Martin LE1200S (Pair)

The Martin LE1200S is an ultra-compact, high-performance passive stage monitor that packs serious low end into a genuinely low-profile cabinet. At its heart sits a high-specification 12 inch (300mm) long-excursion low frequency drive unit with a 3 inch (75mm) voice coil, neodymium motor and a water-resistant cone, paired with a 1.4 inch (35mm) exit, 3 inch voice coil pure titanium dome compression driver on an optimized constant directivity differential dispersion horn. That horn technology is the real reason this monitor works so well in the band: it widens the zone of consistent SPL and flat response at ear height, so the artist can walk off the wedge and still hear exactly the same mix. Frequency response runs 64Hz to 18kHz within ±3dB, with -10dB at 54Hz, and maximum calculated output reaches 123dB continuous and 129dB peak full range, so it digs out under any PA without turning to mush.

Build and connectivity reflect classic Martin Audio tour-grade quality. The enclosure is a 40 litre two-way reflex cabinet in contemporary multi-laminate ply and hardwood, finished in textured black paint with a black perforated steel grille, and it weighs just 20.5kg (45lbs), which makes it easy to drag around the stage or load into a van. It ships with four Neutrik NL4 connectors, four skids for stable floor operation, and four M8 rigging inserts, so it works as a floor wedge or can be flown as an infill with an optional yoke. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms full range (16 ohms HF), and a switchable crossover at 1.3kHz lets you run it passive full range from any amplifier, or bi-amp it when you have the channels. If you want the full Martin tuning, the DX1.5 controller provides crossover, EQ and limiting, and it keeps passive and active configurations tonally matched on the same stage.

The Martin LE1200S rated power is 400W AES / 1600W peak for the FR/LF section and 80W AES / 320W peak for the HF, with sensitivities of 97dB FR, 98dB LF and 106dB HF, and a dispersion of 60 to 100 degrees horizontal (differential) by 60 degrees vertical. These units are found in left or right-handed versions, and this example is offered as a high-spec passive (Speakon/NL4) monitor in solid used condition: cabinet straight and true, cone intact and responsive, horn and grille undamaged, and the electronics checking out clean. It is a great value alternative to the newer LE1200 and a proven workhorse in touring and theatre installs worldwide, ideal for anyone building a reliable monitor package for bands, FOH wedges or small installed systems who want Martin sound without the new-market price.