Short answer: the Yamaha DXR12mkIII. It ranks #10 of 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers by sound quality; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #30.
What the Yamaha DXR12mkIII offers: The third-generation DXR raises claimed output to 134dB and adds 2000W amplification, app-based control and more capable onboard DSP while staying light at 17.4kg. Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz. Watch for: The truncated Spinorama data does not produce a preference score, so its tonal advantage over the proven DXR12mkII is not yet quantified. Wireless connectivity is for remote control, not a substitute for a wired production-audio input.
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 Yamaha DXR12mkIII if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Martin Audio XP12 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
The Martin Audio XP12 is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers; there are better options higher up.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR12mkIII | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 | - |
| Ranked | #10 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" 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 | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control | Optional control and audio module |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 4.92 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Yamaha DXR12mkIII:
- QSC K12.2 vs Yamaha DXR12mkIII
- KV2 Audio EX12 vs Yamaha DXR12mkIII
- JBL PRX912 vs Yamaha DXR12mkIII
- RCF KX 32-A vs Yamaha DXR12mkIII
- RCF ART 932-A vs Yamaha DXR12mkIII
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
Yamaha DXR12mkIII: $999.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: The third-generation DXR raises claimed output to 134dB and adds 2000W amplification, app-based control and more capable onboard DSP while staying light at 17.4kg. Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The truncated Spinorama data does not produce a preference score, so its tonal advantage over the proven DXR12mkII is not yet quantified. Wireless connectivity is for remote control, not a substitute for a wired production-audio input.
Full Yamaha DXR12mkIII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote |
| Dimensions | 23.6"H x 14.4"W x 13.8"D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" throat/1.75" diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF ART 912-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 XA
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF NX 932-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF ART 932-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs Yamaha DXR12mkII
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF KX 32-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs Axiom ED120A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs JBL PRX912
- See all 23 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 MK5
- Martin Audio XP12 vs RCF ART 712-A MK4
- Martin Audio XP12 vs Yamaha DBR12
- See all 19 comparisons