The CBT 1000 represents the next-generation in pattern control, expanding upon JBL's highly successful CBT Constant Beamwidth Technology™ products. Utilizing patented complex analog beam-forming, the CBT 1000 provides superior and consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beaming and out-of-coverage lobing that are typical of straight form-factor column speakers.

The CBT 1000 combines Constant Beamwidth Technology with adjustable vertical coverage and a tapered horizontal waveguide to increase the versatility of aiming the coverage of the loudspeaker to more accurately map to the room geometry in a wide variety of listening spaces. The asymmetrical coverage settings produce a higher concentration of sound with a tighter pattern from the upper half of the array, and a lower concentration of sound with a broader vertical pattern from the lower half of the array. This sends more sound toward the far area of the room than to the near area of the room, resulting in more even front-to-back SPL levels than would be the case from a traditional speaker or column that projects symmetrically in the vertical plane. Additionally, the vertical coverage pattern is individually installer adjustable though a range of four "Pattern Up" coverage angles and four "Pattern Down" coverage angles for a total of sixteen different coverage combinations, all without the use of any external DSP processing. The new patent-pending Tapered Horizontal Waveguide design provides a continuously varying horizontal dispersion by providing a very wide angle of dispersion for the short-throw distances while also providing a narrower horizontal angle of dispersion for the long-throw distances, providing superior coverage in both the front and rear corners of a room. The consistent pattern control allows the CBT 1000 to work well in difficult acoustic environments.

The two-way coaxial design provides a wide 45 Hz - 20 kHz bandwidth. The low-diffraction baffle eliminates frequency response irregularities that could otherwise occur due to baffle discontinuities. The thick, heavy-duty aluminum grille allows for rust-free installation outdoors. At 102 cm (40.2 in) tall and only 25 cm (9.9 in) wide, the design fits well with virtually any architectural décor.