HK LINEAR-5-MK2-118-SUB-A 2000 Watt 18" Active Subwoofer

LINEAR 5 MK2 118 Sub A
The LINEAR 5 MK2 118 Sub A is described as "the all purpose workhorse" of the LINEAR 5 MK2 system line — an active bass-reflex subwoofer built from birch multiplex for more sound pressure and a solid low-end foundation. It's positioned as the standard-bearer of the LINEAR 5 MK2 range, delivering uncompromising performance and dry, defined bass down to the lowest frequencies. A key feature is its cardioid preset, which can be selected with a single setting, opening up a much wider range of system configuration options and giving users access to professional-class performance. Built-in stereo preamplifiers also simplify the setup of 2.1 configurations, making it easier to integrate the sub into a variety of audio systems.

Build and Sound Character
The 118 Sub A is constructed from high-quality birch plywood using a bass-reflex cabinet design. This combination is built to deliver powerful, precise bass, forming the low-frequency foundation of the wider LINEAR 5 MK2 system. The source material emphasizes "uncompromising performance" and a "dry, defined" bass reproduction quality — language suggesting a tight, controlled low end rather than a loose or boomy one, even at the lowest end of its frequency range. According to the listed specifications, the sub reaches a frequency range of 42 Hz at -6 dB, and extends to 38 Hz at -10 dB, both measured up to the crossover point. In terms of output, it's rated for a maximum average SPL of 129 dB and a maximum peak SPL of 131 dB, figures measured per the EN 60268-21 standard using a single subwoofer at 1 meter, 10% THD, across 42 Hz–100 Hz in half space.
Flexible System Configuration
One of the standout capabilities highlighted is the subwoofer's cardioid functionality. Cardioid operation — which focuses bass energy forward and reduces it behind the sub — is made accessible here through a simple preset selection, rather than requiring complex manual configuration. This is presented as giving users "enormously expanded" options for how they configure their systems, and as a gateway to professional-level applications that might otherwise require more elaborate setups. This kind of preset-driven flexibility is aimed at making advanced configuration approachable for a broader range of users and venues.
Simplified 2.1 Setups
The 118 Sub A also includes built-in stereo preamplifiers, a feature specifically called out for simplifying 2.1 system setups. Rather than requiring separate outboard preamplification to integrate the subwoofer with a stereo pair of tops, the onboard stereo preamps streamline that process directly. The source material frames this as making integration into "various audio systems even easier," suggesting the sub is designed to slot into a range of setups — from smaller stereo-based systems to larger configurations — without adding unnecessary complexity for the operato
Why We Love This
Our gear experts appreciate the LINEAR 5 MK2 118 Sub A for its dry, defined bass reproduction — tight low-end that supports a mix without muddying it. The preset-selectable cardioid mode gives performers more control over how bass spreads through a venue, reducing unwanted stage bleed. Built-in stereo preamplifiers also make 2.1 setups simple, letting musicians integrate the sub into their system quickly. Combined with its birch multiplex build, it offers dependable, professional-grade low-end performance for a range of live settings.
Features:
- Active bass-reflex subwoofer design
- High-quality birch multiplex (plywood) cabinet construction
- "Dry, defined" bass reproduction down to the lowest lows
- Maximum average SPL of 129 dB
- Maximum peak SPL of 131 dB
- Frequency range down to 42 Hz (-6 dB)
- Extended frequency range down to 38 Hz (-10 dB)
- Simple preset-selectable cardioid setting for expanded configuration options
- Access to professional-class system configurations via cardioid presets
- Built-in stereo preamplifiers for simplified 2.1 setups