Kali Audio WS-6.2 Review – Impressive Small Scale Subwoofer

Not everyone has the luxury of a large studio space. If anything, most at-home producers and engineers will be working within a smaller area. This is where compact studio subwoofers become essential. In this review, we check out the latest addition to the Kali Audio subwoofer family, the small WS-6.2.

The Kali Audio WS-6.2 delivers solid and dependably accurate bass without demanding much space. With an approachable price point, it also is an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Features

Kali Audio continues expanding its Watts product line-up with the new WS-6.2. Their approach of supplying effective and capable monitors and subwoofers has delivered some great results so far, and I’m happy to report that trend continues with the WS-6.2.

Sound Quality

Squeezing a large subwoofer into my studio space is a challenge. I’ve often found myself having to travel to a friend’s studio to accurately test larger subwoofers as the space available in my room is not ideal for larger woofers. For this reason, I was excited to check out the compact WS-6.2 that promised to tackle this issue head-on.

The dual 6.5-inch horizontally opposed woofers deliver a substantial amount of low-frequency response while coming in at a paltry size that is on par with many 8-inch studio monitors. I’ll admit I was optimistic but also skeptical if this design could deliver on its promise, but I was blown away by how good this little subwoofer is.

The bass response is tight and punchy with a high degree of accuracy. The front-firing port tube keeps airflow smooth and refined to ensure no turbulence or unwanted added noise. I even tested the unit within a corner and was surprised at how well it handled the dynamics.

The WS-6.2 offers satisfying bass for smaller studio spaces.

For producers working with EDM and Hip-Hop, you’ll already know how crucial accurate bass representation is to make informed decisions within your mix. Likewise, if you work with movie scores, you’ll be equally familiar with this need. The Kali Audio WS-6.2 allows you to explore the lower frequencies of your compositions with confidence and precision.

I also ran it through its paces with some especially chunky bass-heavy music to see how it holds up for casual listening. Once again, I was impressed. Filthy drops like the one present in Core by RL Grime translated wonderfully. But it wasn’t just EDM and Hip-Hop that sounded great. I also gave Waiting Room by Fugazi a run, and the WS-6.2 rumbled through it with finesse.

If you want reliable bass that is clean, warm, and punchy, the Kali Audio WS-6.2 is an ideal choice for spaces that can’t accommodate larger subwoofers.

Build Quality

From the moment Kali Audio burst onto the scene, they have consistently delivered affordable products for budget-conscious buyers without skimping on quality.

The WS-6.2 is a robust subwoofer that is up to the rigors of daily use. The MDF cabinet is dependable, features a black vinyl wrapping that will not peel easily, and is also resistant to dings and scratches.

Excellent balance between price and build quality.

As with all electronic gear, you want to keep the subwoofer in a controlled environment without exposure to direct sunlight or moisture. The unit also features a limiter circuit to protect the subwoofer from blowing due to excessive input levels.

A 2-year warranty is also part of the deal, so buy from a reputable dealer with a track record of superior customer service. While I can’t foresee this subwoofer failing from manufacturing defects, it is always easier when dealing with a customer-focused retailer, just in case.

Specifications

The Kali Audio WS-6.2 features a Class D amplifier with 1000 Watts of peak power and 400 Watts of continuous power. Class D amplifiers are efficient and benefit from low heat power dissipation.

The WS-6.2 features two 6.5-inch high excursion woofers that combine to perform on par with larger woofers. The combination of power and drivers results in a maximum SPL of 120dB, which is more than most would need. Ample headroom without placing pressure on the subwoofer.

Dual woofers with plenty of power.

The Frequency Range of 31.5Hz-180kHz (±3dB) indicates the depth on offer with a Response of 27Hz-200Hz (-10dB). Plenty of depth to assess low-frequency response within your mixes.

Distortion is also under control with a System THD of under 2%. Clean, powerful, and punchy bass in a compact and affordable package. 

Tuning Options

This is the weakest area of the Kali Audio WS-6.2. Unlike its bigger sibling, the WS-12, this subwoofer doesn’t offer an extensive selection of configuration options. You’ll have access to an 80 Hz crossover, an LFE mode, and an External Mode. The WS-12 provides a more comprehensive selection with specific presets for Kali Audio’s LP series of monitors.

In some ways, I can see the idea behind this approach. The WS-6.2 is simple and beginner friendly. In most situations, the 80 Hz crossover will be perfectly acceptable, and it will play nicely with a broad range of studio monitors. There is no paralysis through analysis, but seasoned pros might want a little more flexibility up their sleeve.

The WS-6.2 has limited crossover options.

The low-frequency effects (LFE) option applies to multi-channel setups. It is effective for smaller groupings like 2.1 and 5.1 systems in compact studios. But you’ll need extra units if you have a larger space or a 7.1 or 7.1.4 setup.

Beyond this simple set of configurations, you’ll also have access to a polarity switch which can be helpful depending on the dynamics of your room and the placement of your subwoofer and studio monitors.

It’s all very straightforward but equally a little restrictive. How much this might be a dealbreaker will come down to your needs, but as it stands, the WS-6.2 does offer the fundamental features for most basic at-home production suites.

Design

Kali Audio doesn’t make unattractive products, and the WS-6.2 continues this tradition. While it might be a plain black box like many subwoofers, small details elevate it beyond some other choices.

