Short answer: the RCF ART 912-A. It ranks #12 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $949; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, and costs $1,366.80, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The RCF ART 912-A is the better-sounding choice. A widely stocked, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with good sound and simple setup for users who skip menu heavy DSP. The catch: The available low-quality manufacturer directivity data has no computed preference score, limiting confidence in cross-brand tonal comparisons.
The case for 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 RCF ART 912-A. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Martin Audio XP12 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
A widely stocked, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with good sound and simple setup for users who skip menu heavy DSP.
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 912-A | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $949.00 | $1,366.80 |
| Ranked | #12 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #50 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.0Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61.5Hz (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” compression driver with 1.75” voice coil | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 25.3”H x 14.6”W x 14.3”D (642 x 370 x 363 mm) | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 2,100W peak (1,400W LF + 700W HF, manufacturer specified) | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.7kHz (manufacturer specified) | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Rigging | M10 fly points; pole mount | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| Coverage | 100° x 60° | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo | 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 | 41.9 lbs (19 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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