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QSC

collapse expand iconDescription

Looking for clarity, power and pro-level performance? The QSC KW153 active loudspeaker 1000 watt 15 inch 3 way brings room-filling sound to any live or installed setup. With a 3-way design, advanced DSP and rugged construction, this powered loudspeaker delivers incredible audio definition and reliable performance in a portable format. Whether you're mixing a live show, amplifying vocals or running a playback system, the KW153 is built to exceed expectations.

3-Way Loudspeaker Design for Full-Range Clarity

The KW153 features a true 3-way configuration with a 15" woofer, 6.5" midrange driver and 1.75" compression tweeter. Each component handles its frequency range independently, resulting in crystal-clear highs, articulate mids and punchy lows. The midrange driver focuses on vocal intelligibility, helping vocals cut through even dense mixes. Whether you're reproducing music or speech, this loudspeaker delivers balanced, detailed sound from top to bottom.

Advanced DSP for Loudspeaker Optimization

Sound great in any space. The KW153 uses built-in DSP for real-time correction, EQ shaping and optimized dispersion. Intrinsic Correction technology minimizes distortion, while DMT (Directivity Matched Transition) ensures even coverage throughout the venue. A high-pass filter and intuitive controls make it easy to tailor the output for different rooms or setups. With this level of processing, your mix stays clean, focused and consistent.

Class-D Loudspeaker With Headroom to Spare

Power meets precision with a 1,000-watt Class-D amplifier—500 watts to the woofer and 500 to the mid/high drivers. This efficient amp design handles high SPLs without overheating or dropouts, making it ideal for extended gigs or touring use. The amp's low power draw and lightweight chassis mean less strain on your rig and easier load-ins, too.

Durable Loudspeaker Built for the Road

The KW153 is built to perform show after show. Its enclosure blends ABS and birch plywood for a perfect balance of strength and portability. Steel grilles protect internal components, and ergonomic handles make it easy to transport. Pole mounting and M10 rigging points offer flexible positioning for mobile or fixed installs. Wherever you go, this loudspeaker is ready to deliver night after night.

Why the QSC KW153 Active Loudspeaker?

The QSC KW153 active loudspeaker 1000 watt 15 inch 3 way is a premium choice for audio professionals who demand clarity, coverage and control. With a 3-way driver design, advanced DSP and rugged portability, it's built to elevate your sound in any venue. Whether you're performing, presenting or producing, this loudspeaker delivers dependable power and pro-grade tone with every use.

QSC KW153 1,000W 15" 3-Way Active Loudspeaker
QSC KW153 1,000W 15" 3-Way Active Loudspeaker

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 1000-watt Class-D amplifier delivers clean, powerful sound for any venue
  • 15" woofer ensures deep, tight bass for impactful low-end performance
  • Three-way loudspeaker design provides exceptional clarity across lows, mids and highs
  • Rugged birch enclosure offers durability for touring musicians and DJs
  • Integrated DSP optimizes performance for consistent sound quality every time
  • Multiple input options accommodate microphones, instruments and playback devices
  • Wide-dispersion horn ensures even sound coverage across large spaces
  • Lightweight construction enhances portability without sacrificing performance

collapse expand iconSpecs

KW-153
  • Configuration 15" 3-way trapezoidal
  • Transducers
  • Low-frequency: 15" cone transducer
  • Mid-frequency: 6.5" mid-range cone transducer
  • High-frequency: 1.75" diaphragm compression driver
  • Frequency Response (-6dB) 35Hz–18kHz
  • Frequency Range (-10dB) 334Hz–20kHz
  • Nominal Coverage (-6dB) 75 axisymmetric
  • Maximum SPL1 134dB peak
Amplifier
  • Power Output2 1,000W Class-D (500W LF, 500W HF) continuous
  • 2,000W peak
  • Input Impedance (ohms): Channel A XLR/1/4"
  • Mic gain setting: Balanced: Unbalanced
  • 0dB: 38k/19k
  • +12dB: 10k/5k
  • +24dB: 2.66/1.33k
  • +36dB: 660 ohms/330 ohms
  • Channel B XLR/1/": 38k balanced/19k unbalanced
  • Channel B RCA: 10k
Controls
  • Power, Gain A, Gain B, Channel A Input Gain (0dB /12dB/24dB/36dB), LF Mode (Ext Sub/Norm/DEEP), HF Mode (Flat/Vocal Boost), Front LED (On/Off/Limit)
  • Indicators: Power, Signal A, Signal B, Standby, Limit, Mic (24dB and 36dB settings)
  • Connectors: Balanced female XLR/1/4" line/mic level input, Balanced female XLR/1/4" line level input, Dual Balanced male XLR full range line level out, Balanced male XLR "mix" out, Stereo RCA line level input, Remote gain control, Locking IEC power connector
  • Cooling: On demand, 50 mm variable speed fan
  • Amplifier Protection: Thermal limiting, output overcurrent, overtemperature muting, GuardRail
  • Transducer Protection: Thermal limiting, excursion limiting
  • AC Power Input: Universal power supply 100–240 VAC, 50–60Hz
  • AC Power Consumption (1/8 Power)
  • 100 VAC, 2.3A
  • 120 VAC, 2.01A
  • 230 VAC, 1.13A
Enclosure
  • Material: 15 mm painted birch plywood
  • Finish: Black textured paint
  • Grille: Black powder coated 16 gauge steel
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 43.1" x 18.5" x 16.8"
  • Weight (Net): 87 lb.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.92

