Short answer: the Martin Audio XP12 for the better overall measured result and onboard mixer; the LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 if you specifically want the deepest bass reach in this pair. These rank #29 and #30 out of 37 12-inch powered PA speakers.
The XP12 measures better overall despite the Stinger’s deeper bass. The XP12’s vendor data gives it a 4.92 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 56Hz extension, though its own review flags that the Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence. The Stinger 12 A G3 reaches an unusually deep 42Hz measured extension for this size class, but medium-quality vendor data gives it only a 4.32 preference score because the broader response and directivity behavior is uneven.
The XP12 adds a built-in three-channel mixer. With channel EQ and voicing presets, plus an 80 degree x 50 degree rotatable horn, it is unusually versatile for a single box, though its own review notes the 128dB claimed peak is modest for this category and Bluetooth needs an optional module rather than being standard. The Stinger has a simpler two-channel input section and a dual-tilt pole socket, built for repeated live work in a rugged birch-plywood cabinet.
Weight is close. The Stinger is 20.4kg and the XP12 is 18kg, both on the heavier side for a 12-inch box; the Stinger’s own review calls it heavier than several molded-cabinet alternatives.
Buy the Martin Audio XP12 for the better all-round measured result and the built-in mixer with channel EQ.
Buy the LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 if the unusually deep 42Hz bass extension matters more to you than overall tonal balance.
Skip both if sound quality is the priority. There are better options higher up the 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers.
Specifications Side By Side
| LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $585.53 | - |
| Ranked | #29 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #30 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, compression driver | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 24.7"H x 15.4"W x 14.8"D (627 x 390 x 377 mm) | 22.6"H x 14.1"W x 12.5"D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000W peak / 500W RMS | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm plywood with polyurea coating | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Rigging | M10 suspension points; 36mm Dual-Tilt pole mount | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 50° | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Bluetooth | No | Optional control and audio module |
| Weight | 45 lbs / 20.4 kg | 39.7 lbs / 18 kg |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:
- HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
- HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
- PreSonus CDL12 vs Electro-Voice MFX-12MC
- RCF HD 12-A MK5 vs LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3
- RCF HD 12-A MK5 vs Martin Audio XP12
Prices on this page were last checked September 7, 2026 at 7:47 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.
The Two Speakers In Full
LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3: $585.53 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A rugged birch-plywood cabinet, dual-tilt pole socket and two-channel input section make it practical for repeated live work. Its 42Hz measured bass extension is unusually deep in this group, and the manufacturer claims 131dB peak output.
Cons: Despite the bass reach, medium-quality vendor data gives only a 4.32 ideal-subwoofer preference score because the broader response/directivity behavior is uneven. At 20.4kg it is heavier than several molded-cabinet alternatives.
Full LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1000W peak / 500W RMS |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm plywood with polyurea coating |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 50° |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 24.7"H x 15.4"W x 14.8"D (627 x 390 x 377 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | M10 suspension points; 36mm Dual-Tilt pole mount |
| Weight | 45 lbs / 20.4 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Martin Audio XP12 eBay
Pros: The vendor Spinorama data gives it a 4.92 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 56Hz bass extension. A three-channel mixer, channel EQ, 80° x 50° rotatable horn and 18kg plywood cabinet make it unusually versatile.
Cons: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score. Its 128dB claimed peak output is modest for this category, and Bluetooth requires an optional control/streaming module rather than being standard.
Full Martin Audio XP12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | Optional control and audio module |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| DSP | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Dimensions | 22.6"H x 14.1"W x 12.5"D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs / 18 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons


