
CDL12
Hybrid Point Source/Line Array
Constant Directivity Loudspeaker
Key Features
•
Each CDL12 consists of eight 2-inch drivers aligned in a segmented circular-arc
high-frequency array centered in front of a 12-inch woofer creating a focused pattern
that always radiates from the center, whether used individually or in a vertical array.
•
Hybrid point source/line array design delivers focused sound
with consistent SPL coverage both on- and o-axis.
•
Dante™ networking capability provides easy integration
into established audio networks.
•
Integrated PDA-1000 amplifier provides 2000W of peak power.
•
Onboard DSP can be remotely controlled via Worx Control software for
system optimization, EQ, and speaker grouping. Presets are provided for
quick configuration of up to six CDL12 loudspeakers in a vertical array.
•
Integrated pin-loaded rigging hardware provides simple connection to
other CDL-series enclosures and CDL Rigging Grid (sold separately). Dual
angle pole socket provides flexible aiming for pole-mount applications.
Applicaons
•
Mobile sound reinforcement
•
Permanent installation
•
Sound reinforcement for mid-sized venues
Constant Direcvity: Consistent, Coherent Sound
The result of years of research and development, the PreSonus®
CDL12 combines the best attributes of point source and line array
technology into a unique patent-pending design that radiates
a highly focused pattern with consistent SPL throughout the
frequency response range, both on- and o-axis. The result is clear,
articulate speech intelligibility and natural music reproduction.
minimizing comb filtering to maintain the controlled 120˚ horizontal
coverage pattern while the vertical coverage is expanded by 20˚ per box
deployed. The result is a system that can be scaled from 20˚ to 120˚ of
vertical coverage, making the CDL12 an ideal choice for array use.
The patent-pending Constant Directivity design of the PreSonus
CDL12 delivers exceptional performance and versatile configuration
options in a visually stunning, compact form factor. Superior
phase coherence and controlled dispersion result in an articulate,
natural listening experience, making the CDL12 an outstanding
choice for both portable PA and installed sound applications.
Customizable Array Presets
The CDL12’s integrated PDA-1000 500W x 500W Class D power
amplifier features onboard DSP presets to facilitate and simplify arrayed
configurations. When used individually or combined with another CDL12, two
presets are available via the rear panel for quick configuration. Use Preset 1
when using one CDL12 loudspeaker and Preset 2 on both loudspeakers in a
two CDL12 array. When using three or more CDL12 loudspeakers in an array,
simply connect every CDL-series loudspeaker to a standard LAN network and
launch Worx Control software to load the presets for larger configurations.
120° (6) 100° (5) 80° (4) 60° (3) 40° (2) 20° (1)
Each CDL12 consists of eight 2-inch drivers aligned in a segmented
circular-arc high-frequency array centered in front of a 12-inch woofer.
The combined output of the high- and low-frequency drivers travel from
the same acoustic axis so that the pattern always radiates from the
center of the CDL12. This is true whether the CDL12 is used individually
on a tripod speaker stand or as part of an acoustically coupled vertical
array with up to six enclosures, making the CDL12 ideally suited for
a broader range of venue sizes, creating a far-field response almost
immediately as the sound is projected from the center of the enclosure.
The high-frequency array curve was designed so that as multiple
CDL12 enclosures are stacked, the entire array maintains consistent
center-to-center spacing among all the high- and low-frequency drivers.
This creates a seamless transition from one cabinet to the next while
For more advanced applications, each CDL12 can be connected to a
standard LAN network and remotely controlled using Worx Control software
for macOS® and Windows®. When combined with the CDL12, Worx Control
provides speaker-management tools that include compression, limiting,
and 800 ms of delay. An 8-band EQ with individually selectable filters
(High Pass, Low Pass, High Shelf, Low Shelf, Notch, All Pass, Band Pass)
is also provided to compensate for room anomalies. Speakers can be
grouped and managed individually or together. Performance monitoring
indicators allow you to monitor temperature and signal levels remotely.
Dante® Spoken Here
The onboard locking Ethernet connection supports both Control via
Worx Control Software as well as Dante audio networking. Dante’s

multi-channel digital media networking technology delivers near-zero
latency and synchronization. As an audio networking solution that
has been adopted by many pro-audio manufacturers, it facilitates
interoperability with a wide range of equipment—ensuring the CDL12
will integrate well into numerous installed sound environments.
