Short answer: the Martin Audio CDD12, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #48 of 50 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 2.9/5); the Audiofocus VENU 12a ranks #49 (rated 2.8/5). Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 50 12-inch pa speakers; for better sound, the QSC K12.2 ranks #1 at $899.99.
Why pick the Martin Audio CDD12: Martin Audio’s Coaxial Differential Dispersion driver widens horizontal coverage from 60° far away to 110° up close, so level stays more even from front row to 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.
Why pick the Audiofocus VENU 12a: A light 18.5kg plywood cabinet, very broad 110° x 60° coverage and 135dB claimed peak output make it convenient for wide rooms and rental work. The catch: The low-quality vendor Spinorama data is the weakest tonal result in this category: a 1.13 ideal-subwoofer preference score and roughly 102Hz measured bass extension conflict sharply with the claimed 50Hz lower limit.
Buy the Martin Audio CDD12. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audiofocus VENU 12a.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Martin Audio CDD12 | Audiofocus VENU 12a | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | $2,890.00 |
| Ranked | #48 of 50 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #49 of 50 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial on-wall PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer with coaxial 1” exit compression driver (Coaxial Differential Dispersion) | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Dimensions | 22”H x 14.2”W x 13.8”D (560 x 360 x 350 mm) | 22.3”H x 14.3”W x 14.1”D (566 x 362 x 357 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification | Self-powered Class D amplifier; output rating not published by AUDIOFOCUS in the current specification |
| Coverage | 110° to 60° horizontal x 60° (rotatable) | 110° x 60° |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | - |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood | High-grade birch plywood with polyurea coating |
| DSP | No (passive) | Yes, 4 presets |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 112Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 55.7Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.82 | -2.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.80 | 1.13 |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | - | Adjustable pole mount and M8 threaded inserts |
| Maximum SPL | - | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | XLR input and link |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Martin Audio CDD12:
- Electro-Voice MFX-12MC vs Martin Audio CDD12
- Amate Audio X12CLA vs Martin Audio CDD12
- RCF ART 732-A MK4 vs Audiofocus VENU 12a
- Audiofocus VENU 12a vs RCF ART 945-A
- RCF ART 712-A MK4 vs Audiofocus VENU 12a
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Martin Audio CDD12 Passive eBay
Pros: Martin Audio’s Coaxial Differential Dispersion driver widens horizontal coverage from 60° far away to 110° up close, so level stays more even from front row to back. A 12-inch woofer shares its motor with a 1-inch compression driver in a 19kg birch cabinet, available in any RAL color for installs. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-3dB).
Cons: 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. Bass measures 95Hz at -3dB. It is passive, aimed at installs, and sold only through dealers.
Full Martin Audio CDD12 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 55.7Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial on-wall PA speaker |
| Coverage | 110° to 60° horizontal x 60° (rotatable) |
| DSP | No (passive) |
| Dimensions | 22”H x 14.2”W x 13.8”D (560 x 360 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” woofer with coaxial 1” exit compression driver (Coaxial Differential Dispersion) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.80 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audiofocus VENU 12a: $2,890.00 eBay
Pros: A light 18.5kg plywood cabinet, very broad 110° x 60° coverage and 135dB claimed peak output make it convenient for wide rooms and rental work. Four onboard presets simplify use as a main or monitor. Measured bass extension of 112Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The low-quality vendor Spinorama data is the weakest tonal result in this category: a 1.13 ideal-subwoofer preference score and roughly 102Hz measured bass extension conflict sharply with the claimed 50Hz lower limit. A subwoofer and careful EQ are strongly recommended.
Full Audiofocus VENU 12a review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Self-powered Class D amplifier; output rating not published by AUDIOFOCUS in the current specification |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 112Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | High-grade birch plywood with polyurea coating |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 110° x 60° |
| DSP | Yes, 4 presets |
| Dimensions | 22.3”H x 14.3”W x 14.1”D (566 x 362 x 357 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR input and link |
| Maximum SPL | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Rigging | Adjustable pole mount and M8 threaded inserts |
| Spinorama Preference Score | -2.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 1.13 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons