Short answer: the QSC K12.2. It ranks #1 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $899.99; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, and costs $1,366.80, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The QSC K12.2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A reliable 12 inch PA speaker with excellent sound and flexible built in processing, a safe choice for most events. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.46 against 3.17 for the Martin Audio XP12. Its bass reaches about 48Hz before falling 3dB, against 61.5Hz for the Martin Audio XP12. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Martin Audio XP12 lacks. The catch: The underlying Spinorama source is low quality, so its apparent measured lead deserves caution.
Why pick the Martin Audio XP12: A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass. The tradeoff: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
Buy the QSC K12.2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Martin Audio XP12 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A reliable 12 inch PA speaker with excellent sound and flexible built in processing, a safe choice for most events.
A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| QSC K12.2 | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899.99 | $1,366.80 |
| Ranked | #1 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #50 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, 1.4” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 23.7”H x 14”W x 13.8”D (602 x 356 x 350 mm) | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 2025W peak (1800W LF + 225W HF) | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Impact-resistant ABS | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts and pull-back point; 35mm pole mount | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 75° conical | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Bluetooth | No | Optional control and audio module |
| Weight | 39 lbs (17.7 kg) | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.46 | 3.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.73 | 5.70 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
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