QSC LS118 User manual

L Class User Manual
LS118 Active Subwoofer
TD-001679-01-A
*TD-001679-01*

Contents
Explanation Of Symbols.................................................................................4
Important Safety Instructions .............................................................................4
FCC Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
LS118 Subwoofer ...........................................................................................5
Warranty.............................................................................................5
Introduction...........................................................................................6
Key Features and Technologies ................................................................................6
What’s in the Box ...........................................................................................6
Features..............................................................................................7
LS118 Ground Deployment...............................................................................8
Cardioid Configurations ......................................................................................8
Best: Back-to-back ..........................................................................................8
Better: Stacked .............................................................................................9
Good: Side-by Side .........................................................................................9
Three-Box Cardioid Systems .................................................................................10
Pole-Mounting Loudspeakers over a Subwoofer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LS118 Flown Deployment ...............................................................................12
Safety ...................................................................................................12
Rigging Safety Regulations .........................................................................................12
Rules for Suspension ........................................................................................12
Using the LS118 Integrated Suspension Points ....................................................................13
LS118 Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
System Power .............................................................................................15
AC Connectors ............................................................................................15
Connecting to AC Mains ...........................................................................................15
Daisy Chaining using Power Cable Jumpers ...........................................................................16
Daisy Chaining ..................................................................................................16
Power On Sequence ..............................................................................................16
Power Off Sequence ..............................................................................................17
Audio Connections .........................................................................................17
Analog Audio .............................................................................................17
Daisy Chaining using Balanced XLR Jumper Cables .....................................................................17
Network .................................................................................................17
Daisy Chaining using Network Jumper Cables .........................................................................18
Connecting to a Network ..........................................................................................18
Control.........................................................................................................19
Dante ..........................................................................................................19

LS118 Rear Panel User Interface..........................................................................20
Navigation ...............................................................................................20
Menu Map......................................................................................................20
Home Screen ....................................................................................................20
Home Screen Status ..........................................................................................21
Menu ..........................................................................................................22
Settings ........................................................................................................22
Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Regulatory .................................................................................................22
Additional Functions ..............................................................................................23
DSP Features ..............................................................................................23
LS118 Accessories .........................................................................................23
Complementary Accessories .................................................................................23
LS118 Care and Maintenance ...........................................................................24
LS118 Appendix ......................................................................................24
QSC Self Help Portal .......................................................................................26
Customer Support ..........................................................................................26
Warranty.................................................................................................26

4
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
The term “WARNING!” indicates instructions regarding personal safety. If the instructions are not followed, the result may be bodily
injury or death.
The term “CAUTION!” indicates instructions regarding possible damage to physical equipment. If these instructions are not followed, it
may result in damage to the equipment that may not be covered under the warranty.
The term “IMPORTANT!” indicates instructions or information that are vital to the successful completion of the procedure.
The term “NOTE” is used to indicate additional useful information.
NOTE: The intent of the lightning flash with arrowhead symbol in a triangle is to alert the user to the presence of un-
insulated “dangerous” voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to humans.
NOTE: The intent of the exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is to alert the user to the presence of important
safety, and operating and maintenance instructions in this manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
WARNING!: While it is possible for one person to lift a LS118 subwoofer, it is important to use proper lifting techniques.
Suggested reading: OSHA Technical Manual on Back Disorders and Injuries.
(http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vii/otm_vii_1.html#app_vii:1_2).
1. Keep these instructions.
2. Heed all warnings.
3. Follow all instructions.
4. Do not use this apparatus near water.
5. Clean only with a dry cloth.
6. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
8. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than
the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
user safety. If the provided plug does not fit into the desired outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the apparatus.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11 . Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as
when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
13. The appliance coupler, or the AC Mains plug, is the AC mains disconnect device and shall remain readily operable after
installation.

5
14. Adhere to all applicable, local codes.
15. Consult a licensed, professional engineer when any doubt or questions arise regarding a physical equipment installation.
16. Suspension of this product should be done by qualified persons following safe rigging practices. Other limitations may apply.
17. Use only the recommended system components and suspension hardware intended for use with this product as directed by this
manual.
FCC Statement
LS118 Subwoofer
NOTE: The LS118 has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Warranty
For a copy of the QSC Limited Warranty, visit the QSC website at www.qsc.com.
NOTE: Read and follow these instructions carefully. If the subwoofer(s) is not suspended properly, it could fall, causing
personal injury and damage to the equipment. Please refer to the Flown Deployment chapter of the User Manual for rules
on suspension.

