Short answer: the Yamaha DBR12. It ranks #40 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $399.99; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, and costs $1,366.80, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Martin Audio XP12 is the more accurate choice. A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.17 against 2.32 for the Yamaha DBR12. The tradeoff: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
The case for the Yamaha DBR12: An affordable, light 12 inch powered PA speaker with a two channel mixer and simple main and monitor presets. Watch for: Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.92 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises.
Buy the Yamaha DBR12. 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.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass.
An affordable, light 12 inch powered PA speaker with a two channel mixer and simple main and monitor presets.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Martin Audio XP12 | Yamaha DBR12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,366.80 | $399.99 |
| Ranked | #50 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #40 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) | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) | 23.7”H x 14.8”W x 13.7”D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) | - |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood | Plastic |
| Rigging | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 50°, rotatable | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| DSP | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Optional control and audio module | No |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) | 34.8 lbs (15.8 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.17 | 2.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 4.92 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
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