13 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Kw153 is the best speaker.
Kw153 is the best speaker.
Kw153 is the best speaker.
Kw153 is the best speaker.
K153 is the best.
K153 is the best.
K153 is the best.
K153 is the best.
Filters
Best Uses
  1. Outdoor Events / Games6
  2. Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing5
  3. Performances4
  4. Concerts2
  5. Home Studio1
Cons
  1. Bulky/Heavy4
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced4
  2. Professional Musician3
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Good Audio8
  2. Durable7
  3. Easy To Use7
  4. Good Power Output3
  5. Versatile2

Reviewed by 13 customers

  • Amazing clarity and power!!!

    5

    submitted18 days ago

    byBryan

    fromSan Bernardino, Ca.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    These 153's are paired with the KW118 Subs and used as a portable sound system for live shows. They sound great and are very reliable. This is my 3rd set of 153's.

  • Love them

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byDJ gru

    fromvirginia

    I've been using these for 4 years now- never let me down yet, but, this past weekend I DJed a party for four hours and they started emitting a burning smell. They didn't stop working but when I brought them home, the smell was so bad they had to go in the garage but 6 yr warranty!

  • Great product.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byTani

    fromChicago, IL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Sounds very good..Love it.

  • No noise - dynamically clear

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byAlexander

    fromundisclosed

    My biggest concerns were the noise floor, as this would impact their clarity at low volume, and what would I experience as 'low volume' control, for a speaker seemingly designed for spl. The gain knob - at the back of the speaker - has 20 steps. Unless your preamp is very hot, step 1 is useless - audible - yes, but only to mice and cats. I find step 2, while attenuating the volume with the preamp, very well suited for achieving dynamic range and dynamic clarity. Even in a worst case scenario, a headphone preamp off a tablet, phone, etc., step 2 will satisfy most. I do notice, when using a headphone preamp - talking about the RCA inputs - some signal gating at lower preamp levels - say, < 30%. Some users may desire this. The output is flat down to 40Hz and starts roll thereafter. The product documentation is conflicting on this, with the exception of the tag affixed to the speaker: -3db at 37Hz. I use these speakers in-home for a, 97db pk, live orchestra experience. Some piano pieces need bass reinforcement - there are 6 keys below 40Hz - but this is the only place I've found them lacking (by themselves) and is nothing really to complain about. Frankly, I feel like I want to run all pure piano pieces through a compressor; something I don't experience with lower end kit. I'm speculating, but this may have to do with the way those pieces were mastered (garbage in garbage out). The speakers hit their stride with contemporary music - a simply awesome sound experience. I'm very happy with them - they'll work fine in-home for rooms with dimensions >14ft. At a listening distance of 14ft, I can't hear the cooling fan - the fan will only turn on during bass-heavy music. It will run for about two minutes and then turn off - for every 20 mins of continuous play (at my spl).

  • Blown Away..

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byWild Bill

    fromBoston, MA

    Bought these baby's after renting a pair for a 400+ person event in a large convention center. Fell in love with them from that moment on. I've been used to pushing sets of 15" powered 2-ways to the max for too long with bigger events. The sheer amount of clean, loud, full range sound that comes from these speakers is amazing.

  • I love these speakers..

    5

    submitted9 years ago

    byBear

    fromMn.

    sound is awsome

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byKhoa

    fromAlexandria, VA

    Where is this QSC KW 153 was made?. Will QSC honor 6 yr waranty if i buy the used one @ guitar center?

    Where is this QSC KW 153 was made?. Will QSC honor 6 yr waranty if i buy the used one @ guitar center?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    1) The QSC KW153 is made in China. 2) I don't think so. QSC has a 1 year warranty on new products.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byARIC

    fromLa Mesa, CA

    Does this Speaker come with the ability to pole mount it?

    Does this Speaker come with the ability to pole mount it?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No it doesn't.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byKV

    fromSAN DIEGO, CA

    Where this speaker is made?

    Where this speaker is made?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    China