On first look, the new Peavey PVXp 12 seems like just another entry into a scene crowded with molded speaker enclosures. But don’t let first impressions fool you. Upon closer inspection, the PVXp 12 has a lot of good things going for it.
The PVXp 12 is a two-way, bi-amplified enclosure powered by an onboard 800-watt (peak) Class-B power amplifier that supplies 650 peak watts (325W continuous) to the woofer and 150 peak watts (75W continuous) to the HF compression driver. The power supply for both amps is a switchmode type for low weight and high efficiency. Cooling is active, provided via a low-noise rear-panel fan.
Under the hood, the 12-inch ferrite Peavey Pro-12 woofer has a 60mm voice coil and a 50-ounce magnet driving a Kevlar-impregnated cellulose cone. Highs are handled by a Peavey RX14 compression driver, a 1-inch-exit design with a 1.4-inch diameter titanium diaphragm.
The ABS enclosure has three molded-in handles and two powder-coated steel grills covering the front. The cabinets have a black textured surface that resists scratching. An extra angle on the right side also allows the speaker to be used as a floor monitor.
The PVXp 12 can be pole mounted (35mm socket) or flown. There are two M10 flying point inserts on the top and bottom surfaces, and to accommodate Peavey’s Versamount 70+ wall mounting hardware, additional M10 insets are provided on the right side, top and bottom of the cabinet. Another option is a wall-mount stand that supports the PVXp 12 via the stand mount cup.
Ins and Outs
The input is a Combo connector with a female XLR and 1/4-inch balanced TRS phone jack. A contour switch next to the inputs can be engaged to add a “smile” curve for loudness compensation that boosts the highs and lows for playback at lower levels. The contour button is recessed, so once set in or out, it can’t be bumped during setup or transport. Also provided are thru outputs on individual XLR and separate 1/4-inch TRS jacks that can feed a full-range output to other speakers or a subwoofer.
While it is clearly labeled that the input XLR is for mic level input and the TRS is for line level, I would prefer having a recessed button similar to the contour switch, so the mode could be manually selected based on what sort of other gear you are using in conjunction with the speakers.
On the rear panel, I noticed vents that expose parts of the circuit board to the elements. I feel that something louvered or grill-clothed would cut down on the chances of liquids, dust or moisture entering and affecting the internal components.
Just above the connection panel is a cover for an optional expansion card. As with all of the PVXp series as well as the EU and Impulse 12D powered speakers, Peavey offers several expansion modules that so far include a 3-Channel Mixer Module, a 9-Band Graphic EQ and 3-Band Parametric EQ. Prices for these expansion modules are affordable, ranging from $45 to $70.
On the Road
When I fired it up, I found that the amp had plenty of moxie and quite a bit of headroom. It’s equipped with Peavey’s trademark DDT (Distortion Detection Technique) protection, a compression/driver protection circuit that kicks in on the onset of clipping.
The electronic crossover is a staggered-pole design with a 24 dB/octave fourth-order slope and a center frequency of 2,800 Hz. The crossover point is well above the usual vocal range, and offers an undetectable and smooth transition, even on sources like piano. LF response is solid down to 55 Hz.
One of the design features I liked is the asymmetrical horn design that aims the main lobe of the sound energy downward 10 degrees towards the audience, providing a definable sweet spot, good imaging and a coherent blend of the bass and treble frequencies. The RX14 HF driver is coupled to a Quadratic Throat constant directivity waveguide (U.S. patent #6,059,069), which has a 100 x 50 degree (HxV) dispersion. The horn’s asymmetrical vertical dispersion goes 15 degrees upward and 35 degrees downward, which helps reduce ceiling reflections, keeping the sound where you need it for more focused clarity and increased gain before feedback.
This asymmetrical dispersion can also prove to be beneficial when the PVXp 12 is employed horizontally as a stage wedge, offering additional latitude with more control in directionality. For example, by placing the monitor on the left side of a vocalist, with the horn on the downstage side, most of the energy was directed toward the singer and less towards the audience, resulting in reduced stage bleed and lower chance of feedback.
Overall
My overall impression is this is a great compact speaker for smaller venues, clubs, events and less complex rental gigs. It also seems ideal for general utility use as a front/side fill, lobby/green room feed — anywhere you need a portable and rugged high-output speaker.
At a Glance
Portable and Versatile
Compact, powered two-way 12-inch system with flexible mounting and flying options, and a asymmetrical HF horn that’s designed to keep the sound at the audience rather than the ceiling.
Peavey PVXp 12 Powered Loudspeaker
PROS: Good fidelity; flexible mounting choices; affordable pricing; expansion modules for more options.
CONS: No manual line/mic switching; rear venting slots expose part of circuit board to the elements.
MANUFACTURER
Peavey Electronics
MORE INFO: www.peavey.com
Price: (Street): $349
