EV ZLX 12P Review; a Full Range Powered Loudspeaker

When it comes to speakers and the quality of audio that they produce, I am pretty sensitive. You see, nothing gives an audiophile like me much joy than when a sound system, like a speaker, produces deep bass and incredible highs and mids.

It makes every song I listen to more enjoyable. And, I can hear all the details in the music. I've had terrible experiences with speakers in the past, which is what set me on this part to review speakers, so you don't make the same mistakes I did.

As a result, I pumped hours into researching and putting all the speakers on Amazon, and other e-commerce stores, to the test. Frankly, I wasn't entirely pleased with the number of speakers I tested.

But quite a few stood up. Now, the question is, did the EV ZLX 12p stand out for me? Well, I guess we'll find out. Keep reading as I do an in-depth review of the EV ZLX 12p speaker.

Everything I state about this speaker stems from my personal experience, as recorded when I tested it. Without further ado, let’s unravel the mystery behind this speaker.

EV ZLX 12P Specs

• Weight: 15.6 kg
• Display: Built-in DSP with Display
• Power: 1000 W peak, 250 W continuous power
• Equipped with: 12” Woofer and 1.5” compression driver
• LF Transducer: EVS-12K, 300 mm (12 in) Woofer
• HF Transducer: DH-1K
• Type: 12-inch 2-way speaker
• Frequency range: 55 – 20,000 Hz
• Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 18 kHz1
• Amplifier Type: Class D amplifier
• Dispersion angle: 90° x 60°
• Enclosure: Polypropylene plastic housing
• Maximum level: 125 dB
• Connectors:(2) XLR/TRS Combo Jack, (1) 3.5 mm Input, and (1) XLR link Output
• Inputs: 2 Microphone / line XLR / jack combo inputs
• Coat Type: Grille18 Gauge Steel with Black Powder Coat
• Output: XLR output

The benefits of EV ZLX 12P  

• It is lightweight and portable.
• Perfect for stage monitoring and a small event center.
• Setup is speedy, and the knob control enforces precision control.
• Gain structure is optimal, and it's thanks to its independent amplifier control.
• It is durable because of its construction.
• High/low grip makes it easy for you to mount it on poles.
• It’s a flexible speaker that works with a variety of systems.

The drawbacks of EV ZLX 12P  

• It doesn’t have RCA input.
• You’d encounter issues trying to connect it with high-end systems.

Related: Mackie Thump 12A Review

EV ZLX 12P  Powered Loudspeaker details:

Build quality and design: 

The first thing you should know about this speaker is- it is a budget speaker. If you're familiar with budget speakers, you'll see that budget speakers don't often invest a lot into their build Quality.

If anything at all, they are made from low-quality material. However, this budget speaker is an exception, considering the materials used to make it. For starters, the manufacturer deployed rubber, polypropylene, and steel to give the speaker various features.

For starters, polypropylene is what makes the speaker lightweight. The rubber protects the speaker from harm, making it durable in the process, while the steel coupled with the rubber protects it from impact, making the speaker shock-resistant.

Furthermore, ergonomic handles on top and at the speaker's side make it easy to carry the speaker. The EV speaker has a simple appearance when it comes to its design, but it's very functional. For stability, the manufacturer deployed rubberized feet at the bottom.

Sound quality: 

When it comes to the sound of this speaker, you’ll enjoy it, especially when you're looking for a speaker that delivers mids and highs fantastically. It delivers the mids and highs in a clear, crisp, and balanced way.

Studio engineers would have fun editing vocals with this speaker as it gives fantastic vocal feedback. You'll hear the mids as clear as possible without any distortion. However, it doesn’t do well when it comes to producing low-end sounds. When it makes bass sounds, you'll notice that the bass seems to fade off.

Nevertheless, it is a perfect sound system for small event venues. But you can fix the bass problem by pairing it with a subwoofer. The effect of boosting the bass with a subwoofer is that it delivers and distributes the bass evenly.

Connectivity: 

The common trend with speakers in recent times is to have as many connectivity options as possible. Of course, the producers of the EV ZLX 12p didn’t divert from this trend. They put the trend to good use with this speaker.

I was personally pleased by the multiple connection options I was presented with. There are two connection types, and they are perfect for establishing an XLR or TRS connection with the speaker.

The first connections are in-line connections. In case you're wondering what the use of these two connections is, let me enlighten you. The XLR connection establishes a solid connection with a microphone or other speakers if you're working with other speakers.

On the other hand, the TRS connection is perfect for connections with primary sound sources like your laptop, if you’re streaming music from the laptop, or to a mixer.

It also has an AUX that helps you connect your iPad to the speaker. However, it lacks RCA ports. The absence of RCA ports from budget speakers is a standard feature, so it's not entirely a big deal.

Perhaps, the best connectivity option for this speaker is Bluetooth connectivity. You can easily pair the speaker with your device or multiple devices if you somehow forgot your connection chord at home.

Rate performance 

• Design: 4.5/5
• Ease-of-Use: 4/5
• Value for Money: 4/5
• Sound Quality: 3.5/5
• Tuning: 4/5
• Connectivity: 4.5/5

EV ZLX 12P  Powered Loudspeaker alternatives

There are other great speaker alternatives for the EV ZLX 12p speaker that functions incredibly as good as this budget speaker.

• JBL EON 610:
  The first is the EON 610 speaker from JBL. JBL releases excellent Bluetooth speakers, so it's no surprise that this stage monitoring budget speaker has the Bluetooth connectivity option. Of course, there are other options for connection too. When it comes to the sound, it'll blow you away with its premium quality.
• BOSE S1:
  This speaker option is an excellent alternative as it offers a lot of connectivity options. It also comes with a host of great modern and innovative features.

Verdict

The fact that you want to get a budget speaker doesn’t mean you’d only get a shitty option. That's one of the lessons I learned from testing a variety of speakers, from budget to premium quality.

You need to know the right Budget speaker to invest in to amplify your music in the best way possible. You can also always amplify the frequencies that budget speakers don't produce with other accessories or sound systems.

For instance, while this EV ZLX 12p speaker doesn't produce low-end sound well, a subwoofer would boost its ability to produce bass and low-end sounds in general.

There you have it- my honest review of the EV ZLX 12p. If budget is what you're looking for, you should give this speaker a shot.