For decades, compact two-way loudspeakers have been a pillar of professional audio, capable of serving as mains, monitors, side fills, center fills, near fills, front fills and delays. In many cases they can be carried by a single person via convenient handles and quickly ground stacked, flown, or placed on a stand, where they’re capable of handling reinforcement all by themselves or joined by subwoofers in applications requiring additional low-end reinforcement.
Many of the enclosures are trapezoidal in shape, with some able to be put into tightly packed horizontal arrays and others better suited for “exploded” clusters. Still others can be stacked or flown into line and/or column arrays. Several offer a modified cabinet shape that also allows them to be placed on their side and used as floor monitors. And speaking of cabinets, they’re constructed of ABS/polymers/plastics as well as wood.
Increasingly, compact two-way loudspeakers are offered in self-powered versions (usually class D amplification) joined by digital signal processing. Many are also outfitted with facilities for further tailoring output to specific applications. Additional EQ control may be present, while others provide at least rudimentary mixing capability, with level controls, mic/line switches, and EQ on XLR or combo (XLR, 1/4-inch) inputs. More models will accept (Audinate) Dante digital audio input along with analog audio signal.
This genre of loudspeakers has also benefitted from advances in driver technology, signal processing, and amplification. Transducer innovations have in many cases trickled down from touring products. Many have lightweight magnetic structures using neodymium magnets, rugged cone and spider materials, and robust voice coil designs.
High-frequency horns are frequently rotatable and offer improved directivity. Larger format compression drivers deliver greater power handling capacity. Several designs are coaxial, another trend in this genre, along with incorporating 8- or 10-inch woofers as well as the traditional 12- and 15-inch models.
Our tour of recent models that follows is intended, by design, to present the “state of the market” in terms of options. But for each type of model presented here, understand that there are several similar models from the same and other sources, so further homework is strongly recommended.
Spotlight Listing
ART 9-AX Series
rcf-usa.com
The ART 9-AX Series, comprised of three active models (a choice of 10-, 12- and 15-inch woofers) is engineered with a wide range of applications, incorporating 48-volt microphone preamps and line inputs, an internal 6-channel digital mixer with advanced DSP, Bluetooth stereo audio input, and a wireless dual loudspeaker pairing option.
The transducers are driven by up to 2100 watts of class D power, with the two-channel amplifier 50 percent more powerful than previous models in managing extremely high sound pressure levels with an ultra-fast attack, realistic transient response, and very low heat loss. The sleek cabinet uses a special polypropylene composite material with an M-brace internal reinforcement, making it easy to carry and secure to install on a pole, flown-, wall-, or truss-mounted using the multiple rigging points available.
The Class 1 Bluetooth connection can receive two-channel audio streaming and provides a stereo or dual mono output for pairing with AX-featured loudspeakers. Available for Android and iOS, the RCF LiveRemote App makes it easy to adjust the ART 9-AX mixer, DSP, FX, routing, and Bluetooth settings in addition to providing full control of the internal engine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
For more advanced users, the internal mixer streamlines all routing needs while an internal crossover fosters use of the loudspeaker with any subwoofer. An internal five-band parametric EQ allows users to better manage boomy spaces or modal resonances, while the output delay keeps sonic output in time.
OF NOTE
Being physically connected with the internal frame, the amplifier is firm and solid within the cabinet. The input circuit has a new low distortion design with an advanced safety limiter, maintaining the true character of the input signal at all levels.
