Short answer: the XP12 for most portable-PA buyers, the CDL12 if you specifically need constant-directivity array coverage. These rank #30 and #31 out of 37 12-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $500 for the CDL12.
The XP12 is unusually versatile for its size. 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 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 4.25 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.
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 | PreSonus CDL12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | $500.00 |
| Ranked | #30 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #31 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| 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) | Not published by PreSonus in the current product specifications |
| 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 | - |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| 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 | - |
| Network Control | - | Worx Control remote control (compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets) |
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- Electro-Voice MFX-12MC vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
- LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 vs PreSonus CDL12
- LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3 vs Martin Audio XP12
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
PreSonus CDL12: $500.00 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Its constant-directivity high-frequency array is designed for controlled coverage and scalable deployments rather than a conventional single horn. The medium-quality vendor data provides a 4.25 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 58Hz measured extension.
Cons: This is a specialized, heavier cabinet whose rigging and array behavior add complexity for ordinary portable-PA buyers. The measured tonal score is modest, and availability is less consistent than the mainstream QSC, JBL, Yamaha and RCF choices.
Full PreSonus CDL12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2,000W peak / 500W RMS (1,000W peak / 250W RMS per band, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 18.6"H x 20.8"W x 17.5"D (473 x 529 x 444.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, eight 2" high-frequency drivers |
| Frequency Response | Not published by PreSonus in the current product specifications |
| Inputs | XLR input and direct XLR line output |
| Network Control | Worx Control remote control (compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets) |
| Rigging | Integrated array rigging; dual-position 35mm pole mount |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons