BR Series Speakers (Singer Magazine)
By Greg Tutwiler The longer you're involved in the music business (bands, DJ/Karaoke shows, recording, live sound, etc.) the more you come to appreciate that, next to sound quality, portability is a high priority when buying PA gear. Over the past twenty-five-plus years, Yamaha has been busy establishing a strong branding in the pro audio arena. Their powered mixers, amplifiers, keyboards, and speakers have become strong choices. Recently, as I set out to add a new pair of speakers to rig, it was natural to want to check out the latest speakers from Yamaha. As a typical PA shopper, I wanted it all: high performance, lightweight for easy transportation and lifting, seriously affordable, and built to take a beating. On the surface, Yamaha's BR Series loudspeakers had all the points covered but could they perform? There are five models to choose from, all developed for mobile and permanent applications, to offer high performance and complete system flexibility. The speakers have been engineered with a balance of easy-to-handle cabinet sizes and great low-frequency response that utilizes bass reflex technology. The series includes 10", 12", and 15" 2-way enclosures, plus 12" and 15" floor monitors. According to Wayne Hrabak, marketing manager, Yamaha Professional Audio, "Although the 'BR' prefix was chosen to represent 'Bass Reflex,' it is also very appropriate for describing the line's advanced feature set. This series offers products that have the full frequency response and high output found in more costly systems." The high-frequency response of the speakers has been enhanced with the addition of new Titanium drivers and 90° by 40° nonresonant horns. Integrated protection circuitry built into the passive crossover ensures a long life of high output and minimal distortion. Power handling is rated at maximums of 400 to 800W, depending on which model you choose. Solid The BR Series speakers are constructed using advanced computer-controlled woodworking. The cabinets have carpeted exterior finishes with heavy gauge, full-face, perforated steel grilles; steel corner protectors; large metal handles; and steel input panels with dual 1/4-in. connectors. In addition, all cabinets (including monitors) have built-in pole mounting sockets. My choice was the BR-15s as they were closest in size and power to the speakers I was replacing. I road-tested the speakers at several different types of events and was quite pleasantly surprised at their pristine sound and their efficiency. In virtually every room and in every scenario I had to back off the master gain to equal the coverage I got with my old boxes. Adding to the headroom was the fact that I could now run the EQ virtually flat as the BRs required very little bass and treble compensation. Being that the real test is how the paying public reacts, I loaned them out to a local KJ for use with his crowd at a karaoke club. Throughout the night, the singers were commenting on how much better everything (the backgrounds and the vocals) sounded. And to top it all off, at less than 47 pounds, they weigh in at two-thirds the weight of our old speakers. That was a huge help when hoisting them up on tripods three nights a week. And you sure can't beat the price: 10" (BR10, MSRP $249), 12" (BR12, MSRP $279) and 15" (BR15, MSRP $329) 2-way enclosures, plus 12" and 15" floor monitors (BR12M, MSRP $299 and BR15M, MSRP $339). For more information on the BR Series Loudspeakers, contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha. Reprinted with permission. www.SingerMagazine.com |
