Short answer: the Yamaha DZR12. It ranks #22 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5) at $1,198.49 and is still sold new; the PreSonus ULT12 ranks #77 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Yamaha DZR12 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A very loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with premium build, advanced onboard DSP and deep bass for demanding live work. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.64 against 0.84 for the PreSonus ULT12. Its bass reaches about 48Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the PreSonus ULT12. The catch: Its medium-quality vendor measurement produces only a 4.91 ideal-subwoofer preference score, so the price buys output, processing and build more than neutral tonality.
What the PreSonus ULT12 does well: A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms. Watch for: The 3.50 ideal-subwoofer preference score is the weakest in this 15-model group, reflecting major response/directivity irregularity.
Buy the Yamaha DZR12. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the PreSonus ULT12 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A very loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with premium build, advanced onboard DSP and deep bass for demanding live work.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with an onboard mixer, rotatable horn and very wide coverage for shallow rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DZR12 | PreSonus ULT12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.49 | $999.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #77 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 | 12” woofer, 2” compression driver | 12” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 16.1”W x 15.5”D (646 x 410 x 394 mm) | 25.2”H x 14”W x 13.9”D (641 x 356 x 353 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 110° x 50° |
| Maximum SPL | 139dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB (1300W peak power) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo | 2 x XLR/TRS combo |
| Amplifier Power | 2000W dynamic / 1100W burst / 950W continuous | 1,300W peak / 650W continuous (1,000W / 500W LF; 300W / 150W HF, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Plywood with polyurea coating | 15mm eucalyptus plywood |
| Rigging | M10 points; dual 35mm pole mounts | M10 suspension points; two-position 35mm pole socket |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 47.2 lbs (21.4 kg) | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.64 | 0.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.91 | 3.50 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | 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 |
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