Short answer: the CDL12 for most PA use, the MFX-12MC only for stage-monitor or fill duty where you already run external amplification. These rank #31 and #32 out of 37 12-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $500 and $2805.33.
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 4.25 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 3.78 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.
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
| PreSonus CDL12 | Electro-Voice MFX-12MC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500.00 | $2,805.33 |
| Ranked | #31 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #32 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| 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 |
| Frequency Response | Not published by PreSonus in the current product specifications | 62Hz - 18kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz - 19kHz (-10dB) |
| 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 |
| Power Handling | - | 450W continuous / 3,000W peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | - | 60° x 40°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | - | 135dB peak with recommended amplification |
| Weight | - | 41.9 lbs / 19 kg |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- Amate Audio X12CLA vs RCF ART 712-A MK4
- Amate Audio X12CLA vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
- RCF HD 12-A MK5 vs Martin Audio XP12
- Electro-Voice MFX-12MC vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
- PreSonus CDL12 vs Amate Audio X12CLA
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
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
Electro-Voice MFX-12MC: $2,805.33 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The coaxial 12-inch design provides compact 60° x 40° coverage and reaches a claimed 135dB peak with the recommended amplification. Medium-quality vendor data returns a 3.78 ideal-subwoofer preference score.
Cons: This is not self-powered: it requires an external amplifier and can be run passive or externally bi-amplified, so it is less convenient than every conventional powered cabinet here. Measured bass extension is about 75Hz and the narrow pattern is aimed primarily at stage-monitor and fill use.
Full Electro-Voice MFX-12MC review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 450W continuous / 3,000W peak handling rating |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | 12-18mm Baltic birch plywood with EVCoat finish |
| Configuration | Passive or externally bi-amplified 2-way coaxial PA monitor |
| Coverage | 60° x 40°, rotatable |
| DSP | Requires external amplifier/DSP settings |
| Dimensions | 19.7"H x 16.5"W x 11.7"D (500 x 420 x 298 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" coaxial LF/MF driver, 3" HF compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 18kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz - 19kHz (-10dB) |
| Inputs | NL4 speakON input and link |
| Maximum SPL | 135dB peak with recommended amplification |
| Power Handling | 450W continuous / 3,000W peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | Four M10 suspension points; integrated 35mm pole cup |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs / 19 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons