JBL and QSC are some of the most experienced brands ruling the music industry. JBL portable speakers are most commonly used by music lovers. On the other hand, the professionals love the QSC brand for their extraordinary line of speakers, mixers, and processors.
This article gives a comprehensive analysis comparing the JBL vs QSC. Here we have chosen some of the best sounding products of the brands and focused on the main features, their advantages, and disadvantages.
If you are a music lover or a sound engineer/ singer, then this article is for you. Once you read it, you can choose the best product as per your need. Whether you want something portable, a high-end PA system, or home theater, you will get an unbiased review on them.
Company profile: JBL vs QSC
JBL and QSC belong to California, USA. JBL has around 70 years of expertise and belongs to the famous Harman Kardon. QSC has 50 years of experience and focuses on the latest innovations and technology to build professional-grade equipment.
Comparing JBL vs QSC, we see that the main difference lies in the target audience. JBL focuses on average music listeners with affordable products to professionals with high-end PA speakers. They also emphasize on aesthetics. The portable Bluetooth speakers have some colorful, compact, and well-designed speakers. You will also find affordable solutions if you want a home theater. They also build car speakers and headphones.
The QSC makes products for musicians, DJs, liver performers, music editors and their speakers are used in concerts, theaters, open spaces. So they have different lines of products that are powerful to use in public places. They also ensure sturdy build quality and portability that you can easily carry. Along with PA speakers, they build mixers, processors, amplifiers, media server and test equipment, network audio, video, and controls.
Product comparison: JBL vs QSC
QSC speakers:
K12.2
Pros
- Comes with handles for portability
- Sturdy cabinet material
- Loud and clear audio
- DSP and EQ settings
Cons
- It might be costly for some users.
This 2-way speaker has an ABS enclosure with a sturdy steel grille. The top handle and sides are made of aluminum and it has rubber feet which makes it easier to carry or place firmly. This active PA speaker is ideal for musicians, stage performers, live programs, DJ parties, etc.
You can use it as a floor monitor or as the Main PA. it has one pole mount with which you can use it as forward-facing or 7.5-degree downward tilting. It also has 2 M10 threaded points, M5 yoke attachment points, and a pull-back ring.
The drivers and powerful Class-D amplifier incorporate in delivering tight bass and accurate mids and highs. The sound is ideal for live performances where people sit at a distance. DSP is used to control the crossover-frequency, high-pass filtering, etc. It also has some standard mixer functions.
The rear side of the speaker has an LCD screen along with one data wheel and two buttons. It also has four-band EQ, sub-settings, etc. The QSC also has other speakers like the KW153 with SPL of 134dB and is a 3-way speaker or the WideLine Series which is ideal for ballrooms, theaters, club parties, etc.
E115: Passive loudspeaker
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Supports DSP
- Powerful audio
- 75° DMT waveguide for people at a distance.
Cons
- Adding an amp or mixer might increase the cost
The speaker has a trapezoidal shape and a strong metal cabinet. It has a 15-inch subwoofer and a direct-matching-transition feature ensures people sitting far away can listen to the audio distinctly. You can place it vertically or by 10-degree down tilt. It supports mounting options like E Series Yoke or M8 eyebolts.
The speakers deliver powerful sound with a power handling capacity of 500W continuous (2000W peak). It is best for open-stage performance, ballrooms, night clubs, etc. along with high –quality drivers, it supports DSP. It also supports QSC GXD, PLD amplifiers, or TouchMix digital mixers.
The material used in building the speaker is long-lasting and durable. Overall, the construction is sturdy and the sound quality is loud with deep bass.
AD-S10T: QSC Cinema loudspeaker:
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- 10” woofer with DMT
- Different mounting options
- Strong cabinet material
Cons
- None
This surface-mounted speaker is best for foreground or background music. It has a 1″ exit compression driver with a DMT waveguide and 10” woofer that delivers clear highs and deep lows as well as a smoother frequency response throughout the listening area.
The speaker is made from ABS polymer back enclosure and has an aluminum grille which makes it weather-resistant. The IP-54 rating makes it dust and splash resistant. It has a decent frequency response and the rotary selector is wrapped with a weather grommet and is found at the rear side to make it weather-resistant.
