In August 2021 Yamaha announced two important new products for professional audio loudspeakers, the DHR (active) and CHR (passive) series, each consisting of three models optimised to meet the needs of a wide variety of applications.
Just reading the first data and press kits we understand that the products are capable of providing a complete installed or portable sound reinforcement system for events, clubs, dance halls, places of worship and much more. However, we decided to see and hear better. Not being able to do a full field test at the moment, we went to the splendid Yamaha Village in Lesmo, Brianza, northern Italy, for a live demo.
Positioned between the top-of-the-line DZR/CZR series and the DBR/CBR series, all DHR and CHR units feature carefully selected transducers, high quality plywood cabinets and a durable polyurethane coating, offering high level technical characteristics and at first hearing, giving a decidedly “Yamaha family-feeling” sound…
But let’s go in order.
THE PRODUCT
The two-way 15″ DHR15 and CHR15 units are designed for F.O.H. applications, and offer the option of dual-angle pole-mounting or flying via rigging systems. The DHR12M and CHR12M are Yamaha’s first 12″ coaxial floor monitors, offering precise and phase-consistent monitoring with a low-profile shape. A side pole mount insert adds flexible use as a complement or as a portable main PA. The two-way 10-inch DHR10 and CHR10 models are designed to be used as fill or delay speakers, thanks to a variety of configuration and mounting options. These utility speakers also feature a 90º x 60º rotatable horn, can be pole-mounted or flown, and can be used with an optional U-bracket, allowing installation almost anywhere.
All DHR models feature high-end Class D amplification, a flexible “in the box” DSP, easily switchable line/mic inputs, and a built-in quick-access two-channel mixer, while CHR models include dual NL4 connectors and advanced DSP via customisable presets available within Yamaha’s PX and PC-D series amplifiers.
DHR Series
The DHR series presents a complete line-up optimised to meet the needs of specific applications in various audio environments. The 10″ model features a rotatable HF horn and a dedicated UB-DXRDHR10 bracket for use in fixed installations, while the 12″ model is Yamaha’s first loudspeaker to feature a coaxial compression driver for improved clarity and smoother frequency response for floor monitoring. The series is rounded off by a 15″ model with dual angle sockets and docking points for use in fixed installations or as sound reinforcement.
The transducers in the 10-inch and 15-inch models are Celestion: high-powered woofers that deliver well-defined, powerful bass with minimal distortion, while precision 1.4-inch compression drivers have been chosen for the HF.
The 1.75″ coaxial compression driver in the DHR12M was designed and manufactured in-house by Yamaha.
The DHR Series cabinets are rugged and highly portable, constructed from multilayer wood, like the DZR Series speakers, promising high durability and acoustic performance.
All full-range models feature Yamaha’s proprietary FIR-X tuning™, which uses linear phase FIR filters for the crossover network. FIR-X tuning™ simultaneously optimises frequency and phase response by adjusting the time alignment between the HF and LF transducers. This creates a very smooth response around the crossover point, providing much better clarity and imaging than is possible with typical crossovers.
All signals are precisely processed by a high-performance processor. All full-range models employ discrete 24bit A/D and D/A converters with superior S/N ratio and dynamic range.
The built-in intelligent multi-band compressor, D-CONTOUR, enables powerful and consistent sound output at all output levels. By constantly monitoring the output of multiple frequency bands and calculating the optimum EQ settings for each, even maximum sound output maintains clarity and great musicality. The user can choose between two settings: FOH/MAIN mode or MONITOR mode. FOH/MAIN mode boosts low frequencies to compensate for those typically missing when speakers are used in suspended or stand-mounted applications. MONITOR mode is fully optimised for live monitoring applications, intelligently controlling low frequencies and treating frequency bands with greater clarity. Both of these presets have been perfected by performing countless listening tests with the help of several sound engineers, developing a multi-band compressor that works dynamically and delivering consistent sound with low distortion at any output level.
During the development of the DZR, DXR mkII, DHR, DBR and DXS series, Yamaha measured and tested each transducer’s durability and overall amplifier output through countless indoor and outdoor listening tests. Based on the test results, it was possible to set the optimum limiting point for each model using precise DSP control.
In addition to optimal limiting, the speakers employ many of the same protection features used in the PC-D Series professional power amplifiers. A microprocessor and high-power DSP monitor the status of the power supply, power amplifiers, transducers and signals to protect all components.
