Short answer: choose between the PreSonus CDL12 and Amate Audio X12CLA 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 The PreSonus CDL12 has been replaced by the PreSonus CDL12P. If you are buying new, get the PreSonus CDL12P.
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.
The case for the Amate Audio X12CLA. Its medium-quality vendor Spinorama data yields a 4.07 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 58Hz bass extension. The 100° x 15° constant-curvature pattern, 132dB claimed peak output and networked DSP suit tightly controlled flown clusters.
Important trade-offs. 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. The very narrow 15° vertical pattern is specialized rather than broadly useful as a single portable main, and the 69.4 lbs (31.5 kg) enclosure is the heaviest cabinet near this part of the ranking. It is discontinued and expensive, while the measured tonal score trails the stronger point-source options.
Buy the PreSonus CDL12 when its stated format, coverage, and system features fit the job better.
Buy the Amate Audio X12CLA when its stated output, control, and deployment strengths better match the system.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with a column of tweeters for controlled coverage, designed to scale up into flown arrays.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with networked DSP and a tightly controlled vertical pattern, designed for flown clusters.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| PreSonus CDL12 | Amate Audio X12CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.95 Discontinued | $4,150 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #56 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #60 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker | Active 2-way constant-curvature PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, eight 2” high-frequency drivers | 12” neodymium woofer, 2.5” compression driver |
| Dimensions | 18.6”H x 20.8”W x 17.5”D (473 x 529 x 444.5 mm) | 13.9”H x 25.2”W x 19.1”D (352 x 640 x 485 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR input and direct XLR line output | Balanced XLR input and link |
| Amplifier Power | 2,000W peak / 500W RMS (1,000W peak / 250W RMS per band, manufacturer specified) | 1,500W program (1,000W LF + 500W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm eucalyptus plywood | Multilayer birch plywood with weatherproof polyurea finish |
| Rigging | Integrated array rigging; dual-position 35mm pole mount | M8 flying points (multiple combinations for horizontal/vertical arrays via integrated rigging frame), plus optional pole-mount adaptor for tripod/sub-top use |
| Network Control | Worx Control remote control (compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets) | EtherCON Ethernet connection/link |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 71Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, with Ethernet/Wi-Fi control |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.20 | 1.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.79 | 4.07 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 120° x 20° per enclosure (-6dB) | 100° x 15° |
| Weight | 65 lbs (29.5 kg) | 69.4 lbs (31.5 kg) |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 19kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
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: PreSonus CDL12 (measured by the manufacturer) and Amate Audio X12CLA (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How PreSonus CDL12 compares with other leading options: