Short answer: the Electro-Voice MFX-12MC. It ranks #57 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $2,805.33. The Martin Audio CDD12 ranks #71, rated 2.9/5, at $1,750, $1,055.33 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Electro-Voice MFX-12MC is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A compact coaxial 12 inch stage monitor with high peak output and a tight coverage pattern for stage and fill use. Its bass reaches about 82.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 95Hz for the Martin Audio CDD12. The catch: This is not self-powered: it requires an external amplifier and can be run passive or externally bi-amplified, so it is less convenient than every conventional powered cabinet here.
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 tradeoff: 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 Electro-Voice MFX-12MC. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,055.33 saving on the Martin Audio CDD12 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Electro-Voice MFX-12MC | Martin Audio CDD12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,805.33 Passive | $1,750 Passive |
| Ranked | #57 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #71 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration | Passive or externally bi-amplified 2-way coaxial PA monitor | Passive 2-way coaxial on-wall PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” coaxial LF/MF driver, 3” HF compression driver | 12” woofer with coaxial 1” exit compression driver (Coaxial Differential Dispersion) |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 18kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz - 19kHz (-10dB) | - |
| Dimensions | 19.7”H x 16.5”W x 11.7”D (500 x 420 x 298 mm) | 22”H x 14.2”W x 13.8”D (560 x 360 x 350 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 450W continuous / 3,000W peak handling rating | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Power Handling | 450W continuous / 3,000W peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Material | 12-18mm Baltic birch plywood with EVCoat finish | Birch plywood |
| Rigging | Four M10 suspension points; integrated 35mm pole cup | 10 x M8 fly points; 6 x M8 wall bracket inserts |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 60° x 40°, rotatable | 110° to 60° horizontal x 60° (rotatable) |
| Maximum SPL | 135dB peak with recommended amplification | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | NL4 speakON input and link | - |
| DSP | Requires external amplifier/DSP settings | No (passive) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
| XLR Input | No | 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 |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 55.7Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 0.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 3.80 |
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