You can easily install the speaker in different positions such as horizontal, vertical, wall, or ceiling. It has M10 fittings for optional yoke mount (YMS10T) or shoulder eyebolt (M10 Kit-C) which makes installation easier. This speaker delivers audio with clarity and has a power handling capacity of 250W RMS. You can also see the SC-222X Cinema Loudspeaker System
QSC subwoofer and amplifier:
ISA800Ti amplifier
Pros
- Power amplifier
- Supports both 4 and 8ohms
- XLR and Euro-style inputs
- 40% less heat loss
- Easy to use controls
Cons
- None
The amplifier is built with an all-metal body. For a distributed sound system it has isolated 25,70, 100 volts, and four low impedance models for 2-ohm operation. For 8 and 4 ohms, it has 450 and 650 watts per channel respectively. On the backside, it has gain controls for tamper resistant operation that has a total of 11 dB detents for convenience.
It has inputs like the XLR and detachable Euro-style connectors. The output circuitry Class H lowers the consumption of AC power and heat wastage by 40%. It has defeatable clip limiters that minimize distortion. The automatic variable fan ensures that the device remains cool and does its operation silently.
The amplifier allows the DataPort V2 to use with DPV2-compatible signal processing accessories (XC-3, SF-3, LF-3) as well as the external power supply DSP-3/DSP-4. It has an SNR of 100dB and damping factor >200 and supports Stereo and Parallel mode, and Bridge mode. It is designed as a budget-friendly amplifier for sound contractors.
GXD4: professional power amplifier
Pros
- 400W for 8ohms and 600W for 4ohms per channel
- Powerful Class-D amplifier
- Various inputs and outputs
- Gain control knobs are easy to control
- Supports DSP
Cons
- None
The GXD4 has 400 W and 600 W per channel for 8 Ω and 4 Ω respectively. The Class-D amplifiers ensure optimum performance and better headroom. The amplifier is super-efficient and the device is lightweight. The loudspeaker processing is built-in and it has high and low-pass filters, 4-band parametric EQ, limiting, and delay.
It supports the following connections: XLR, ¼” TRS connectors, and USB Standard B connector as inputs and professional NL4 and binding post connectors for mono and bi-amp speaker connectivity for outputs. The front side has several controls like the power button, Channel A and B gain knobs, LCD screen, Home/Enter/ Exit buttons, etc.
The digital limiting feature acts as a protection for the device. It has an SNR of 100dB and a damping factor (8ohms) is also 100. And it will be suitable to work in any band performance, DJ parties, or open-space programs.
E118SW: Passive subwoofer
Pros
- Strong enclosure material
- Handles and casters make it portable
- 12” woofer for deep and clear bass
- Powerful sub with 800W output
Cons
- For a subwoofer only, it is expensive
The E118SW is a ‘direct radiation subwoofer’ which is made of plywood and has 4 side-mounted handles. With an output of 800W and frequency response (-10db) of 37-230Hz, it delivers deep and punchier bass when connected to a loudspeaker. Along with a sturdy build, it comes with 4 casters to improve portability.
It has an M20 socket and speaker pole that you can use with E-series 2-way speakers. This sub is ideal for any open stage or live performance. It has a subwoofer impedance of 4-ohms so you need to match an amplifier accordingly. Although the E-series speaker will work with other equipment, if you pair it with E-series products, the result will be optimum.
If you use the QSC GXD, PLD amplifiers, or TouchMix digital mixers, then the products can work with advanced DSP features. The E118SW has an output SPL of 133dB and based on the specs, it can get as low as 37Hz and has an 18-in woofer. All these focus on the enhancement of the bass. It has input connections like 2 × NL4, 1 × barrier strip.
JBL speakers:
EON One Compact: portable PA with professional-grade mixer
Pros
- 112 dB sensitivity
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass.
- Can control with the app
- Lightweight and handle makes it easy to carry
- 12 hours of battery life
Cons
- The user manual should have more details for setup
This speaker is a battery-powered PA speaker that has a durable polypropene material. It has a handle, weighs around 18 pounds, and is easy to carry. There is a 4-channel mixer that has several options like effects, phantom power, music ducking, bass, and treble control.
