Short answer: the RCF ART 712-A MK5. It ranks #25 of 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers by sound quality; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #30.
What the RCF ART 712-A MK5 offers: A compact, relatively affordable RCF with 129dB claimed output, FiRPHASE processing and familiar 90° x 60° coverage. It is an appealing simple top for buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control. Watch for: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain. The smaller compression-driver assembly offers less vocal headroom than the ART 732-A MK5.
What the Martin Audio XP12 offers: The vendor Spinorama data gives it a 4.92 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 56Hz bass extension. A three-channel mixer, channel EQ, 80° x 50° rotatable horn and 18kg plywood cabinet make it unusually versatile. Watch for: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score. Its 128dB claimed peak output is modest for this category, and Bluetooth requires an optional control/streaming module rather than being standard.
Buy the RCF ART 712-A MK5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Martin Audio XP12 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Martin Audio XP12. It ranks near the bottom of the 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 712-A MK5 | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | - |
| Ranked | #25 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #30 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.75" 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) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| DSP | Yes | 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) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 4.92 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for RCF ART 712-A MK5:
- QSC K12.2 vs RCF ART 712-A MK5
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- JBL PRX912 vs RCF ART 712-A MK5
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- RCF ART 932-A vs RCF ART 712-A MK5
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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
RCF ART 712-A MK5: $549.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A compact, relatively affordable RCF with 129dB claimed output, FiRPHASE processing and familiar 90° x 60° coverage. It is an appealing simple top for buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control.
Cons: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain. The smaller compression-driver assembly offers less vocal headroom than the ART 732-A MK5.
Full RCF ART 712-A MK5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 25.1"H x 15.2"W x 14.3"D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.75" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs RCF ART 732-A MK5
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs Yamaha DZR12
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
- See all 24 comparisons
Martin Audio XP12 eBay
Pros: The vendor Spinorama data gives it a 4.92 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 56Hz bass extension. A three-channel mixer, channel EQ, 80° x 50° rotatable horn and 18kg plywood cabinet make it unusually versatile. Measured bass extension of 61.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score. Its 128dB claimed peak output is modest for this category, and Bluetooth requires an optional control/streaming module rather than being standard.
Full Martin Audio XP12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | Optional control and audio module |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| DSP | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Dimensions | 22.6"H x 14.1"W x 12.5"D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.92 |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Martin Audio XP12 vs LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3
- Martin Audio XP12 vs PreSonus CDL12
- Martin Audio XP12 vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
- Martin Audio XP12 vs Electro-Voice MFX-12MC
- Martin Audio XP12 vs RCF ART 732-A MK4
- Martin Audio XP12 vs RCF ART 712-A MK4
- Martin Audio XP12 vs Yamaha DBR12
- Martin Audio XP12 vs RCF NX 912-A
- See all 19 comparisons