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

The JBL Professional CBT 50LA-1 is a high-performance passive column loudspeaker designed to deliver excellent sound quality, consistent pattern control, and flexible coverage. Utilizing JBL's patented Constant Beamwidth Technology (CBT), the CBT 50LA-1 minimizes vertical beaming and lobing, providing superior vertical coverage without the uneven dispersion typical of conventional column speakers. At only 53 cm (20.8 inches) tall and 10 cm (3.9 inches) wide, this slim and compact design integrates seamlessly into a wide range of architectural spaces, making it ideal for applications such as retail environments, transit spaces, lecture halls, conference rooms, audio for video, and many other installations.

The CBT 50LA-1's superior pattern control is achieved through complex analog delay beam-forming and amplitude tapering, ensuring consistent vertical coverage from the low to high frequencies. The vertical coverage is set at 20° (+15°/-2°) for frequencies from 1.5 kHz to 16 kHz, while the horizontal dispersion is a wide 150° (average at 1 kHz to 4 kHz), allowing for broad coverage across the listening space. This makes the CBT 50LA-1 ideal for venues requiring even sound distribution without creating coverage gaps or hot spots. The speaker's vertical coverage can be tailored for specific application needs by adjusting the voicing through a simple Music/Speech switch located on the cabinet. In Music mode, the speaker delivers a flat frequency response, while in Speech mode, the system boosts the mid-range frequencies to enhance speech intelligibility at long distances.

To ensure clear sound reproduction at high volumes, the CBT 50LA-1 is equipped with eight full-range 50 mm (2-inch) drivers with dual neodymium magnets, offering lightweight construction and high output levels. The drivers are shielded and feature butyl rubber surrounds for long-lasting durability, even in humid environments. The speaker also employs copper-capped pole pieces to reduce inductance and flux modulation, extending high-frequency response and minimizing distortion at high drive levels. The Dynamic SonicGuard technology further protects the speaker from distortion by dynamically limiting low-frequency excursions, ensuring clean and undistorted sound even at high volumes.

The CBT 50LA-1 is built for both indoor and outdoor use, featuring a weather-resistant fiberglass-reinforced ABS cabinet with UV-resistant paint, stainless steel screws, and a durable painted aluminum grille. The speaker is rated IP-55 when installed with the optional MTC-PC2 panel cover, offering resistance against moisture, UV, and salt spray, making it suitable for demanding outdoor applications. The enclosure's compact design (measuring only 20.8 x 3.9 x 6.0 inches) allows the speaker to blend discreetly into various environments, and it is available in black or white finishes to complement any decor.

For installation, the CBT 50LA-1 includes a swivel (pan)/tilt wall bracket that allows for flexible placement with a +/-80° left-right swivel range and a continuous +15° tilt adjustment. Ten M6 insert points on the back panel provide options for mounting with standard brackets or suspension using M6 forged shoulder steel eyebolts. Optional accessories such as the MTC-PC2 terminal panel cover, MTC-CBT-FM1 flush-mount low-profile bracket, and MTC-CBT-SMB1 stand-mount bracket allow for additional flexibility in installation, making the CBT 50LA-1 versatile enough to meet a wide range of application needs.

Features

• Patented Constant Beamwidth Technology for consistent vertical coverage and minimized vertical beaming and lobing
• Compact design (53 cm tall x 10 cm wide) fits seamlessly into architectural spaces
• Switchable vertical coverage between narrow (20°) and broad (150°) for medium or long-throw applications
• Music/Speech switch for optimal frequency response: flat in Music mode, mid-range boost in Speech mode
• Eight full-range 50 mm drivers with dual neodymium magnets for high output and wide bandwidth
• Dynamic SonicGuard overload protection for distortion-free performance at high drive levels
• Weather-resistant fiberglass-reinforced ABS cabinet with UV-resistant paint for indoor and outdoor use
• IP-55 rating when installed with optional MTC-PC2 panel cover for UV, moisture, and salt-spray resistance
• Included swivel (pan)/tilt wall bracket for flexible installation, plus ten M6 threaded mounting points for additional mounting options
• 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