KEY SPECS
Model: ART 912-AX
Dispersion: 100 x 60 degrees
Components: 12-in cone driver, 1-in (1.75-in voice coil) compression driver
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 130 dB
Power Handling: Onboard class D amplifier provides 2100 watts peak; also includes DSP
Connectors: Input connectors – combo XLR/jack; output connectors – XLR
Positioning/Rigging: 1 x M10 top, 1 x M10 each side; handles on top and sides; pole-mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 25.3 x 14.6 x 14.3 in
Weight: 43.7 lbs
Standard Listings
NEXO P+ Series
nexo-sa.com
Dispersion: 60 x 60 degrees (default); 90 x 40 degrees (with flange); 50 – 90 x 40 degrees (with PS flange)
Components: Custom dual neo coaxial driver with 4-in voice coil for the LF driver and a 4-in diaphragm for the HF motor
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 140 dB passive mode; 142 dB active mode (both peak)
Power Handling: Recommended NXAMP4x4mk2 powered Tdcontroller – up to 3 x P18 per channel
Connectors: Touring/TIS versions – 4 x NL4, 4-pole connectors (1 per handle + 2 at the back)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 26.8 x 22.8 x 17.6 in
Weight: 73 lbs
1 SOUND Cannon C8
1-sound.com
Dispersion (h x v): 90 x 60 degrees
Components: Coaxial 8-in with a compression driver high-frequency element (and 7-inch passive radiator)
Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 120 dB (with preset)
Power Handling: Passive, 400 watts (program), 200 watts (AES)
Connectors: Dual NL4 (2-circuit switch); install version offers screw terminal block
Positioning/Rigging: Four M6 points; a range of mounting/flying accessories are also available
Dimensions (h x w x d): 10.2 x 10.2 x 10.2 in
Weight: 18.4 lbs
Yamaha DHR Series
usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio
Dispersion: 90 x 90 degrees
Components: 12-inch ferrite cone driver and 1.75-inch ferrite coaxial compression driver
Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 129 dB
Power Handling: Onboard class D amplification, LF 800 and HF 200 watts (both peak); LF 400 watts and HF 65 watts (continuous)
Connectors: Input 1 – Combo x 1; Input 2 – Combo x 1 & RCA pin x 2 (unbalanced); Output – XLR3-32 x 1 (channel 1 parallel through or channel 1 + channel 2 mix)
Positioning/Rigging: Pole-mount on side
Dimensions (h x w x d): 13.5 x 19.7 x 17.9 in
Weight: 36.4 lbs
BASSBOSS AT212 – MK3
bassboss.com
Dispersion: 80 x 60 degrees (rotatable horn)
Components: 2 x 12-in diameter neodymium woofers with 3.5-in voice coils; 1 x 1.4-in neodymium compression driver
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 19 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 137 dB
Power Handling: Onboard class D amplification, 3200 watts (peak), integrated DSP
Connectors: XLR-F input, XLR-M pass-through output, 2 x EtherCON RJ45 LAN connectors
Dimensions (h x w x d): 8 x 14.5 x 18 in
Weight: 99 lbs
QSC K.2 Series
qsc.com
Dispersion: 75 degrees Axisymetric
Components: 12-inch cone driver and 1.4 titanium compression driver
Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 132 dB
Power Handling: Onboard class D amplification, LF 1800 and HF 225 watts (both peak)
Connectors: Balanced female XLR+ 1/4-inch combo mic/line input, balanced female XLR+ 1/4-inch combo hi-z/line input, stereo 1/8-inch TRS input (mono-summed)
Dimensions (h x w x d): 23.7 x 14 x 13.8 in
Weight: 39 lbs
Biamp Desono EX-S10
biamp.com
Dispersion: 100 x 100 degrees
Components: Coaxially mounted 10-in treated paper cone driver and 1.4-in voice coil compression driver
Frequency Response: 48 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 124 dB
Power Handling: Passive with selectable low-impedance or 70/100-volt operation (49 volts, 300 watts 8 ohms nominal impedance)
Connectors: Lever-actuated wire clamping 4-position terminal block with pass-through
Positioning/Rigging: Patented ClickMount pan-tilt bracket or ClickMount U-bracket
Dimensions (h x w x d): 20.8 x 12.2 x 12.3 in
Weight: 33.4 lbs
L-Acoustics X Series
l-acoustics.com
Dispersion (h x v): 60 x 90 degrees, ellipsoidal
Components: 3-in neodymium compression driver, 12-in neodymium cone driver
Frequency Response:
59 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 136 dB
Power Handling: Controlled and amplified by LA4X/LA8
Connectors: SpeakON (Both IN and LINK)
Positioning/Rigging: Pole mount, M10 threaded inserts, wide range of mounting accessories available
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.5 x 16.9 x 14.8 in
Weight: 44.1 lbs
d&b audiotechnik E12
dbaudio.com
Dispersion: 80 or 110 x 50 degrees (h x v), rotatable
Components: 1.3-in neodymium compression driver, 12-in neodymium cone driver
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 134 dB
Power Handling: 300/1,600 watts (RMS/peak); several d&b amplifiers recommended
Connectors: Dual NLT4; optional 2 x EP5 or 2 x NL4
Positioning/Rigging: Pole mount, M10 threaded inserts, range of accessories
Dimensions (h x w x d): 22.8 x 13.8 x 13.2 in
Weight: 35 lbs
Notes: Amplifiers with DSP provide comprehensive management and more
Adamson CS10P
adamsonsystems.com
Dispersion (h x v): 70 x 40 or 100 x 50 degrees
Components: NH3 3-indiaphragm compression driver, 2 x ND10-LM 10-in Kevlar neodymium cone drivers
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 139 dB
Power Handling: Accompanying power/DSP package includes 2-channel class D with 2,400 watts total output
Connectors: 2 x etherCON analog, 2 x XLR, powerCON TRUE1 network
Positioning/Rigging: Pole mount and integrated rigging system
Dimensions (h x w x d): 29.3 x 12.8 x 17.5 in
Weight: 66.2 lbs
Notes: Employs redundant MILAN scheme with ability to daisy-chain networked audio between multiple sources
K-array Domino Series
k-array.com
Dispersion (h x v): 90 x 90 degrees
Components: 3-in compression driver, 2 x 10-in neodymium cones
Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 19 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 123 dB
Power Handling: 320 watts (Kommander-KA14, KA24 and KA84 amplifiers recommended)
Connectors: 4-pin Euroblock
Positioning/Rigging: Wall brackets included, wide range of mounting accessories offered
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.7 x 11.1 x 5.9 in
Weight: 26.5 lbs
Martin Audio CDD-LIVE 12
martin-audio.com
Dispersion (h x v): 60 x 60 degrees mid-field, 110 degrees horizontal near-field
Components: 1.7-in polyimide dome compression driver (coaxial design),
12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 62 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 128 dB
Amplification: Onboard, 1,250 watts
(continuous), biamped
Connectors: XLR input and output; dual Dante-enabled Neutrik Ethercon
Positioning/Rigging: Suspension points; pole-mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 22.8 x 14.1 x 14.7 in
Weight: 61.6 lbs
Notes: 8 and 15-in versions available plus single and dual 18-in subs
Renkus-Heinz CX121
renkus-heinz.com
Dispersion (h x v): 90 x 40 degrees
Components: 2-in titanium compression driver on a proprietary Complex Conic waveguide (rotatable), 12-inch heavy duty cone drivers
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 128 dB
Amplification: Passive — 350 watts AES at 8 ohms; Bi-amp — 350 watts AES at 8 ohms (LF) & 60 watts AES at 8 ohms (HF)
Connectors: Looping 4-pin Neutrik Speakon style connectors & screw terminals
Positioning/Rigging: 12-point universal mounting hardware (metric M10 threads), M10 U-bracket attachment points
Dimensions (h x w x d): 27 x 14.4 x 14.3 in
Weight: 45 lbs
Notes: Incorporates proprietary Complex Conic waveguide; several additional models available; CA Series models come with SA series power amplifiers providing optional RHAON network control, Dante, and fiber optic inputs
DAS Audio Artec 510A
dasaudio.com
Dispersion: 110 x 50 degrees
Components: 1-in-exit compression driver, 10-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 55 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 128 dB
Amplification: Onboard (720/320 watts peak, biamplified)
Connectors: XLR (input and loop thru)
Positioning/Rigging: Integrated rigging points for 10M eyebolts and U bracket
Dimensions (h x w x d): 23.8 x 11.4 x 13.6 in
Weight: 28.7 lbs
Notes: Single/dual 6 and 8-in versions available plus 15-in sub; all models also offered in passive versions
Alcons Audio VR12
alconsaudio.com
Dispersion: 90 x 40 degrees, “revolvable”
Components: RBN601 pro-ribbon driver, 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 60 Hz — 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 132 dB
Power Handling: 1,500 watts (peak)
Connectors: Neutrik Speakon
Positioning/Rigging: Flytrack, mounting points, pole-mount, swivel bracket option
Dimensions (h x v x d): 26.5 x 13.8 x 13.6 in
Weight: 39.6 lbs
Notes: Use with company’s ALC amplifier/controllers recommended; 60-degree (h) version also available and it too is revolvable; 7-inch version offered as well
Meyer Sound ULTRA-X20
meyersound.com
Dispersion (h x v): 110 x 50 (rotatable)
Components: 2-in diaphragm compression driver and 2 x 5-in cone drivers
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 127 dB with 20 dB crest factor (M-noise)
Power Handling: Onboard 3-channel, 860-watt (peak) class D amplifier
Connectors: XLR 3-pin female input with male loop output; optional XLR 5-pin connector for both balanced audio and RMS signals
Positioning/Rigging: 4 x M6 points, optional accessories include 35 mm-to-M8 pole adapter, U-bracket, yoke, and a pinnable link
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19 x 7.44 x 8.7 in
Weight: 27 lbs
Notes: Rotatable horn offered in three Constant-Q variants
JBL Professional PRX912
jblpro.com
Dispersion (h x v): 90 x 50 degrees
Components: 12-in ferrite woofer and JBL 2408H-2 1.5-in compression driver on a JBL image
control waveguide
Frequency Response: 50 Hz — 20 kHz (-10 dB)
Maximum SPL (peak): 132 dB
Power Handling: Powered (class D); 2000 watts peak, 1000 watts RMS
Connectors: 2 combo inputs, 3.5 mm stereo jack, 2 XLR through out and mix out
Positioning/Rigging: 6 M10 suspension points and pole mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 25 x 15.5 x 13.1 in
Weight: 43 lbs
Notes: 8- and 15-in versions also available; optimized presets for pairing with subwoofers; G-Sensor Automatic Position Detect optimizes tuning based on main or monitor orientation
dBTechnologies VIO X206
dbtechnologies.com
Dispersion: 60 x 90 degrees, rotatable
Components: 2 x 6.5-in neo cone drivers, 1-in-exit neo compression driver
Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 131 dB
Power Handling: Onboard Digipro class D amplifier (900 watts peak) with RDNet for remote control
Connectors: Input – XLR balanced, RJ45 Link (RDNet); USB data service; Output – XLR balanced, RJ45 Link (RDNet)
Positioning/Rigging: 2 x M10 threaded nut (top and bottom); 2 handles
Dimensions (h x w x d): 25.6 x 8.4 x 10.6 in
Weight: 38.1 lbs
Note: Model VIO X206-100 has a waveguide providing 100 x 15-degree dispersion, allowing it to operate in line array mode
Yorkville Sound Elite Series EF12P
yorkville.com
Dispersion: 60 x 40 degrees
Components: 12-in neo cone driver (3-in voice coil), 3-in voice coil neo compression driver
Frequency Response: 47 Hz – 16 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 131 dB
Power Handling: Active (class D amplifier) and passive versions available; 2400 watts peak; DSP onboard as well
Connectors: 1 x XLR & 1/4-inch combi-jack, RCA line inputs, XLR microphone input, XLR & 1/4-inch combi-jack main input, XLR-M thruput
Positioning/Rigging: 8 x 1/4-20 (2 top, 2 bottom, 2 each side, 2 pullback) flypoints; pole mount adapter; 2 x side handles, 1 x top handle
Dimensions (h x w x d): 28.2 x 18.6 x 14.5 in
Weight: 59 lbs
Electro-Voice MFX-12MC
electrovoice.com
Dispersion (h x v): 60 x 40 (mains), 40 x 60 degrees (monitor)
Components: 3-in voice coil compression driver with 12-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 62 Hz – 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 135 dB
Power Handling: 3,000 watts peak, Dynacord TGX or IPX amplifiers recommended
Connectors: Neutrik NL4 input with NL4 pass-thru
Positioning/Rigging: Pole mount and 4 x M10 points
Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.7 x 16.5 x 11.7 in
Weight: 41.9 lbs
Notes: 35- and 55-degree monitor angles, constant directivity waveguide has narrower pattern when horizontal as monitor and wider when vertical
EAW MKD1000
eaw.com
Dispersion: Choice of 120 x 60, 90 x 60 and 60 x 45 degrees
Components: 2 x 10-in cone drivers (2.5-in voice coils), 1.4-in-exit neo compression driver (horn loaded)
Frequency Response: 57 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 138 dB (60 x 45-degree version)
Power Handling: Passive or bi-amp; LF/HF 1000 watts at 8 ohms; LF 700 watts at 8 ohms, HF 100 watts at 8 ohms
Connectors: Input – Barrier strip
Positioning/Rigging: 12 x M10 mounting points; U-bracket, M10 eyebolts
Dimensions (h x w x d): 27.2 x 14.8 x 16.8 in
Weight: 60 lbs
TW AUDiO M12
twaudio.de
Dispersion: 75 x 50 degrees (rotatable)
Components: 12-in cone driver, 1.4-in-exit (3-in diaphragm) compression driver on a constant directivity
horn
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 19 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 132 dB
