Yamaha MSR400 Powered PA Cabinet (400 Watts, 1x12")
Perfect for the road or studio, this powered PA cabinet from Yamaha delivers powerful bass and clear midrange all in a clean, simple design.
Overall User Ratings (based on 39 ratings)
Submitted March 15, 2011 by a customer from isa-avl.com
""Everyday Real-World Review""
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Given the sound, and the purpose, for which I purchased these they are an excellent choice. Probably will never need anything more unless we start playing arenas!
Sound
I run sound for a male gospel singing group with piano. I wanted a powered speaker for mains capable of small to medium size venues. I listened to JBL, Mackie, Peavey, and several others with similar power ratings, some with higher power ratings. I bought the MSR400. The sound is very clean and true especially for vocals. Excellent balance between lows and highs, and the power is more than adequate for even some larger rooms. I run these using Blue Encore 300 mic's and a Soundcraft FX16ii board. If your focus is on vocals with clean sound, (not needing to blow ears off), you should give these speakers serious consideration.
Features
The reason I give them a 9, (like most powered speakers), is that you get this short electrical cord that will barely reach the floor if you pole mount these which you will do 99% of the time. Speaker manufacturers need to provide at least an 8 foot cord to make connections to extension cords where necessary more practical as well as cosmetically better looking. The units have a low and high EQ but I run this at neutral setting and control EQ from the board which most people will do.
Ease of Use
Plug and play. What more can you say about powered speaker ease of use.
Quality
Although made in China,(like virtually everything else in music), they appear to be constructed very well. Molded cabinets eliminate potential vibrations, sturdy, metal grill, easy to transport. Like any speaker I would recommend getting a cover to protect from dust and other elements. Time will tell how it holds up over-all.
Value
Given what is available in the market especially with higher power wattage these are a bit pricy in comparison. Most of the MSR series are a bit over-priced given the competition.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed them yet so we'll hope for the best if I do need them.
The Wow Factor
Excellent cosmetic appeal and it doesn't frighten the audience who sit "up front" worrying that they might need ear plugs.
Musical Background:
Semi-Pro Sound Man, Home recording
Musical Style:
Gospel, Country, Classic Rock
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Submitted December 3, 2005 by a customer from mac.com
"Amazing Quality & Sound"
Befor you buy another brand try these first they are great
Sound
I bought these over the JBL & Mackie Speakers and I am glad I did.
Absolutely amazing for their size.Im using them as DJ Speakers and have many years in the business!Keep up the good work.Incredible sound ! Great bass response ! Im going to buy the powered sub to add to these for very large venues!
Features
Clean , Simple, powerful, very very well made!
Quality
Top of the line construction.Very Very solid.
Value
Well worth the money.
Manufacturer Support
Havent needed it
The Wow Factor
The design of these is very easy on the eyes
Musical Background:
30 years as Musician and DJ
Musical Style:
ALl Styles
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Submitted November 4, 2012 by KK Curtis in Knoxvegas, TN
"Great sound, great yamaha quality!"
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I have used most every active speaker out there....Mackie, JBL, EV, Cerwin Vega, EAW, RCF, FBT, QSC as well as others. The yamaha product rates equivalent to higher priced items, and performs as well or better in similar enironments. SPL's are great, freq response very consistent with different genres of music. Very powerful, and yet seems to be "under rated" on the power side. Construction is typical yamaha, and can't be beat. Spend more for something similar, and you will be dissapointed!
Sound
Said enough......
Features
Need I say more.....
Ease of Use
Set gain at desired level, set HF - LF to desired level, plug and play. Works well with any non powered mixer, as long as it utilizes XLR main outs. Using the 1/4" ts/trs does have slight harmonic buzz, though very low.
Quality
What can I say, it's a Yamaha product!
Value
Best value in a mid-level active enclosure....hands down!
Manufacturer Support
No need at this point.
The Wow Factor
I am "wowed" by the over quality and performance of this product. Could I make good music without it? Yes, but....I'll take these over the competitor(s) anyday!
Musical Background:
Professional, touring, gigging.
Musical Style:
Country, Rock, Christian, Blues, Fusion
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Submitted December 3, 2012 by Tim J in Toledo, OH
"Very pleased! "
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For 12 years I designed and sold church and school sound systems. Thus, I am familiar with many products. Now, I manage a traveling vocal group consisting of 3 vocalists and keyboard player. We use our own studio backing tracks along with live accompaniment during concerts. Most performance are in churches and outdoor venues such as fairs and festivals. I purchased two of these as stage monitors five years ago. I listened to many competing products before purchase. These speakers are excellent. Sound quality is superb. Very warm, smooth, and clear. Love the ability to control level and tone for each speaker depending on vocalist's unique desires. Plenty of power for stage monitors!
Musical Background:
Keyboard player, manager, and vocalist for traveling vocal group. Play professionally.
Musical Style:
County and Christian music.
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Submitted May 10, 2010 by a customer from hotmail.com
"This speaker rocks!"
many years
Sound
Crystal clear sound. I use 2 of them conected to a yamaha mixer and the sound is so true. I'm using AKG mics.
The bass is very very powerfull for a 12''
It achieves all frequencies.
I seriously recomend this speaker to everyone.
Ease of Use
A little heavy, but the sound it generates it's heavy to so there's no prob...
Quality
It has a great aspect and it is very durable.
Value
very worth the price. YAmaha rules.
Manufacturer Support
Never needed any support from Yamaha. The product has no issues.
