Short answer: the Yamaha DXR12mkIII. It ranks #13 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $999.99; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, and costs $1,366.80, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Yamaha DXR12mkIII is the better-sounding choice. A light, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with strong amplification, app control and capable onboard DSP. It has a microphone input for karaoke or announcements, which the Martin Audio XP12 lacks. The tradeoff: The truncated Spinorama data does not produce a preference score, so its tonal advantage over the proven Yamaha DXR12mkII is not yet quantified.
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 catch: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkIII. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Martin Audio XP12 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
A light, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with strong amplification, app control and capable onboard 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
| Yamaha DXR12mkIII | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 | $1,366.80 |
| Ranked | #13 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” throat/1.75” diaphragm compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 23.6”H x 14.4”W x 13.8”D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Optional control and audio module |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | 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 | Yes | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.70 |
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