Short answer: the DBR12 if you want a mixer built in and a measured tonal reference, the ART 712-A MK5 if you want more claimed output. These rank #24 and #25 of 37 12-inch powered PA speakers, priced $208.01 apart.
Only the DBR12 has a computed preference score to go on. Its medium-quality vendor data returns a below-average 4.23 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal and directivity compromises, but at least it is a real number. The ART 712-A MK5’s local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score at all, so its measured tonal position is simply unknown rather than merely mediocre.
The DBR12 is the more complete package for simple setups. It includes a useful two-channel mixer with FIR-X crossover processing and straightforward main/monitor presets, useful for a small act running direct into the speaker, at 58Hz measured extension adequate for speech and modest music without a subwoofer. The ART 712-A MK5 skips the mixer in favor of RCF’s FiRPHASE processing and claims a higher 129dB peak from a larger 1.75-inch compression driver, and is aimed at buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control either way.
Weight and price favor the DBR12: 15.8kg against the ART 712-A MK5’s 17.8kg, at a lower price.
Buy the DBR12 if you want a built-in mixer, lighter cabinet, and a real (if modest) measured preference score to plan around.
Buy the ART 712-A MK5 if you want RCF’s FiRPHASE processing and a higher claimed output ceiling and are comfortable buying without a computed preference score.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DBR12 | RCF ART 712-A MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $390.99 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #24 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #25 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, 1.4" compression driver | 12" woofer, 1.75" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA | XLR/TRS combo |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) | 25.1"H x 15.2"W x 14.3"D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic | PP composite |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1600Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
- HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA
- FBT J12A vs RCF NX 912-A
- Yamaha DBR12 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA
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
Yamaha DBR12: $390.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A lightweight, widely supported entry point with a useful two-channel mixer, FIR-X crossover processing and straightforward main/monitor presets. The 58Hz measured extension is adequate for speech and modest music playback without a subwoofer.
Cons: Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.23 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises. Its 131dB output claim and controls also sit below Yamaha’s DXR and DZR tiers.
Full Yamaha DBR12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
RCF ART 712-A MK5: $599.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A compact, relatively affordable RCF with 129dB claimed output, FiRPHASE processing and familiar 90° x 60° coverage. It is an appealing simple top for buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control.
Cons: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain. The smaller compression-driver assembly offers less vocal headroom than the ART 732-A MK5.
Full RCF ART 712-A MK5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 25.1"H x 15.2"W x 14.3"D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.75" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons