Short answer: the Yamaha DXR12mkIII for most buyers, on features and weight. These rank #9 and #10 out of 37 12-inch powered PA speakers, and neither one has a confirmed measured preference score to lean on.
Both have unconfirmed acoustic data. The ART 912-A’s low-quality manufacturer directivity data has no computed preference score, limiting confidence in cross-brand tonal comparisons. The DXR12mkIII’s truncated Spinorama data also fails to produce a preference score, so its claimed tonal advantage over the proven DXR12mkII is not yet quantified either.
The DXR12mkIII claims higher output and adds connectivity. It lists 134dB peak against the ART 912-A’s 130dB, and adds Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming with D-Remote control plus FIR-X tuning and Drive Motion Calibration DSP. The ART 912-A instead runs RCF’s FiRPHASE/Bass Motion Control platform with only basic rear-panel presets, no wireless control or Bluetooth audio.
The ART 912-A is the heavier, simpler box. At 19kg it exceeds the DXR12mkIII’s 17.4kg, though its own review notes it suits users who value simple setup over menu-heavy DSP. Coverage is similar, at 100 degrees x 60 degrees for the RCF versus 90 x 60 degrees for the Yamaha.
Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkIII for the higher claimed SPL, Bluetooth audio streaming, and lighter cabinet.
Buy the RCF ART 912-A if you prefer simple rear-panel controls over app and wireless menus and do not need Bluetooth audio.
Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 912-A | Yamaha DXR12mkIII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $949.00 | $999.99 |
| Ranked | #9 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #10 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver with 1.75" voice coil | 12" woofer, 1" throat/1.75" diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 25.3"H x 14.6"W x 14.3"D (642 x 370 x 363 mm) | 23.6"H x 14.4"W x 13.8"D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 2,100W peak (1,400W LF + 700W HF, manufacturer specified) | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.7kHz (manufacturer specified) | 1800Hz (FIR-X) |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite | PP plastic |
| Rigging | M10 fly points; pole mount | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Coverage | 100° x 60° | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote |
| Bluetooth | No | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs / 19 kg | 38.4 lbs / 17.4 kg |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 XA vs Yamaha DXR12mkII
- RCF ART 932-A vs RCF NX 932-A
- HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 XA vs HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA
- RCF ART 932-A vs RCF ART 912-A
- RCF ART 932-A vs Yamaha DXR12mkIII
Prices on this page were last checked September 7, 2026 at 7:47 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
RCF ART 912-A: $949.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A current, widely stocked 12-inch RCF with 130dB claimed output, 100° x 60° coverage and the same FiRPHASE/Bass Motion Control platform used higher in the ART 9 line. It is a straightforward choice for users who value simple setup over menu-heavy DSP.
Cons: The available low-quality manufacturer directivity data has no computed preference score, limiting confidence in cross-brand tonal comparisons. It has only basic rear-panel presets and no wireless control or Bluetooth audio.
Full RCF ART 912-A review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2,100W peak (1,400W LF + 700W HF, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 100° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.7kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 25.3"H x 14.6"W x 14.3"D (642 x 370 x 363 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver with 1.75" voice coil |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | M10 fly points; pole mount |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs / 19 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha DXR12mkIII: $999.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: The third-generation DXR raises claimed output to 134dB and adds 2000W amplification, app-based control and more capable onboard DSP while staying light at 17.4kg. Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz.
Cons: The truncated Spinorama data does not produce a preference score, so its tonal advantage over the proven DXR12mkII is not yet quantified. Wireless connectivity is for remote control, not a substitute for a wired production-audio input.
Full Yamaha DXR12mkIII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote |
| Dimensions | 23.6"H x 14.4"W x 13.8"D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" throat/1.75" diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs / 17.4 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons