Electro-Voice ZLX-12P Review

Are you in the market for a new speaker and are unsure what to get? Perhaps you have heard about Electro-Voice and want to know which speaker will be best for you? Or maybe you are a first-time buyer, unsure which speaker is a smart investment to make? Whatever your reason might be, we have the answer for you! 

Electro-Voice ZLX-12P Review

We know all too well how difficult it can be to purchase a new speaker. The fear, the dread, the house spent reading and researching different specs, powers, and comparing performance videos of speakers online. Before you know it, it has taken over your life, and you are left overwhelmed with nowhere to turn.

Well, you can turn to us! For we have been in your place and come out the other end (relatively) scathe-free! We know the importance of good quality speakers and wouldn’t dream of recommending a product without loving it first! So today, we are here with a fantastic option, the Electro-Voice ZLX-12P speaker. 

It’s a popular choice and one we find more and more people are asking about or switching to. But is it worth it? Well, stick with us! Because today we have a detailed review coming up that will help you decide if it is the speaker for you or not. 

Overview

In a hurry? Check out our overview of the Electro-Voice ZLX-12P to get the information that you need before making your purchase. 

  • 12-inch 2-way speaker 
  • 1000W of full-range power 
  • Designed with power and performance in mind – ideal for smaller venues or stage monitoring 
  • LCD display and 1-knob control allows precision and a speedy setup 
  • Independent amplifier control ensures an optimal gain structure 
  • Durable construction ensures longevity 
  • high/low grip design makes it easy to handle and mount onto poles 
  • Fantastic range of tuning options 
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Not the best for low and deep bass sounds 
  • No RCA input option, which can be an issue for some 
  • Affordable for all budgets 
  • Ideal for musicians looking for budget amplification that doesn’t compromise on quality 

Has that convinced you that this is the speaker for you? Then what are you waiting for? Grab it now!

Electro-Voice ZLX-12P 12' 2-Way 1000W Full Range Powered Loudspeaker

Do you need some more time or information to decide if it’s the correct speaker for you? Then keep on reading; we have a full and in-depth review coming up now! All the features are broken down into handy sections for you, so you can read about the area that interests you most with ease. 

Specifications

We know that sometimes it can be a bit boring, but knowing all the specifications and technical jargon can help you decide if the speaker is for you or not! So bear with us and read on! The Electro-Voice ZLX-12P has a 12-inch woofer and 1.5-inch titanium compression driver responsible for delivering those high frequencies. 

It uses 1000W of power, although some customers have noted that this seems like more of a surge power (used only frequently) rather than a continuous power (what can be achieved most of the time). In these cases, you were looking at a running power of around 500W, which is still pretty powerful and should do the job nicely. 

There is also a standard Class-D amplifier in the speaker responsible for delivering your power and volume. You can expect the speaker to be quite loud, especially as it is often referred to as a loudspeaker. You won’t need to worry about a quiet or muffled sound with these bad boys! 

In terms of frequency response, it varies depending on the setting that you are using. The default setting, music, for example, comes in at 50Hz to 20,000Hz and a decibel rating of -10. What does this mean? It means you have a good range of frequencies covered in good clarity. It will deliver your songs as intended and covers a wide range of genres well. 

The speaker is also incredibly portable too! It’s lightweight for a speaker of its size and nature, weighing just over 34lbs (15.6kg), meaning that it’s easy to carry and set up. It’s the perfect choice for musicians that busk or travel a lot of gigs; gone are the days of lugging heavy equipment! 

The speaker also features high and low carrying handles that make it super easy to carry and pole mount. Venue assistants and owners will find it incredibly easy to set these speakers up, making it perfect for days when you need a fast turnaround. 

So how do they sound? Well, these speakers are extremely loud and feature a max SPL or 126dB! It makes them ideal for small venues and will fill the rooms with sound beautifully.

Medium-sized venues and rooms might also want to purchase a subwoofer with this speaker to ensure that the sound, especially those lower frequencies (your bass), is carried across the room and done justice. It isn’t always essential that you have a subwoofer, but we recommend considering it before making your purchase. 

Now that we have covered the specs let’s look at the speaker in even more detail! 

Sound Quality

Perhaps the most important factor to consider is how these speakers sound and perform. Well, when it comes to the ZLX-12P, you won’t be disappointed! The speaker is a solid performer, capable of delivering crisp and well-balanced sounds, especially when dealing with mid and high-frequency sounds. 

Another factor that sets it apart from others is how it handles vocals. They are precise and not muddy at all, making them the ideal speaker for singers. Your voice will be projected across the room accurately, allowing everyone to enjoy your performance.

Again, your mid-tones come across smooth and without too much color, allowing the notes you want to hit to be heard. 

But it isn’t all good news, unfortunately. As we mentioned before, the speaker’s lowest frequency range (setting dependent) is 50Hz. What does that mean? It means those lower frequencies and notes, particularly your bass, will not perform as well.

The bass response isn’t as tight as other frequencies, meaning it isn’t ideal for someone who only wants to perform bass-heavy tracks or notes. 

It’s in these cases that we would recommend considering an additional subwoofer. The subwoofer would be capable of hitting and distributing these lower bass notes to provide that chest-thumping feel without sacrificing performance.

You often don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good quality subwoofer either, but we recommend conducting thorough research and considering your options carefully before pursuing that option. 

Now, all hope isn’t lost when it comes to the bass and low frequencies on this speaker. The tuning options available can help with it to some extent. You should get ample coverage in smaller venues and not too much distortion (the fuzzy, vibrating sounds). Still, for larger spaces, you will probably want to revisit the additional subwoofer suggestion. 

