The best of two worlds.

Each type of power amplifier has advantages and disadvantages. By employing different amplifier types for each driver, AIR12 loudspeakers use the respective strengths of Class D and Class A/B amplifiers to provide optimal response throughout the speaker’s frequency range. A 500W (continuous), Class D amplifier powers the 12-inch low-frequency driver, providing efficient, clean power for gut-shaking low end when you need it. A 200W (continuous), Class AB amplifier powers the 1.35-inch high-frequency driver, delivering a natural sounding, "AIR-y" high end. The combination can deliver up to 123 dB SPL of sweet, clear sound between 51 Hz and 20 kHz.

Learn more about the amplifiers in AIR loudspeakers

Impulse Response, or IR, is the basis for digitally tuning any loudspeaker system. IR involves managing phase coherence with digital Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters, along with symmetrical and asymmetrical crossover filters. In designing the AIR-series professional loudspeakers, PreSonus made specific choices that make tuning (voicing​) and coherence easier and more natural sounding. In most modern powered loudspeaker systems, Class D digital switch-mode amplifiers are used for all transducers. Class D amplifiers have many benefits. However, if the switching frequency of a Class D amp is not sufficiently high enough, or it’s not properly filtered, high-frequency response can sound grainy, and transients appear to be slewed with a time smear in an impulse response analysis.

To address this, PreSonus designed AIR loudspeakers utilizing a Class A/B amplifier for the high-frequency transducer and a Class D amplifier for the low-frequency transducer. The Class A/B amplifier used in PreSonus AIR loudspeakers is pure analog, with the “always on” driving characteristic of Class A/B amplifier topology. Therefore, the impulse response filtering necessary to tune an AIR loudspeaker is simplified and has less effect on the natural sound of a well-designed cone driver combined with a compression driver.

To describe the design, the engineering staff at PreSonus invented the term “Advanced Impulse Response” (AIR). The term represents the “airy” sound of the high-frequency components, as well as the simplified IR filters needed to voice the loudspeaker system.

Versatile mounting for a variety of applications.

The AIR12’s molded plastic cabinet can be mounted in several ways, providing tremendous versatility. The multi-angle enclosure sports nonskid rubber feet on the bottom for upright front-of-house use and nonskid rubber feet on one side for stage monitor applications. Rig the speaker using M10 fly points or ground-stack it for portable applications. Mount it on a tripod or atop an AIR-series subwoofer using an optional sub pole. The integrated dual-position pole mount lets you aim the speaker level or at a 7.5˚ downward tilt. And the AIR12 is easy to transport, thanks to its top-mounted handle.

You’ll be floored.

If you place a loudspeaker against a hard surface such as a wall or floor, the low frequencies emitted from the rear of the enclosure propagate back into the room. This effect, called “half-space loading,” can increase the output of bass frequencies by as much as 6 dB, and it is an unavoidable issue with floor monitors. Most PA speakers in this class simply roll off excess low frequencies with a highpass filter—a half-baked compensation for half-space loading. In contrast, AIR-series full-range loudspeakers offer a Monitor preset that uses DSP to retune the speaker to both compensate for bass buildup and maintain a tight mid-bass response, while suppressing problematic frequencies to reduce feedback.

A sweet-sounding solution.

With their “best of both worlds” power-amp configuration, carefully programmed DSP presets, versatile mounting options, flexible inputs with onboard mixing, and other professional features, PreSonus AIR-series loudspeakers are an excellent choice for both mobile and installed sound. You’ll love their easy transportability and their affordability. But the best thing about AIR-series loudspeakers is their clear, natural, “AIR-y” sound. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Check out AIR-series loudspeakers at your favorite PreSonus dealer.

Six-year warranty lets you rest easy.

When you choose ULT or AIR loudspeakers, you choose confidence. Rest assured that your new PreSonus speakers are in it for the long haul. We take our build quality seriously, and if anything goes wrong with them in your first six years of ownership (assuming you don't throw them in a swamp or anything like that) the repair or replacement is on us.