HK Audio LINEAR 5 MK II 118 Sub HPA 18" Active Subwoofer

HK Audio LINEAR 5 MK II 118 Sub HPA

The HK Audio LINEAR 5 MK II 118 Sub HPA delivers serious low-frequency output for professional PA systems where deep bass and high headroom aren't optional. Built around an 18-inch woofer with 4-inch voice coil and a Class-D amplifier pushing 3000W peak, this subwoofer hits 131dB SPL while maintaining control down to 33Hz (-10dB point). The bass-reflex enclosure is tuned for impact and definition rather than excessive boom—you get punch that cuts through dense mixes without turning into mud. Integrated cardioid presets (1:1 and 2:1 vertical) direct low-frequency energy toward the audience while reducing stage wash and reflections behind the system, critical when you're managing open mics or working in acoustically challenging rooms.

In touring and rental applications, the networked DSP control via Ethercon lets techs adjust EQ, delay, limiting, and crossover settings remotely without climbing behind stacks of gear. The 10-band fully parametric EQ with variable filter characteristics gives you surgical control over problem frequencies, while the onboard limiter protects the driver during sustained high-output operation. PowerCon link connections simplify power distribution across multi-sub arrays, and the birch multiplex cabinet construction survives transport abuse while maintaining consistent acoustic performance. The M20 pole mount supports compact system footprints when stacking tops, and the four MultiGrip handles make load-in manageable even with the 125-pound weight. This isn't a subwoofer you outgrow—it's a foundation for scalable systems that need legitimate low-end authority. Explore our powered subwoofers for more professional bass solutions.

3000W Peak Amplification With Headroom To Spare

The Class-D amplifier delivers 1500W continuous and 3000W peak power, giving you the headroom needed to reproduce transient bass content without compression or strain. This matters when you're running electronic music with synthesized sub-bass or tracking kick drums that demand clean reproduction of the fundamental. The 18-inch driver features a 4-inch voice coil that handles thermal stress during sustained high-output operation, while the bass-reflex tuning extends usable response down to 33Hz at -10dB. Maximum SPL hits 131dB peak in half-space, so the subwoofer keeps pace with high-output mid/high cabinets in club installations, outdoor stages, and large venue systems without becoming the weak link in your low-frequency coverage. 

Cardioid Presets For Directional Bass Control

Built-in cardioid operating modes (1:1 and 2:1 vertical) solve the low-frequency bleed problem that plagues omnidirectional subwoofer arrays. By configuring multiple subs with phase-delayed signals, these presets create directional bass patterns that focus energy toward the audience while canceling output behind the system. This dramatically reduces stage wash critical when you've got open vocal mics that pick up excessive low-end rumble and minimizes reflections in acoustically problematic rooms. The 2:1 vertical preset uses two forward-firing subs and one rear-firing sub to create asymmetrical cardioid patterns, while the 1:1 mode provides balanced front-to-back rejection. These aren't gimmicks, they're proven deployment strategies used in professional touring systems where controlling low-frequency dispersion directly impacts mix clarity and gain-before-feedback.

Networked DSP Control For System Optimization

Ethercon RJ45 connectivity (with in/thru) enables remote DSP control via the included DSP CONTROL software for Windows and Mac. The onboard processing includes a fully parametric 10-band EQ with variable filter characteristics, letting you notch out room modes or boost specific frequency ranges for genre-specific tuning. Low-pass filtering sets the crossover point when integrating with tops, while independent level, delay, polarity, and limiter controls ensure proper system alignment and driver protection. System latency stays at or below 2.6ms, making the subwoofer suitable for live performance where timing matters. PowerCon NAC3 in/thru connections simplify power distribution across multi-cabinet systems, eliminating the cable spaghetti that comes with individual power runs to each sub. The dual XLR combo inputs accept balanced signals, with XLR thru outputs and a dedicated DSP output for flexible signal routing in complex PA configurations.

Highlights

• 3000W peak Class-D amplifier drives 18-inch woofer with 4-inch voice coil to 131dB SPL
• Bass-reflex enclosure tuned for 33Hz (-10dB) low-frequency extension with controlled output
• Integrated cardioid presets (1:1 and 2:1 vertical) for directional bass management
• Networked DSP control via Ethercon with 10-band parametric EQ and comprehensive processing
• PowerCon NAC3 in/thru connections for efficient power distribution in multi-sub arrays
• Birch multiplex construction with M20 pole mount and four MultiGrip handles
• System latency ≤2.6ms for live performance timing accuracy

LINEAR 5 MK II 188 SUB HPA 18" Specifications

What's in the Box