About the XPRS2 Lineup

There are two sets of “tops”, or full-range speakers, in the XPRS2 line. There’s a 10” version, and the 12” version, which is what I have with me today. There are also two different subwoofers: a 15 and an 18-inch. I tested the 15”, and I think this combo of the larger tops with the smaller sub makes for a pretty nice, well-rounded setup.

This new generation of speakers might hold the Pioneer DJ name, but rest assured, they will work in any live sound application. There’s nothing DJ-specific about these speakers, though, of course, I will be giving you my perspective as a DJ.

It might not be fair to call these an “upgrade” over the original XPRS line. Rather, these are redesigned to be an affordable alternative to those looking for high-caliber PA speakers, repriced to compete squarely with choices like the QSC K-line. Full disclosure: I’ve been rocking QSC K12s in my own studio for about 10 years. They have been a top choice in this price bracket for years now, so I understand why Pioneer (or, Pioneer DJ actually), wants a piece of this market. 

One way these speakers have been leveled-up from the previous models is that the new ones include a DSP (digital signal processor). This allows you to get the most out of these speakers using electronic enhancement, helping you fit them into any setup, situation, or room environment.

One really nice thing about the XPRS2 line is that the speakers are all made from wooden enclosures, just like the originals were. This makes for better resonance and, theoretically, a better sound coming from the same amount of air space. Most speakers like this, including the QSCs, are largely made of plastic. 

So, this is a plus for the XPRS2s, but it does mean you’ll need to be careful not to damage them. I spoke to a Pioneer DJ rep and he told me that some sort of protective speaker cover is on the way soon, I’m guessing they’ll be made of nylon, and that should help keep these babies looking fresh. 

The 10” and 12” tops each push 2000W of power through a Class D amplifier. The 15 and 18” subs have 4000W Class D amps. The XPRS122 (the model I tested), features a 12” woofer, 3” voice coil with a 1” exit compression driver. It delivers a maximum SPL of 131 dB, according to the spec sheet. 

This should make it sufficient to give pretty good sound coverage in mid-sized venues or larger ones. This makes them great for fixed installation live sound, churches and other houses of worship, stage monitoring, and yes — live DJ sets.

Ports & Settings

On the back of the full-range speakers, you’ll find three dials that control three inputs. The first two control the gain of the two XLR inputs (which accept line level, mic, and HI-Z inputs), and the third controls the gain of the 3.5mm stereo jack. The remaining XLR port is an output, for connecting a sub. 

Click on the large rotary dial and you’ll find a bunch of settings, thanks to the onboard DSP we talked about earlier. In the video above, I go through these menu options in detail, but here are a few things you can configure:

• Presets

• Subwoofer output and lowpass setting

• EQ settings

• User programs (to recall later)

• Sound delay (for speakers that are far apart)

You also get an onboard input meter that displays on the screen, which I found to be a very welcome addition. Simply twist the rotary knob to adjust the overall speaker level.

The subs are a bit simpler, having two XLR inputs as well as XLR link ports (for multiple subs), an EQ mode, lowpass setting, and polarity. Hit the switches, set your volume level, and you’re ready to go.

How They Sound

Overall, I found my combo of the XPRS2 12’s and the 15” sub to sound pleasing and well-rounded. The larger tops, combined with the smaller sub (compared to the 18), made for an overall rich and full sound experience.

If you were to perform in a large room, you’d probably want to double-up on the 15’s (or even move to 18’s) for increased output. That being said, it literally knocked stuff off the walls while I was recording the review video, so the sub does its job. Bass was punchy, and low, if not overwhelmingly loud.

In direct comparison to competitors like the QSC K12.2, you might notice a slight bass and treble edge with the QSCs. While I found their sound slightly preferable, they are certainly in the same category. I would only notice this difference during A/B testing.

My one complaint about the speakers is that the tops produce noise, even when nothing is connected or playing through them. At “idle”, they have an audible hiss, which I demonstrate in the video

Surprising Value

The best thing about Pioneer DJ wedging speakers into this price point is that it gives you new options. We must think about this a bit differently, now. 

For example, you could get a pair of QSC K12.2’s for about 2 grand, and the KS112 12” 2000W sub for another $1200 for a total of $3200.

Or, you could get a pair of Pioneer DJ’s 12’s for $1800 with a 4000W 18” subwoofer, and you’re still saving a hundred bucks over the QSCs (which you can use to buy XLR cables and such).

QSC 12’s + 12” sub = $3200

Pioneer DJ 12’s + 18” sub = $3100

When you start to think about it this way, Pioneer DJ is bringing a surprisingly good value here, when it comes to the powered speaker market. And for that, I find them worth recommending.

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