Clair Brothers subwoofers fall into two core product lines: the floor-mounted fixed-install CS Series and the flyable iS array subwoofers. The two lines differ substantially in acoustic performance, mounting structures and applicable scenarios. Many contractors confuse these two product ranges during selection, resulting in wasted stage space and mismatched acoustic integration. This article fully breaks down their differences and ideal use cases.

1. CS Series Floor-Standing Subwoofers (CS18ii-A, CS218-A, 12Sx-A)

Structural Features

Each cabinet features a reinforced load-bearing base with integrated rigging points absent; they are designed exclusively for ground placement. The cabinets boast generous physical dimensions and large internal bass chambers to fully reproduce infrasonic energy.

Acoustic Characteristics

• The CS218-A dual 18-inch model uses separate isolated chambers, delivers wideband bass boost centered at 35 Hz with a sensitivity of 103 dB, and excels at long-distance low-frequency coverage.
• The single 18-inch CS18ii-A caters to medium-sized venues.
• The compact single 12-inch 12Sx-A features a space-saving footprint for small-scale environments.

Ideal Application Scenarios

Venues without overhead trussing or load restrictions above stages; large nightclubs, mid-sized theatres, hotel ballrooms and Livehouses with ample floor space flanking stages. Suitable for projects prioritizing maximum bass sound pressure where floor space occupation is not a concern.

2. Flyable iS Series Array Subwoofers (iS118-A, iS218-A)

Structural Features

Integrated 3-point dual-mode rigging hardware is built into both sides of the cabinets. They share identical mounting fittings with the active i Series full-range line arrays, enabling seamless stacking with full-range cabinets to form an integrated flown sound system suspended from stage trusses. This setup keeps the performance floor completely unobstructed by ground equipment.

Acoustic Characteristics

• The iS118-A is fitted with ultra-long-excursion drivers delivering a peak-to-peak displacement of 70mm and 5.3-inch dual-layer aluminum voice coils. Its narrowband gain centered at 63Hz amplifies the transient impact of kick drums.
• The dual 18-inch iS218-A flyable subwoofer achieves flawless acoustic alignment when paired with the flagship i212-A line array.

Ideal Application Scenarios

Modern professional theatres, indoor sports arenas, cruise ship entertainment venues and high-end nightclubs that prioritize a clean stage aesthetic, with load-bearing certified overhead trusses and demand an all-in-one flown sound reinforcement system. Also suitable for multi-run live shows and theatrical performances requiring unoccupied full floor space on stage.

[Speaker Model:iS118-A]

[Speaker Model:iS218-A]

Core Selection Criteria

1. No overhead trussing above the stage or insufficient load capacity → Choose CS floor-standing subwoofers
2. Complete overhead trussing available, sleek stage appearance required, frequent performances → Choose flyable iS Series subwoofers
3. Small venues under 300 square meters → Uniformly adopt compact 12Sx-A floor-standing subwoofers
4. Large venues over 1,000 square meters with ample floor space → Heavy-duty CS218-A floor-standing subwoofers
5. Flown projects paired with active i Series line arrays → Mandatorily match corresponding iS flyable subwoofers for factory-calibrated rigging and perfect acoustic alignment

Both subwoofer lines feature the Asia Series moisture-resistant cabinet construction engineered for hot and humid Asian climates. Their only differences lie in mounting configurations and acoustic gain tuning for distinct use cases, allowing contractors to quickly identify the optimal model based on each venue’s physical conditions.