JBL CBT 50LA-1-WH - 150W 8 x 2-inch Passive 70V/100V Column Loudspeaker with 150 x 20-Degree Coverage in White Finish

The JBL Professional CBT 50LA-1-WH is a high-performance, passive column loudspeaker that utilizes JBL's patented Constant Beamwidth Technology to deliver consistent vertical coverage and superior sound quality. The speaker's design employs complex analog delay beamforming and amplitude tapering, which effectively reduces the common vertical beaming and lobing issues found in traditional column speakers. The result is exceptional pattern control, ensuring even coverage from front to back within the listening space. This makes the CBT 50LA-1-WH ideal for a wide range of applications such as retail spaces, transit areas, lecture halls, conference rooms, multipurpose rooms, and architectural installations. The sleek, compact design of the CBT 50LA-1-WH, measuring just 53 cm (20.8 inches) tall and 10 cm (3.9 inches) wide, allows it to seamlessly fit into any architectural decor.

The system features eight full-range 50 mm (2-inch) drivers, each equipped with dual neodymium magnets to provide light weight, high output, and extended bandwidth. The use of copper-capped pole pieces helps to reduce driver inductance and flux modulation, which enhances high-frequency extension and minimizes distortion even at high output levels. The drivers' butyl rubber surrounds ensure durability, particularly in high-humidity environments, while the dynamic SonicGuard overload protection technology dynamically limits low-frequency excursion to prevent distortion and driver damage. This results in clear and powerful audio, even at higher drive levels.

For maximum versatility, the CBT 50LA-1-WH includes a Music/Speech switch that allows users to adjust the voicing of the speaker to match the application. In Music mode, the speaker provides a flat frequency response, ideal for general-purpose sound reinforcement. In Speech mode, the speaker boosts the midrange frequencies to improve speech intelligibility, making it perfect for environments where clear voice communication is critical. The speaker also offers excellent horizontal coverage at 150° (average from 1 kHz to 4 kHz), ensuring that sound is evenly distributed across a wide area.

The vertical coverage pattern can be switched between 20° for narrow (long-throw) coverage and 40° for broader (medium-throw) coverage, depending on the specific needs of the venue. The system also offers flexibility with its asymmetrical progressive-gradient mode, where the top module is set to narrow coverage and the bottom module is set to broad coverage. This configuration directs higher sound levels towards the far areas of the listening space, leveling out the SPL differences from the front to the back of the room.

Constructed from fiberglass-reinforced ABS and featuring a painted aluminum grille, the CBT 50LA-1-WH is built to withstand demanding environments, including outdoor spaces. The enclosure is weather-treated and UV-resistant, while the external screws are stainless steel, and the grille resists rusting. The speaker is rated IP-55 when installed with the optional MTC-PC2 panel cover, ensuring that it can withstand exposure to moisture and environmental elements. The CBT 50LA-1-WH can be easily installed using the included swivel (pan)/tilt wall-mount bracket, which allows for flexible aiming and positioning of the speaker. Additionally, ten M6 mounting points on the back panel provide options for suspension or use with third-party mounting brackets.

Features

• Patented Constant Beamwidth Technology for consistent vertical coverage and reduced lobing
• Compact design (53 cm tall x 10 cm wide) fits into various architectural spaces
• Switchable vertical coverage between 20° for narrow (long-throw) and 40° for broad (medium-throw) coverage
• Asymmetrical progressive-gradient mode directs higher sound levels toward far areas of the listening space
• Music/Speech switch allows for flat frequency response in Music mode and a mid-range boost in Speech mode
• Eight full-range 50 mm drivers with neodymium magnets for lightweight construction and high output
• Dynamic SonicGuard overload protection for distortion-free performance at high drive levels
• Weather-treated drivers, UV-resistant fiberglass-reinforced ABS cabinet, and stainless steel screws for outdoor durability
• IP-55 rated when installed with optional MTC-PC2 panel cover for moisture and UV resistance
• Included swivel (pan)/tilt wall bracket for flexible speaker positioning
• Dimensions: 20.8 x 3.9 x 6.0 inches, Net Weight: 9.0 lbs
• Available in black or white finish to match decor

Specifications

System

• Components: Eight 50 mm (2 in) Full-Range
• Frequency Range: 80 Hz - 20 kHz
• Coverage Pattern:
  • Vertical: 20° (1.5 kHz - 16 kHz, ±10°)
  • Horizontal: 150° (average, 1 kHz - 4 kHz, ±20°)
• Sensitivity (2.83V@ 1m):
  • 93 dB (speech mode, 2 kHz - 14 kHz)
  • 89 dB (music mode, 300 Hz - 18 kHz)
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Power Capacity:
  • 150W (600W peak), 2 hrs (8 ohm setting)
  • 100W (400W peak), 100 hrs
• Max SPL:
  • Speech mode: 115 dB continuous average (121 dB peak)
  • Music mode: 111 dB continuous average (117 dB peak)
• 70V/100V Transformer Taps:
  • 60W, 30W, 15W, (7.5W at 70V only), and 8Ω thru, via switch

Enclosure

• Fiberglass reinforced ABS cabinet, painted aluminum grille
• Outdoor Capability: IP-55 rated, per IEC529, when installed with optional MTC-PC2 panel cover. UV, moisture, and 200-hour ASTM G85 acid-air/salt-spray resistant.
• Colors: Black or White (WH)
• Insert Points: Ten M6 swivel (pan)/tilt insert points on back panel
• Mounting: Included swivel (pan) / tilt wall bracket provides continuously variable +/-80° left-right swivel aiming (at no up/down tilt), continuously adjustable +15° tilt, as well as 5° fixed increment points within the range. Ten threaded mounting points located on the back panel conform to industry standard rectangular 108 x 51 mm (4.25 x 2.0 in) pattern for OmniMount 30.0 and other compatible third-party brackets. Threaded mounting points can be utilized for suspension.
• Dimensions: 20.8 x 3.9 x 6.0 inches
• Weight: 9.0 lbs
• Included Accessories: Swivel (pan) / tilt wall bracket
• Optional Accessories: MTC-PC2 terminal panel cover, MTC-CBT-FM1 flush-mount low-profile wall-mount bracket, MTC-CBT-SMBI Stand-Mount Bracket for use with 35 mm speaker stands