Short answer: the Martin Audio XP12. It ranks #50 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $1,366.80 and is still sold new; the RCF ART 712-A MK4 ranks #65 (rated 3.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The RCF ART 712-A MK4’s replacement, the RCF ART 712-A MK5, is rated 3.6/5 at $549.
The case for the RCF ART 712-A MK4: A straightforward powered 12 inch PA speaker that is easy to carry, with loud output and a broad horn. Watch for: The low-quality vendor measurement is truncated and cannot produce a reliable preference score.
The Martin Audio XP12 is the better-sounding pick. A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass. The catch: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
Buy the Martin Audio XP12. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the RCF ART 712-A MK4 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A straightforward powered 12 inch PA speaker that is easy to carry, with loud output and a broad horn.
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
| RCF ART 712-A MK4 | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $509.00 Discontinued | $1,366.80 |
| Ranked | #65 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” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 25.1”H x 15.2”W x 14.3”D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; pole mount | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo input and XLR link | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Bluetooth | No | Optional control and audio module |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) |
| 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 | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.70 |
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