The drivers and frequency response indicate that it delivers immersive sound with clarity and deep bass. The 112 dB sensitivity ensures loud and undistorted sound. You can adjust presets and effects in the JBL Compact Connect app. The ‘ducking feature’ lowers background music when it detects speech. Along with versatile input and output options, the JBL Eon One supports Bluetooth connectivity.
It has two USB 3.0 ports that allow fast charging of external devices. You can connect mics, instruments, and playback devices to the inputs. You can pair two speakers for stereo mode or play Bluetooth in up to 4 speakers. The battery life is around 12 hours with only 2.5 hours of fast charging. It is an all-in-one-package that has loudspeaker, amp, mixer, and effects. It is ideal for solo guitarists, bass players, or presenters.
104: Compact Reference monitor
Pros
- High-quality audio
- Wide sweet spot with deep bass
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Efficient Class-D amplifier
- SPL of 104dB
Cons
- room-shaking bass lovers might not like it
This compact speaker is best for content creators, audio engineers, or recording musicians. They are small speakers that will ideal to place on desktop tables with a PC or laptop. It is well-known to deliver precise ‘sonic presentation’ and crystal clear audio.
The tweeter and woofer are aligned in a co-axial manner with the tweeter at the center of the woofer. It has a 60-watt Class D amplifier with 30watts delivered to each speaker. the speakers have an SPL of 104dB and can get as low as 60Hz. All these features ensure you will get a high-level of performance with tight bass and enhanced highs and mids.
It supports Bluetooth 5.0 which gives you the flexibility to work with wired or wireless devices. It has accurate directivity, detailed audio, and smooth off-axis performance. The front side of the speaker has a volume control, headphone jack, and mute option.
The price is affordable, the design is small and classy. And JBL is a renowned brand that ensures customer satisfaction whether they are casual listeners or music producers.
Flip 3: wireless
Pros
- Splashproof
- Supports Bluetooth 4.1 and A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
- SNR >80dB
- Can answer phone calls
- 10 hours of battery life.
Cons
- At high volumes, the audio might get distorted
Flip 3 is made of fabric material and rubber housing which makes it sturdy for outdoors. The attached string for hanging the speaker helps if you are going on a hike or to simply use it in the washroom. On one side there are controls like the Bluetooth pairing button, volume controls, and call answer/end button.
It supports Bluetooth 4.1 with a range of 30 ft. and can pair up to 3 devices. Bluetooth pairing is stable and strong. You can also pair multiple JBL speakers and play music in all speakers at the same time. It lets you answer phone calls and the microphone picks up your speech easily.
The JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth speaker has a 3000mAh battery that can give playback time up to 9.5-10 hours. The audio quality is detailed, immersive with adequate bass and clear mids. The highs aren’t recessed but the audio might sound harsh if the sound is turned to maximum.
The speaker is splash-proof which means it can withstand water but you can’t submerge it in the water. The two 40mm transducers and SNR of 80dB or more, the sound quality is impressive. it has dual external passive radiators that handle the low frequency and produce punchy bass. The fabric cover allows a firm grip to carry it outdoors.
JBL home theater & soundbar:
JBL Bar studio: 2.0 soundbar
Pros
- Dual bass port for tighter bass
- Cinematic audio for movies
- Easy to setup
- Easy to control with any TV remote
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not the best sounding bar for music listening.
The JBL Bar studio 2.0 is an affordable soundbar that you can choose in case you want to improve the sound quality of your TV. It has a slim and sleek design that can easily be placed under your TV or mount it on the wall. It has 2 tweeters and one woofer. It doesn’t have any subwoofer and has a total power of 30 W.
In terms of audio quality, it can definitely enhance then sound compared to your TV. The movie sound has a clean and deep bass with a broader soundstage. The sound is enough to fill small to medium-sized rooms. The soundbar is versatile to use because it will work with almost any of the existing TV remotes. The setup is very easy because you will only need an HDMI cable to connect it with your TV.
The top panel of the soundbar has power, volume, and source selection button. The rear side has an HDMI port, Aux-in, Optical, and power port. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless streaming and it might not be the best choice to listen to music if you want to analyze the sound or want best-sounding equipment for music. With a frequency response of 60Hz-20kHz and dual bass ports, the bass is quite impressive.
