Short answer: choose between the LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 and PreSonus CDL12 for the deployment, not from the automatic ranking alone. Their driver format, power requirements, coverage, bass reach, output capability, and control features determine which is the more practical PA for a particular room or system. The PreSonus CDL12 is discontinued; its replacement is the PreSonus CDL12P.
The case for the LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3. A rugged birch-plywood cabinet, dual-tilt pole socket and two-channel input section make it practical for repeated live work. Its 42Hz measured bass extension is unusually deep in this group, and the manufacturer claims 131dB peak output.
The case for the PreSonus CDL12. Its constant-directivity high-frequency array is designed for controlled coverage and scalable deployments rather than a conventional single horn. The medium-quality vendor data provides a 4.79 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 58Hz measured extension.
Important trade-offs. Despite the bass reach, medium-quality vendor data gives only a 4.97 ideal-subwoofer preference score because the broader response/directivity behavior is uneven. At 45 lbs (20.4 kg) it is heavier than several molded-cabinet alternatives. This is a specialized, heavier cabinet whose rigging and array behavior add complexity for ordinary portable-PA buyers. The measured tonal score is modest, and availability is less consistent than the mainstream QSC, JBL, Yamaha and RCF choices.
Buy the LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 when its stated format, coverage, and system features fit the job better.
Buy the PreSonus CDL12 when its stated output, control, and deployment strengths better match the system.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A rugged powered 12 inch PA speaker in birch plywood with two inputs and unusually deep bass for its size, built for regular gigs.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with a column of tweeters for controlled coverage, designed to scale up into flown arrays.
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Specifications Side By Side
| LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 | PreSonus CDL12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $585.91 | $1,999.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #49 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #56 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, compression driver | 12” woofer, eight 2” high-frequency drivers |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 24.7”H x 15.4”W x 14.8”D (627 x 390 x 377 mm) | 18.6”H x 20.8”W x 17.5”D (473 x 529 x 444.5 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000W peak / 500W RMS | 2,000W peak / 500W RMS (1,000W peak / 250W RMS per band, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm plywood with polyurea coating | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Rigging | M10 suspension points; 36mm Dual-Tilt pole mount | Integrated array rigging; dual-position 35mm pole mount |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 50° | 120° x 20° per enclosure (-6dB) |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo | XLR input and direct XLR line output |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) | 65 lbs (29.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.96 | 2.20 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.97 | 4.79 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 420Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Network Control | - | Worx Control remote control (compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 (measured by the manufacturer) and PreSonus CDL12 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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