MarkAudio Alpair 12P 8" Paper Cone Full Range

Generation 2 Version

Markaudio Alpair 12P Full Range 8" Paper Cone- 207mm- 8 ohm

Spec Sheet PDF

High Efficiency Paper Cone - Generation 2 Audio Driver.  8" Wide-Band featuring audiophile-grade paper and fiberglass reinforced cone, reinforced rear suspension. The recommended Max usable excursion = 5.4mm X 1 way (non linear bass load) and Max power handling = 30 Watts (Nom). Running in: Carefully run the drivers at low volume using light music (NO artificial signal generation of any-kind) for the first 100 hours. After this period, gradually increase to normal listening volumes with the introduction of music that contains some bass. The driver will reach optimal performance at around 800 hours of play time. The Alpair 12P is the largest full-range driver produced by Markaudio. This driver is a development unit following on from the original metal coned Alpair 12 produced in 2009/2010. Several major design changes make this Alpair radically different from the original in terms of its operation and performance.

Markaudio Alpair series drivers are completely custom designed and built. All components (apart from the magnet) are individually designed and engineered with their own tooling and mould making sets. Alpair drivers are made by highly skilled engineers; they are not “mass produced”.

The change to a custom paper cone with a more shallow profile reduces mass and increases dispersion performance. The new cone is only 21-mm deep compared to the metal unit at 26- mm. The 12P employs a new custom CCAW coil with an aluminum/paper wrap, vented, low mass thin-walled body. The spider is particularly special. Designed by Matsubara San, it employs a new long throw profile set together with a ribbed body to maintain linearity. The front suspension remains the same as the previous model; designed by Lu Yi Ping, its ultra thin wall doesn't support the cone. In terms of mechanical load performance, the 12P remains a single semi-free to air driver, possibly a unique design in its class (see description and picture below).

The 12P remains pure to designer Mark Fenlon's current criterion which is to make purist, single cone drivers that are full-range capable without the use of phase plugs, co-axial centre tweeters or whizzers. The 12P is 92dB efficient (1w/m2), operating to 22-kHz (-3dB) and having a resonance frequency of 42Hz (+/- 2Hz). The 12Pʼs power-train (cone, cap, coil and suspensions) is mechanically efficient and linear, requiring only modest powered amps to make it perform well. This driver is aimed strictly at the “audiophile” end of the market. Its cone is highly-resonance sensitive so clean low-distortion amplification and source components are advised.

For those listeners who value absolute detail, dynamics and clarity, the Alpair 12P is an excellent candidate. I'd like to thank all those who assisted in the design and development process, especially existing Markaudio driver users, whose feedback was instrumental in the 12Pʼs final incarnation.


Small to medium sized speakers are usually lower power designs. The power rating is given in the technical data for each audio driver. For a reliable long service life, please operate your new speakers with care. For the first 100 hours, operate them at very low volumes. After this period, gradually increase the volume to a normal listening level. If you see the cone of the speakers making large movements, immediately turn the volume down. This will protect the speaker and your human hearing from damage. Factory mechanical defects for a period of 1 year. Excessive hard use (over-driving) and other damage caused during customer use is excluded from our warranty.





Link to MarkAudio PDF Enclosure Plans

Alpair 12.2P Small Reflex Enclosure Plans (PDF)

Alpair 12.2P Pensil & Super Pensil Enclosure Plans (PDF)

0.5 cf3 with 2" x 5" port for F3 of 53Hz
0.75 cf3 with 2" x 4" port for F3 of 45Hz
1.0 cf3 with 3" x 8" port for F3 of 40Hz

Quick Connect QC250R & QC205B fit the tabs on this driver

Follow this link to Alpair 12P discussion at diyAudio.com

The recommended Max usable excursion = 5.4mm (non linear bass load) and Max power handling = 30 Watts (Nom).

Running in: Carefully run the drivers at low volume using light music (NO artificial signal generation of any-kind) for the first 100 hours. After this period, gradually increase to normal listening volumes with the introduction of music that contains some bass. The driver will reach optimal performance at around 800 hours of play time.

Take great care not to touch the cones, or use any cleaning agents on their surface. Keep the drivers away from strong light as the UV may damage the cone's structure.