RCF ART 9 Series Professional Active Speakers Owner’s Manual

RCF ART 9 Series Professional Active Speakers Owner’s Manual

 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The symbols used in this document give notice of important operating instructions and warnings which must be strictly followed.

| CAUTION| Important operating instructions: explains hazards that could damage a product, including data loss
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| WARNING| Important advice concerning the use of dangerous voltages and the potential risk of electric shock, personal injury or death
| IMPORTANT NOTES| Helpful and relevant information about the topic
| SUPPORTS, TROLLEYS AND CARTS| Information about the use of supports, trolleys and carts. Reminds to move with extreme caution and never tilt.
| WASTE DISPOSAL| This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed with your household waste, according to the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law.

IMPORTANT NOTES

This manual contains important information about the correct and safe use of the device. Before connecting and using this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and keep it on hand for future reference. The manual is to be considered an integral part of this product and must accompany it when it changes ownership as a reference for correct installation and use as well as for the safety precautions. RCF S.p.A. will not assume any responsibility for the incorrect installation and / or use of this product.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information

2. Power supply from mains

   • The mains voltage is sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution; install and connect this product before plugging it in.
   • Before powering up, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and the voltage of your mains corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the unit, if not, please contact your RCF dealer.
   • The metallic parts of the unit are earthed through the power cable. An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthling connection.
   • Protect the power cable from damage; make sure it is positioned in a way that it cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.
   • To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open this product: there are no parts inside that the user needs to access.
   • Be careful: in the case of a product supplied by manufacturer only with POWERCON connectors and without a power cord, jointly to POWERCON connectors type NAC3FCA (power-in) and NAC3FCB (power-out), the following power cords compliant to national standard shall be used:
   • EU: cord type H05VV-F 3G 3×2.5 mm2 – Standard IEC 60227-1
   • JP: cord type VCTF 3×2 mm2; 15Amp/120V~ – Standard JIS C3306
   • US: cord type SJT/SJTO 3×14 AWG; 15Amp/125V~ – Standard ANSI/UL 62

3. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into this product, as this may cause a short circuit. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on this apparatus. No naked sources (such as lighted candles) should be placed on this apparatus.

4. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modifications or repairs that are not expressly described in this manual. Contact your authorized service center or qualified personnel should any of the following occur:

   • The product does not function (or functions in an anomalous way).
   • The power cable has been damaged.
   • Objects or liquids have got in the unit.
   • The product has been subject to a heavy impact.

5. If this product is not used for a long period, disconnect the power cable.

6. If this product begins emitting any strange odors or smoke, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power cable.

7. Do not connect this product to any equipment or accessories not foreseen. For suspended installation, only use the dedicated anchoring points and do not try to hang this product by using elements that are unsuitable or not specific for this purpose. Also check the suitability of the support surface to which the product is anchored (wall, ceiling, structure, etc.), and the components used for attachment (screw anchors, screws, brackets not supplied by RCF etc.), which must guarantee the security of the system / installation over time, also considering, for example, the mechanical vibrations normally generated by transducers. To prevent the risk of falling equipment, do not stack multiple units of this product unless this possibility is specified in the user manual.

8. RCF S.p.A. strongly recommends this product is only installed by professional qualified installers (or specialized firms) who can ensure correct installation and certify it according to the regulations in force. The entire audio system must comply with the current standards and regulations regarding electrical systems.

9. Supports, trolleys and carts.
   The equipment should be only used on supports, trolleys and carts, where necessary, that are recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment / support / trolley / cart assembly must be moved with extreme caution. Sudden stops, excessive pushing force and uneven floors may cause the assembly to overturn. Never tilt the assembly.

10. There are numerous mechanical and electrical factors to be considered when installing a professional audio system (in addition to those which are strictly acoustic, such as sound pressure, angles of coverage, frequency response, etc.).

11. Hearing loss. Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. The acoustic pressure level that leads to hearing loss is different from person to person and depends on the duration of exposure. To prevent potentially dangerous exposure to high levels of acoustic pressure, anyone who is exposed to these levels should use adequate protection devices. When a transducer capable of producing high sound levels is being used, it is therefore necessary to wear ear plugs or protective earphones. See the manual technical specifications to know the maximum sound pressure level.

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

• Place this product far from any heat sources and always ensure an adequate air circulation around it.
• Do not overload this product for a long time.
• Never force the control elements (keys, knobs, etc.).
• Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene or other volatile substances for cleaning the external parts of this product.

IMPORTANT NOTES

To prevent the occurrence of noise on line signal cables, use screened cables only
and avoid putting them close to:

• Equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic fields
• Power cables
• Loudspeaker lines

WARNING! CAUTION! To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, never expose this product to rain or humidity

WARNING! To prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to mains power supply while grille is removed.

WARNING! to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble
this product unless you are qualified. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.

CORRECT DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT

This product should be handed over to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority or your household waste disposal service.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

To ensure a long-life service, this product should be used following these advices:

• If the product is intended to be set up outdoors, be sure it is under cover and protected to rain and moisture.
• If the product needs to be used in a cold environment, slowly warm up the voice coils by sending a low-level signal for about 15 minutes before sending high-power signals.
• Always use a dry cloth to clean the exterior surfaces of the speaker and always do it when the power is turned off.

CAUTION: to avoid damaging the exterior finishes do not use cleaning solvents or abrasives.

WARNING! CAUTION! For powered speakers, do cleaning only when the power is turned off.

RCF S.p.A. reserves the right to make changes without prior notice to rectify any errors and / or omissions. Always refer to the latest version of the manual on RCF S.p.A. reserves the right to make changes without
prior notice to rectify any errors and / or omissions.
Always refer to the latest version of the manual on
www.rcf.it

DESCRIPTION

THE ART 9 SERIES

ART 9 Series combines raw power and technological innovation to reliably deliver superior clarity with impressive sound pressure.

The ART 9 speaker is an evolution of the ART concept and a revolution in professional sound, created with music in mind. Packed with premium features, it’s the best fit for professional applications on the road, also suitable for installation. The new bi-amplified 2100W electroacoustic design provides remarkable Sound Pressure Levels (SPL), even when used in open-air environments and at long distances, with impeccable quality.

The combination of purpose-designed transducers, advanced DSP processing, and the new True Resistive Waveguide delivers coherent coverage throughout the listening area with superb sound free of distortion, and legendary RCF reliability. Clarity and natural dynamic of vocal reproduction are also improved, with maximum intelligibility both at low and very high volume levels. We blended RCF proprietary Fir PHASE and Bass Motion Control algorithms, perfectly tuned for each model, so your audience will experience all nuances of your sound and very deep bass.

1. ART 910-A 2100 Watt 10” Woofer – 2,5” v.c. 1.75” Compression Driver 15.8 kg / 34.83 lbs
   

2. ART 912-A 2100 Watt 12” Woofer – 2,5” v.c. 1.75” Compression Driver 19 kg / 41.89 lbs
   

3. ART 932-A 2100 Watt 12” Woofer – 2,5” v.c. 3.0” Compression Driver 18.8 kg / 41.45 lbs
   

4. ART 915-A 2100 Watt 15” Woofer – 2.5” v.c. 1.75” Compression Driver 22 kg / 48.5 lbs
   

5. ART 935-A 2100 Watt 15” Woofer – 3.0” v.c. 3.0” Compression Driver 24.2 kg / 53.35 lbs
   

6. ART 945-A 2100 Watt 15” Neo Woofer – 3.5” v.c. 4.0” Compression Driver 22.1 kg / 48.72 lbs
   

REAR PANEL FEATURES AND CONTROLS

1. PRESETS SELECTOR
   This selector allows to select 3 different presets. By pressing the selector, the PRESET LEDS will indicate which preset is selected. LINEAR – this preset is recommended for all regular applications of the speaker. BOOST – this preset creates a loudness equalization recommended for background music applications when the system plays at a low level. STAGE – this preset is recommended when the speaker is used as a stage monitor

2. PRESET LEDS
   These LEDs indicate the selected preset.

3. FEMALE XLR/JACK COMBO INPUT
   This balanced input accepts a standard JACK or XLR male connector.

4. MALE XLR SIGNAL OUTPUT
   This XLR output connector provides a loop trough for speakers daisy chaining

5. OVERLOAD/SIGNAL LEDS These LEDs indicate
   The SIGNAL LED lights green if there is a signal present on the main COMBO input. The OVERLOAD LED indicates an overload on the input signal. It is okay if the OVERLOAD LED blinks occasionally. If the LED blinks frquently or lights continuously, turn down the signal level avoiding distorted sound. Anyway, the amplifier has a built-in limiter circuit to prevent input clipping or overdriving the transducers.

6. VOLUME CONTROL Adjusts the master volume.

7. POWER MAIN SWITCH The power switch turns the AC power ON and OFF.

8. FUSE CARRIER Mains fuse housing.

9. STANDARD 3-PRONG IEC SOCKET Power connection.

10. POWERCON INPUT SOCKET Power connection (ART 945-A only).

11. POWERCON OUTPUT SOCKET Sends the AC power to another speaker (ART 945-A only). Power link: 100-120V~ max 1600W l 200-240V~MAX 3300W.

