JBL Professional Column Speaker CBT 50LA-1
- DIMENSIONS: 20.8 “x 3.9” x 6.0” (528 x 99 x 153 mm)
- WEIGHT:0 lb. (4.1 kg)
- COMPONENTS: Eight 50 mm (2 in) Full-Range
- FREQUENCY RANGE: (-10 dB) 80 Hz – 20 kHz
- COVERAGE PATTERN: Vertical 20° (1.5 kHz – 16 kHz, ±10°) ; Horizontal 150° (ave, 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: (8 ohm setting) 150W (600W peak), 2 hrs.; 100 W (400W peak), 100 hrs.
- MAX SPL (SPEECH MODE): 115 dB cont ave (121 peak)
- MAX SPL (MUSIC MODE): 111 dB cont ave (117 peak)
- 70V/100V TRANSFORMER TAPS: 60W, 30W, 15W, (7.5W at 70V only), and 8Ω thru, via switch
- OUTDOOR CAPABILITY: IP-55 rated
Constant Beam width Technology (CBT) 50LA-1, which uses analogue delay beam-forming and amplitude tapering to achieve consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beaming and out-of-coverage lobing typical of straight form-factor passive column speakers, is a breakthrough in pattern control. The small, sleek shape blends seamlessly with almost any architectural style. The CBT 50LA-1 is perfect for a broad range of applications, including retail establishments, concourses, transit areas, and conference rooms, thanks to its exceptional sound quality, superior pattern control, and compact size (53 cm [20.8 in] height by 10 cm [3.9 in] wide).
Included
WALL SURFACE MOUNTING
Note that the BRACKET ASSEMBLY consists of a SPEAKER BRACKET and a WALL BRACKET.
- RUN WIRING — Run the wiring from the power amplifier to the location desired for mounting the JBL CBT Loudspeakers.
- ATTACH WALL BRACKET TO WALL —
Using a level to ensure that the WALL BRACKET is straight, secure the WALL BRACKET to the wall. Be sure to use the appropriate wall anchors for attaching the bracket. Use all four screw holes for maximum integrity and safety. Be sure that the slot feature is at the top. - ATTACH SPEAKER BRACKET TO SPEAKER
3a) CBT 50LA-1 —
Mount the SPEAKER BRACKET to the speaker with the provided M6-15L pan head bolts, lock washers and flat washers, as shown below. For the CBT 50LA-1 there are three (3) possible mounting position. Choose the one that best suits the application. Be sure the hook feature of the SPEAKER BRACKET is downward.
3b) CBT 100LA-1 —
Mount the SPEAKER BRACKET to the speaker with the provided M6-15L hardware. For the CBT 100LA-1 there are seven (7) possible mounting position. Choose the one that best suits the application. Be sure the hook feature of the SPEAKER BRACKET is downward.
Note the bolt attachment configuration for the SPEAKER BRACKET from the diagram on the previous page.
- SLIDE SPEAKER WITH SPEAKER BRACKET ONTO WALL BRACKET —
Once the wall mount has been attached to the wall and speaker mount has been attached to the speaker, slide the speaker forward so that the SPEAKER BRACKET engages into the WALL BRACKET, dropping the hook slot of the SPEAKER BRACKET onto the pivot bolt (which will already be installed loosely in the WALL BRACKET). - SET THE TILT ANGLE – Once the speaker has nested securely on the pivot bolt, slide the second M6 34mm bolt into one of the holes in top of the wall bracket to set the angle.
5a) TILT ANGLES — The bracket allows for +/-15 degrees of tilt. Some of the extreme tilt angles are not recommended because the speaker will run into the wall first.
5b) PRE- SET ANGLES and CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE ANGLE —
The bracket has through holes for mounting angles of +/- 15 degrees in 5 degree increments. There is also a slot above the set of holes for continuously variable adjustment. The pre-set angles are recommended for accurate aiming. Either can be utilized for setting the speaker’s tilt angle.
5c) SECURE THE ANGLE SETTING — Once the angle has been chosen, tighten both bolts with hardware provided.
- SET THE SWIVEL (PAN) ANGLE – Loosen the top and bottom bolts on the pivot. Adjust the side-to-side swivel (ie, pan) aiming angle of the speaker. Tighten the bolts securely.
