Short answer: choose between the Yamaha DXR8mkII and RCF ART 712-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 712-A MK4 is discontinued; its replacement is the RCF ART 712-A MK5.
Why choose the Yamaha DXR8mkII. Medium-quality vendor data shows a 5.89 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 64Hz measured extension, among the strongest results here. Yamaha’s FIR-X processing, a 1.75-inch neodymium compression driver and a 90° x 60° constant-directivity horn carry over the larger DXR models’ engineering into a compact cabinet.
Why choose the RCF ART 712-A MK4. The 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) cabinet combines 129dB claimed peak output, a broad horn and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing in a straightforward package. Its measured response extends to roughly 65Hz before the first major roll-off.
What to weigh before buying. No mkIII successor exists for this size yet, so it is the oldest design generation in this ranking’s Yamaha lineup, without app control or Bluetooth audio. The low-quality vendor measurement is truncated and cannot produce a reliable preference score.
Buy the Yamaha DXR8mkII when its stated coverage, output, processing, and installation format fit the job better.
Buy the RCF ART 712-A MK4 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 compact powered 8 inch PA speaker with clean, well balanced sound and several inputs, now discontinued but worth buying used.
A straightforward powered 12 inch PA speaker that is easy to carry, with loud output and a broad horn.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR8mkII | RCF ART 712-A MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $769.99 Discontinued | $509.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #65 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 | 8” woofer, 1.75” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 18”H x 11”W x 11”D (458 x 280 x 280 mm) | 25.1”H x 15.2”W x 14.3”D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, dual 1/4-inch, stereo RCA; XLR thru and link outputs | XLR/TRS combo input and XLR link |
| Amplifier Power | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Matte-finish ABS | Polypropylene composite |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | Two M10 fly points; pole mount |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 90° x 60° |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 65Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 28.2 lbs (12.8 kg) | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.08 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.89 | - |
| 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 | - | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
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 DXR8mkII (measured by the manufacturer) and RCF ART 712-A MK4 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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