Established in 1963, Yorkville Sound offers a wide range of professional P.A. products. Known for its history of solid, traditional analog designs, Yorkville NX loudspeakers have a reputation for road-tested reliability. The introduction of the new NX12P (a smaller NX8P is also offered) bestows a modern update to this classic series by incorporating advanced DSP, powerful limiting, extended connectivity and exceptional sound.
Built around a massive 12” woofer and a custom 1” exit HF driver, the NX12P delivers 1,450 watts of program power, enabling it to work equally well as a FOH main, side-fill or stage monitor. An onboard 3-channel mixer with Bluetooth capability allows it to stand alone for small P.A. applications, while three selectable voicing modes configure the built-in DSP for live sound, DJ/Club or a tailored response for stage monitor applications.
Constructed of tough polypropylene, the NX12P features a rugged perforated metal grille backed with a secondary mesh layer to help keep dust and moisture away from the drivers. Three integrated M8 threaded inserts permit the NX12P to be safely flown while an integral 35mm pole mount adapter fits standard speaker stands. Like other 12” powered speakers, the NX12P’s angled side enables it to work as a stage monitor wedge. Heavy rubber pieces protect the stage floor and keep the NX12P in place. But unlike other powered speakers, the angled side orients the unit so it points at the performers’ heads and not their knees — a nice touch.
No lightweight, the NX12P weighs in at a beefy 45 pounds (20.6 kg). Although top and side grab handles are provided, I would like to see an additional grab point on the cabinet bottom to make it easier to put the speaker on a pole.
The rear-mounted amplifier/DSP module is recessed to protect the controls even if the NX12P is laid on its back. A fused IEC power input connector and power switch are located near the module’s bottom. My sample speakers came with short, light-duty IEC power cords. I personally prefer a heavier power cable at least 8’ long to reach to the ground if the speakers are pole mounted. The module’s middle section has two sets of vents for passive cooling. A warning label states that the rear panel can become warm, which it does.
Input Flexibility, Bluetooth and More
The amplifier/DSP module’s top half houses I/O connectors, three-channel mixer, master level control and DSP mode selection buttons. Inputs one and two feature XLR/TRS combo connectors and are Mic/Line selectable. A recessed input button makes the choice and illuminated labels indicate the selection. I found it too easy to accidentally switch from line to mic and would prefer a recessed slide selector. Pushing the button next to the input selector engages the channel’s 90 Hz low-cut filter. Above the input connectors are channel mix level controls and activity/clip indicators that glow green when signal is present and flash red if the input is overloaded. The channel input headroom is excellent, as I could not get inputs to clip using microphones and only if I really drove an input hard with a line-level source.
Input three can receive a stereo signal from an 1/8’ TRS connector or Bluetooth. When used with the connector, the stereo source is summed properly to mono and passed to the master section. By default, Bluetooth is disabled when the NX12P is powered on, eliminating the potential for unauthorized reception. Pairing my phone to the NX12P was a straightforward process. For wireless operation, a single NX12P can stream a summed Bluetooth signal or a pair of NX12P’s can be used for wireless stereo playback. The wireless operating range is rated for 33’ line of sight. To disable Bluetooth, simply power down the NX12P.
The NX12P’s master control sets the overall output level, and its associated master LED indicates signal present (Green), clipping (Red) and it will glow orange if the internal limiters are active. A 100 Hz low-cut filter can be engaged when the NX12P is used with a subwoofer. An XLR “Main-In” connector lets a line-level input signal directly feed the master section, bypassing the mixer. Finally, a main output XLR delivers a full-range, line-level signal, containing a sum of all signals from the mixer section, along with any signal present on the XLR “Main-In”.
Three “performance modes” alter the NX12P’s EQ and dynamics to best fit the application. Live mode offers a flat response applicable for most situations, Club mode scoops out some midrange, with enhanced lows and highs suitable for music playback. Finally, Monitor mode tailors the DSP when the NX12P is used as a stage wedge or for speech applications. Pushing the mode button cycles through the choices, illuminating the name selected. Again, I found this button too easy to accidentally push and would prefer a recessed switch.
Out of the Box
For this review, I received a pair of NX12P’s. Right away, I noticed the cabinets’ heft and weight. I set them up in my shop and proceeded to play back music to become familiar with the DSP controls and annoy the neighbors. Other than the ease of accidentally changing the mic/line setting, the controls are straightforward and intuitive to use.
For one gig, I used the NX12Ps for a “Music-on-Main Street” holiday event. Right away, I noticed how loud they could get without clipping or distortion. I cycled through the DSP settings and since I wasn’t running subs, I chose “Club” mode. At another gig, I set them up with a pair of subs, engaged the 100 Hz filter and selected “Live” mode. I was pleased with the overall sound and had more than adequate coverage for the outdoor audience area.
Enhance the Dance
One of my regular band gigs needed some extra coverage for a large dance floor. Since I had the NX12P’s in my van, I put them to work. Taking a feed from their P.A., I used the NX12P’s Main-In and chose Club mode. The dance crowd got the high-level energy and coverage needed and they happily danced the night away.
On a community tree lighting gig, I used them as a standalone P.A. system. For this gig, I sent two phantom powered chorus mics into inputs 1 & 2, the electronic keyboard’s stereo output into the 1/8” input and a line level output from a wireless mic into the Main-In. I fed main out to the second NX12P and we were good to go. It was a quick, easy setup with solid sound coverage for a successful event.
I was pleased with the NX10P’s performance. Their solid construction, powerful output and flexible mixer configurations are ideal for a wide range of applications. The NX series, trusted on stage for over 20 years, is ready to inspire a new generation of performers with the new NX12P.
At a Glance
Hefty Performance with a Digital Twist
Yorkville’s NX12P updates the company’s NX series of loudspeakers by incorporating advanced DSP, powerful limiting, extended connectivity and exceptional sound. Other highlights include flexible mixing options with Bluetooth in a powerful speaker built for the stage.
PROS
- Three-input mixer
- Onboard stereo Bluetooth
- Three selectable DSP venue modes
- Proper monitor angle
CONS
- Easy to accidentally change DSP settings
- Very short power cable
SPECS
- Type: 12” 2-way active bass-reflex
- Power: 4,850W Peak (1,450 W Program)
- Max SPL: 128 dB Peak
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB)
- Flypoints: (3) M8 Threaded inserts (2 top, 1 pullback
- Pole Mount Adapter: 35mm
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 25.3 x 15.2 x 12.7”
- Weight: 45.3 pounds
- Street Price: $999 (USD)
MANUFACTURER: Yorkville Sound
More Info: www.yorkville.com