The vinyl wrap is excellent, and the curves of the cabinet ensure a sleek and minimalist look that blends comfortably into a studio setting. The Kali Audio logo and LED indicator light also incorporate into the overall look of the unit. The wide port tube is expertly engineered to reduce chuffing, and the smiley curve gives off a friendly vibe.

An attractive and modern-looking subwoofer.

The main design decision, though, is the horizontally opposed woofers. Each woofer features a robust grille to protect the driver, and the orientation ensures vibrations are not present. I cranked this right up and was pleasantly surprised at the lack of buzz.

The WS-6.2 doesn’t feature an auto standby mode, but that is no significant loss for me. I’ve often found auto standby too temperamental for my liking, so I’m not disappointed by its absence here.

The Kali Audio W-6.2 combines clean aesthetics with functional and purposeful engineering, high-quality components, and a reliable finish.

Dimensions

The compact form factor of the Kali Audio WS-6.2 is what initially sparked my curiosity in this unit. Finding space for a chunky subwoofer is challenging, but finding room for something not much larger than an 8-inch monitor is far more manageable.

Small footprint for easy integration.

At 31 lbs. (14 kg), the WS-6.2 offers enough heft to inspire confidence while remaining portable enough to move between studio spaces if required. Excellent use of space and components make the WS-6.2 one of the most conveniently sized subwoofers on the market.

Connection Options

The Kali Audio WS-6.2 keeps things straightforward in this area with a set of connection options that will accommodate the majority of potential configurations.

At the rear of the unit, you’ll have access to the left and right XLR/TRS combi jack inputs for a balanced signal. Perfect for connecting to mixers, controllers, and interfaces. The supplementary unbalanced RCA inputs for devices like laptops and record players complete the flexible input options.

The footswitch connection is a useful inclusion.

As expected, the WS-6.2 also features an Output option for connecting to your monitors. You’ll only have access to XLR here, but once again, that should be enough to handle the majority of configurations.

The WS-6.2 also features a Footswitch input which is an excellent inclusion. This opens up the flexibility to turn the subwoofer between normal mode and bypass mode. Bypass mode will disengage the subwoofer and the high-pass filter.

This feature is beneficial in a studio setting where you might want to focus on the mids and highs without the hefty bass response clouding your decision-making process. Footswitches are relatively inexpensive, so it’s a worthwhile investment for the added functionality and convenience.

Value

As with much of Kali Audio’s offerings, the WS-6.2 represents excellent value for money. It is a robust, dependable subwoofer with excellent performance without a debilitating price tag.

While it might not have all the features of some other subwoofers, it is also versatile enough to become an integral part of a variety of setups. If you want good bang for your buck, the Kali Audio WS-6.2 is a solid choice.

Customer Reviews

The Kali Audio WS-6.2 has proven to be a popular choice. Multiple 4 and 5-star reviews highly the tight and punchy bass along with how compact and convenient this subwoofer is to set up. Considering the high build quality, I can see this subwoofer continuing to be a favorite for years to come.

Subwoofer Corner Placement Tips

It is not unusual for smaller studio spaces to have a corner workstation to maximize the space in the room. Corner placement can cause sonic issues, but these become even more pronounced when adding a subwoofer into your setup. Below are some things to be aware of before placing your subwoofer in a corner.

Placing your subwoofer in a corner will amplify the bass response due to the surrounding walls. This can make the subwoofer sound louder and punchier but also introduce boominess. This results in a muddy and unrefined bass response unsuitable for mixing situations.

Corner placement can cause sound issues.

Standing waves can also cause concern, resulting in an unbalanced frequency response that will make your job harder. To avoid the inherent issues caused by corner placement, you’ll likely need to play around with the volume levels and crossover frequency settings.

So while nothing stops you from placing your subwoofer in a corner, you’ll need to spend additional time tuning your setup to deal with some sound issues. But once you’ve got everything dialed in, you’ll be ready to experience satisfying and accurate bass.

Alternatives

While I am very impressed with the Kali Audio WS-6.2, I also recognize that it might not be the right choice for everyone. Below is a quick snapshot of some other subwoofers worth considering.

ADAM Audio Sub8 Review

The ADAM Audio Sub8 is another excellent compact subwoofer with fantastic tonal performance. It’s also an established subwoofer with multiple favorable reviews.

• Excellent low-frequency definition with ample power up its sleeve.
• Flexible configuration options and an included wireless remote.
• Substantially more expensive than the WS-6.2.

PreSonus Eris Sub 8 Review

The PreSonus Eris Sub 8 is an aggressively priced subwoofer with decent performance. The low price makes it the perfect choice if you don’t want to spend too much on your setup.

• Punchy and satisfying bass response.
• Attractive and straightforward design with an enticing price tag.
• Not as accurate and tonally refined as the WS-6.2.

Yamaha HS8S Review

Yamaha is an industry juggernaut with a superb reputation. The small HS8S is an ideal companion for smaller monitors with time-tested performance.

• An accurate low-frequency response that extends to 22 Hz.
• Loud output level without distortion or muddiness.
• Doesn’t feature RCA connection options or a footswitch connection.

Should You Buy?

The Kali Audio WS-6.2 is the perfect companion to smaller studio monitors. Its slim and refined profile makes integrating this subwoofer into your studio space easy, and the approachable price tag is also appealing.

The bass response is dynamic, punchy, and accurate, ideal for tackling bass-heavy compositions. Just as great for casual listening as it is for studio work. While it might not be suitable for larger spaces, the WS-6.2 is a welcome addition to Kali Audio’s line-up. I’m sure it will prove extremely popular.