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Review: QSC HPR122i 12" Two-Way Powered Speaker

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Review: QSC HPR122i 12

QSC HPR122i Powered Speaker

Courtesy QSC

The Bottom Line

The QSC HPR122i is the future of powered speakers -- efficient, portable, and stunning in both sound quality and construction.

Building on QSC's top-quality amplification, these speakers combine expertly-tuned cabinets and speakers with onboard amplification in an attractive, affordable package.

The HPR122i -- perfectly suited as either a monitor or a top main speaker -- is a phenomenal value, given the awesome sound reproduction and solid build quality, and is available for around $800.

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Pros

  • Phenomenal sound quality.
  • Very responsive to EQ.
  • High-quality QSC amplification.
  • Stellar build quality.

Cons

  • Heavy.

Description

  • Speakers: 12" neodymium transducer, 3" voice coil; 1.4" diaphragm compression driver
  • Power amp: Legendary QSC quality, 400W LF Class H, 100W HF Class AB+B
  • Frequency response: 53 Hz - 22 kHz
  • Rig points: 9 M10 rigging locations
  • Build quality: solid birch cabinets with 16-gauge steel speaker grille.

Guide Review - Review: QSC HPR122i 12" Two-Way Powered Speaker

I'll admit, I've not always been a big fan of powered speakers. Having everything built into one box has always turned me off -- not being able to repair or re-wire the power amp stage from a speaker cabinet has been the main argument for me. After hearing QSC's HPR122i being used as a wedge monitor on stage, I was sold. After extensive experimentation, I can safely say that the HPR122i is one of the best values in price and performance on the market today.

Features & build quality

The HPR122i features a 12" low-frequency woofer with 3" voice coil. The woofer is powered by 400 watts of class H power. A neodymium magnet design provides very solid response for low-end that's solid and loud without adding to the bulkiness of the design. The 1.4" diaphragm neodymium compression driver is powered by a 100 watt, class AB+B amplifier and is loaded on a 75 degree conical horn.

Where the HPR122i really shines is build quality.

Built of solid birch with a 16-gauge steel grill over the speakers, the HPR122i is solid yet portable. It's ready to deal with a lot of abuse -- and if you're using it in most live sound situations, this is a necessity!

Sound quality

Sound quality is top-notch, both as a monitor and as a main speaker.

Used as a wedge, the HPR122i shines in both vocal reproduction and instrument reinforcement, although a little peaky around 1K. I wouldn't hesitate to rely fully on the HPR122i for large-stage use in multiples (although the 12" speaker isn't as rider-friendly as a 15").

As a top box on a PA system, the HPR122i really stands out when used with a properly crossed-over sub; the added punch from the sub makes the highs and mids on the 122i seem silky and smooth with lots of natural projection.
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