Yamaha BR-10 10" Passive Speaker

The Yamaha BR10 is a 10-inch, two-way passive loudspeaker from Yamaha's now-discontinued BR (Bass Reflex) Series. It was designed as an affordable yet reliable option for small clubs, schools, houses of worship, and gigging musicians needing a rugged and portable PA system. As a passive speaker, it requires an external power amplifier to function.

The "BR" in its name not only refers to "Bass Reflex" (indicating its ported cabinet design for enhanced low-frequency response) but also highlights its core attributes: Built Right, Better Response, and Best Reliability.

Here's a detailed look at its key features and specifications:

Transducers and Acoustics:

• LF Transducer: Features a 10-inch high-power woofer.

• HF Transducer: Equipped with a 1-inch titanium compression driver mounted in a 90 x 40 non-resonant horn. The titanium diaphragm contributes to clear and detailed high-frequency reproduction.

• Bass-Reflex Design: The cabinet is ported, optimizing the low-frequency response for a fuller sound from a relatively compact enclosure.

• Constant Directivity Horn: The horn design helps provide consistent sound dispersion over its coverage area.

• Frequency Range (-10dB): 65Hz - 20kHz. This indicates a solid full-range response for a 10-inch speaker, capturing vocals, instruments, and most music effectively.

Power Handling and Performance:

• Power Handling (RMS/Program/Peak):

  • Noise (RMS): 125 Watts

  • Program: 250 Watts

  • Peak: 500 WattsIt's crucial to match these ratings with a suitable external amplifier to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage. An amplifier providing around 250 watts continuous power at 8 ohms per speaker would be a good match.

• Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of standard power amplifiers and ensuring easy parallel connection with other 8-ohm speakers (resulting in a 4-ohm load).

• Sensitivity (1W, 1m): 96 dB SPL. This is a good efficiency rating, meaning it can achieve respectable volume levels with a moderate amount of amplifier power.

• Maximum SPL (Calculated Peak): 123 dB SPL. This suggests it can provide significant volume for its size.

Enclosure and Durability:

• Construction: The cabinet is made from wood, crafted using advanced computer-controlled woodworking techniques for precise assembly.

• Finish: Typically features a durable black carpeted finish, which is common for road-worthy passive speakers and provides good protection against scuffs and scratches.

• Protection: Equipped with steel corner protectors and a heavy-gauge, full-face perforated steel grille to protect the drivers from impact and damage during transport and use.

• Handles: Features large, heavy-duty metal handles for improved portability and easier lifting.

Connectivity and Versatility:

• Input Connectors: Provides dual 1/4" phone jacks for input and parallel connection. This allows for simple daisy-chaining to connect multiple BR series speakers from a single amplifier output.

• Pole Socket: Includes a standard 1-3/8 inch (35 mm) pole socket on the bottom, allowing it to be easily mounted on speaker stands for optimal positioning and sound projection.

• Wedge Design: While primarily designed as a main PA speaker, its trapezoidal shape can allow for some use as a small, rudimentary floor monitor if needed, though dedicated monitor models (like the BR12M or BR15M) from the same series existed.

Applications:

• Small Live Music Venues: Suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments, and general music playback.

• Mobile DJ Setups: Can provide clear mid-range and highs for music, often paired with a subwoofer for fuller bass.

• Presentations and Public Address: Delivers clear and articulate speech.

• Rehearsal Studios: A reliable and durable option for practice.

• Small Churches and Schools: Cost-effective sound reinforcement for various events.

The Yamaha BR10, like the rest of the BR Series, was designed for durability and straightforward performance at an affordable price point. Its robust build and clear sound made it a popular choice for budget-conscious users seeking reliable passive loudspeakers.