Short answer: the KV2 Audio EX12. It ranks #5 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $3,480. The Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, at $1,366.80, $2,113.20 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The KV2 Audio EX12 is the more accurate option. A highly accurate specialist 12 inch PA speaker with deep bass, very clear vocals and controlled throw. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.19 against 3.17 for the Martin Audio XP12. The tradeoff: The 60.4 lbs (27.4 kg) enclosure and premium price make it much less portable and accessible than the mainstream leaders.
What the Martin Audio XP12 does well: A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass. The catch: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
Buy the KV2 Audio EX12. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,113.20 saving on the Martin Audio XP12 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A highly accurate specialist 12 inch PA speaker with deep bass, very clear vocals and controlled throw.
A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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
| KV2 Audio EX12 | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,480 | $1,366.80 |
| Ranked | #5 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #50 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” neodymium woofer, 1.4” exit/3” diaphragm compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 23.5”H x 14.5”W x 14.5”D (596 x 368 x 368 mm) | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.1kHz (manufacturer specified) | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| Amplifier Power | 500W continuous (450W LF + 50W HF, manufacturer specified) | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Baltic birch plywood | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 40° | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input and output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| DSP | Integrated crossover, phase alignment, EQ and protection | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Bluetooth | No | Optional control and audio module |
| Weight | 60.4 lbs (27.4 kg) | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.19 | 3.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.62 | 5.70 |
| 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 |
| Rigging | M10 hang point, OmniMount bracket point, 4x M6 bracket points, 10x M10 suspension points; 35mm pole mount | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for KV2 Audio EX12: