Short answer: the JBL PRX912. It ranks #6 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $899; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, and costs $1,366.80, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 catch: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
The JBL PRX912 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A versatile, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with app control, deep onboard processing and enough bass for speech and lighter music. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 61.5Hz for the Martin Audio XP12. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Martin Audio XP12 lacks. The catch: Its 6.05 ideal-subwoofer preference score trails the QSC and FBT ProMaxX, with less even sound-power behavior in the supplied data.
Buy the JBL PRX912. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Martin Audio XP12 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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 versatile, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with app control, deep onboard processing and enough bass for speech and lighter music.
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
| Martin Audio XP12 | JBL PRX912 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,366.80 | $899.00 |
| Ranked | #50 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #6 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, 1.5” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) | 25”H x 15.5”W x 13.1”D (636 x 394 x 332 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) | 1920Hz |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood | Polypropylene/talc composite |
| Rigging | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket | 6 x M10 suspension points; dual 36mm pole sockets |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 54Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 50°, rotatable | 90° x 50° |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux |
| DSP | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Optional control and audio module | Control only; no Bluetooth audio |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) | 43 lbs (19.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.17 | 3.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 6.05 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| App | - | Yes (JBL Pro Connect) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL PRX912 compares with other leading options: