Short answer: the QSC K12.2 has been measured and ranked among 12-inch pa speakers; the PreSonus CDL12P has not been independently measured yet, so until it is, this comes down to features and price.
The case for the PreSonus CDL12P: An active two-way PA speaker that keeps the CDL12’s hybrid point-source and line-array layout: a 12-inch woofer behind a curved column of eight 2-inch drivers, crossed over at 420Hz, with 120° by 15° coverage.
On the QSC K12.2 side: The strongest all-round tonal result in this popular-model group: the vendor Spinorama data produces a 7.73 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 48Hz measured bass extension.
On paper: The QSC K12.2 is rated down to 45Hz against 48Hz, though makers quote these at different tolerances.
Price: the PreSonus CDL12P lists at $949.99 and the QSC K12.2 at $899.99.
Buy the QSC K12.2 if you want a speaker whose sound quality has been measured and ranked. It also has deeper rated bass.
Buy the PreSonus CDL12P if you prefer its design or features, and you can wait for measurements to confirm how it sounds.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| PreSonus CDL12P | QSC K12.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $949.99 | $899.99 |
| Ranked | - | #1 of 50 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, eight 2” high-frequency drivers | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver |
| Amplifier Power | 2,000W peak / 1,000W program / 500W RMS (250W RMS per band) | 2025W peak (1800W LF + 225W HF) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz | - |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 120° x 15° | 75° conical |
| Inputs | XLR line input and direct XLR line output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Rigging | Integrated flyware for arrays of up to six; 35mm pole socket with 7.5° downtilt | 2 x M10 inserts and pull-back point; 35mm pole mount |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic enclosure with 1.2mm steel grille | Impact-resistant ABS |
| Dimensions | 473.8H x 522.3W x 467.9D mm | 23.7”H x 14”W x 13.8”D (602 x 356 x 350 mm) |
| Weight | 28.6 kg | 39 lbs (17.7 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 48Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.73 |
| RCA Input | - | No |
| TRS Input | - | Yes |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| Guitar Input | - | No |
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM 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 CDL12P: $949.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the PreSonus CDL12 (rated 3.3/5).
Pros: An active two-way PA speaker that keeps the CDL12’s hybrid point-source and line-array layout: a 12-inch woofer behind a curved column of eight 2-inch drivers, crossed over at 420Hz, with 120° by 15° coverage. PreSonus rates it at 2,000W peak (500W RMS) and 130dB peak SPL, with a 48Hz to 18kHz range (±3dB). Up to six can be flown with the integrated rigging, and onboard DSP has array and subwoofer presets. It moves to a lighter plastic enclosure with a steel grille for touring use.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so it can’t be compared with ranked PA speakers, and the measured CDL12’s results can’t be assumed to carry over to the new enclosure. It still weighs 28.6 kg (63 lb), and it is a professional speaker with no Bluetooth or battery.
Full PreSonus CDL12P review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2,000W peak / 1,000W program / 500W RMS (250W RMS per band) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic enclosure with 1.2mm steel grille |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker |
| Coverage | 120° x 15° |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 473.8H x 522.3W x 467.9D mm |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, eight 2” high-frequency drivers |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR line input and direct XLR line output |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak |
| Rigging | Integrated flyware for arrays of up to six; 35mm pole socket with 7.5° downtilt |
| Weight | 28.6 kg |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
QSC K12.2: $899.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: The strongest all-round tonal result in this popular-model group: the vendor Spinorama data produces a 7.73 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 48Hz measured bass extension. Extensive onboard DSP, flexible main/monitor use and a long market track record make it an unusually safe general-purpose choice. Measured bass extension of 48Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The underlying Spinorama source is low quality, so its apparent measured lead deserves caution. It is not the cheapest 12-inch option, and serious dance music or high-output live use still benefits from a subwoofer.
Full QSC K12.2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 2025W peak (1800W LF + 225W HF) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Impact-resistant ABS |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 75° conical |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.7”H x 14”W x 13.8”D (602 x 356 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts and pull-back point; 35mm pole mount |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.73 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 39 lbs (17.7 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons