Short answer: these Yamaha DXR12mkIII and Yamaha DXR12mkII 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 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 17.4kg. Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz.
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.
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 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.
Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkIII when its stated coverage, output, processing, and deployment format best match the job.
Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkII when its stated strengths are the better match for the room and the rest of the PA.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR12mkIII | Yamaha DXR12mkII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 | $909.99 |
| Ranked | #10 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #13 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" throat/1.75" diaphragm compression driver | 12" woofer, 1.75" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 23.6"H x 14.4"W x 13.8"D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) | 23.7"H x 14.3"W x 13.8"D (601 x 362 x 350 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) | - |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic | Matte-finish ABS |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | 3 x M10 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control | No |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs / 17.4 kg | 41 lbs / 18.6 kg |
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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 DXR12mkIII: $999.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: 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 17.4kg. Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz.
Cons: 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.
Full Yamaha DXR12mkIII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote |
| Dimensions | 23.6"H x 14.4"W x 13.8"D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" throat/1.75" diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs / 17.4 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF ART 912-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 XA
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF NX 932-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF ART 932-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF KX 32-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs JBL PRX912
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs Yamaha DZR12
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF ART 732-A MK5
- See all 19 comparisons
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 DZR12
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs RCF ART 912-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs RCF NX 932-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs RCF ART 732-A MK5
- See all 21 comparisons