DHR’s lightweight, high-performance Class-D amplifier is capable of producing up to 1000W of power (700W for the DHR10 model), achieving an SPL of 131 dB (DHR15).
The DHR Series speakers have two input channels. CH1 has a combo jack that accepts both XLR and TRS, allowing Mic or Line level input signals. CH2 offers two input options; a combo jack that accepts XLR or TRS and a pair of RCA plugs for input from CD players or other stereo sources.
The built-in mixer allows you to select CH1+2 MIX to mix the signal from CH1 and CH2, or CH1 THRU to pass the signal from CH1 only.
For pole-mounting, the DHR15 offers two types of tilt (-0° and -7°), allowing the sound to be directed more precisely.
SPECIFICS
DHR15
Speaker type: 2-way, Bi-amped Powered Speaker, Bass-reflex
Frequency range (-10dB): 44 Hz – 20 kHz
Coverage area: H90ﾟ x V60ﾟ
Crossover:1.8 kHz: FIR-X tuning™ (linear phase FIR filter)
Maximum Output Level (Measured peak, IEC noise@1m): 131 dB SPL
Components
LF: Diameter: 15″ cone, Voice Coil: 2.5″, Magnet: Ferrite
HF: Diaphragm: 1.4″, Type: 1″ throat compression driver, Magnet: Ferrite
Amplifier class: Class-D
Power rating
Dynamic: 1,000 W (LF: 800 W, HF: 200 W)
Continuos: 465 W (LF: 400 W, HF: 65 W)
Cooling:Fan cooling, 4 speeds
Power consumption: 74 W (1/8power), 18 W (Idle)
Power requirements: 100 V, 100-120 V, 220-240 V, 110/127/220 V (Brazil), 50/60 Hz
A/D D/A Converters: 24 bit 48 kHz Sampling
Processors:
HPF: OFF, 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 24 dB/Oct.;
D-CONTOUR: FOH/MAIN, MONITOR, OFF
I/O connectors:
INPUT1: Combo x1,
INPUT2: Combo x 1 + RCA pin x 2 (Unbalanced),
OUTPUT: XLR3-32 x 1 (CH1 Parallel Through or CH1+CH2 Mix)
Cabinet material: Plywood
Finish: Durable Polyurea Painting, Black
Handle: Side x2
Pole socket: Φ35 mm x2 (fondo, 0° or -7°)
Rigging: Top x 2, Rear x 1 (Fit for M10 x 30 – 50 mm Eyebolts)
Dimensions:
W: 432 mm
H: 692 mm (with rubber feet)
D: 405 mm
Net weight: 24.0 kg
DHR12M
Speaker type: 2-way, Bi-amped Powered Speaker, Bass-reflex
Frequency range (-10dB): 55 Hz – 20 kHz
Coverage area: H90ﾟ x V90ﾟ
Crossover: 1.8 kHz: FIR-X tuning™ (linear phase FIR filter)
Maximum Output Level (Measured peak, IEC noise@1m): 129 dB SPL
Components
LF: Diameter: 12″ cone, Voice Coil: 2.5″, Magnet: Ferrite
HF: Diaphragm: 1.75″, Type: 1″ throat coaxial compression driver, Magnet: Ferrite
Amplifier class: Class-D
Power rating
Dynamic: 1,000 W (LF: 800 W, HF: 200 W)
Continuos: 465 W (LF: 400 W, HF: 65 W)
Cooling: Fan cooling, 4 speeds
Power consumption: 74 W (1/8power), 18 W (Idle)
Power requirements: 100 V, 100-120 V, 220-240 V, 110/127/220 V (Brazil), 50/60 Hz
A/D D/A Converters: 24 bit 48 kHz Sampling
Processors:
HPF: OFF, 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 24 dB/Oct.;
D-CONTOUR: FOH/MAIN, MONITOR, OFF
I/O connectors:
INPUT1: Combo x1,
INPUT2: Combo x 1 + RCA pin x 2 (Unbalanced),
OUTPUT: XLR3-32 x 1 (CH1 Parallel Through or CH1+CH2 Mix)
Cabinet material: Plywood
Finish: Durable Polyurea Painting, Black
Handle: Side x1
Pole socket:Φ35 mm x1 (Bottom)
Floor Monitor Angle: 57°
Dimensions:
W: 500 mm (19.7″)
H: 343 mm (13.5″) (with rubber feet)
D: 454 mm (17.9″)
Net weight: 16.5 kg
DHR10
Speaker type: 2-way, Bi-amped Powered Speaker, Bass-reflex
Frequency range (-10dB): 52 Hz – 20 kHz
Coverage area:H90ﾟ x V60ﾟ (Rotatable)
Crossover: 1.9 kHz: FIR-X tuning™ (linear phase FIR filter)
Maximum Output Level (Measured peak, IEC noise@1m): 128 dB SPL
Components
LF:Diameter: 10″ cone, Voice Coil: 2″, Magnet: Ferrite
