Eminence EM12 opinions, please

[D_Malone]

Please share your impressions and experiences with the Eminence EM12.

I'm strongly considering this speaker for an open back 1x12 cabinet, to be paired with my Quilter Mach 2 head.

I've been using EVM12Ls and EV Force 12s for years and I haven't found anything I like better.
The Force 12s are getting old, and the EVM12L is expensive. I'm thinking I might like the Eminence. The price is right and it seems to get mostly positive reviews.

 

[D_Malone]

Well I finally got an EM12 and it might be my new favorite speaker.

It stays clean, like an EVM12L, but it has a spike around 2.5K that really pushes your sound forward. Sounds fantastic with the amp clean and dirty. Plenty of available low end punch, but not boomy or farty. High end is super clear, but not harsh.

I’ll post a more in-depth review after a couple more rehearsals, but so far I am very impressed.

I still love the EVM12L, but the Eminence sounds more like a guitar speaker, rather than a PA speaker, and it’s half the price.

 

[schmee]

Thanks for the report. I've wondered too, being a fan of EV's in general. My favorite being the EV15B Bass/PA speaker. Not harsh, not spikey bright. And it's got that EV "raspy clean" to it!

 

[D_Malone]

Honestly, I’m trying really hard not to gush until I’ve had some more time with it. Every one of my amps sounds better through it.

 

[Ringo]

Eminence makes a neo magnet version too, I wonder how it compares?

 

[chris m.]

Thanks for the report. Eminence is definitely competitive on price and I’ve had good luck every time with them. Nice to know they have an offering similar to EV....

 

[D_Malone]

Eminence makes a neo magnet version too, I wonder how it compares?

I was tempted, but I’ve been disappointed with every neo speaker I’ve tried. They all have what I would describe as very fast attack. To me they make it sound like you’re picking/digging in way too hard, even when you’re picking softly.

Thanks for the report. Eminence is definitely competitive on price and I’ve had good luck every time with them. Nice to know they have an offering similar to EV....

It has similarities and differences. I would consider it an alternative, not a replacement. Not knocking the EVM12L at all, but I prefer the Eminence.

 

[D_Malone]

After a few more rehearsals and a recording session in my home studio I am in love with this speaker and will be ordering another so I can have one at home and one at our rehearsal space.

I’ve never heard a speaker that has so much clarity without being harsh. It also holds up incredibly well at high volume. It’s one of the most satisfying gear purchases I’ve ever made.

 

[Paul in Colorado]

I need a speaker for a Mesa-Boogie MK I RI and I was thinking of the EM-12. Thanks for the review!

 

[Twang Banger]

Eminence makes a neo magnet version too, I wonder how it compares?

i just put the EM12n (neo EVM “clone”) in a Fuchs Blackjack21, and I am very pleased. The amp has incredible tone and needs a speaker that adds no color. Bottom is solid, highs are there but never shrill. The EVM12L might be better, but for the money and 6lbs total, the EM12n is excellent in this dumble-esque amp.

 

[twr102]

I need a speaker for a Mesa-Boogie MK I RI and I was thinking of the EM-12. Thanks for the review!

That should be ideal. The MS-12 was the original and the EM12 should be similar but better.