Power Handling: 700 watts program, 1400 watts peak (8 ohms)
Connectors: Input – 2 x NL4 SpeakON
Positioning/Rigging: Top and rear rigging tracks; bottom rigging track with integrated cabinet flange
Dimensions (h x w x d): 23.8 x 14.2 x 12.4 in
Weight: 45 lbs
Options: Left and right versions, RAL colors
LD Systems Stinger 15 A G3
ld-systems.com
Dispersion: 90 x 50 degrees
Components: 15-in (3-in voice coil) ferrite cone driver, 1-in voice coil compression driver on a BEM optimized CD horn
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 133 dB
Power Handling: Onboard class D amplifier providing 1000 watts (peak) joined by proprietary DynX DSP technology
Connectors: Inputs – 1 x 6.3 mm jack, 1 x XLR; outputs – 1 x XLR
Positioning/Rigging: Dual-tilt stand attachment, several flypoints and carrying handles
Dimensions (h x w x d): 29 x 18.9 x 17.9 in
Weight: 59 lbs
PK Sound K12B
pksound.live
Dispersion: 90 x 60 degrees (rotatable)
Components: 12-in cone driver, 1.75-in titanium compression driver mounted on a constant directivity horn
Frequency Response: 37 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 132 dB
Power Handling: Class D amplifier onboard – 700 watts (peak); 4 user-selectable DSP options (full-range, 90 Hz high-pass, vocal, mix level input)
Connectors: Input and audio thru-put both balanced XLR
Positioning/Rigging: Several M8 flypoints, pole-mount
Dimensions (h x w x d): 28.5 x 13.9 x 13.4 in
Weight: 55.3 lbs
Fulcrum Acoustic CX12
fulcrum-acoustic.com
Dispersion: Choice of 60 x 45, 75 x 75, 90 x 45 and
120 x 60 degrees
Components: Coaxial with 12-in (3-in voice coil) cone driver, 3-in titanium compression driver
Frequency Response: 69 Hz – 18 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 136 dB
Power Handling: Passive single-amplified; proprietary TQ processing
Connectors: 2 x Neutrik NL4 Speakon (Pin 1+/-: full range, pin 2+/-: NC)
Positioning/Rigging: 12 x M10 flypoints, 2 M10 yoke points
Dimensions (h x w x d): 16.2 x 17.9 x 11.4 in
Weight: 32 lbs
HK Audio SONAR 112 Xi
hkaudio.com
Dispersion: 90 x 60 degrees
Components: 12-in (2.5-in voice coil) cone driver, 1-in (1.35-in) compression driver on a constant directivity horn
Frequency Response: 54 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 127 dB
Power Handling: Amplifier onboard (1200 watts peak); volume and 3-band EQ for each channel can also be adjusted via SONAR REMOTE app (for iOS and Android)
Connectors: Input – 2 x XLR/combo for mic/line plus 1 x aux channel (analogue and Bluetooth 5.0); output – 1 x XLR mix (balanced)
Positioning/Rigging: 3 x M10 flypoints, pole-mount 2 x handles
Dimensions (h x w x d): 24.8 x 14.4 x 14 in
Weight: 35.1 lbs
CODA Audio G515-96
codaaudio.com
Dispersion: 90 x 60 degrees (rotatable)
Components: 1.75-in voice coil compression driver, 15-in cone driver
Frequency Response: 50 Hz — 21 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 132 dB
Amplification: Coda LINUS DSP + Amplification recommended (600 watts peak)
Connectors: Dual Neutrik NL4MP
Positioning/Rigging: Flypoints, pole-mount (optional U-brackets and wall-mount also available)
Dimensions (h x v x d): 27.5 x 16.5 x 14.6 in
Weight: 38.6 lbs
Notes: Also available in 12-in version; 15 and 18-in subs offered
Ramsdell Pro Audio 12-X-SS
ramsdellproaudio.com
Dispersion: 60 x 40 degrees
Components: 12-in cone driver (3-in voice coil), 2-in compression driver mounted on a horn
Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 131 dB
Power Handling: Bi-amp and passive available; 1200 watts (continuous)
Connectors: 2 x parallel inputs (barrier strip available on install version)
Positioning/Rigging: Optional flying hardware; 2 x handles on portable units
Dimensions (h x w x d): 28 x 14 x 15 in
Weight: 80 lbs
Peavey Aquarius AQ 12
peavey.com
Dispersion: 110 x 80 degrees
Components: 12-in cone driver, DX14 titanium compression driver mounted on a proprietary Quadratic Throat Waveguide
Frequency Response: 68 Hz – 19 kHz
Maximum SPL (peak): 125 dB
Power Handling: Class D amplifier onboard – LF 670 watts and HF 330 watts (both peak); DSP onboard
Connectors: Input – combo XLR/1/4-in phone jack provides line level operation, Bluetooth input; Output – XLR jack, thru/mix jack for the use of linking multiple units or provide a feed to a powered subwoofer
Dimensions (h x w x d): 25.3 x 14.4 x 14 in
Weight: 34 lbs