WARNING! CAUTION! Loudspeaker connections should be only made by qualified and experienced personnel having the technical know-how or enough specific instructions (to ensure that connections are made correctly) in order to prevent any electrical danger. To prevent any risk of electric shock, do not connect loudspeakers when the amplifier is switched on. Before turning the system on, check all connections and make sure there are no accidental short circuits. The entire sound system shall be designed and installed in compliance with the current local laws and regulations regarding electrical systems.

CONNECTIONS

The connectors must be wired according to the standards specified by the AES (Audio Engineering Society).

1. MALE XLR CONNECTOR Balanced wiring
   

2. FEMALE XLR CONNECTOR Balanced wiring
   

3. TRS CONNECTOR Unbalanced mono wiring
   
   

4. TRS CONNECTOR Balanced mono wiring
   

• PIN 1 = GROUND (SHIELD)
• PIN 2 = HOT (+)
• PIN 3 = COLD (-)
• SLEEVE = GROUND (SHIELD)
• TIP = HOT (+)
• RING = COLD (-)

BEFORE CONNECTING THE SPEAKER

On the rear panel you will find all the controls, signal and power inputs. At first verify the voltage label applied to the rear panel (115 Volt or 230 Volt). The label indicates the right voltage. If you read a wrong voltage on the label or if you can’t find the label at all, please call your vendor or authorized RCF SERVICE CENTRE before connecting the speaker. This fast check will avoid any damage. In case of need of changing the voltage please call your vendor or authorized RCF SERVICE CENTRE. This operation requires the replacement of the fuse value and is reserved to an RCF SERVICE CENTRE.

BEFORE TURNING ON THE SPEAKER

You can now connect the power supply cable and the signal cable. Before turning on the speaker make sure the volume control is at the minimum level (even on the mixer output). It is important that the mixer is already ON before turning on the speaker. This will avoid damages to the speaker and noisy “bumps” due to turning on parts on the audio chain. It is a good practice to always turn on the speakers at last and turning them off immediately after their use. You can now turn ON the speaker and adjust the volume control to a proper level.

PROTECTIONS

ART Series active speakers are equipped with a complete system of protection circuits. The circuit is acting very gently on audio signal, controlling level and maintaining distortion at acceptable level.

VOLTAGE SETUP (RESERVED TO THE RCF SERVICE CENTRE)

• 200-240 Volt, 50 Hz
• 100-120 Volt, 60 Hz
• (FUSE VALUE T6.3 A L 250V)

INSTALLATION

FLOOR CONFIGURATIONS

Several configurations are possible with ART 9 Speakers; they can be placed on the floor or on a stage as main PA or used as stage monitors; they can also be pole mounted on a speaker stand or over a subwoofer.

1. FLOOR OR STAGE STANDING
   
   

2. STAGE MONITOR
   

3. POLE MOUNTED
   

4. SUBWOOFER MOUNTED
   

SUSPENDED CONFIGURATIONS

ART 9 Speakers can also be wall mounted or hanged with the use of their specific accessories ART9 H-BR, ART9 V-BR and ART9 FL-BR.

1. ART9 H-BR
   

2. ART9 V-BR
   

3. ART9 FL-BR
   

WARNING! CAUTION! Never suspend ART speakers by there handles. Handles are intended for transportation, not for rigging.

WARNING! CAUTION! To use this product with the subwoofer pole-mount, before installing the system, please verify the allowed configurations and the indications regarding the accessories, on the RCF website to avoid any danger and damages to people, animals and objects. In any case, please assure the subwoofer which is holding the speaker is located on an horizontal floor and without inclinations.

WARNING! CAUTION! The use of these speakers with Stand and Pole Mount accessories can be done by qualified and experienced personnel only, trained appropriately on professional systems installations. In any case it’s the user’s final responsibility to ensure the system safety conditions and avoid any danger or damage to people, animals and objects.

TROUBLESHOOTING

THE SPEAKER DOESN’T TURN ON
Make sure the speaker is switched on and connected to an active AC power
THE SPEAKER IS CONNECTED TO AN ACTIVE AC POWER BUT DOESN’T TURN ON
Make sure the power cable is intact and connected correctly.
THE SPEAKER IS ON BUT DOESN’T MAKE ANY SOUND
Check if the signal source is sending correctly and if the signal cables are not damaged.
THE SOUND IS DISTORTED AND THE OVERLOAD LED BLINKS FREQUENTLY
Turn down the output level of the mixer.
THE SOUND IS VERY LOW AND HISSING
The source gain or the output level of the mixer might be too low.
THE SOUND IS HISSING EVEN AT PROPER GAIN AND VOLUME
The source might send a low quality or noisy signal
HUMMING OR BUZZING NOISE
Check out the AC grounding and all the equipments connected to the mixer input including cables and connectors.

WARNING! to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this product unless you are qualified. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

References

• Audio Experience

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