REVIEWED: Yamaha DHR Series
Yamaha Professional Audio have been around for years, literally. They were founded in 1969 and are known around the globe as providers of innovative, top-quality solutions for the sound industry.
Yamaha's line-up includes several world-standard mixing consoles, signal processors incorporating industry-leading DSP technology, power amplifiers based on energy-efficient drive technology, and an extensive range of speakers suitable for everything from studio monitors to live sound and commercial installations – even us DJs get a look in!
The brand-new Yamaha DHR is the latest PA to hit the market post-pandemic and I jumped at the chance to review the range of speakers for Pro Mobile. Having previously reviewed and personally owned Yamaha PA in the past, I know the quality and the performance, so I was keen to find out what was new with this range.
The DHR sits between the original DXR series and the DBR/CBR series, offering three models: DHR10, DHR12M (floor monitor) and the DHR15. For this review, I tested the 10in and 15in models.
The DHR Series is an ideal solution for any mobile DJ looking to invest in a premium audio product. Each model in the series has been optimised to meet the demands of a variety of sound reinforcement uses, all featuring custom transducers driven by DSP-equipped class-D power amplifiers designed to deliver stunning sound quality and clarity.
Made with premium plywood (personally, I think the quality of sound from wooden cabinets is clearer than plastic) and finished in a tough polyurea coating, providing durability not found on other loudspeakers in this class, the cabinets suit a range of events and are protected for the mobile market with their scratch-resistant finish.
So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the features of both cabinets.
The DHR10 is a 2-way bi-amp powered loudspeaker, weighing in at 15kg (33lbs) and measuring 305mm (w) x 494mm (h) x 300mm (d) (12in x 19.5in x 11.8in). With a single carry handle on top, it’s perfect to use for smaller audiences, unless paired with one of the Yamaha subwoofer range, which would allow you to go bigger. The clarity from the 10in woofer and 1.4in HF driver (with sound reinforcement) will cope with most crowds that we come across, all whilst maintaining a less-is-more look and delivering outstanding sound quality.
The single pole socket allows easy mounting on a tripod, single pole base (which seems to be the ‘in thing’ right now) or standard-distance pole above a sub. With a 90-degree rotatable horn and rigging points for use with eye bolts, there is an optional U-bracket for both vertical and horizontal use, which makes this cabinet an option for fixed installations. The pandemic has driven a huge trend towards home live streaming and the DHR10 is also suitable as a studio monitor – something I did a lot of whilst testing (I must say, I was super impressed).
On the back of the cabinet, you’ll find all the normal controls, IEC in with rocker power switch, and fan output vents to allow the built-in fan to release warm air via its four cooling settings. There are two inputs. CH1 (channel one) has a combi jack for both XLR and TRS, which will allow for both line and microphone signals with volume rotation control. Meanwhile CH2 (channel 2) has the same combi jack for XLR and TRS plus an RCA input to allow connection of a stereo line source, a fantastic addition for anyone wanting to plug in directly for background or ceremony music. CH1 also allows for a wired microphone, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Four LEDs show power, signal, protection, and limit. There is also an output channel with selectable thru and mix to allow you to select either ‘CH1+2 mix’ to mix the signal of CH1 and CH2, or ‘CH1 thru’ to pass the signal from CH1 only. Finally, you’ll find DSP control for the D-Contour and HPF, which is all part of the FIR-X tuning element, but I’ll come onto this later.
The DHR15 sports a larger 15in woofer, whilst the wooden cabinet contributes to a solid 24kg (53lbs), dimensions are 432mm (w) x 692mm (h) x 405mm (d) (17in x 27.2in x 15.9in). With two carry handles on the sides, the DHR15 offers the same 1.4in HF driver, processors, connectors, rigging points (no optional mounting bracket available for the larger model) and fans as the DHR10.
The pole mounting socket on the 15in model is a dual-angle mount, allowing you both standard 0 degree and -7 degree (down tilt) options, the latter of which allows direction of acoustic energy away from reflective surfaces and onto the dancefloor.
The DHR series features high-efficiency 1000w Class-D amplifiers. This allows the DHR15 to produce up to 1000w of power and achieve a sound pressure level (SPL) of 131dB, while the DHR10 produces 700w of power and an impressive SPL of 128dB, meaning this series should be very attractive to anyone looking for a PA-in-a-box solution.
It’s also worth mentioning the FIR-X DSP technology, which achieves unrivalled precision and clarity at driver crossover frequencies. Phase smear distortion is eliminated by using linear phase (FIR) filters instead of typical minimum phase filters. Instead of sudden dips or spikes at crossover frequencies, FIR-X's converters provide a smooth, clean transition with no loss, whilst the D-CONTOUR is a dynamic, adaptive multi-band compressor that works to offer a vibrant but clear sound.
D-CONTOUR will monitor the levels of certain frequency bands and adjust what it detects in real-time. There are two built-in modes: FOH/Main and Monitor. FOH/Main is designed primarily to enhance low-frequency sounds to compensate for the loss of bass when using flying or pole-mounted speakers. The Monitor mode is designed and used on all D-Series speakers, attenuating low-frequency material so that performers can hear themselves more clearly or engineers can verify monitor mixes with precision.
From my point of view these speakers deliver on many fronts. The cost is great, and the build quality, as you would expect from Yamaha, is superb. But more importantly, they sound fantastic; the bass is nice and punchy, the mids are just right, and the highs are super crisp.
I also love the no-fuss rear display panel. Whilst some would say a digital DSP is nicer to use, sometimes less is more, and so it is on the DHR series – the display is uncomplicated and easy to use.
I like to finish a review by asking a simple question: would I buy these speakers? I think you can guess the answer. It’s a resounding “yes” – well done Yamaha! If you’re thinking of upgrading or purchasing a new system, then get down to your nearest retailer, have a listen to the DHR10 or DHR15 for yourself, and let me know what you think.
The full review can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 112, Pages 84-86.