Short answer: the QSC K12.2. It ranks #1 of 50 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5); the EAW MKD1200 ranks #16 (rated 4.0/5).
Why pick the QSC K12.2: The strongest all-round tonal result in this popular-model group: the vendor Spinorama data produces a 7.73 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 48Hz measured bass extension. The tradeoff: The underlying Spinorama source is low quality, so its apparent measured lead deserves caution.
What the EAW MKD1200 does well: Vendor Spinorama data gives preference scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.20 with an ideal subwoofer. The catch: A 47kg passive 3-way cabinet that needs an external amplifier and processor, so it is a fixed installation box rather than a portable 12-inch top.
Buy the QSC K12.2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the EAW MKD1200.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| QSC K12.2 | EAW MKD1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899.99 | - |
| Ranked | #1 of 50 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #16 of 50 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive or bi-amplified 3-way full-range PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver | Dual 12” cone woofers with 3” voice coils, 2” exit midrange compression driver, 2” exit tweeter compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 23.7”H x 14”W x 13.8”D (602 x 356 x 350 mm) | 32”H x 22.7”W x 20.6”D (813 x 577 x 523 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 2025W peak (1800W LF + 225W HF) | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 1200W LF/MF and 140W HF/MF handling ratings at 8 ohms |
| Cabinet Material | Impact-resistant ABS | - |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts and pull-back point; 35mm pole mount | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 75° conical | 60° x 45°, 90° x 45° or 90° x 60° (model dependent) |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 147dB (MKD1264), 145dB (MKD1294), 139dB (MKD1296) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux | Terminal block connections |
| DSP | Yes | No (passive; use with an amplifier that has EAW DSP presets) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 39 lbs (17.7 kg) | 104.1 lbs (47.2 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.46 | 4.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.73 | 7.20 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 1200W at 8 ohms (LF/MF), 140W at 8 ohms (HF/MF) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- QSC K12.2 vs L-Acoustics 112P
- QSC K12.2 vs L-Acoustics X12
- QSC K12.2 vs FBT ProMaxX 112A
- QSC K12.2 vs KV2 Audio EX12
- QSC K12.2 vs JBL PRX912
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 PM 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
QSC K12.2: $899.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: The strongest all-round tonal result in this popular-model group: the vendor Spinorama data produces a 7.73 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 48Hz measured bass extension. Extensive onboard DSP, flexible main/monitor use and a long market track record make it an unusually safe general-purpose choice. Measured bass extension of 48Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The underlying Spinorama source is low quality, so its apparent measured lead deserves caution. It is not the cheapest 12-inch option, and serious dance music or high-output live use still benefits from a subwoofer.
Full QSC K12.2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 2025W peak (1800W LF + 225W HF) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Impact-resistant ABS |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 75° conical |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.7”H x 14”W x 13.8”D (602 x 356 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts and pull-back point; 35mm pole mount |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.73 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 39 lbs (17.7 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
EAW MKD1200 Passive eBay
Pros: Vendor Spinorama data gives preference scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.20 with an ideal subwoofer. Dual 12-inch woofers reach about 58Hz (-3dB), with a 47Hz to 20kHz rated range and output up to 147dB depending on the horn pattern. On-axis narrow-band deviation is a low 0.156, and the three horn patterns (60° x 45°, 90° x 45° or 90° x 60°) fit venues of different shapes. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A 47kg passive 3-way cabinet that needs an external amplifier and processor, so it is a fixed installation box rather than a portable 12-inch top. Sound-power narrow-band deviation is 0.546 and predicted in-room smoothness is 0.464, less even than the best 12-inch models. The Spinorama data is low quality, and pricing is quoted by dealers.
Full EAW MKD1200 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 1200W LF/MF and 140W HF/MF handling ratings at 8 ohms |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Passive or bi-amplified 3-way full-range PA speaker |
| Coverage | 60° x 45°, 90° x 45° or 90° x 60° (model dependent) |
| DSP | No (passive; use with an amplifier that has EAW DSP presets) |
| Dimensions | 32”H x 22.7”W x 20.6”D (813 x 577 x 523 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 12” cone woofers with 3” voice coils, 2” exit midrange compression driver, 2” exit tweeter compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Terminal block connections |
| Maximum SPL | 147dB (MKD1264), 145dB (MKD1294), 139dB (MKD1296) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| Power Handling | 1200W at 8 ohms (LF/MF), 140W at 8 ohms (HF/MF) |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.20 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 104.1 lbs (47.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons