Short answer: the Martin Audio XP12. It ranks #50 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $1,366.80 and is still sold new; the PreSonus CDL12 ranks #56 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The PreSonus CDL12’s replacement, the PreSonus CDL12P, is rated 3.5/5 at $949.99.
The XP12 is unusually versatile for its size. Vendor Spinorama data gives it a 5.70 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 56Hz bass extension. A three-channel mixer, channel EQ, 80° x 50° rotatable horn and 39.7 lbs (18 kg) plywood cabinet make it a genuine do-it-all box. 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.
The CDL12 uses a constant-directivity array instead of a conventional horn. Its high-frequency section is eight 2-inch drivers rather than a single compression driver, designed for controlled coverage and scalable deployments. Medium-quality vendor data gives it a 4.79 preference score and 58Hz measured extension, similar to the XP12’s result. This is a specialized, heavier cabinet whose rigging and array behavior add complexity for ordinary portable-PA buyers, and availability is less consistent than the mainstream QSC, JBL, Yamaha and RCF choices.
What the XP12 adds:
- A built-in 3-channel mixer with channel EQ, absent on the CDL12.
- A rotatable single-horn design, simpler to aim than an array.
What the CDL12 adds:
- An 8-driver constant-directivity high-frequency array for controlled, scalable coverage.
- Worx Control remote control for compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets.
- Higher claimed amplifier power, 2,000W peak versus the XP12’s 1,300W peak.
Buy the XP12 if you want a flexible, mixer-equipped box for straightforward portable PA use.
Buy the CDL12 if you’re building a scalable array deployment and need constant-directivity coverage over a conventional horn.
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 powered 12 inch PA speaker with a column of tweeters for controlled coverage, designed to scale up into flown arrays.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Martin Audio XP12 | PreSonus CDL12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,366.80 | $1,999.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #50 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #56 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver | 12” woofer, eight 2” high-frequency drivers |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) | - |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) | 18.6”H x 20.8”W x 17.5”D (473 x 529 x 444.5 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) | 2,000W peak / 500W RMS (1,000W peak / 250W RMS per band, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) | 420Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Rigging | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket | Integrated array rigging; dual-position 35mm pole mount |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 50°, rotatable | 120° x 20° per enclosure (-6dB) |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output | XLR input and direct XLR line output |
| DSP | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Optional control and audio module | No |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) | 65 lbs (29.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.17 | 2.20 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 4.79 |
| 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 | - | Worx Control remote control (compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Martin Audio XP12 (measured by the manufacturer) and PreSonus CDL12 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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