Short answer: the Audiofocus VENU 12a, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #72 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 2.8/5) at $2,890 and is still sold new; the PreSonus ULT12 ranks #77 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 83 12-inch pa speakers, and the QSC K12.2, ranked #1 at $899.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The VENU 12a’s measured data is the more troubling of the two. Its low-quality vendor Spinorama data is the weakest tonal result flagged in its own category, a 1.13 ideal-subwoofer preference score with roughly 112Hz measured bass extension that conflicts sharply with its claimed 50Hz lower limit. In its favor, it is a light 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) plywood cabinet with very broad 110° x 60° coverage and a claimed 135dB peak, convenient for wide rooms and rental work, with four onboard presets for quick main-or-monitor setup.
The ULT12 measures better but is still the weakest in its own comparison group. Its medium-quality vendor data reaches 60Hz measured extension with a 3.50 preference score, the weakest in its 15-model group, reflecting major response and directivity irregularity. It does include a rotatable horn, an onboard mixer and broad 110° x 50° nominal coverage useful in shallow rooms, practical live-sound features the VENU 12a does not offer.
Buy the ULT12 if you want an onboard mixer and are willing to add a subwoofer and EQ to work around its measured shortcomings.
Buy the VENU 12a only if the broad coverage and light weight matter more than accurate bass response, and plan on a subwoofer and careful EQ from the start.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
A light powered 12 inch PA speaker with very wide coverage and four presets for use as a main or monitor.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audiofocus VENU 12a | PreSonus ULT12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,890 | $999.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #72 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #77 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver | 12” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 22.3”H x 14.3”W x 14.1”D (566 x 362 x 357 mm) | 25.2”H x 14”W x 13.9”D (641 x 356 x 353 mm) |
| Cabinet Material | High-grade birch plywood with polyurea coating | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Rigging | Adjustable pole mount and M8 threaded inserts | M10 suspension points; two-position 35mm pole socket |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 112Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 110° x 60° | 110° x 50° |
| Maximum SPL | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB (1300W peak power) |
| Inputs | XLR input and link | 2 x XLR/TRS combo |
| Amplifier Power | Self-powered Class D amplifier; output rating not published by AUDIOFOCUS in the current specification | 1,300W peak / 650W continuous (1,000W / 500W LF; 300W / 150W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes, 4 presets | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | -2.54 | 0.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 1.13 | 3.50 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Audiofocus VENU 12a (measured by the manufacturer) and PreSonus ULT12 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Audiofocus VENU 12a compares with other leading options: