Short answer: these Yamaha DXR12mkII and Yamaha DBR12 alternatives share a brand and size class, but their coverage, driver architecture, cabinet format, processing, and output priorities can make them fit very different jobs.
Why choose the Yamaha DXR12mkII. A proven, broadly distributed workhorse with a flexible three-channel input section and 134dB claimed maximum output. Medium-quality vendor Spinorama data and 61Hz measured extension provide more evidence than many PA competitors, while Yamaha’s FIR-X processing and D-CONTOUR presets simplify setup.
Why choose the Yamaha DBR12. 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.
What to weigh before buying. The 4.66 ideal-subwoofer preference score is only mid-pack, with meaningful response/directivity irregularity in the supplied data. It lacks app control and Bluetooth audio, and newer competitors offer more user-adjustable DSP. 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.
Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkII when its stated coverage, output, processing, and deployment format best match the job.
Buy the Yamaha DBR12 when its stated strengths are the better match for the room and the rest of the PA.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR12mkII | Yamaha DBR12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $909.99 | $390.99 |
| Ranked | #13 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #24 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, 1.75" compression driver | 12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 23.7"H x 14.3"W x 13.8"D (601 x 362 x 350 mm) | 23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
| Cabinet Material | Matte-finish ABS | Plastic |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 41 lbs / 18.6 kg | 34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- QSC K10.2 vs RCF ART 712-A MK5
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
- QSC K12.2 vs Yamaha DBR12
- RCF ART 732-A MK5 vs Yamaha DBR12
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 DXR12mkII: $909.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A proven, broadly distributed workhorse with a flexible three-channel input section and 134dB claimed maximum output. Medium-quality vendor Spinorama data and 61Hz measured extension provide more evidence than many PA competitors, while Yamaha’s FIR-X processing and D-CONTOUR presets simplify setup.
Cons: The 4.66 ideal-subwoofer preference score is only mid-pack, with meaningful response/directivity irregularity in the supplied data. It lacks app control and Bluetooth audio, and newer competitors offer more user-adjustable DSP.
Full Yamaha DXR12mkII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Matte-finish ABS |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.7"H x 14.3"W x 13.8"D (601 x 362 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.75" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Weight | 41 lbs / 18.6 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs Axiom ED120A
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 XA
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs FBT Mitus 112A
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs Yamaha DXR12mkIII
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs Yamaha DZR12
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs RCF ART 912-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs RCF NX 932-A
- See all 21 comparisons
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


