K-ARRAY
Thunder-KS: Compact, Multi-Tasking Subwoofers
Thank you for choosing this K-array product!
To ensure proper operation, please carefully read this quick guide. Download the owner's manual and safety instruction from the official K-array website at www.k-array.com.
Carefully inspect the shipping carton, then examine and test your new device. If you find any damage, immediately notify the shipping company. Check that the following parts are supplied with the product:
- 1x Subwoofer unit: model and version shall be one from the following list: a. Thunder-KS1I, b. Thunder-KS1PI, c. Thunder-KS2I, d. Thunder-KS2PI, e. Thunder-KS3I, f. Thunder-KS3PI, g. Thunder-KS4I, h. Thunder-KS4PI
- 1x This quick guide
- 1x Power cord in self-powered models packages only (i.e. KS1I, KS2I, KS3I, KS4I).
Before using the product, please carefully read the owner's manual and safety instruction. After reading this quick guide, be sure to keep it for future reference.
Should you have any questions about your new device, please contact K-array customer service at support@k-array.com or contact the official K-array distributor in your country.
Product Overview
The Thunder-KS line provides powerful bass for installation and live applications. Available in passive and active models with sizes from 12" to 21" and dual 18", the Thunder-KS line is a high-performance sub-bass system featuring woofers engineered for maximum linear excursion. Pocket handles and an M20 thread mount position for attaching top speakers make the subwoofers convenient and ideal for applications in theaters, concert halls, parties, and restaurant installations.
Our active models are more than just powered subwoofers; their "smart" design places electronics centrally, transforming the mid-low frequency loudspeaker into a tool for audio signal management and processing.
K-array Connect App and Control
The Thunder-KS self-powered subwoofers feature a 4-channel power amplifier module with built-in DSP, manageable via the dedicated K-array Connect app or K-framework3 software.
To remotely control any Thunder-KS active unit, download the K-array Connect app:
[Download on the App Store]
[Get it on Google Play]
Connectivity Reset
Keep pressed the [Reset button] for 10 to 15 seconds to:
- Revert wired IP addressing to DHCP.
- Activate built-in Wi-Fi and reset wireless parameters to the default SSID name and password (see User Guide "K-array Connect Mobile App" for details).
Rear Panel Descriptions
Active Subwoofer Rear Panel
Diagram showing the rear panel of an active subwoofer with numbered connection points.
- 1. [SpeakON NL4] speaker output channels 3 & 4
- 2. [SpeakON NL4] speaker output channels 1 & 2
- 3. [QR Code for K-array Connect app] remote connection
- 4. [PowerCon TRUE link] (AC mains out)
- 5. [PowerCon TRUE inlet] (AC mains in)
- 6. [XLR-M] channel 2 balanced line output or channels 3 & 4 AES3 output (user selectable via K-array Connect app)
- 7. [XLR-F] channel 2 balanced line input or channels 3 & 4 AES3 input (user selectable via K-array Connect app)
- 8. [XLR-M] channel 1 balanced line output
- 9. [XLR-F] channel 1 balanced line input
- 10. [Reset button]
- 11. [Input signal LED monitor]
- 12. [Output signal LED monitor]
- 13. [System status LED]
- 14. [USB ports]
- 15. [RJ45 Ethernet port]
Additional labels: Air vents, Fan, LINK, CH1, CH2, IN, OUT, STATUS, RoHS X CE, Made in Italy.
Passive Subwoofer Rear Panel
Diagram showing the rear panel of a passive subwoofer with lettered connection points.
- A. [SpeakON NL4]
- B. [SpeakON NL4]
- C. Terminals switch: swap the internal loudspeaker terminals assignment.
[Warning]. Disconnect the input signal speakON cable BEFORE toggling the terminals switch!
Diagram showing SpeakON to transducer internal wiring with labels: Sub on +2-2 [DEFAULT], Sub on +1-1.
Designed and Made in Italy by K-ARRAY s.r.l. Via P. Romagnoli 17 | 50038 Scarperia e San Piero - Firenze - Italy ph +39 055 84 87 222 | info@k-array.com | www.k-array.com
Getting Started
According to the version and model, follow these steps to make the system operating:
Active Subwoofer (KS1I, KS2I, KS3I, KS4I)
- Connect the input and output signal cables according to the configuration you want to achieve (see User Guide "Wiring").
