CONTROL 312CS vs JBL-C440CS/T — Compare
JBL Control 312CS 12" High Output In-ceiling Subwoofer vs JBL Control 440CS/T 8 IN PREMIUM IN-CEILING SUBWOOFER
The Control 312CS is a high-output, stage-ready subwoofer for live venues and large commercial spaces requiring maximum SPL and extended bass articulation; the Control 440CS/T is a retrofit-friendly distributed-audio subwoofer with built-in transformer for speech, background music, and smaller commercial installations. Choose the 312CS for concert sound and demanding SPL environments; choose the 440CS/T for plug-and-play 70V/100V system integration.
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JBL Control 312CS 12" High Output In-ceiling Subwoofer
JBL Control 440CS/T 8 IN PREMIUM IN-CEILING SUBWOOFER
Specs side by side
| JBL Control 312CS 12" High Output In-ceiling Subwoofer | JBL Control 440CS/T 8 IN PREMIUM IN-CEILING SUBWOOFER | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $620.00 | $650.00 |
| Brand | JBL | JBL |
| Speaker Type | Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| Install Type | Installed | Installed |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose JBL Control 312CS 12" High Output In-ceiling Subwoofer
- ✓ 12-inch Kevlar-reinforced driver with 400W power handling delivers 125 dB SPL at 1 meter
- ✓ Extended low-end articulation (34 Hz–3.5 kHz) suits live performance and full-range system integration
- ✓ 131 dB peak SPL capability handles large venues and high-output applications
- ✓ Well-damped response with 75 mm voice coil minimizes distortion under sustained load
Why choose JBL Control 440CS/T 8 IN PREMIUM IN-CEILING SUBWOOFER
- ✓ Integrated 80W multi-tap transformer (70V/100V switchable) eliminates need for separate matching transformer
- ✓ 307 mm ceiling cutout with included mounting hardware speeds retrofit installation into drop-ceiling systems
- ✓ Compact 8-inch form factor fits tight spaces while delivering 117 dB continuous SPL
- ✓ Controlled, articulate bass ideal for speech reinforcement and background music in retail/hospitality
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a live concert or nightclub sound system?
The Control 312CS. It delivers 125 dB SPL at 1 meter with extended bass articulation (34 Hz–3.5 kHz) and 131 dB peak capability—designed for high-output live sound. The Control 440CS/T maxes out at 117 dB continuous SPL and is optimized for commercial background and speech, not high-energy music venues.
Which requires less installation infrastructure?
The Control 440CS/T. It includes an integrated 80W multi-tap transformer with switchable 70V/100V taps, eliminating the need to source and wire a separate matching transformer. The Control 312CS requires a dedicated amplifier channel.
What is the main frequency-response difference?
The Control 312CS covers 34 Hz–3.5 kHz (±3 dB), extending into the lower midrange for articulate, full-range bass integration. The Control 440CS/T covers 32 Hz–300 Hz (−10 dB), focused on pure low-end without midrange coloration—typical of distributed speech and background-music systems.
Which suits a retrofit into an existing drop-ceiling system?
The Control 440CS/T is designed for straightforward retrofit with a 307 mm cutout, integrated backcan, C-ring, and tile rails included. The Control 312CS is more commonly custom-integrated into permanent installations where power amplification and system design are already planned.