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 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 4.25 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 58Hz measured extension.
The case for the Amate Audio X12CLA. Its medium-quality vendor Spinorama data yields a 3.57 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 31.5kg 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.
Neither of these is a sound-quality pick. Look higher up the 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers if that is what you are optimizing for.
Specifications Side By Side
| PreSonus CDL12 | Amate Audio X12CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500.00 | $4,150.00 |
| Ranked | #31 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #33 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| 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 |
| Frequency Response | Not published by PreSonus in the current product specifications | 58Hz - 19kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
| Coverage | - | 100° x 15° |
| Maximum SPL | - | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 69.4 lbs / 31.5 kg |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- RCF ART 732-A MK4 vs Audiofocus VENU 12a
- Electro-Voice MFX-12MC vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
- Martin Audio XP12 vs Electro-Voice MFX-12MC
- Amate Audio X12CLA vs RCF ART 712-A MK4
- Amate Audio X12CLA vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
Prices on this page were last checked September 7, 2026 at 7:47 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
PreSonus CDL12: $500.00 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: 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 4.25 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 58Hz measured extension.
Cons: 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.
Full PreSonus CDL12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2,000W peak / 500W RMS (1,000W peak / 250W RMS per band, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 18.6"H x 20.8"W x 17.5"D (473 x 529 x 444.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, eight 2" high-frequency drivers |
| Frequency Response | Not published by PreSonus in the current product specifications |
| Inputs | XLR input and direct XLR line output |
| Network Control | Worx Control remote control (compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets) |
| Rigging | Integrated array rigging; dual-position 35mm pole mount |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Amate Audio X12CLA: $4,150.00 eBay
Pros: Its medium-quality vendor Spinorama data yields a 3.57 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.
Cons: The very narrow 15° vertical pattern is specialized rather than broadly useful as a single portable main, and the 31.5kg 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.
Full Amate Audio X12CLA review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1,500W program (1,000W LF + 500W HF, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Multilayer birch plywood with weatherproof polyurea finish |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-curvature PA speaker |
| Coverage | 100° x 15° |
| DSP | Yes, with Ethernet/Wi-Fi control |
| Dimensions | 13.9"H x 25.2"W x 19.1"D (352 x 640 x 485 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" neodymium woofer, 2.5" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 19kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input and link |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Network Control | EtherCON Ethernet connection/link |
| Weight | 69.4 lbs / 31.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons