Short answer: choose between the Yamaha DXR12mkIII and RCF ART 945-A 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.
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 945-A. This is the strongest-measuring 15-inch RCF here: medium-quality vendor data produces a 6.69 ideal-subwoofer preference score with roughly 50Hz extension. The top-tier compression driver and 41.4 lbs (18.8 kg) enclosure combine unusually high output with easy portability 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. Pricing and wide retail distribution are not yet well established for this model, and the RCF ART9 range above the 912/932-A pair has a shorter market track record. Coverage and full connector details were not confirmed in local data.
Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkIII when its stated coverage, output, processing, and installation format fit the job better.
Buy the RCF ART 945-A when its stated strengths better suit the venue and the rest of the system.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A light, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with strong amplification, app control and capable onboard DSP.
A 15 inch PA speaker with very high output and good sound, and light for its size.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR12mkIII | RCF ART 945-A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 | $2,099.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #1 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” exit/3” diaphragm compression driver |
| 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) | 28.2”H x 16.3”W x 16.1”D (717 x 415 x 410 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 50.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 100° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output |
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) | 2100W peak (1400W LF + 700W HF) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) | 650Hz |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic | PP composite |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote | Yes, FiRPHASE and Bass Motion Control |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) | 49.4 lbs (22.4 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.69 |
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. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Yamaha DXR12mkIII (measured by the manufacturer) and RCF ART 945-A (measured by an independent reviewer), via spinorama.org.
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