Yamaha DZR12 Review

Yamaha put its name into the speaker manufacturing hat in 1967 when the company introduced its first Hi-Fi product.

It would be an effort that would bring the musical world the first natural sounds from a large unit, leading the company to call the series “NS” for “natural sound.”

The NS-1000 would feature a pure beryllium diaphragm to create clear and open sounds, making it the first speaker in the world to run with that design.

As the years passed, Yamaha continued to innovate by incorporating active speaker systems, magnesium cone units, and more features that would enhance the listening experience.

That’s why the Yamaha DZR12 is such an exciting speaker. It delivers Hi-Fi audio that fits within the realm of budgetary possibilities for the average person.

It’s one of the most flexible speakers of its type that you’ll find today. This speaker lives up to the hype it receives.

Yamaha DZR12 Review

The Yamaha DZR12 speaker provides best-in-class SPL performance and exceptional clarity. It delivers a 2,000-watt Class D amplifier and bi-amped PA speaker design to take on any application you use. The processing provides high-resolution sound with minimal latency.

When you start using the Yamaha DZR12 speaker, you’ll appreciate the user presets right away.

You can get everything set up to where you like your balance for multiple applications, creating the perfect EQ in up to eight different scenarios.

Some speakers force you to tweak knobs, move levers, or twist dials to create the right EQ for your music and more.

Yamaha uses an intuitive LCD display to make it incredibly simple to dial into your preferred settings.

Since this product is a powered PA speaker, you can integrate it with any existing configuration.

If you perform live, it can even function as a stage monitor when routed through your sound system.

It is lightweight for its size, remarkably durable, and ready to take on whatever tasks you need it to perform.

Tech Specs of the Yamaha DZR12 Powered Speaker

This powered two-channel speaker comes with a bi-amped Class D configuration to maximize the output it offers with its 2,000W foundation.

You’ll receive 90 degrees of horizontal coverage and 60 degrees of vertical angle assistance when listening, creating a wonderful energy cone where you can feel the energy of each beat.

The speakers use a standard IEC AC cable to create the power foundation.

Yamaha uses a plywood cabinet for the enclosure, making the harmonics feel a little fuzzy on songs with more bass.

The Polyurea coating gives the surface some durability. Users can use a floor wedge, fly, or pole mount straight from the box.

Here are the other essential tech specs you’ll want to consider when taking a closer look at the Yamaha DZR12 12-inch powered speaker.

Inputs:	2 x 0.25-inch XLR combo (line in)
Outputs:	2 x XLR; thru and output
Frequency Range:	39 Hz to 20 kHz; -10 dB
Crossover Frequency:	1.8 kHz
Signal Processing:	Delay, Routing, and PEQ. It comes with eight user presets.
Maximum Peak SPL:	139 dB SPL @ 1m
Dimensions:	25.4 inches (height) x 16.1 inches (width) x 15.5 inches (depth)
Weight:	47.2 pounds

What Are the Features of the Yamaha DZR12 Powered Speaker?

When you hear the first notes come from the Yamaha DZR12 powered speakers, you’ll notice the lack of phase distortion almost immediately.

This outcome happens because of the advanced FIR-X tuning and filtering that occurs within the unit.

The manufacturer incorporates corrective EQ to fine-tune the entire listening experience.

Yamaha also uses an intelligent multiband compressor called D-Contour to maintain better clarity at the higher output levels.

Users can access the Monitor or FOH/MAIN modes to fine-tune their sounds using these features to match what is needed in specific applications.

That means the speakers sound fantastic while gaming, streaming, listening to music, or watching live television.

If you connect a turntable to the Yamaha DZR12 speaker, the authentic vinyl sounds come through to produce one of the best audiophile-style experiences you can imagine.

DSP safeguards are part of the design to reduce the risk of damage to your transducers, amplifiers, and power supply.

It’s one of the smoothest speakers you’ll ever hear, and the rotatable horn in the design allows for horizontal or vertical mounting.

■ Advanced DSP Processing Makes the Yamaha DZR12 Worth the Investment

The intelligent DSP process is what makes the Yamaha DZR12 powered speakers shine. You won’t believe the stunning clarity that comes from this unit with the default settings.