Applicaon and Deployment
The CDL12 can be configured as an individual point-source loudspeaker
or in a vertical array with other CDL12 loudspeakers and the CDL18s
Subwoofer. Integrated pin-loaded rigging hardware makes easy and secure
box-to-box deployment. When suspending CDL-series loudspeakers,
PreSonus requires the CDL Rigging Grid. This separately-sold rigging
grid allows up to (6) CDL12 loudspeakers, (5) CDL18s subwoofers, or a
number of combinations (see below) to be suspended in a vertical array.
The table below shows the maximum suspended
loudspeaker load configurations.
Supported Suspended Loudspeaker Conguraons
Maximum Number of CDL12 Loudspeakers 0 2 3 4 5 6
Maximum Number of CDL18s Loudspeakers 5 2 2 2 2 0
Individual Component Weight
CDL12 CDL18s CDL Rigging Grid
65 lbs (29.5 kg) 105 lbs (47.6 kg) 24 lbs (10.9 kg) 5.8 lbs (2.6 kg)
CDL Rigging Grid
Extension Bar
A dual-angle pole cup is provided, supporting the use of one or
two enclosures when pole mounted on a tripod stand, or atop the
companion CDL18s subwoofer, allowing the system to adapt to
varying audience sizes. Up to (2) CDL12 loudspeakers maybe be
used on a tripod or on a sub pole over the CDL18s subwoofer. The
CDL12 is equipped with a two-position pole cup to provide more
flexible coverage when pole-mounted (0˚ or 10˚ downward).
All PreSonus CDL-series rigging and rigging accessories are rated for a 10:1
load. Structural suspension supports must also be rated for a 10:1 load.
Supported Pole-Mount Loudspeaker Conguraons
Maximum Number of CDL12 Loudspeakers 1 2
Maximum Number of CDL18s Loudspeakers 2 1

Ground-stacked, upward firing arrays, such as marching band
applications that require covering the bleachers from a playing
field are also supported. Up to (2) CDL12 loudspeakers can
be mounted atop up to (2) CDL18s loudspeakers.
Technical Specicaons
Type Active 2-way
LF Driver 12” (2.5” Voice Coil)
HF Driver 8x 2” (1” Voice Coil)
Amplier Type Class D
Total System Power 2000W Peak, 1000W Program (500W RMS)
LF Driver Power 1000W Peak, 500W Program (250W RMS)
HF Driver Power 1000W Peak, 500W Program (250W RMS)
Rigging Accessories (Sold Separately)
CDL Rigging Grid. The CDL Rigging Grid is required when suspending
CDL-series loudspeakers. Up to (6) CDL12 loudspeakers, (5)
CDL18s subwoofers, or a number of combinations (see chart
on previous page) to be suspended in a vertical array.
CDL Rigging Extension Bar. The CDL Rigging Extension Bar is an
optional accessory for the CDL Rigging Grid that provides upward or
downward tilt control for any suspended installation that requires it.
Frequency Range
(+/- 3dB)
Crossover Frequency 420 Hz
Maximum Peak SPL 131 dB
Horizontal Coverage 120˚
Vertical Coverage 20˚ per enclosure
Output Direct Line Out (XLR)
Networking
Power Connection powerCON® In and Out
User Controls Preset Select, HPF On/Off
Indicators
Enclosure 15 mm Eucalyptus plywood
Mounting
Dimensions
(H x W x D)
Weight 65 (29.5 kg)
Optional Accessories CDL12-Tote Tote Bag
48 Hz – 18 kHz
Input Line (XLR)
®
(Audio and Control), Control
Dante
(only) (Locking Ethernet)
Over Temperature, Signal, -3 dB,
Limiter, Clip, Network Status
Dual-position pole mount (0˚ and 10˚),
Integrated Rigging (10:1 load)
18.6” x 20.8” x 17.5”
(473 mm x 529 mm x 444.5 mm)
CDL Rigging Sling. The CDL Rigging Sling is required on all installations that
include 4 or more CDL-series loudspeakers in a vertical array. Additionally, in
installations using the CDL Rigging Extension Bar deployed with an upward
or downward tilt of 12˚ or greater, the CDL Rigging Sling must be utilized.