Tuning Options

Let’s look at those tuning options now that we have mentioned them! The speaker comes with a range of tuning options, which is a nice inclusion that many customers enjoyed at its low price. It is controlled easily, too, thanks to the DSP knob on the back panel.

And how do you know what you are doing? Well, there’s a handy LCD screen too that allows you to set up your speaker quickly and make precise adjustments where necessary!

The screen is on the smaller side, but it’s still big enough to see what you are doing. If you do struggle with your eyesight, though, be sure to pop your glasses on before using it! You can also keep tabs on the speaker with the front LED light indicating the power and limit indication! 

Now, back to the tuning. There are four modes that you can work through that will adjust your speaker to its playing conditions. When you set up the speaker, its default mode is “music.” It’s the best mode for general listening and playback, such as pre-recorded tracks at an event or party. 

Next up is “live,” which, you guessed it, is best for those playing live music. For artists performing, we recommend switching the speaker to the live setting and seeing how it sounds! Then you have a “speech” setting, which is fantastic for spoken word applications like plays or poetry readings.

Finally, a “club” option allows you to amp up the lower frequencies and pump some bass! It’s best suited to bass-heavy music, such as electro or dance. We recommend trying this setting out first before deciding whether to purchase an additional subwoofer or not. 

Design

Like other loudspeakers on the market, these are large and black, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t stylish! The front grille features a different pattern that gives the speaker a more industrial and professional feel.

The angled edges are also a nice change from flat-faced speakers and are sure to leave an impression on listeners! 

There are also rubberized feet on the bottom that provide additional stability when these speakers are not mounted. You also have a small EV logo on the speaker with the power light underneath.

They aren’t too large, meaning your speaker isn’t obstructed and can focus solely on pumping out great music. 

Build Quality

This speaker is built incredibly well! It features rigid and firm plastic to offer enhanced durability, ensuring that it lasts for as long as possible. When you travel a lot with your speakers, knicks are to be expected.

Thankfully, EVs speakers seem more than up to the challenge; you won’t need to worry that a tiny ding or dent will break these speakers! 

The components, too, are incredibly well made and are of high quality. Even patented designs (for the split-baffle) mean you won’t get this level of performance or quality anywhere else on the market! 

The carry-grip handles are another lovely feature that gives you the feeling that these speakers are incredibly well made. It also makes the speakers easy to transport and set up! 

Connections – What Are My Options?

Connections – What are my options?

When it comes to connecting your speaker, you have two line-in options with the ZLX-12P. Both options are combo jacks that support either TRS or XLRconnections and have a knob for the mic/line-in balance.

While it doesn’t support RCA connections, the TRS input can be easily used for media devices. 

The lack of RCA input can be an issue for those with DJ controllers for beginners. These controllers tend to be limited in connection options, so be sure to bear that in mind.

Consider all your potential connections and check that you can make these before making your purchase. The last thing you want is to be disappointed! 

Thankfully, the extra TRS input can be used for connecting media devices. It’s not often found on performance speakers and is a nice addition that sets it apart from others on the market.

You can also use them as playback outputs for recorded music if you wish, offering you plenty of versatility. 

Stage Monitors – What Are They, And Do I Need Them?

Now the product description refers to these speakers as being suited for use as stage monitors. While that can sound like a massive plus for some users, there will be others in the room who haven’t got a clue what that means.

So let’s explore what these are and help you decide if you need a stage monitor or not!

Stage monitors, in layman’s terms, are speakers that face you. Think about concerts and events you’ve gone to; there are often speakers at the front of the stage facing the artist or band, aren’t there?

Why are these important? They are there to help you hear and keep your performance in check. 

As artists, we often spend a great deal of our time worrying about what the audience will hear that we forget about ourselves and our band. Placing a stage monitor in your setup will allow you to hear yourself and your band, helping you keep in time with other musicians.

If you rely solely on the main sound system that the audience here, there can sometimes be a delay for that sound to reach you, resulting in you playing out of time with others in the band!

The number of stage monitors that you need will vary depending on the venue and your setup on stage.

For example, you might only need one stage monitor in smaller venues, especially if you are a solo artist. For bands or larger venues, you might need a stage monitor for each performer. 

The venue owner or employees can often provide you with information and suggestions about the number of stage monitors you need. Otherwise, it can be a case of trial and error to find the right amount that suits you and your needs. 

Being able to use these speakers as stage monitors is a fantastic option! You can expect crisp and clear sounds that will help you keep in time with your music and hear yourself. These factors often help you to perform better, so what’s not to love? 

How Much?

Price is an important factor when making any purchase, and your speaker should be no different. Thankfully, this speaker is at an excellent price! It’s super affordable, making it the ideal speaker for most people.

And while the price is for just one speaker, purchasing multiple ones at this low price can often be cheaper than a set of speakers!

As always, be sure to check your budget beforehand to make sure you can afford these speakers. Consider how much use you will get out of them and if they are suitable for you before taking the plunge.

But with so many customers praising its low cost (and from a range of occupations), we are sure that if it’s within budget, you won’t be disappointed! 

Final Thoughts

And just like that, we have come to the end of our Electro-Voice journey today. As you can see, this speaker is a fantastic option for those on a budget that are after excellent amplification.

Whether you are a part-time musician or a small venue owner looking to ramp up the volume, this is the speaker for you! Don’t miss out on the excellent quality and crisp sounds today. 

If you’ve decided that this speaker is the one for you, then grab it now! Don’t miss out.