The PreSonus CDL12 full-range cabinet is based on the Constant-Directivity Two-Way Loudspeaker System design presented at the 143rd AES Convention in New York by Hugh Sarvis and Don Keele. the CDL12 radiates a highly focused pattern with consistent SPL throughout the frequency response range, both on- and off-axis. The result is clear, articulate speech intelligibility and natural music reproduction.
Traditional line array loudspeakers typically place a high-frequency horn on one side of the enclosure and a woofer on the other. To obtain a symmetrical image with those loudspeakers, users have to flip one over — something they aren't designed to do in the first place — and this still generates phase issues. With the CDL12, the eight 2-inch high-frequency drivers arc over a single 12-inch woofer, comparable to the coaxial driver configuration found on top studio monitors. The result is better sonic coherence across the entire venue, with no anomalies to compensate for via time-consuming room correction. Regardless of how many CDL12s are stacked, the configuration works with a shared acoustic axis — and non-turbulent sound propagating throughout the room.
The output of the low-frequency driver travels from the same acoustic axis as the high-frequency array so that the pattern always radiates from the center of the CDL12 — whether used individually, or as part of an acoustically coupled vertical array with up to six enclosures. This makes 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. Thus, the controlled 120˚ horizontal coverage pattern is maintained 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 CDL12’s hybrid point source/line array design combines the benefits of both technologies and delivers very focused sound with consistent SPL. Furthermore, a low 420 Hz crossover frequency minimizes comb filtering and doesn’t compete with conventional vocal range. As a line array system for fixed installations, the ability to fly five enclosures under one or two companion CDL18s subwoofers provides considerable flexibility when addressing room size. The CDL12 includes an integrated 500W x 500W Class D power amplifier with onboard DSP presets.
The companion subwoofer, the CDL18s, utilizes an innovative ported design that maximizes efficiency to create a big bass sound from a compact cabinet. Each of the four triangle-shaped ports is placed in a corner so that it couples to the cabinet, using the side walls to effectively elongate each port and allowing the CDL18s to move more air in a compact enclosure. Its custom 18-inch low-frequency transducer with 4-inch voice coil can travel 7 mm before over-excursion, and easily handles 800W, providing the articulate low-end punch audio professionals demand.
The CDL18s and CDL12 form a unique loudspeaker system ideal for both portable PA and installed sound applications. Both cabinets are Dante-enabled, powered enclosures that can be flown as a vertical array, or combined for ground-stacked applications to create a complete, coherent loudspeaker system with an even response across the frequency spectrum.
The CDL12’s integrated PDA-1000 500W x 500W Class D power amplifier features onboard DSP presets to facilitate and simplify arrayed configurations. The CDL18s features an integrated PDA-1000, a heavy-duty 1000W Class D power amplifier with robust onboard DSP. For more advanced applications, each cabinet can be connected to a standard LAN network and remotely controlled using Worx Control software for macOS and Windows. When combined with the CDL12 and CDL18s, 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 users to monitor temperature and signal levels remotely.
The locking Ethernet connection on the both the CDL12 and CDL18s' integrated power amplifiers also provide audio networking capability via Dante. Dante’s multi-channel digital media networking technology delivers near-zero latency and synchronization and has been adopted by many pro-audio manufacturers, facilitating the loudspeaker’s interoperability with a wide range of equipment.
Tony Flammia, Director of PreSonus’ Commercial Division, commented on the company’s latest loudspeaker offerings, “The new CDL12 and CDL18s combine to form a terrific sounding, great looking sound reinforcement system that is equally apt as a portable PA or for use as an installed sound solution. Dante connectivity facilitates interoperability with a wide range of equipment. Add to all this the robust, integrated pin-loaded rigging and the ability to remotely control the DSP from Worx Control, and you have a feature-rich sound system that is extremely capable.”
The PreSonus CDL12 loudspeaker and CDL18s sub bass enclosure are now available. Both loudspeakers have a MAP price of $1999.95.
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