QSC WL218-sw-BK User Manual

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

ISIS WideLine Series 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 easy-to-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.

WL218-sw

Dimensions | Specifications

45.9"

1166 mm

Front Side

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)

Nominal Impedance 4Ω

Continuous Power Capacity 2 / Recommended Power

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 lbs (92.5 kg) / 244 lbs (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

1

31 Hz - 1 k (without processing)

1700 W / 3000 W

Top

21.3"

541 mm

34.75"

882 mm

Specifications subject to change without notice.

1675 MacArthur Boulevard • Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • Ph: 800/854-4079 or 714/957-7100 • Fax: [phone]

WideLine Sub Spec Sheet - 06/14/06

qscaudio.com