Short answer: choose between the Yamaha DXR12mkIII and RCF ART 735-A MK4 by matching the speaker to the deployment rather than treating their ranking positions as a universal verdict. Coverage, cabinet format, bass extension, output capability, DSP, and service support all matter in a PA system. The RCF ART 735-A MK4 is discontinued; its replacement is the RCF ART 735-A MK5.
Why choose the Yamaha DXR12mkIII. 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 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg). Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz.
Why choose the RCF ART 735-A MK4. Its large 3-inch compression-driver voice coil, 132dB claimed peak and roughly 53Hz measured extension give it useful vocal headroom and bass reach. The 47.2 lbs (21.4 kg) enclosure remains manageable for a 15-inch box.
What to weigh before buying. 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. The low-quality vendor data is truncated and does not yield a preference score. It is discontinued and eclipsed by current 9-series and MK5 models.
Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkIII when its stated coverage, output, processing, and installation format fit the job better.
Buy the RCF ART 735-A MK4 when its stated strengths better suit the venue and the rest of the system.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A light, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with strong amplification, app control and capable onboard DSP.
A discontinued powered 15 inch PA speaker with strong vocal headroom and decent bass reach in a manageable cabinet.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR12mkIII | RCF ART 735-A MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 | $888.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #51 of 76 in 15-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” throat/1.75” diaphragm compression driver | 15” woofer, 1.4” compression driver with 3” voice coil |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 23.6”H x 14.4”W x 13.8”D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) | 27.9”H x 17.2”W x 15.3”D (708 x 437 x 389 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 53Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 100° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output | XLR/jack combo input; XLR output |
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) | 800Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic | Polypropylene composite |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | Two M10 fly points; pole mount |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) | 47.2 lbs (21.4 kg) |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | 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 | Yes | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
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 DXR12mkIII (measured by the manufacturer) and RCF ART 735-A MK4 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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