Short answer: the Axiom ED120A. It ranks #18 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $1,790. The Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, at $1,366.80, $423.20 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Martin Audio XP12: A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass. The tradeoff: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
The Axiom ED120A is the better-sounding choice. A good sounding professional 12 inch powered PA speaker with deep bass, remote control and an asymmetric horn for installs. The catch: The 132dB claimed peak is competitive rather than class-leading, and the asymmetric 60°-to-100° pattern needs more deliberate aiming than a conventional symmetric horn.
Buy the Axiom ED120A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $423.20 with the Martin Audio XP12 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass.
A good sounding professional 12 inch powered PA speaker with deep bass, remote control and an asymmetric horn for installs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Martin Audio XP12 | Axiom ED120A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,366.80 | $1,790 |
| Ranked | #50 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #18 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, 1.4” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) | 65Hz - 17kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) | 24”H x 14.2”W x 12.2”D (610 x 360 x 310 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) | 1,200W continuous (900W LF + 300W HF Class D, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) | - |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood | 15mm reinforced phenolic birch plywood |
| Rigging | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket | M10 and M6 fly points; pole-mount socket |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 50°, rotatable | 60°-100° asymmetric x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output | XLR input and link; EtherCON control network |
| DSP | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets | Yes, CORE processing with PRONET control |
| Bluetooth | Optional control and audio module | No |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.17 | 3.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 5.73 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Network Control | - | PRONET control over EtherCON/CANBUS |
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