Short answer: the RCF ART 712-A MK5. It ranks #41 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5) at $549 and is still sold new; the PreSonus ULT12 ranks #77 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The RCF ART 712-A MK5 is the better-sounding pick. An affordable 12 inch powered PA speaker with simple controls, a good top for pairing with a subwoofer. The catch: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain.
The case for the PreSonus ULT12: A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms. The catch: The 3.50 ideal-subwoofer preference score is the weakest in this 15-model group, reflecting major response/directivity irregularity.
Buy the RCF ART 712-A MK5. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the PreSonus ULT12 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
An affordable 12 inch powered PA speaker with simple controls, a good top for pairing with a subwoofer.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 712-A MK5 | PreSonus ULT12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $999.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #77 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.0Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.75” compression driver | 12” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 25.1”H x 15.2”W x 14.3”D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) | 25.2”H x 14”W x 13.9”D (641 x 356 x 353 mm) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 110° x 50° |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB (1300W peak power) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo | 2 x XLR/TRS combo |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | 1,300W peak / 650W continuous (1,000W / 500W LF; 300W / 150W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | M10 suspension points; two-position 35mm pole socket |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) | 52 lbs (23.6 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 | - | 0.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 3.50 |
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