Short answer: choose between the Martin Audio XP12 and Electro-Voice MFX-12MC for the deployment, not from the automatic ranking alone. Their driver format, power requirements, coverage, bass reach, output capability, and control features determine which is the more practical PA for a particular room or system.
The case for the Martin Audio XP12. 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.
The case for the Electro-Voice MFX-12MC. The coaxial 12-inch design provides compact 60° x 40° coverage and reaches a claimed 135dB peak with the recommended amplification. Medium-quality vendor data returns a 3.78 ideal-subwoofer preference score.
Important trade-offs. 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. 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. Measured bass extension is about 75Hz and the narrow pattern is aimed primarily at stage-monitor and fill use.
Buy the Martin Audio XP12 when its stated format, coverage, and system features fit the job better.
Buy the Electro-Voice MFX-12MC when its stated output, control, and deployment strengths better match the system.
Neither of these is a sound-quality pick. Look higher up the 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers if that is what you are optimizing for.
Specifications Side By Side
| Martin Audio XP12 | Electro-Voice MFX-12MC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | $2,805.33 |
| Ranked | #30 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #32 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive or externally bi-amplified 2-way coaxial PA monitor |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver | 12" coaxial LF/MF driver, 3" HF compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) | 62Hz - 18kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz - 19kHz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 22.6"H x 14.1"W x 12.5"D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) | 19.7"H x 16.5"W x 11.7"D (500 x 420 x 298 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) | Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 450W continuous / 3,000W peak handling rating |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) | - |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood | 12-18mm Baltic birch plywood with EVCoat finish |
| Rigging | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket | Four M10 suspension points; integrated 35mm pole cup |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 82.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 50°, rotatable | 60° x 40°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak with recommended amplification |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output | NL4 speakON input and link |
| DSP | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets | Requires external amplifier/DSP settings |
| Bluetooth | Optional control and audio module | No |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs / 18 kg | 41.9 lbs / 19 kg |
| Power Handling | - | 450W continuous / 3,000W peak (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:
- Amate Audio X12CLA vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
- Amate Audio X12CLA vs RCF ART 712-A MK4
- PreSonus CDL12 vs Amate Audio X12CLA
- Electro-Voice MFX-12MC vs Amate Audio X12CLA
- Electro-Voice MFX-12MC vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
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
Electro-Voice MFX-12MC: $2,805.33 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The coaxial 12-inch design provides compact 60° x 40° coverage and reaches a claimed 135dB peak with the recommended amplification. Medium-quality vendor data returns a 3.78 ideal-subwoofer preference score.
Cons: 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. Measured bass extension is about 75Hz and the narrow pattern is aimed primarily at stage-monitor and fill use.
Full Electro-Voice MFX-12MC review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 450W continuous / 3,000W peak handling rating |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | 12-18mm Baltic birch plywood with EVCoat finish |
| Configuration | Passive or externally bi-amplified 2-way coaxial PA monitor |
| Coverage | 60° x 40°, rotatable |
| DSP | Requires external amplifier/DSP settings |
| Dimensions | 19.7"H x 16.5"W x 11.7"D (500 x 420 x 298 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" coaxial LF/MF driver, 3" HF compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 18kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz - 19kHz (-10dB) |
| Inputs | NL4 speakON input and link |
| Maximum SPL | 135dB peak with recommended amplification |
| Power Handling | 450W continuous / 3,000W peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | Four M10 suspension points; integrated 35mm pole cup |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs / 19 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons