Electro-Voice EVIVA 12P Review: A New Budget 12” Powered Speaker

Electro-Voice has long been a respected name in professional audio, but not every EV speaker is designed for massive touring rigs or high-end production companies. Enter the Electro-Voice EVIVA 12P, a brand-new 12-inch powered PA speaker aimed squarely at musicians, DJs, churches, and event hosts who want portability, simplicity, and affordability — without sacrificing sound quality.

In this Electro-Voice EVIVA 12P review, we break down why EV created this speaker, what it offers on paper, and who it’s actually designed for. This article gives you the highlights, but if you want the full breakdown in plain language — no marketing fluff, no spec-sheet gymnastics — I walk through everything in detail in my video on the Sonic Spectrum YouTube channel.

Why Electro-Voice Created the EVIVA 12P

The powered speaker market is crowded, especially in the budget PA speaker category. Many buyers are comparing Electro-Voice vs Yamaha DBR, EV vs Alto, or simply looking for a reliable powered speaker for gigs, DJ events, churches, or small venues.

The EVIVA 12P exists to fill that exact gap. It’s not trying to replace EV’s higher-end models — instead, it focuses on easy setup, lightweight design, and practical real-world features for people who need to deploy quickly and carry their own gear.

That design philosophy is exactly why so many viewers asked me to cover this speaker on Sonic Spectrum.

EVIVA 12P Design and Portability

One of the first things that stands out about the EVIVA 12P powered PA speaker is its portability. At just 26.5 pounds, this is a speaker you can realistically carry one-handed. The composite enclosure keeps weight down while remaining durable, and multiple handles plus anti-skid feet make it easy to move, stack, or position on different surfaces.

This makes the EVIVA 12P especially appealing for:

• Solo musicians

• Mobile DJs

• Worship teams

• Small venues and event spaces

If fast setup and teardown matter to you, this speaker was clearly designed with that in mind.

Power, Coverage, and Sound Specs

Under the hood, the EVIVA 12P doesn’t cut corners where it counts. It features a 1000-watt amplifier capable of reaching up to 125 dB max SPL, which is more than enough for many live performance and event scenarios.

Electro-Voice includes their patented SST (Signal Synchronized Transducer) technology, along with a custom neodymium high-frequency compression driver. These choices are aimed at maintaining clarity and consistency across the coverage area.

Speaking of coverage, the 90° x 60° dispersion is practical and versatile for most small to mid-sized setups. The frequency response of 63 Hz–18 kHz (-3 dB) makes the EVIVA 12P well-suited for vocals, acoustic performances, playback, and compact DJ systems. If you want deeper low-end for bass-heavy music, pairing it with a subwoofer is the logical next step — but for many applications, this speaker can stand on its own.

Simple Connectivity and DSP Controls

One thing I appreciate about the EVIVA 12P is how refreshingly simple the connectivity is. You get:

• Two XLR/TRS combo inputs

• An XLR mix output

• Bluetooth audio streaming for quick playback

• Intuitive DSP presets, including Music and Live modes

• Subwoofer high-pass filter (HPF) options

There’s also universal 100–240V power, which is a huge plus for international use or touring musicians.

This isn’t a speaker that overwhelms you with menus — it’s built for people who want to plug in, power up, and get sound quickly.

Who Is the EVIVA 12P For?

Based on the specs and design choices, the Electro-Voice EVIVA 12P is best suited for:

• Musicians and singers performing small to medium gigs

• DJs needing a lightweight, portable PA solution

• Churches and worship spaces

• Event hosts and presenters

• Anyone upgrading from entry-level powered speakers

It’s clearly aimed at real-world users who value reliability, ease of use, and brand trust.

Watch the Full EVIVA 12P Breakdown on Sonic Spectrum

If you’re into powered PA speakers, live sound gear, microphones, mixers, and honest music equipment reviews, Sonic Spectrum is built for you. I test gear the way real users actually use it — and yes, sometimes that includes a little financial regret along the way.

👉 Click the link below to watch the full Electro-Voice EVIVA 12P video on the Sonic Spectrum YouTube channel, where I walk through all the specs, design choices, and use cases in detail. I’ll also be bringing one into the studio soon for hands-on sound tests, SPL measurements, and real music playback, so make sure you’re subscribed.

Subscribe to Sonic Spectrum on YouTube so you don’t miss the upcoming hands-on EVIVA 12P tests and future PA speaker comparisons.