Short answer: the Martin Audio CDD12, if you are buying new. The Amate Audio X12CLA ranks higher than it (#60 vs #71 of 83 12-inch pa speakers, 3.2/5 vs 2.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Martin Audio CDD12 is still sold new at $1,750.
The Amate Audio X12CLA is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A powered 12 inch PA speaker with networked DSP and a tightly controlled vertical pattern, designed for flown clusters. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 1.48 against 0.82 for the Martin Audio CDD12. Its bass reaches about 71Hz before falling 3dB, against 95Hz for the Martin Audio CDD12. The tradeoff: The very narrow 15° vertical pattern is specialized rather than broadly useful as a single portable main, and the 69.4 lbs (31.5 kg) enclosure is the heaviest cabinet near this part of the ranking.
Why pick the Martin Audio CDD12: A passive coaxial 12 inch install speaker whose coverage widens up close, keeping level even from the front row to the back. The catch: Manufacturer measurements give a very low 0.82 standalone preference score and 3.80 with an ideal subwoofer, with a wide 4.0dB reference band and 0.821 listening-window deviation, so its tonal balance is very uneven.
Buy the Martin Audio CDD12, since the Amate Audio X12CLA is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Amate Audio X12CLA | Martin Audio CDD12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,150 Discontinued | $1,750 Passive |
| Ranked | #60 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #71 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-curvature PA speaker | Passive 2-way coaxial on-wall PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” neodymium woofer, 2.5” compression driver | 12” woofer with coaxial 1” exit compression driver (Coaxial Differential Dispersion) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 19kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 13.9”H x 25.2”W x 19.1”D (352 x 640 x 485 mm) | 22”H x 14.2”W x 13.8”D (560 x 360 x 350 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,500W program (1,000W LF + 500W HF, manufacturer specified) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Cabinet Material | Multilayer birch plywood with weatherproof polyurea finish | Birch plywood |
| Network Control | EtherCON Ethernet connection/link | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 100° x 15° | 110° to 60° horizontal x 60° (rotatable) |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input and link | - |
| DSP | Yes, with Ethernet/Wi-Fi control | No (passive) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 69.4 lbs (31.5 kg) | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.48 | 0.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.07 | 3.80 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Rigging | M8 flying points (multiple combinations for horizontal/vertical arrays via integrated rigging frame), plus optional pole-mount adaptor for tripod/sub-top use | 10 x M8 fly points; 6 x M8 wall bracket inserts |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 55.7Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
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