Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet (Used)
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- Product #601229
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by PowerReviewsMost Liked Positive Review
Almost Powerful Enough
I've had these for about 5 years and my comments are mostly related to using them for band practice PA speakers.They sound great for a playback system, but they underperform (due to low power,...Read complete review
I've had these for about 5 years and my comments are mostly related to using them for band practice PA speakers.They sound great for a playback system, but they underperform (due to low power, not sound) as a PA. I think Yamaha sort of hides the technical information about the RMS power rating of the MSR400's because they don't want to discourage people from buying them to use for a PA. Note that Yamaha's website lists RMS ratings (program handling, basically) for every one of their speakers EXCEPT the MSR400. They only give ratings for "burst power" (basically the same as PEAK, which is the max. volume headroom ceiling that you don't want to hit because it will sound like crap if you do [solid state clipping distortion]). If you're in a band looking for a PA and you play at reasonably loud like most bands do, chances are MSR400's will not have enough power for your vocals to sit loud and clear above the band's volume level. I'm not talking about boneheaded idiot LOUD levels either, just "normal" loud. You might hear the vocals, but they won't be front and center like they should, nor even understandable. That said, if your band is only somewhat loud most of the time, these will probably be fine. If the power handling is high enough for your musical situation, the good news is -- They Sound Great! They sound so good that I'm sticking with Yamaha when I get a higher powered system in the near future. I have to give them 4 stars for how good they sound, and because they would work for bands that don't really throw down.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Dont buy
These speakers suck. They peak at low volumes and sound horrible, no low end at all. They suck, dont buy them.
These speakers suck. They peak at low volumes and sound horrible, no low end at all. They suck, dont buy them.
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Reviewed by 13 customers
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Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Events
- Parties
- Small Acoustic Gigs
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
Great sound and good volume for size, fantastic as a party speaker or acoustic PA, Lacks the power for hard rock or metal Band gigs, But has plenty for practising and low volume sessions.
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
These are excellent speakers and one of the best values for the money. I am a huge Yamaha fan anyway because they make great sounding, durable equipment for a reasonable price. I am currently using one of these as a floor monitor and get accurate reproduction of acoustic guitar, keyboard and vocals at excellent volume. Pleasantly suprised with the bass response from this 12" speaker. Can't wait to get another one!
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
The best system ever Chuck Berry Tribute and Matchbox Band 5 piece
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
I've had the MSR400s for several months now, mostly smaller settings (< 80 people venues), but also at a midsize church and a couple of times outside (large yard parties). Volume has never been a problem. Run mostly a yamaha s90es and vocals through it, and they come out crystal clear and smooth. Initially I had picked up Mackie powered speakers from GS at about the same price, but on audition at home relalized that the sound wasn't what I was after (especially for the vocals). Took a chance and ordered the MSR400s online and wow I don't think I've ever been more happy over time with a purchase. On female vocals these are as good as I've heard. I've on occasion run base guitar, piano, and vocals together and have been pleased by the definition of each, and the low end sounded powerful. I would definitely buy these again.
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
I've had these for about 5 years and my comments are mostly related to using them for band practice PA speakers.They sound great for a playback system, but they underperform (due to low power, not sound) as a PA. I think Yamaha sort of hides the technical information about the RMS power rating of the MSR400's because they don't want to discourage people from buying them to use for a PA. Note that Yamaha's website lists RMS ratings (program handling, basically) for every one of their speakers EXCEPT the MSR400. They only give ratings for "burst power" (basically the same as PEAK, which is the max. volume headroom ceiling that you don't want to hit because it will sound like crap if you do [solid state clipping distortion]). If you're in a band looking for a PA and you play at reasonably loud like most bands do, chances are MSR400's will not have enough power for your vocals to sit loud and clear above the band's volume level. I'm not talking about boneheaded idiot LOUD levels either, just "normal" loud. You might hear the vocals, but they won't be front and center like they should, nor even understandable. That said, if your band is only somewhat loud most of the time, these will probably be fine. If the power handling is high enough for your musical situation, the good news is -- They Sound Great! They sound so good that I'm sticking with Yamaha when I get a higher powered system in the near future. I have to give them 4 stars for how good they sound, and because they would work for bands that don't really throw down.
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
In a field of very similar-looking powered cabinets, the Yamaha MSR400 stands alone for it's price. I have had a pair since they came out and they have never failed to perform despite the rigors of the road. I use them in several different ways. For rehearsal, we put vocals, keyboards and bass through them and they never get run past 1/4...there's plenty of clean headroom here to say the least. For gigs, they get used as my stereo keyboard amp (organ and Motif). Organ in particular with all those fundamentals and overtones will eat up lesser amps, but the MSR400 never even breaks a sweat...even at outdoor gigs. Having the two gives me the wide stereo that makes the Leslie sim as well as things like Suitcase Rhodes sound amazing. That two small cabinets can put out this much sound and have such good fidelity is amazing and just as a keyboard setup, you don't know what you're missing by using a typical combo type keyboard amp, not even close. When I run sound for other bands, these get used either as another set of monitors or mains. In every case, the sound is not just loud...but clean and the fideliuty is happening as well. That "honk-ey" plastic box sound is not there with these things. They are highly recommended and I hope Yamaha never stops making these things as they have a real winner here.
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
These guys get used and abused and they perform perfect everytime. They put out more sound and low end then some of my 15" full range passive speakers. Would buy them again and again.
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
I just got my Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet and its so great to work with Quaility of sound is amazing and quaility is so great only problam is its too much of weight if yamaha consider some wheels to pull over will be great
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
I have owned a pair of these for several months. They have more than adequate power for anything short of head banging stuff, and they provide clear and accurate sound in a typical local bar or restaurant setting. My board has never been pushed more than a third of the way to 0db, with speaker volume in the nominal position, to fill these rooms. I love the sound and convenience and chose them after auditioning similar Mackie, JBL, and Yorkville products. This is definitely the most balanced sounding of the bunch!
Comments about Yamaha MSR400 Powered Speaker Cabinet:
The Yamaha MSR400's sound terrific. They reproduce voice and instrumentation accurately. I like the fact that they are not too bright like most of these self-powered speakers. They have adequate bass for small venues, but require a sub for bigger sound. I chose these over the JBL Eon's hands down...less expensive, more musical sound. I highly recommend them, for specific purpose use. If you are a crankin' band, not a good option.