Maximum Swivel Angles before Wall Interference
The bracket swivels a full 90 degrees from side-to-side, however when mounting the CBT speaker onto a wall, the side-to-side swivel is limited by the end of the speaker encountering the wall. The maximum swivel angle depends on:
- which of the speaker’s rear-panel positions the SPEAKER BRACKET is mounted to, and b) the down-tilt angle setting.
The following chart lists the typical maximum side-to-side swivel angles for some of the possible Speaker Bracket mounting point locations, and for 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° down-tilt angle settings.
- The in-between mounting positions on CBT 100LA-1 have Maximum Swivel Angles in between those listed.
- The very top bracket position and 15° tilt angle interferes with wall even with no swivel angle.
Maximum Swivel Angles in Other Mounting Situations – The bracket itself can swivel up to 90 degrees (side-to-side), so if the speaker is being mounted onto a pole or an outside corner, for example, where interference with a wall may not be a factor, then greater swivel angles than those stated in the above chart may be achieved.
- SAFETY CABLE — Attach a safety cable (not included) to any of the 6 mm inserts on the back of the CBT 100LA/50LA-1 cabinet using one of the extra included M6 mm bolts. Attach the other end of the cable to a secondary attachment point on the wall.
- SWITCH COVERS – To discourage tampering with the switch settings, adhesive switch covers are provided. Peel off the backing from the switch cover and stick the cover over the switch shaft, lining up the ridge with the recess in the switch shaft.
CBT 50LA-1 & 100LA-1 Bracket Dimensions 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the swivel wall bracket come with it?
It does, really. Accessories included: Wall bracket with swivel (pan) and tilt
Are the hardware or wall mounting brackets included with these speakers?
Yes, a wall mount bracket is included.
Are column array speakers good?
Column speakers may create constant sound levels from the front to the rear of the listening space without the need for large multiple speaker cabinets, much like full-sized line arrays.
What are column speakers used for?
Maintainable sound levels from front to back column speakers may produce constant sound levels from the front to the rear of the listening area, just like full-sized vertical line arrays, but without the burden of many bulky enclosures.
What are CBT speakers?
Constant Beamwidth Technology, or CBT, is a patented innovation from JBL that makes use of complicated analogue delay and amplitude-tapering to provide pattern control consistency.
Do tower speakers sound better?
Tower speakers are often able to create deeper, more dramatic bass than isolated bookshelf speakers because of their larger size, which allows them to flow more air through the drivers than desktop or bookshelf speakers.
What are the 4 types of speakers?
Traditional loudspeakers, in-wall/ceiling speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers are the four basic speaker kinds now available in homes.
Should tower speakers be on the floor?
Yes, they should be placed on the floor.
What is the difference between CBT and CT?
Some people think of cognitive therapy (CT) as coming under the wider category of psychotherapies known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but CT differs from CBT by focusing solely on cognitions as the essential therapeutic factor in changing emotions and behavior.
How loud is the JBL PRX one?
Due its specially designed 12-tweeter column array with JBL AIM acoustic technology, 12-inch bass-reflex woofer, and built-in 2,000-watt (peak) amplifier, PRX ONE produces a staggering 130db max SPL with constant front-to-back throw.
Is a subwoofer necessary with tower speakers?
There is still nothing like the dramatic range a larger speaker offer, even when high-tech bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer can duplicate a larger tower speaker’s frequency range. Without a subwoofer, a decent tower speaker will provide all the bass you want.
How long will tower speakers last?
Good tower speakers will last about 40 to 50 years.
How far should tower speakers be from the wall?
They should be about 2 to 3 feet apart from each other.
Can I put tower speakers on top of subwoofer?
You can, however, it isn’t recommended.
What dB is loud enough for a party?
The optimal range for inside is between 50 and 60 db. The volume is just loud enough to be heard over the music and background noise, without being uncomfortable or damaging to your hearing.



Using a level to ensure that the WALL BRACKET is straight, secure the WALL BRACKET to the wall. Be sure to use the appropriate wall anchors for attaching the bracket. Use all four screw holes for maximum integrity and safety. Be sure that the slot feature is at the top.
Once the wall mount has been attached to the wall and speaker mount has been attached to the speaker, slide the speaker forward so that the SPEAKER BRACKET engages into the WALL BRACKET, dropping the hook slot of the SPEAKER BRACKET onto the pivot bolt (which will already be installed loosely in the WALL BRACKET).

