JBL 510: 5.1 home theater
Pros
- Affordable home theater
- Compact satellite speakers
- Deep bass and detailed audio
- Ideal for movie or sports
Cons
- Doesn’t deliver high-end sound
The 5.1 JBL 510 home theater is a complete package that has 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer. The satellite speakers include two fronts, two rears, and a center channel. They are also ‘voice-matched’ which means you will hear consistent audio from the 5 speakers at the same time. The package is compact to blend in into any home theater studio.
The subwoofer is 6.5” that has a built-in 60W amplifier. The satellite speakers can handle the power handling of 100W and have a 75mm driver. the frequency response if 46Hz to 20kHz and there is a bass-reflex in the subwoofer so it is evident that you will hear all the ambient noises of the movie like footsteps, whispers, etc.
The setup is simple and easy. the speakers should be connected to an AV receiver and then the sub. The subwoofer has volume and phase control which you can adjust as per your need. the placement should be as per the ideal placement of speakers and sub in a home theater. The following image shows how you should place the speakers and the sub.
Home theater ensures you enjoy movies just like in theaters. You can also enjoy sports, games or music as well. The price is affordable and the sound quality is decent. It has a wide soundstage with detailed mids and highs.
Setup guide for your home theater systems
JBL Cinema 610
Pros
- Best deal at the given price range
- Ideal for tight spaces
- 8-inch sub delivers deep bass
- Decent audio with voice clarity and enhanced ambient noise
Cons
- Doesn’t support Dolby Digital or Atmos
Compared to JBL 510, the 610 has 5 speakers but one is dedicated to the center channel. All the satellites have a voice-matching feature. They have dual 3-inch midrange cones and 0.5-inch domes as the high-frequency transducer. The nominal impedance is 4-ohms so you need an AV receiver matched with the impedance.
the system frequency response is 37Hz -20kHz and the 8-inch 60W powered subwoofer has a bass reflex. The home theater produces tight and punchy bass with clear dialogues. The speakers have wall mounts built-in so you can easily attach them on walls. The placement should be similar to the JBL 510 mentioned above.
Since not everyone has the budget or the space to enjoy large and expensive speakers in a home theater, the 610 is a perfect choice for them. Based on the drivers, we can say this home theater will not blow your mind but they will deliver decent room-filling audio and bass to enjoy within an affordable range.
If you sit back to scrutinize sound quality, you will be disappointed. However, if you simply want a noticeable improvement in the sound quality of your TV, then this is for you. The subwoofer is powerful enough to emphasis on explosions, rains drops, bullet moving through the air, etc.
Conclusion
If you are at this stage of this article, you must have a clear idea of some of the commonly used products of JBL and QSC. QSC produces amplifiers, subwoofers, mixers, they even provide solutions to movie theaters. They are well-known in the world of music professionals.
Comparing JBL vs QSC, the JBL is mostly famous among music geeks. They have some of the best affordable home theater solutions for space constraint situations. The Bluetooth speakers are light, durable, and packed with features. They are also the best choice for professionals.
Whether you are a listener or a producer, this article has a solution for everyone. We have discussed the best products of JBL and QSC among which you can choose the one based on your purpose of use and criteria.
Find out, Which one has more quality features Harman Kardon or Bose
FAQ
As you leave, we hope that our parting gift i.e this FAQ section about JBL vs QSC, will bring a smile to your face. May it be the first in what is sure to be many adventures of success! Best of luck with your purchase!
How to set up the channels in the JBL Eon one compact?
Answer: follow these steps to set up channels:
- Choose the Channel Select Button for the setup of the channel
- Assign the Input Gain Control of the channel to noon.
- Rotate the knob of the Master Volume Control (P) clockwise to the volume you want
- Regulate the knobs of Treble Control (R), Bass Control (S), and Reverb Control (T) as per your needs.
How to control the JBL Bar studio 2.0 soundbar with any TV remote?
Answer: The soundbar is compatible with most of the brand’s TV remote such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio. But if you want to disable the control option of the remote, then press and wait the shuffle button of the remote control.
Who are the QSC speakers for?
Answer: QSC is the brand name for professionals. They make a wide range of products but their intention is not to attract average listeners or audiophiles. They aim for audio engineers, DJs, music bands, liver performers, singers, and other professional enthusiasts belonging to the music world.
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