The enclosure of the WL218-sw is constructed
of premium quality birch plywood finished
in an environmentally friendly, waterborne,
polymer finish that stands up to life on the
road while also being field repairable. Extensive
internal bracing is employed to eliminate
acoustic losses due to panel resonance. Further
contributions to cabinet rigidity come from vent
walls constructed of the same plywood as the
enclosure. Each woofer is protected by a heavyduty, 14 gauge, powder coated steel grille and
housed in its own, separate chamber to prevent
failure of one driver from causing damage to
the other.
Despite the extremely large amount of air
moving in the ports, careful attention to detail
has resulted in a system that is free of port
distortion “chuffing”. Ample port area allows
massive amounts of air to move freely with
minimal turbulence and the ports are arranged
so as to eliminate asymmetrical loading of the
woofers, which can result in distortion and
voice coil failure related to rocking-modes.
Transport and handling were also given high
priority. No matter how the box is deployed
one of the dozen handles will be where it
needs to be. The included dolly has rugged,
3.5", ball bearing casters and an elegantly easyto-use, snap on mechanism for attachment to
the enclosure.
QSControl.net™/BASIS™ DSP files are available for
download. They are tuned for use with WL218-sw
to provide optimized performance.
Features
• Simple, convenient suspension system based on the
proven QSC WideLine design. Supports up to 8 WL218-sw
subwoofers with 10:1 design factor
• Very high acoustic output capability – 139 dB SPL
(1m) peak
• Ample “punch” combined with low-frequency extension
down to 31 Hz
• Comprehensive transport and handling features
including an easy to attach dolly and twelve thoughtfully
placed handles
• Premium-grade, long-excursion, high-power woofers with
4", fiberglass voice coils, double layer spiders and triple
roll surrounds
• Birch ply enclosure with independent, dual chambers
and extensive internal bracing for rigidity and solid,
accurate reproduction
WL218-sw Dimensions | Specifications
qscaudio.com
Specifications subject to change without notice.
1675 MacArthur Boulevard • Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • Ph: 800/854-4079 or 714/957-7100 • Fax: 714/754-6174
WL218sw Spec Sheet – 06/19/08
Configuration 2 x 18" vented subwoofer
Low-frequency Transducer 2 x 850 W, 8Ω 18" woofer with a 4" voice coil, ceramic magnet assembly
Frequency Response (±3 dB)1 37 Hz – 200 Hz (without processing)
Frequency Range (-10 dB)1 31 Hz – 1 k (without processing)
Nominal Impedance 4Ω
Continuous Power Capacity 2 / Recommended Power 1700 W / 3000 W
Sensitivity (1 W at 1 m)1 101 dB
Maximum Output – Continuous/ Peak (SPL at 1 m) 133 dB / 139 dB
Cabinet Type Vented, trapezoidal enclosure
Enclosure Material Baltic birch plywood / 36 mm baffle and side panels; 15 mm top and bottom
Grille 14 gauge powder coated steel
Connectors 2 x NL4 in parallel
Pin Outs Pins
1+/1- Sub
2+/2- NC
Attachment Points Integral, adjustable rigging system, vertical splay adjustable in 1° increments from 0° – 10°
Weight (Net / Shipping) 204 lb (92.5 kg) / 244 lb (110 kg) – includes dolly
Dimensions (HWD) 21.3" x 45.9" x 34.75" (541 mm x 1166 mm x 882 mm)
Accessories Available AF218-sw Array Frame (optional)
COVER WL218-sw Soft Cover (optional)
1) Half-space conditions
2) 2 Hrs, AES1984-2, 40 – 400 Hz, tested as system
Front Side
Top 45.9"
1166 mm
21.3"
541 mm
34.75"
882 mm
QSC, the QSC logo, QSControl.net and BASIS are registered trademarks of QSC Audio Products, LLC in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Patents may apply or be pending.