Martin Audio F12 vs Turbo TXD-121 etc

[RoyF18]

As the title suggests - what are peoples experiences with either of these speakers? I have some Martin F12s already, and have been very happy with them - just have been looking at buying a few more boxes with similar specifications.

I get the impression that the Turbosound TXD-121s are a bit more budget/mobile DJ but that is not necessarily correct (I haven't used or heard them).

Thanks for any info

[Matt Riley]

They are cheaper, but aren't by any means in mobile DJ territory. For the record, the current prices I just saw on a couple of big websites show about 60 quid between them in cost terms. From what I gather, the martins have a more durable finish and obviously have that more 'martin' sound.

 

M

[berry120]

They're both nice boxes, I certainly wouldn't put those Turbo's as budget / mobile DJ! IMO it's really just subjective, the best thing to do would probably be to have a listen to the TXDs and take it from there depending on what sound you prefer.

 

One practical point, why are you looking to switch? If you've got a few F12s already, you like them and you need a few more boxes, I would've thought the logical thing to do would be to purchase some more F12s? :D

[Shaggy]

I've used both as wedges, although never side by side. But subjectively I've found the martin F12 to be better. The F12 sounds good, gets loud enough quite easily and feels like more of a pro box with its passive/active switch. I would say the txd range is a bit mobile dj. If you already have F12s I would stick with them, it is a lot better when you have matched wedges.

[Rob_Beech]

I've owned and used both and still own a pile of TXD's although they are the TXD12m's so ideal as wedges as they're symmetrical. You CAN buy F12's in both "directions" but you have to buy the left and right boxes as different boxes which makes it tricky when buying second hand of course. The TXD12m's are symmetrical so work both ways. The 121 can't be used as a wedge. Personally I find the concept of the 121 a bit pointless. The 12m is lighter, and multifunction. And the same money.

 

The F12's probably sound a little more refined if anything, but they're a bigger box, a heavier box, and not as flexible, The reason for the cost increase is the $. The TXD's are assembled in China, the F12's were made in the UK.

 

I'm also intrigued to know where the active/passive switch is on the F12. There hasn't been one on any of the ones I've owned in the past.

 

 

If you HAVE f12's then stick with them, but if you get offered some txd boxes for the right money, then it may be something to think about.

 

 

Rob

[Shaggy]

I'm also intrigued to know where the active/passive switch is on the F12. There hasn't been one on any of the ones I've owned in the past.

 

Looks like I got confused about what boxes I'd been using, it was a different 12inch martin wedge making my post entirely pointless. :D

[Rob_Beech]

Aaah, that would be the LE1200. A good box, and a better box than the F12 AND TXD boxes, but a significant difference in price to the tune of around £600 a box.

[RoyF18]

Yeah the LE1200 is a very decent box. I see what are all saying about sticking with Martin F12s (and I'm very happy to do that), was just curious if there were better options in a similar price/spec bracket. Thanks for the replies, it seems the general consensus is that the F12s are the better box. I might pick up a pair of TXDs just to have a bit of a play and see what they are like but I reckon I'll stick with the Martin stuff in the long run

Cheers

Roy

[jonathankoch]

Call me crazy, but I am a turbosound man. Undeniably, Martin has that distinctive 'Martin' sound. Either way, they are both well made and engineered boxes. Give the TXD's a go and see what you think. Very little difference between the sounds they produce. You may find, given you experience with Martin cabs that you have grown accustomed to their sound. You wont be disappointed with the Turbosounds though.

[cedd]

I too have been looking into a slightly higher end 12" box than my current Mackie and Electrovoice offerings. F12's were on the list, along with the TXD's, but there is also a pait of Turbosound TMS-5's available locally. Whilst I know they are a different beast (12", 10", 1" I believe), they are similair money to what I can get a pair of F12's ex hire for. The question is, what would your preference be?

 

My thoughts;

The Martin is more monitor-friendly, being able to be used as a wedge.

The turbosound cab is much bigger, but will probably give better vocal reproduction thanks to the 10" driver,

 

My main need is for a FOH cabinet mainly for vocal duties within a live music and musical theatre environment. I have a pair of Mackie SA1521's which tend to be on band duty, but are pretty rubbish on vocals.

 

So, your thoughts on which to go for greatly appreciated.

[rusty999]

I would go for the Martins any day myself having owned a fair few different sized boxes and I always use them with a controller depending on what configuration is required

 

just my opinion but I have tried all the others and was not really impressed enough to change.

 

Rusty

 

I too have been looking into a slightly higher end 12" box than my current Mackie and Electrovoice offerings. F12's were on the list, along with the TXD's, but there is also a pait of Turbosound TMS-5's available locally. Whilst I know they are a different beast (12", 10", 1" I believe), they are similair money to what I can get a pair of F12's ex hire for. The question is, what would your preference be?

 

My thoughts;

The Martin is more monitor-friendly, being able to be used as a wedge.

The turbosound cab is much bigger, but will probably give better vocal reproduction thanks to the 10" driver,

 

My main need is for a FOH cabinet mainly for vocal duties within a live music and musical theatre environment. I have a pair of Mackie SA1521's which tend to be on band duty, but are pretty rubbish on vocals.

 

So, your thoughts on which to go for greatly appreciated.

[rusty999]

Interested in swopping a pair of those F12s for a pair of my F15s?

Just been told by my doctor I have a bulging disc in my back so need to cut back a bit on weight

If not no worries

best Regards

Rusty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the title suggests - what are peoples experiences with either of these speakers? I have some Martin F12s already, and have been very happy with them - just have been looking at buying a few more boxes with similar specifications.

I get the impression that the Turbosound TXD-121s are a bit more budget/mobile DJ but that is not necessarily correct (I haven't used or heard them).

Thanks for any info

[LeroyOZ]

How about Nexo PS 10's guys? How would they stack up here?

[ChazHS]

How about Nexo PS 10's guys? How would they stack up here?

 

A lot of Nexo bashing goes on on this forum, although personally I prefer a PS-10 to an F12+, the PS-10 is louder for a kick-off, although slightly less sub-bass capibility as it's a 10" driver not a 12".

[Rob_Beech]

Yes, the PS 10 is louder. And IMO it's a nicer sounding box than the F12. However, it's price reflects this. Sadly comparing the F12 and PS10 isn't really comparing like for like. The PS10 would win in sound quality but so would a Wavefront 2, a TQ310 (or the newer NuQ10) And lots of offerings from D&B, RCF, and many others.

 

It's important to compare boxes in the same "range" else people will get biased results and these are not alot of use.

 

In fairness, the TXD boxes should compare to Martins EM series which are their budget range. These are a closer match in all honesty.

 

The Nexo PS stuff would be in the range with the smaller Wavefront boxes, and Turbo's NuQ range.