Short answer: the Yamaha DBR12. It ranks #40 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5) at $399.99 and is still sold new; the PreSonus ULT12 ranks #77 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Yamaha DBR12 is the more accurate choice. An affordable, light 12 inch powered PA speaker with a two channel mixer and simple main and monitor presets. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.32 against 0.84 for the PreSonus ULT12. Watch for: Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.92 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises.
What the PreSonus ULT12 does well: A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms. Watch for: The 3.50 ideal-subwoofer preference score is the weakest in this 15-model group, reflecting major response/directivity irregularity.
Buy the Yamaha DBR12. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the PreSonus ULT12 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
An affordable, light 12 inch powered PA speaker with a two channel mixer and simple main and monitor presets.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DBR12 | PreSonus ULT12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $999.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #40 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #77 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver | 12” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 110° x 50° |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB (1300W peak power) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA | 2 x XLR/TRS combo |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs (15.8 kg) | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Dimensions | 23.7”H x 14.8”W x 13.7”D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) | 25.2”H x 14”W x 13.9”D (641 x 356 x 353 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) | 1,300W peak / 650W continuous (1,000W / 500W LF; 300W / 150W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount | M10 suspension points; two-position 35mm pole socket |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.32 | 0.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.92 | 3.50 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
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