HF: Diaphragm: 1.4″, Type: 1″ throat compression driver, Magnet: Ferrite
Amplifier class: Class-D
Power rating
Dynamic: 700 W (LF: 500 W, HF: 200 W) *1
Continuos: 325 W (LF: 260 W, HF: 65 W)
Cooling: Fan cooling, 4 speeds
Power consumption: 60 W (1/8power), 18 W (Idle)
Power requirements: 100 V, 100-120 V, 220-240 V, 110/127/220 V (Brazil), 50/60 Hz
A/D D/A Converters: 24 bit 48 kHz Sampling
Processors:
HPF: OFF, 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 24 dB/Oct.;
D-CONTOUR: FOH/MAIN, MONITOR, OFF
I/O connectors:
INPUT1: Combo x1,
INPUT2: Combo x 1 + RCA pin x 2 (Unbalanced),
OUTPUT: XLR3-32 x 1 (CH1 Parallel Through or CH1+CH2 Mix)
Cabinet material: Plywood
Finish: Durable Polyurea Painting, Black
Handle: Top x1
Pole socket:Φ35 mm x1 (Bottom)
Rigging: Top x 2, Rear x 1 (Fit for M10 x 30 – 50 mm Eyebolts)
Dimensions:
W: 305 mm
H: 494 mm (with rubber feet)
D: 300 mm
Net weight: 15.0 kg
Options: U-bracket: UB-DXRDHR10
THE FIELD TEST
We were delighted to accept Yamaha Italy’s invitation to be among the first to touch and hear these new speakers live, directly in Lesmo, a small town near Monza, where Yamaha Music’s Italian headquarters are located.
Andrea Aiello – Pro Audio Specialist Italy – Yamaha Music Europe
We were welcomed by Giulia Giganti and Andrea Aiello, respectively Marketing/Communication Assistant and Pro Audio Specialist at Yamaha Music Europe. In the demo room the three models of the DHR series were mounted together with three other systems, for a listening comparison: two active loudspeakers of the DZR Series, namely the DZR-15D and the DZR-10D (where the final “D” stands for “Dante”) and a Stagepass 1k column system.
After listing the specs of the various systems, we went straight into listening to some reference tracks, first with the two DZR and Stagepass speakers, then with the three DHR models. The two full-range models DHR10 and DHR15 were very good in comparison with the DZR speakers (which cost about twice as much as the DHRs), offering an excellent performance in terms of power level, definition and coverage. The electronics are never invasive and are functional to the result, while the sound – as far as we heard it – retains a bit of that Yamaha “family feeling” with a wide, clean and very neutral response. We particularly liked the coaxial floor monitor, which we were also able to try in action with a dynamic cardioid microphone, an essential, functional monitor with an excellent presence and output level before feedback.
CONCLUSIONS
Combined with practical features tailored to their specific applications, Yamaha’s DHR series models and their passive counterpart CHR offer the flexibility to choose the ideal loudspeaker for a wide variety of sound environments. The price/quality ratio is very good, hard to find in this price range on the market for a cabinet made of wood when it comes to active speakers, but especially passive ones. All the features are of a professional level and the choice of materials, electronic components, woofers and drivers makes it clear that Yamaha has dedicated time and resources to achieve this result, considering for example the effort put into building a proprietary horn or specially calibrated DSP systems. Despite the fact that they are all very good speakers, our biggest praise goes to the floor monitor with coaxial driver “Made in Yamaha”, which can really be a versatile product and able to amaze many “fans” of even much more expensive stage monitors…
Info: www.yamaha.com
Guido Block – main tester
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