CS1
Maximum Impact. Maximum Control.
CS1 Subwoofer
CS1 introduces a new class of large-format subwoofers from L-Acoustics. As the first of the CS Series, it redefines how low-frequency is delivered at scale, combining extreme output with precise control. Built on an ultra-dense acoustic approach, CS1 integrates four 21″ transducers in a single enclosure using L-Acoustics patented cardioid topology. Cardioid, Supercardioid, and additional Side Rejection modes direct low-frequency energy exactly where it is needed, delivering full impact to the audience while preserving clarity on stage and control around the site. Designed for large-scale production, the CS Series delivers controlled, consistent, and predictable low-frequency performance across a wide range of applications.
Applications
Specifications
| Max SPL | 150 dB (CS1_X) | |
| Bandwidth | 25 Hz (CS1_60) | |
| Transducers | LC: 2 x 21” LF: 2 x 21” |
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| Weight | 180 kg / 397 lbs | |
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Dimensions
(W x H x D) |
1514 mm (60 in) x 588 mm (23 in) x 1117 mm (44 in) |
Electroacoustic specs
Specifications
| Usable bandwidth (-10 dB) | 25 Hz ([CS1_60]) |
| Maximum SPL1 | 150 dB ([CS1_X]) 147 dB ([CS1_60]) |
| Nominal directivity (-6 dB) | Cardioid, Supercardioid, and Side Rejection |
| Transducers | 4 × 21″ neodymium |
| Acoustical load | Bass-reflex, L-Vents |
| Nominal impedance | 8 Ω |
Physical specs
| Connectors | IN: 8-point CA-COM |
| Rigging and handling | Flush-fitting 4-point captive rigging system |
| Weight (net) | 180 kg / 397 lbs |
| Cabinet | Premium-grade Baltic beech and birch plywood |
| Front | Coated steel grill Accoustically neutral 3D fabric |
| Rigging components | High-grade steel with anti-corrosion coating |
| Finish | Dark grey brown, Pantone 426 C |
| IP | IP55 |
Dimensions
Categories
Product type
Documentation Centre
A New Standard for Low-Frequency Control
Power
CS1 establishes a new reference for large-format subwoofers, delivering up to 150 dB SPL and extending the bandwidth down to 25 Hz. Built on an ultra-dense architecture, it concentrates exceptional acoustic energy within a single system element, enabling greater impact, headroom, and low-frequency authority while reducing the number of elements and visual footprint. The result sets new benchmarks in SPL/meter, SPL/m2, and low-frequency performance at scale.
Control
CS1 is designed to deliver the level of control needed for precise placement of low-frequency energy without compromising impact. Selectable directivity modes, including Cardioid, Supercardioid, and enhanced Side Rejection, allow low-frequency to be shaped for the deployment, adapting to the venue, audience, and surrounding environment. The result is accurate energy placement, improved stage conditions, and consistent performance across complex setups.
Efficiency
CS Series adopts an integrated auto-lock rigging mechanism, allowing CS1 arrays to be deployed in approximately a third of the time required by comparable subwoofer arrays using captive rigging systems. Deployment efficiency is further enhanced by the CS1-CHARIOT, which can transport up to four CS1 enclosures, while compatibility with both LA7.16 and LA12X platforms enables optimized amplification workflows with L Series and K Series systems.
The Magic Behind CS1
More than Cardiod
In CS1, two front-firing 21″ transducers combine with two side-mounted 21″ cardioid drivers, precisely aligned to shape how low-frequency energy is radiated. This configuration delivers perfect summation at the front for maximum audience impact, and broadband cancellation at the rear and sides. Selectable cardioid modes, including Cardioid, Supercardioid, and enhanced Side Rejection presets, allow low-frequency behavior to be tailored to the venue and surrounding environment.
Autofilter
When CS1 is deployed within an L1 array and powered by LA7.16, system control extends into the lowest frequencies. In this configuration, the latest generation Autofilter applies sub-low optimization across the system, shaping how low-frequency energy is distributed in the vertical plane. By utilizing FIR filters to achieve independent control of magnitude and phase, it delivers predictable, coherent system behavior from the front row to the far field, providing precise, stable sub-low performance across deployments without additional latency.
Applications
World Tours
Delivers the lowest octave extension and highest impact required for the world’s largest touring productions, while integrating seamlessly within flagship L-Acoustics systems.
Festivals
Maintains powerful and controlled low-frequency coverage across large audience areas, helping manage complex multi-stage environments and site constraints.
Special Events
Brings large-format low-frequency performance to high-impact productions where deployment flexibility, visual integration, and consistent coverage are critical.
Who Benefits from CS1
- Consistent low-frequency thump and punch across the entire audience area, preserving the same physical energy from the front row to the far field.
- Powerful yet controlled bass response that delivers impact and immersion without sacrificing musical clarity.
- Enhances your K-Series inventory for the most demanding, high-profile productions, where system capability is the deciding factor and performance drives selection.
- Strengthens long-term fleet value as part of the L1 ecosystem, keeping your inventory aligned with the evolving demands of large-scale sound reinforcement and ready for future flagship deployments.
- Precise control and stable system behavior place sound exactly where it needs to go, reducing correction time and giving you a dependable starting point, show after show.
- A faster path to mix readiness, with less time spent correcting system behavior and more time refining the mix, supported by a deployment that is quick, consistent, and error-free.
- Greater control over low-frequency energy helps manage noise pollution and meet site constraints more effectively, reducing noise-related operational challenges.
- Higher output within the same vertical space, making better use of rigging points and reducing the visual footprint, for simpler and cleaner system integration in even the most complex environments.
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CS1 in the News
Frequently Asked Questions
CS1 is designed as part of a unified system with L1, allowing it to be mechanically integrated within the same array and powered on a shared LA7.16 platform. It can also be deployed alongside K1 systems using LA12X amplified controllers, or alongside K2 systems using either LA7.16 or LA12X platforms, providing seamless low-frequency extension within existing L-Acoustics deployments.
CS1 can be deployed in multiple stacked or flown configurations, depending on the rigging setup. Stacked horizontally or vertically on its side, CS1 adapts to the stage geometry and deployment requirements. Using the dedicated CS1 BUMP, up to eight CS1 can be flown in a single array, while the L1 BUMP supports up to 16 CS1 for larger configurations. When CS1 is deployed within an L1 array, both CS1 BUMP and L1 BUMP are fully compatible.
CS1 consolidates the roles traditionally fulfilled by both K1-SB and KS28 within a single platform. Depending on the selected preset, it can operate either as a low-frequency extension element within an L1 array or as an infra-subwoofer reinforcement system. The CS1_X preset fulfills a role similar to K1-SB, extending low-frequency throw and contour within L1 arrays, while the CS1_60 preset addresses infra-subwoofer applications traditionally covered by KS28 deployments. Unlike KS28, CS1 integrates native cardioid behavior directly into the enclosure, reducing the need for complex stacked or flown cardioid configurations.
CS1 can be powered by either LA7.16 or LA12X amplified controllers, depending on the system configuration, with up to two CS1 units driven per amplifier in both cases. For systems based on K1, LA12X is typically preferred, while LA7.16 is recommended when integrating CS1 with L1 or K2. When powered on LA7.16, additional channels remain available within the same platform, allowing other system elements such as front fills or delays to be driven alongside CS1. When used within an L1 system and powered by LA7.16, CS1 also benefits from sub-low optimization, extending system control into the lowest frequencies.