DAS Vantec 12in 1500W Active Speaker

Hire DAS Audio VANTEC-12A Powered Speaker

12" Active Full-Range Speaker

The DAS Audio VANTEC-12A is Edwards NZ's preferred general-purpose full-range speaker and the first recommendation for any event in the 12" active speaker class. It is the most current-looking, best-specified, and most capable point-source cabinet in the Edwards hire fleet at this size — 1,500W peak output, 135dB peak SPL, FIR DSP processing, Bluetooth HD streaming, DAScontrol LCD interface, and rigging points for flown positions, all in a clean ISO-flex painted cabinet that looks professional in any client-visible setting. Hire code VANTEC12A.

The VANTEC-12A sits at the top of the DAS Audio VANTEC range. Its FIR DSP processing maintains constant phase response across the crossover region — a technical distinction that produces a cleaner stereo image, tighter transient response, and more natural sound character than conventional IIR-filtered speakers. The DAScontrol LCD interface on the rear panel provides five factory presets — Live, Dance, Vocals, Bass Boost, and Vocals+Mode — plus a stackable 3-band EQ for fine tuning without a separate processor. Five presets cover the most common event types without requiring the operator to understand DSP from first principles.

Bluetooth HD wireless streaming is built in. Connect a phone or laptop to the VANTEC-12A wirelessly and stream audio directly with no cable required. For background music, a DJ warm-up, or any application where a quick wireless connection is more convenient than a cable run, this is a genuinely useful feature that the older Avant series speakers do not have.

The pole mount socket accepts two angles — 0° for vertical mounting and 10° for a forward tilt toward the audience — giving the operator the ability to aim the cabinet without physically angling a stand. M8 rigging points allow the VANTEC-12A to be flown or suspended in fixed positions. At 21.5kg it is manageable for a single person and comfortable for one-person setup across most events.

A pair with a subwoofer covers around 300 to 500 people for general events — more for speech in a controlled room. These are starting points rather than hard limits, varying with room acoustics, ceiling height, and how hard the system is being driven.

Specifications:

• 1,500W peak Class D amplifier
• 12" woofer with 1" compression driver
• 135dB peak SPL
• FIR DSP with DAScontrol LCD interface
• Five presets: Live, Dance, Vocals, Bass Boost, Vocals+Mode
• Stackable 3-band EQ
• Bluetooth HD wireless streaming
• Two XLR combo inputs plus 3.5mm AUX input
• XLR loop-through output
• Pole mount socket — 0° and 10° angles
• M8 rigging points for flown/suspended positions
• PowerCON locking power connector
• ISO-flex paint finish
• Weight: 21.5kg

Ideal for: Corporate presentations and conferences, awards nights and gala dinners, school events and productions, DJ events and live music up to 500 people, any event where a professional-looking, high-quality point-source speaker is required. The preferred choice for client-visible events where the speaker will be prominent or on camera.

Available individually or as a pair. Available for self-collection or delivery and setup.

Frequently Asked Questions — DAS Audio VANTEC-12A Hire

How does this compare to the Avant 12A?

Both are DAS Audio 12" active speakers but from different generations. The VANTEC-12A produces 1,500W peak and 135dB SPL against the Avant 12A's 1,200W and 133dB — a meaningful step up in headroom. The VANTEC-12A has FIR DSP for phase-coherent processing, a DAScontrol LCD interface with five presets, Bluetooth streaming, a 10° forward-tilt pole mount option, and rigging points for flown positions — none of which the Avant 12A has. The VANTEC-12A also looks noticeably more current with its ISO-flex paint finish and clean industrial design. For client-visible events where the speaker will be on camera or prominent in the room, the VANTEC-12A is the correct choice. The Avant 12A remains a capable professional speaker with a warmer high-frequency character that some operators prefer for live music — it is the right choice when large quantities are needed or cost is a factor.

Can it be used without a mixer?

Yes. The VANTEC-12A has two XLR combo inputs accepting microphone and line sources, a 3.5mm AUX input, and Bluetooth streaming — all of which can be used simultaneously without an external mixer. The onboard DAScontrol interface provides EQ, preset selection, and level control. For a simple presentation with one microphone and a laptop playing music, the VANTEC-12A can handle both without any additional equipment. For events with multiple microphones, monitor mixes, or complex signal routing, a mixing console is required.

What does Bluetooth streaming mean in practice?

The VANTEC-12A includes Bluetooth HD wireless audio streaming, connect any phone, tablet, or laptop to it wirelessly and audio plays through the speaker with no cable required. The range is typically 10 metres in a normal indoor environment. It is useful for background music, quick demos, and any application where running an audio cable is inconvenient. For professional event use a wired connection from a mixer is always preferable for reliability, but Bluetooth is a genuinely useful backup and convenience feature.

What are the DAScontrol presets and which should I use?

The five presets optimise the VANTEC-12A's DSP processing for different applications. Live is a general-purpose flat response suitable for most events. Vocals emphasises the midrange for speech intelligibility — good for corporate presentations and conferences. Dance boosts the low end and high end for music and DJ events. Bass Boost adds additional low-frequency emphasis for music events where more warmth is needed. Vocals+Mode is a combined vocal enhancement preset. For most corporate events Live or Vocals is the appropriate starting point. For music and DJ events Live or Dance is the standard choice. The presets can be combined with the 3-band EQ for further adjustment.

Can it be flown or suspended?

Yes. The VANTEC-12A has M8 rigging points for flown or suspended positions, the Avant 12A does not have this capability. For events where the speaker needs to be hung from a ceiling, truss, or structure rather than placed on a stand, the VANTEC-12A is the correct choice in this size class. Confirm the rigging hardware requirements and load ratings with Edwards when booking a flown configuration.

What subwoofers pair well with the VANTEC-12A?

The VANTEC-12A pairs cleanly with DAS Audio subwoofers in the Edwards fleet. For corporate events and general use the VANTEC PA packages: VANTEC12M, VANTEC1218, VANTEC6K, VANTEC6K2 combine the VANTEC-12A with matched DAS subwoofers in pre-configured packages. If you are building a custom system, the DAS Audio subwoofers in the Edwards fleet connect via standard XLR — the sub handles crossover duties via its HPF loop-through output to the VANTEC-12A input. Contact the hire team to discuss a custom configuration.

How many people does a pair cover?

A pair with a subwoofer covers around 300 to 500 people for general events — more for speech in an acoustically controlled room, potentially less in a very live or noisy outdoor environment. These are starting points with a reasonable margin in both directions depending on conditions. For events larger than 500 people or where outdoor throw distance is significant, the DAS Audio EVENT series line array packages are the appropriate step up.

Is delivery and setup available?

Yes. The VANTEC-12A is available individually or as a pair, for self-collection or delivery and setup by an Edwards technician. Contact our hire team at (09) 571 0551 or hire@edwardsnz.co.nz to discuss your requirements.