Safe CDL12 Rigging Sling Setup Guide

By PreSonus | Wherever sound takes you. | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to correctly install the CDL12 Rigging Sling for vertical arrays of four or more CDL12 speakers. Follow these steps for safe flown speaker setup.

Quick answer

Use the CDL12 Rigging Sling on every vertical array of four or more CDL12 speakers, and also when the CDL Rigging Extension Bar is tilted 12° or more. Follow the steps below for a safe installation.

When the sling is mandatory

The CDL12 Rigging Sling is not optional for larger arrays. PreSonus requires it on all installations with four or more CDL12 loudspeakers in a vertical column. It is also required when using the CDL Rigging Extension Bar with an upward or downward tilt of 12° or greater. Skipping the sling in these situations can compromise the load path and void safety certification.

What the sling does

The sling redistributes the weight of the lower speakers in a vertical array back to the rigging point, reducing stress on the enclosures and flyware. Without it, the bottom cabinets carry the full load of the speakers above them, which exceeds their mechanical limits in arrays of four or more.

Step-by-step sling installation

Check array size and tilt: Confirm your vertical array has four or more CDL12 speakers, or that the CDL Rigging Extension Bar is tilted 12° or more. If either condition is true, the CDL12 Rigging Sling is required. Common mistake: assuming the sling is only for large arrays; it is also needed with significant bar tilt.
Attach the sling to the top speaker: Secure one end of the CDL12 Rigging Sling to the designated rigging point on the topmost CDL12 in the array. Follow the manufacturer's torque specifications for the attachment hardware. Check that the sling is not twisted and that the hardware is fully seated before tightening.
Route the sling down the array: Feed the free end of the sling down the side of the vertical array, passing it through the integral guides or brackets on each speaker enclosure as specified in the CDL12 manual. Common mistake: routing the sling through the wrong bracket, which can cause uneven loading.
Secure the sling to the bottom speaker: Attach the free end of the sling to the rigging point on the bottommost CDL12 in the array. Tighten to the specified torque and verify that the sling is under even tension across the entire array. After tightening, do a visual check that all speakers are level and the sling has no slack.
Perform a final safety check: Inspect all attachment points, verify that the sling is not rubbing against sharp edges, and confirm that the array is within the rated load limits for your rigging hardware. Document the installation per local safety regulations. Never skip the final inspection; even a correctly installed sling can shift during the tightening process.

Product facts

CDL12 Rigging Sling: Required on all installations that include 4 or more CDL12 loudspeakers in a vertical array, and when the CDL Rigging Extension Bar is tilted 12° or greater. Ensures the array stays within its rated load path, preventing overstress on the bottom enclosures and keeping the installation compliant.
CDL12 Rigging Sling