Kali Audio WS-12 V2

12-inch active subwoofer

The Kali Audio WS-12 V2 is an active subwoofer designed for the studio and for light-duty live use. Its Class D amplifier, rated at 500 W continuous (1000 W peak), drives a 12-inch high-excursion woofer, with extension down to 23 Hz and a maximum SPL of 123 dB. It pairs with near-field and mid-field studio monitors, from Kali Audio or other brands.

Performance and headroom

The 12-inch woofer uses a large motor and a 2.5-inch voice coil to handle power with low distortion: under 2% THD at 90 dB SPL at 1 m. Frequency response runs from 30 to 180 Hz at ±3 dB, and from 23 to 250 Hz at -10 dB. Kali designed this studio subwoofer to deliver reference level at distances of up to 5 m. The front port is designed to keep port noise low, and a limiter protects the woofer from excessive levels, backed by thermal protection.

Integration and crossover with your monitors

The WS-12 V2 sits between your interface and your studio monitors. It takes a stereo signal on its balanced XLR/TRS inputs (+4 dBu) or unbalanced RCA inputs (-10 dBV), and sends it through its XLR outputs to a pair of speakers, high-passed at the same frequency as the low-pass applied to the subwoofer. The crossover frequency is set in 5 Hz steps between 50 and 110 Hz, for 13 positions. Kali recommends 80 Hz for its own speakers and for most common studio monitors. Two further modes complete the crossover: LFE, for a dedicated low-frequency effects channel in film or immersive mixing, and external crossover, when a processor manages a system larger than stereo. In both modes, the XLR outputs carry no signal.

Studio and live use

In the studio, Kali states that a single WS-12 V2 can handle bass management and the LFE channel for a system of up to five speakers, such as a 5.1 setup. Two subwoofers cover most immersive configurations. Gain is set according to placement (0 dB in the middle of the room, -6 dB near a wall, -12 dB in a corner), polarity can be reversed to 180° for better summing with the speakers, and a 1/4-inch footswitch (sold separately) mutes the subwoofer and the output high-pass filter so you can hear the mix without a sub. On stage, the 18 mm plywood cabinet, steel handles and M20 threaded pole cup make it a bass extension for small portable PA systems: one unit pairs with a suitcase-style or column all-in-one system, two side by side serve a larger setup. The +6 dB position then delivers maximum output.

What's new in the V2

The V2 replaces the original WS-12, manufactured from 2020 to 2023. Kali lists an M20 pole cup for mounting a speaker above the subwoofer, new crossover options based on user feedback and substantially reduced noise on the high-passed outputs. According to the manufacturer's manuals, the crossover goes from two presets for Kali speakers and six fixed frequencies (40 to 140 Hz) to 13 positions from 50 to 110 Hz, and the output signal-to-noise ratio from 99 dB to over 115 dB. The V2 also adds a choice of maximum input level (+14 or +20 dBu). Power, maximum SPL, dimensions and weight are unchanged.

Specifications

• Type: active subwoofer, front ported
• Driver: 12-inch high-excursion woofer, 2.5-inch voice coil
• Amplification: Class D, 500 W continuous, 1000 W peak
• Frequency response (-10 dB, anechoic): 23 Hz to 250 Hz
• Frequency range (±3 dB, anechoic): 30 Hz to 180 Hz
• Maximum SPL (peak at 1 m): 123 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (90 dB SPL at 1 m): under 2%
• Recommended listening distance: up to 5 m
• Crossover: low-pass for the subwoofer and complementary high-pass on the outputs, 50 to 110 Hz in 5 Hz steps (13 positions), LFE mode, external crossover mode
• Balanced inputs: 2 XLR/1/4-inch TRS combo jacks, +4 dBu
• Unbalanced inputs: 2 RCA, -10 dBV
• Outputs: 2 balanced XLR, high-passed
• Output signal-to-noise ratio: over 115 dB
• Volume: -∞ to +6 dB, center detent at 0 dB
• DIP switches: crossover frequency, placement gain (0, -6, -12 or +6 dB), polarity (0 or 180°), maximum input level (+14 or +20 dBu), auto standby after 20 minutes without signal (can be disabled)
• Bypass: 1/4-inch footswitch input (footswitch not included)
• Protection: limiter, thermal protection
• Front LED: power, bypass, standby
• Power: 110 V / 230 V voltage selector
• Cabinet: 18 mm plywood, steel handles, M20 threaded pole cup
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 48.8 × 43.7 × 52.1 cm (19.2 × 17.2 × 20.5 in)
• Weight: 27 kg (59.5 lb)