Once you start making a few changes based on your preferences, you’d better watch out! You’ll be addicted to listening to your favorite tunes with this product!

When the FIR filtering and corrective EQ work together, you’ll receive an accurate sound profile and imaging.

Even when you push the speakers to their highest output levels, you’ll find that the multiband compressor maintains clarity.

If you want that distorted bass that makes everything rumble, this speaker design is not for you.

When your preference is for more clarity while boosting your favorite songs or a gaming experience to the highest levels, this unit delivers an incredible experience.

Yamaha Uses Custom-Designed Transducers

When you start using the Yamaha DZR12 powered speakers, you’ll find that the two-inch voice coil and one-inch throat compression driver provide an impressive experience.

The design incorporates a neodymium magnet, titanium diaphragm, and a heat-resistant aluminum-cast frame to counter the plywood cabinet’s limitations.

This combination delivers a thumping lower end that can make the stage vibrate when you hit specific frequencies.

If you have a vocalist that sings bass, you’ll hear a fullness in your harmonies that feels quite satisfying!

You’ll find the EQ balance is so good that it sounds like you’re running a subwoofer with your setup, even when you’re only using this one speaker.

The 2,000-watt foundation ensures that you get enough volume at extended distances. Even when you’re standing 50 feet away from them, you can still get around 110 dB.

It’s such a powerful filtering and playback combination with the custom-designed transducers that you can hear the differences between a standard MP3 and a CD for the same track.

It gets loud, stays clean, and fills up whatever room you have with one investment.

Even if you have a large stage to fill with a regular performance (theaters, churches, etc.), you only need 2-3 units to create enough sound to help everyone know that they’re on key and following the correct rhythm.

Potential Limitations of the Yamaha DZR12 Speakers

The primary limitation of the Yamaha DZR12 speakers is their cost. Although the price is reasonable for most applications, it isn’t the product you want to add to the average home theater setup on a budget.

It has a flexible mounting design that lets you place the speaker horizontally or vertically for your listening needs. If you want the best dispersion rate, it must stay in the vertical position.

Although the constant directivity horn creates minimal roll-off and level coverage, you’ll feel slightly less enthused about the speakers when they’re placed horizontally.

The low end does tend to get a little punchy. Some users might not appreciate that EQ approach, but the top end always stays clear.

Since you have an internal DSP, you don’t need to worry about having a separate one for this application.

The one thing that becomes noticeable after a few uses is that the fabric front doesn’t always stand up to the wear and tear that the rest of the unit handles.

The warmer sound you get from the setup is more than enough to make up for those issues, although it could be argued that a product at this price point shouldn’t have such a potential flow.

It would also be helpful if there were more than one USB port on the speakers to manage your listening experience. You’ll be connecting it to your audio through standard cabling.

■ Additional Equipment You’ll Need for the Yamaha DZR12 Speakers

When you purchase the Yamaha DZR12 speakers, you’ll want to include some XLR cable to maximize your usage options.

The best XLR cable uses heavy-duty PET-braided coverings, sometimes mixed with nylon, to offer high-tensile resistance.

When you select something for the DZR12 speakers, I’d recommend using 22 AWG for most setups.

Although you can use straight black XLR cable with your speakers, color-coded exterior shells can let you specify applications comfortably.

Don’t forget that you’ll want male-to-female compatible cables with 3-pin connectors for your mixing boards, harmonizers, preamps, patch bays, and speaker systems.

Is the Yamaha DZR12 Right for Me?

The Yamaha DZR12 is the perfect speaker for someone who has time to spend with it each day. How you maximize those moments is up to you.

You can include this speaker in your current setup, let it sit on stage as a monitor, or let it be the foundation of your DJ work.

Although it weighs close to 50 pounds, you can include it in most setups because of how flexible the mounting options are with this design.

Some people might think that the 2,000-watt rating makes the Yamaha DZR12 all about the power and nothing else.

Once you hear it, you’ll realize how controlled the low-end response is at even the highest volume.

When you hear the vocals range, the mid-bass, and the lower Hz in your music, you’ll appreciate the crystal-clear sounds that this brand creates with its almost 50 years of speaker innovations.

The Yamaha DZR12 has a suggested MSRP of $1,249.99. It’s an investment, but these speakers will not leave you feeling disappointed.