6
Introduction
L Class represents the next generation of advanced, intelligent, active loudspeakers/subwoofers for applications ranging from simple,
portable, plug-and-play setups, to demanding, networked, high-tech AV productions and fixed installations.
The LS118 active subwoofer features a brilliant combination of leading-edge innovation, refined engineering and unparalleled ease of
use in an easy-to-deploy package.
Key Features and Technologies
• Very high output (136 dB peak SPL) with impressive low frequency performance
• Purpose-designed, 460 mm (18-inch) long excursion direct radiating driver
• Energy-efficient, 3600 W peak power Class D amplifier module with Power Factor Correction and extremely low AC consumption
• Acoustic Linear Phase (ALP) design provides complementary coherence between QSC loudspeakers/subwoofers deployed in the
same audio system delivering a uniform listening experience across the entire venue.
• QSC SysNav™(System Navigator) App allows the user to easily design, configure, control, monitor and apply signal processing to
individual subwoofers, full arrays or groupings of both.
• Network solution includes digital audio-over-IP (Dante®) for interoperability with other audio equipment and seamless control and
monitoring integration into the Q-SYS Ecosystem via Q-SYS Inventory Extensions.
• Omni-directional or cardioid radiation modes (cardioid setup requires min. 2 units)
• Selectable DEEP™mode for extremely low frequency extension
• Rugged painted wood enclosure for lasting durability
• Four low-noise, heavy-duty casters
• Vertical or horizontal deployments (M20 threaded pole receivers) combined with array frame/ground-stack adapters or
loudspeaker poles.
• Complemented by LA108 and LA112 active line array loudspeakers
• Industry-best global 6-Year Extended Warranty with product registration.
What’s in the Box
(1) LS118 Active
Subwoofer unit
(1) AC power cord, with
PowerCON®TRUE1
(3 m / 10 ft) connectors
(1) Quick Start Guide (1) Safety Sheet
TD-001655-00

7
Features
Front
Bottom
Right Side
Left Side
Back
Top
—Figure1—
6
6
7
1
3
4
2
8
8
5
1. Alignment cups for stacking
2. Four low-noise, heavy-duty casters
3. Amplifier protection/Temporary Weather Shield (TWS) accessory attachment ring
4. Dual M20 threaded socket for 35 mm loudspeaker pole
5. Slip-resistant feet - four on the bottom
6. Slip-resistant feet - four on the side
7. Front power LED
8. Cast aluminum handles
9. Amplifier power module and controls
10. M10 attachment points - four on the top
11 . M10 attachment - four on the side
4
10
10
11
11
9
6
6

8
LS118 Ground Deployment
The LS118 active subwoofer can be used as a single low-frequency acoustic source or in multiples for additional low-frequency
reproduction levels.
A simple, practical rule-of-thumb is to use one subwoofer for every two top loudspeakers deployed. The simplest setup consists of
placing a single subwoofer between a pair of loudspeakers. For practical reasons, it is often necessary to place the subwoofer on one
side, which will usually also produce satisfactory results.
Placing subwoofers to the left and right sides of a stage is often convenient, but it tends to create a concentration of low frequency
energy in the middle of the audience area (often named “Power Alley”). To prevent this, try clustering all subwoofers in the left/right
middle of the stage, or spread them evenly across the front of the stage.
Cardioid Configurations
Two or more LS118 active subwoofers can be arranged and configured to produce a cardioid radiation pattern very simply, with no
complex calculations or processing settings required. The processing necessary for cardioid operation is already programmed into
each LS118 unit’s DSP. On each subwoofer facing forward (toward the audience), select FORWARD on the Cardioid menu. On each
subwoofer facing away from the audience, select REAR on the Cardioid menu. Put the same audio signal into both subwoofers and set
the same gain on each one.
Best: Back-to-back
Placing the subwoofers back-to-back offers the best cardioid performance, with 15 dB of sound attenuation to the rear. Figure 2 is a
top view of two LS118 active subwoofers oriented vertically and placed back-to-back. Figure 3 also is a top view of a back-to-back
arrangement, but with the subwoofers oriented horizontally.
—Figure2—
—Figure3—
Cardiod > Rear
Cardiod > Rear
Cardiod > Forward
Cardiod > Forward

9
Better: Stacked
Stacking two LS118 active subwoofers is similar to the side-by-
side arrangement. Place the rear-facing subwoofer on the bottom.
Good: Side-by Side
Placing the LS118 active subwoofers side-by-side may save space
but creates a less precise cardioid pattern.
Floor
Cardiod > Forward
Front View
(as seen from the
audience)
—Figure4—
Cardiod > Rear
—Figure5—
Cardiod > Rear
Top View
Toward
Audience
Cardiod > Forward

10
Three-Box Cardioid Systems
A three-box array, with two forward-facing subwoofers and one rear-facing subwoofer, gives additional acoustic output to the front
but with slightly less optimal rear attenuation.
Figure 6 is a top view of a back-to-back three-box array.
Figure 7 is a front view of a stacked three-box array. Use the bottom subwoofer as the rear-facing one.
Cardiod > Forward
Cardiod > Forward
Cardiod > Rear
Toward
Audience
—Figure6—
Front View
(as seen from the audience)
—Figure7—
Floor
Cardiod > Rear
Cardiod > Forward