Monitor Audio Climate CL2 M speaker review

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When it comes to loudspeakers for architectural and custom installation, flexibility and durability are just as important as sound quality. That’s precisely where Monitor Audio’s Climate CL2 M comes into its own.

Designed for professional applications, this mid-sized, wall-mountable, all-weather passive speaker delivers a high-fidelity performance in residential, commercial, and outdoor settings alike. Whether mounted on a sun-drenched terrace, tucked under a bar canopy, or positioned in a stylish indoor space, the Climate CL2 M is ready for every environment.

The Climate CL2 M is part of Monitor Audio’s architectural speaker range, a series which blends professional functionality with the brand’s audiophile heritage. It’s intended for custom installers seeking a single solution for outdoor audio, commercial AV, and residential whole-home sound systems. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any integrator’s portfolio. But how does it actually perform? We put a pair on the Inside CI test bench to find out...

Monitor Audio Climate CL2 M speaker: Design

The Climate CL2 M is compact but reassuringly substantial. Measuring 332 x 190 x 240mm and weighing in at 4.1kg, this speaker feels built to last. Its enclosure is formed from moulded ABS, a material chosen for both durability and acoustic stability.

A fully sealed design, the enclosure is rated to IP66, ensuring it's dust-tight and protected against errant water, making it a true all-weather solution. This resilience makes it ideal for exposed outdoor installations, from patios and pool areas to beachfront bars.

The Climate CL2 M is available in black or white, with a finish that should blend seamlessly into both modern and traditional décor schemes. Our review pair arrived in white, and the presentation was impressively uniform. Design-conscious clients are going to appreciate its look and feel.

Monitor Audio Climate CL2 M speaker: Features and installation

Monitor Audio has clearly prioritised installer convenience with the Climate CL2 M. The speaker ships with the brand’s innovative Quik-Link bracket system, a die-cast aluminium L-bracket with integrated cable management. This allows the speaker to be quickly mounted, with loudspeaker cables concealed for a clean finish.

I like the fact that the bracket also provides adjustable positioning, enabling installers to tilt and rotate the speaker to precisely target any given listening area. Both vertical and horizontal orientations are supported, so there’s plenty of flexibility when it comes to placement.

Connection points are neatly concealed behind a rubberised flap, which protects the speaker terminals from the elements. This thoughtful touch enhances both durability and aesthetics, and ensures the speaker looks as clean from the side as it does from the front.

Connectivity is kept simple, with standard snap-tight terminals compatible with bell wire. Don’t spec high-end gauge cables, as they won’t fit. It’s a sensible design choice given the product’s focus on ease of installation and outdoor resilience.

Monitor Audio Climate CL2 M speaker: Performance

Despite its Pro AV aspirations, the Climate CL2 M incorporates advanced Monitor Audio driver technology familiar from the brand’s celebrated Hi-Fi loudspeakers.

There's no question that these speakers have got what it takes to be noticed.

The two-way design pairs a 65mm C-CAM RST II bass-mid driver with a 25mm C-CAM black dome tweeter; materials chosen for their lightweight rigidity and smooth, extended frequency response. Bass performance is further bolstered by an Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR), which enhances low-end output without the need for a possibly compromising bass port.

When it comes to performance, the Climate CL2 M make an immediate, favourable impression. Rated at 85.5dB sensitivity and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms, the speaker should partner comfortably with cool-running distribution amplifiers. Monitor Audio quotes a maximum peak SPL of 110 DB.

Frequency response is rated at 42Hz to 30kHz (when wall-mounted), and our listening tests suggested that’s realistic, particularly at the lower end. I measured the bass response down to 50Hz. In practice, it feels even heftier than this specification suggests, thanks to that ABR.

In outdoor settings, where mid-bass needs to travel, the Climate CL2 M excels. Kick drums punch with authority, while basslines are delivered with weight and presence. This boldness is demonstrated brilliantly with The Automatic’s ‘Monster’, which delivered infectious energy and swaggering rhythm, making the speaker perfect for outdoor parties and events.

Similarly, vocal delivery is fluid and expressive, with pop tracks like Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Feather’ retaining their danceable bounce without sacrificing detail. High frequencies are smooth yet articulate, ensuring intelligibility even at lower volumes, a key requirement for commercial background music installations.

When mounted indoors, the Climate CL2 M reveals a slightly more refined character. Acoustic recordings exhibit natural tonality, while spoken word content remains crisp and clear; the speaker is equally suited to background music and speech reinforcement in commercial environments.

Monitor Audio Climate CL2 M speaker: Verdict

We rate the Monitor Audio Climate CL2 M a standout, multi-purpose speaker for AV professionals and custom installers. A combination of rugged weatherproofing, installer-friendly design, and genuinely engaging sound performance tick all our boxes.

Whether it’s poolside playlists, commercial background audio, or discreet residential installs, the Climate CL2 M has the build quality, acoustic pedigree, and aesthetic flexibility to handle it all.

For installers seeking one loudspeaker that can confidently cover almost any scenario, the Climate CL2 M comes highly recommended.

The Monitor Audio Climate CL2 M All Weather Speakers are available now, priced at £750. For more, visit Monitor Audio here.