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 #40 and #41 of 83 12-inch powered PA speakers, priced $89.01 apart.
Only the DBR12 has a computed preference score to go on. Its medium-quality vendor data returns a below-average 4.92 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: 34.8 lbs (15.8 kg) against the ART 712-A MK5’s 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg), 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.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
An affordable, light 12 inch powered PA speaker with a two channel mixer and simple main and monitor presets.
An affordable 12 inch powered PA speaker with simple controls, a good top for pairing with a subwoofer.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DBR12 | RCF ART 712-A MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459.99 | $549.00 |
| Ranked | #40 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #41 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, 1.75” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 65.0Hz (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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.32 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.92 | - |
| 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 | - | 1600Hz |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Yamaha DBR12 (measured by the manufacturer) and RCF ART 712-A MK5 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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