QSC Audio GP218-sw User Manual

Features

• Very high acoustic output capability – 140.5 dB SPL
(1m) peak

• Tight musical “punch” combined with low-frequency
extension down to 27.4 Hz

• Elegant transport and handling features including
an optional transport dolly plus soft cover and four
thoughtfully placed handles

• Premium-grade, long-excursion, high-power woofers
with 4", fiberglass voice coils, double layer spiders and
triple-roll surrounds

• 18 mm Birch ply enclosure with independent, dual
chambers and extensive internal bracing for rigidity
and solid, accurate reproduction

GP218-sw

WideLine™ Ground-Support Subwoofer

The GP218-sw is a premium, high­performance, rectangular dual 18" subwoofer
designed for ground stacked use in the
most demanding touring or installed concert
applications. With an impressive combination
of punch, low-frequency extension and
musical accuracy, the GP218-sw is an ideal
companion for the acclaimed QSC WideLine
series as well as other professional sound
reinforcement systems.

For suspension in permanent installations
each GP218-sw subwoofer comes with a
total of sixteen (16) threaded M10 inserts
(four per side).

For ground-supported applications, the
subwoofers may be stacked horizontally using
their interlocking feet and recess features
machined into the enclosure’s top panel.

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 GP218-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. Woofers
are protected by a heavy-duty, 14 gauge,
powder coated steel grille and housed in
separate chambers 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.

Like its “flyable” brother, the WL218-sw, the
GP218-sw subwoofer’s sonic performance
and output capacity are second to none.
But for those who only need the exceptional
sonic performance, without the need for
expensive rigging and flying capability –
the GP218-sw gives the exact same sonic
impact, but for a more economical price tag.

QSControl.net™/ BASIS™ DSP files are
available for download. They have been
fine tuned for use with the GP218-sw
and the WL218-sw to provide optimized
performance right out of the box.

GP218-sw

Dimensions | Specifications

Top

47.17"

1198 mm

Front Side

Configuration 2 x 18" vented subwoofer

Transducers 8Ω 18" woofer with a 4" voice coil, ceramic magnet assembly

Frequency Response (±3 dB) 31.4 Hz - 240 Hz (without processing)

Frequency Range (-10 dB) 27.4 Hz - 1.2 kHz (without processing)

Nominal Impedance 4Ω

Continuous Power Capacity 1700 W

Recommended Power 3000 - 4000 W

Sensitivity (1 W at 1 m) 101.5 dB

Maximum Output - Continuous / Peak (SPL at 1 m) 134.5 dB / 140.5 dB

Cabinet Type Vented, rectangular enclosure

Enclosure Material Baltic birch plywood / 18 mm

Grille 14 gauge powder coated steel

Connectors 2 x NL4 in parallel

Pin Outs Pins

1+/1- Sub
2+/2- NC

Attachment Points Sixteen (16) threaded M10 inserts

Weight (Net / Shipping) 191 lbs (86.6 kg) / 209 lbs (94.8 kg)

Dimensions (HWD) 20" x 47.17" x 30" (508 mm x 1198 mm x 762 mm)

Accessories Available (optional) CP218-0 – 4-wheel transportation dolly

CP218-1 – 4-wheel transportation dolly plus soft cover

30"

762 mm

20"

508 mm

Specifications subject to change without notice.

QSC, the QSC logo, WideLine, 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.

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

GP218-sw Spec Sheet - 05/13/08

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