Short answer: the Yamaha DZR12. It ranks #22 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $1,198.49; the Martin Audio XP12 ranks #50, rated 3.5/5, and costs $1,366.80, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Yamaha DZR12 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A very loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with premium build, advanced onboard DSP and deep bass for demanding live work. Its bass reaches about 48Hz before falling 3dB, against 61.5Hz for the Martin Audio XP12. The catch: Its medium-quality vendor measurement produces only a 4.91 ideal-subwoofer preference score, so the price buys output, processing and build more than neutral tonality.
The Martin Audio XP12 is the more accurate option. A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.17 against 2.64 for the Yamaha DZR12. Watch for: The Spinorama source has unknown quality, limiting confidence in the score.
Buy the Yamaha DZR12. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Martin Audio XP12 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A very loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with premium build, advanced onboard DSP and deep bass for demanding live work.
A versatile powered 12 inch PA speaker with a three channel mixer, channel EQ, rotatable horn and fairly deep bass.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DZR12 | Martin Audio XP12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.49 | $1,366.80 |
| Ranked | #22 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, 2” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 50Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 16.1”W x 15.5”D (646 x 410 x 394 mm) | 22.6”H x 14.1”W x 12.5”D (574 x 358 x 318 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 80° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 139dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo | 2 x XLR/TRS combo plus mix output |
| Amplifier Power | 2000W dynamic / 1100W burst / 950W continuous | 1,300W peak (1,000W LF + 300W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) | 2.3kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| Cabinet Material | Plywood with polyurea coating | Multi-angle birch/poplar plywood |
| Rigging | M10 points; dual 35mm pole mounts | 17 M8 inserts; pole-mount socket |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, 3-channel mixer, channel EQ and voicing presets |
| Bluetooth | No | Optional control and audio module |
| Weight | 47.2 lbs (21.4 kg) | 39.7 lbs (18 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.64 | 3.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.91 | 5.70 |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Yamaha DZR12: