Short answer: the PreSonus CDL12P, if you are buying new. The PreSonus CDL12 measures as well as the Electro-Voice MFX-12MC (#56 vs #57 of 83 12-inch pa speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the PreSonus CDL12P, is rated 3.5/5 at $949.99 and is still sold new.
The CDL12 is a self-powered array design. Its constant-directivity high-frequency array, eight 2-inch high-frequency drivers, is built for controlled coverage and scalable deployments rather than a conventional single horn. Medium-quality vendor data provides a 4.79 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 58Hz measured extension. Its own cons note it’s a specialized, heavier cabinet whose rigging and array behavior add complexity for ordinary portable-PA buyers, and availability is less consistent than mainstream QSC, JBL, Yamaha and RCF choices.
The MFX-12MC is a passive coaxial monitor. The coaxial 12-inch design provides compact 60° x 40° coverage and reaches a claimed 135dB peak with recommended amplification, and medium-quality vendor data returns a 4.49 ideal-subwoofer preference score. Its own cons are explicit: it’s not self-powered, requiring an external amplifier and running passive or externally bi-amplified, making it less convenient than every conventional powered cabinet in this class, and measured bass extension is about 75Hz with a narrow pattern aimed primarily at stage-monitor and fill use.
Buy the CDL12 for self-powered PA duty with scalable, controlled-directivity coverage.
Buy the MFX-12MC if you need a coaxial monitor or fill wedge and already have external amplification and DSP in place.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with a column of tweeters for controlled coverage, designed to scale up into flown arrays.
A compact coaxial 12 inch stage monitor with high peak output and a tight coverage pattern for stage and fill use.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 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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Specifications Side By Side
| PreSonus CDL12 | Electro-Voice MFX-12MC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.95 Discontinued | $2,805.33 Passive |
| Ranked | #56 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #57 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way constant-directivity PA speaker | Passive or externally bi-amplified 2-way coaxial PA monitor |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, eight 2” high-frequency drivers | 12” coaxial LF/MF driver, 3” HF compression driver |
| Dimensions | 18.6”H x 20.8”W x 17.5”D (473 x 529 x 444.5 mm) | 19.7”H x 16.5”W x 11.7”D (500 x 420 x 298 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR input and direct XLR line output | NL4 speakON input and link |
| Amplifier Power | 2,000W peak / 500W RMS (1,000W peak / 250W RMS per band, manufacturer specified) | Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 450W continuous / 3,000W peak handling rating |
| Crossover Frequency | 420Hz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm eucalyptus plywood | 12-18mm Baltic birch plywood with EVCoat finish |
| Rigging | Integrated array rigging; dual-position 35mm pole mount | Four M10 suspension points; integrated 35mm pole cup |
| Network Control | Worx Control remote control (compression, polarity, limiting, delay, EQ and presets) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 82.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Requires external amplifier/DSP settings |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.20 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.79 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak | 135dB peak with recommended amplification |
| Coverage | 120° x 20° per enclosure (-6dB) | 60° x 40°, rotatable |
| Weight | 65 lbs (29.5 kg) | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
| Frequency Response | - | 62Hz - 18kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz - 19kHz (-10dB) |
| Power Handling | - | 450W continuous / 3,000W peak (manufacturer specified) |
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: PreSonus CDL12 (measured by the manufacturer) and Electro-Voice MFX-12MC (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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