- Connect the power cord to an AC mains socket outlet and to the [PowerCon TRUE] connector on the Thunder-KS rear panel. The Thunder-KS switches on when the [PowerCon TRUE] connector is locked and electricity flows from the AC mains.
- Hold your mobile device (smartphone or tablet):
- Ensure the Wi-Fi connectivity is on.
- In Android-based systems, the app looks for any Wi-Fi network whose SSID name starts with "K-array". Swipe down to force refresh the list of available networks.
- If the list of available devices is empty, touch the SCAN QR CODE button and use the mobile device camera to frame the QR code at the top left corner of the Thunder-KS rear panel. This provides the mobile device to connect to the Thunder-KS Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Enter the password to connect to the Thunder-KS active subwoofer (see User Guide "Connection and Discovery" for details).
- In the K-array Connect app bottom menu, select PRESET and touch the compass button for setting the loudspeaker configuration (see User Guide "Output configuration"). Carefully check that the presets match the actual configuration of passive subwoofers and top speakers connected to the Thunder-KS rear [SpeakON] connectors.
- Set the signal routing from the input channels to the output channels in the ROUTING menu (see User Guide "Signal Routing").
- Check the signal volume in the VOLUME tab (see User Guide "Volume").
- Enjoy K-array sound!
Passive Subwoofer (KS1PI, KS2PI, KS3PI, KS4PI)
- Connect a proper speaker cable to the [SpeakON] connector on the Thunder-KS rear panel (see User Guide "Wiring").
- Connect the other side of the speaker cable to a power amplifier or to a Thunder-KS active subwoofer.
- On the active driving unit, load the proper device preset according to the Thunder-KS passive subwoofer model (see User Guide "Output configuration").
Connection to a single Thunder-KS
Diagram showing a single active subwoofer connected to a mobile device via Wi-Fi.
- Ensure the Wi-Fi of the mobile device is on.
- Launch the K-array Connect app.
- In Android-based systems, the app looks for any Wi-Fi network whose SSID name starts with "K-array". Swipe down to force refresh the list of available networks.
- Touch the device name to establish a connection and insert the password (see below).
- If the list of available devices is empty, touch the SCAN QR CODE button and use the mobile device camera to frame the QR code at the top left corner of the Thunder-KS rear panel. This provides the mobile device to connect to the Thunder-KS Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the password to connect to the Thunder-KS active subwoofer. If not modified, the default password is the device serial number, e.g. K142AN0006 (case sensitive).
- The K-array Connect app connects directly to the Thunder-KS active subwoofer.
Connection to a network of Thunder-KS
Diagram showing multiple active subwoofers connected via an Ethernet switch and Wi-Fi access point to mobile devices.
The Thunder-KS active subwoofers feature an [RJ45 Ethernet port] on the rear panel that allows connecting the loudspeakers to a local area network (LAN) for easier remote control.
The Thunder-KS implement zeroconf network technologies, allowing direct connection to a PC via an Ethernet CAT5 cable, as well as including devices into a network without user configuration.
If a DHCP service is available, it will assign an IP address to each Thunder-KS. If a DHCP service is not available, each Thunder-KS active subwoofer will self-assign an IP address in the range 169.254.0.0/16 (auto-IP).
The simplest local network of Thunder-KS active subwoofers requires an Ethernet switch. When an access point is available, the network can be easily managed with the K-array Connect mobile app over the LAN.
- Connect each Thunder-KS active subwoofer to a Wi-Fi access point with a built-in Ethernet switch using Ethernet Cat5 or Cat6 cables.
- Set the access point Wi-Fi network SSID and parameters.
- Ensure the Wi-Fi of the mobile device is on.
- Connect the mobile device to the access point Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the K-array Connect app. The app looks for any device in the network whose name starts with "K-array" and tries to establish a connection.
- If the list of available devices is empty, swipe down to force refresh the list of available devices.
On-Board Web App
The on-board web interface is an additional user interface embedded on the built-in DSP that allows managing system features over a network. Once the IP address of a Thunder-KS active subwoofer is set and known, it is possible to access the built-in DSP features over a LAN with a web browser (Google Chrome is recommended).
Type the Thunder-KS active subwoofer IP address in the address field of the web browser (e.g., 10.20.16.171). The Thunder-KS will push the web interface for direct access to its DSP features.
The K-array Connect mobile app offers a shortcut to access the on-board web interface.
