Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the RCF HD 12-A MK5 is the better pick: it ranks #44 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5), against #77 (rated 2.6/5) for the PreSonus ULT12. If you want one new, the QSC K12.2 ranks #1 at $899.99.
The RCF HD 12-A MK5 is the better-sounding option. An affordable powered 12 inch PA speaker with loud output, simple controls, and onboard processing that keeps bass tidy. Watch for: The truncated Spinorama measurement cannot produce a preference score, so tonal confidence is lower than for the fully scored leaders.
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 HD 12-A MK5 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the QSC K12.2 instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
An affordable powered 12 inch PA speaker with loud output, simple controls, and onboard processing that keeps bass tidy.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| RCF HD 12-A MK5 | PreSonus ULT12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $600.00 Discontinued | $999.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #77 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, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 25.5”H x 15”W x 15”D (647 x 380 x 380 mm) | 25.2”H x 14”W x 13.9”D (641 x 356 x 353 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 110° x 50° |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB (1300W peak power) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo input and XLR link | 2 x XLR/TRS combo |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak / 700W RMS (1000W LF + 400W HF peak) | 1,300W peak / 650W continuous (1,000W / 500W LF; 300W / 150W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz | 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, FiRPHASE and Bass Motion Control | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 40.3 lbs (18.3 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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