The Wow Factor
Very great aspect. Suitable for any type of ambiet (jazz rock metal...)
Musical Background:
Singer
Musical Style:
Jazz , soft rock
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Submitted October 3, 2005 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Fantastic sound. Worth the money. Don't buy JBL Power15's over these!"
I might eventually need more wattage output, although this thing gets LOUD.
Sound
Great response on a wide range of frequencies. I put it side by side to a JBL Power15 and it kicked the snot out of it in terms of overall sound quality and especially on the low end. A little pricey, but I think it's worth it.
Features
Nothing spectacular, but I'm glad it came with a line-in as well as two mic-ins so you don't really need a PA for basic usage. It has a volume knob of course, and it has basic low/high eq knobs which is nice as well. Also has a clipping LED so you know when it's being overworked.
Quality
Solid construction, medium weight, handles on both sides... thumbs up.
Value
Again, a little pricey, but I think it's worth it.
Manufacturer Support
Yamaha is a quality company.
The Wow Factor
I was very impressed with this product in store and it really was spooge-worthy enough to shell out the extra cash for.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, Drum and Bass
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Submitted July 7, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Well worth it for the money if you like deeper bass response."
Sound
We compared this against the Mackie SRM450 and the Yamaha bass response is better. Mackie has too much mid range.
Value
Cheaper price than other powered PA monitors out there.
Musical Background:
DJ/producer
Musical Style:
urban/electronic
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Submitted December 17, 2013 by ade bolaji in east point, GA
"Nice Speaker but stay away!! no support from yamaha if it breaks!!"
Recently bought a pair of MSR400 spkrs. Sound very good but weigh alot compared to Mackie 450's. My biggest problem isn't related to sound. Just found out from yamaha that they don't offer any replacement diaphrams for the horns. You have to but a whole new $200 horn unit. Don't bother with buying this speaker. One bad pop and your going to have to spend half the cost of purchase to fix it.
Musical Background:
playing percussion for 20yrs, mostly sound engineer now...
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Submitted August 30, 2012 by Allan B
"Yamaha smr 400 watt speakers....in yor face baby!"
These are excellent speakers and replace my tannoy 15-inch gold. Truly excellent sound you will not be sorry if you buy these!
Sound
Sound is detailed & "well projected" good base the sound of a harmonica sounded truly "alive".vocals and guitar were extremely pleasing.
Features
Inputs are excellent
Ease of Use
A snap to use with my Yamaha USB 166 mixer
Quality
Excellent build pleasing cosmetics
Value
Excellent value to my mind & ears
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
I have considered taking it to bed...but it's a bit cold to touch:-)
Musical Background:
Guitar harmonica
Musical Style:
Blues rock punk
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Submitted August 30, 2012 by Allan B
"Yamaha smr 400 watt speakers....in yor face baby!"
These are excellent speakers and replace my tannoy 15inch gold. Truly excellent sound you will not be sorry if you buy these!
Sound
Sound is detailed & "well projected" good base the sound of a harmonica sounded truly "alive".vocals and guitar were extremely pleasing.
Features
Inputs are excellent
Ease of Use
A snap to use with my Yamaha USB 166 mixer
Quality
Excellent build pleasing cosmetics
Value
Excellent value to my mind & ears
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
I have considered taking it to bed...but it's a bit cold to touch:-)
Musical Background:
Guitar harmonica
Musical Style:
Blues rock punk
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Submitted August 30, 2012 by Allan B
"Yamaha smr 400 watt speakers....in yor face baby!"
These are excellent speakers and replace my tannoy 15inch gold. Truly excellent sound you will not be sorry if you buy these!
Sound
Sound is detailed & "well projected" good base the sound of a harmonica sounded truly "alive".vocals and guitar were extremely pleasing.
Features
Inputs are excellent
Ease of Use
A snap to use with my Yamaha USB 166 mixer
Quality
Excellent build pleasing cosmetics
Value
Excellent value to my mind & ears
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
I have considered taking it to bed...but it's a bit cold to touch:-)
Musical Background:
Guitar harmonica
Musical Style:
Blues rock punk
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Submitted April 10, 2007
"This is a MUST buy if you are in the market for Powered Speakers"
I strongly suggest you give this speaker a serious consideration. I am the type of guy who examines all the specs, and then does side by side comparisons before buying anything. It was not even close, the Yamaha was the choice hands down. Now that I have the pair set up I am completely satisfied.
Sound
The sound of the Yamaha MSH 400 is absolutely amazing. For vocals it cannot be beat. I put this against the JBL Eon G2, mackies, and yorkville and the Yamaha blew them away.
Features
Yamaha makes the best amplifiers period. Numerous in connections and a built in 2 band equalizer help you fine tune the sound. It also has a special crossover where there is absolutely no distortion.
Ease of Use
Plug from mike straight into the speaker or go thru a mixer.
Quality
Yamaha has been making the best amplifiers for years and in this product it is no exception. Do this, goto your local music store. Get a cd that features vocals and do side by side comparisons on the quality. Thats what I did and the Yamaha blew away the competition. When I play a CD thru the pair it sounds absolutley amazing. The bass is excellent, mid and highs crystal clear. When my friends come over and I pipe a cd thru the speakers they are speechless..........
Value
For the speakers in the 500-800 dollar range these cannot be beat.
Manufacturer Support
No problems
The Wow Factor
Traditional look
Musical Background:
Active Muscisian
Musical Style:
Rock, punk
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