Yamaha’s DHR series hit the market post-pandemic and Nick Chatten reviewed the DHR10 and DHR15 back in Pro Mobile i112. Nick’s conclusion was that they are fantastic speakers at extremely competitive prices. Although, at launch, there did seem to be a missing piece in the line-up – a 12” version (despite there being a 12” monitor). Well, that hole has now been filled. Time to introduce the Yamaha DHR12.

Sitting somewhere between Yamaha’s DBR and DXR ranges, the DHR Series is an ideal solution for any mobile DJ looking to invest in a premium audio product. Made with plywood, and finished in a tough polyurea coating that provides 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.

Each model in the series has been optimised to meet the demands of a variety of sound-reinforcement uses. All feature custom transducers driven by DSP-equipped class-D power amplifiers, designed to deliver stunning sound quality and clarity.

The DHR12 is a two-way bi-amp powered loudspeaker, weighing in at 19.2kg (42.3lbs) and measuring 359mm (w) x 578mm (h) x 340mm (d) (14.1in x 22.8in x 13.4in). With two carry handles on the sides, it’s perfect to use for medium-size audiences, unless paired with one of the Yamaha subwoofer range, which would allow you to go much bigger. The clarity from the 12” woofer and 1.4” high-frequency driver (with sound reinforcement) will cope with most crowds that we come across as DJs, all whilst maintaining a less-is-more look and delivering outstanding sound quality.

The dual pole socket allows for easy mounting on a tripod at 0 and -7 degrees. 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.

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, so you can 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 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. The DHR12 meanwhile peaks at 100W, like its bigger brother, and produces just 1dB less in sound pressure.

This is the interesting part. Obviously, 12” speakers are going to take up less room than 15” speakers. And with a weight saving of almost 5kg per side, you’ll have a decision to make if you’re looking at the larger options in the series. I’m never going to be privy to Yamaha’s sales figures, but I wonder what impact the introduction of the 12” speaker will have on sales of the 15”.

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. Monitor mode is designed particularly for the DHR10, attenuating low-frequency material so that performers can hear themselves more clearly or engineers can verify monitor mixes with precision.
It’s fair to say the DHR range delivers on many fronts. The cost is great, and the build quality, as you would expect from Yamaha, is superb. I ran several tests using my own now quite-ancient DXR speakers. Although, to be fair, it wasn’t a straight comparison, as mine is a different series and I only have 15” versions.

I found the new 12” DHRs to be very clear with a lovely bass sound – a pair of these will be more than enough for the majority of mobile gigs. As you would expect, pairing them with my old subs, I got even more sound out of them, but this would only be needed in larger venues. Plus, I always use subs in marquees, as there is no real resonance.

Personally, I like column-array speakers such as the Yamaha DXL1K for a lot of what we do. But when you have a big room or marquee and need more power, particularly focused at the dancing area, Yamaha have a fantastic range of speakers to fill all these needs.

The DHR series is definitely worth a look, and with the addition of the 12” the line-up is now complete. You just need to get yourself down to a local retailer and have a listen for yourself. I’m not sure how easy it will be to choose between the 12” and the 15”, or even identify the difference in that one decibel, but it will be fun to try!

What I can also say is that my original Yamaha speakers are still going strong. They sound fabulous and give no indication of their advancing years, despite having been used for literally hundreds of gigs.