For pro audio professionals unable to make it over to Frankfurt for last month's Prolight+Sound showcase this will provide the perfect opportunity to assess RCF's new suite, which provides a number of different, mission critical solutions.
Following the success of the HDL20-A active line array, much attention will be focused on the compact HDL10-A - ideal in both live sound reinforcement and reliable installed situations. With purpose-designed transducers, the system is powered from a 1400W (peak power) two-way digital amplifier, while the sound is processed from a powerful DSP. Rental companies will also be impressed by the system's fast and easy set up.
Another legacy product following the rich heritage of the ART 7 series is the new ART 745-A active two-way speaker which replaces the previous flagship, the ART725-A. Housing a new 15in active speaker and a 4" voice coil - possibly the largest voice coil ever seen within a composite enclosure in this class - the integral amplifier delivers 1400W and is controlled by a DSP that takes care of crossover, equalisation, phase alignment, soft limiting and speaker protections.
A new series being shown for the first time in the UK is the EVOX 5 and EVOX 8. The pole-mounted system is designed for live sound and sets out to exceed the performance and portability of all competitive products in this class. Distinguishing characteristics include: High definition full-range drivers; Dedicated processing algorithms; Extended low frequency range; Wide and even horizontal sound dispersion; Unmatched vocal reproduction; Simple set-up and transportation. In fact RCF is tipping EVOX to be the most important product to be added to the new live sound catalogue this year.
In Frankfurt, RCF CEO Arturo Vicari announced the formation of RCF's new Mixer Division. Examples from the new nine-strong L-PAD series of compact mixers, housed in elegant and stylish chassis, will be on show in Leeds. These provide flexibility for most live applications, where they will support everything from small combos and jazz quartets down to one man bands, as well as mixing corporate and conference room style events. Each model is distinguished by an uncompromising audio quality, and by the presence of compressors in seven of the models and internal multi-effects in five of them.
Finally, when RCF introduced its Media Series it completed a product portfolio which allowed systems engineers to view RCF as a single source for all speaker requirements. Well not quite ... this statement was probably only true after the company added its Media subs - S5012 (12"), S5020 (2 x 10") and S5022 (2 x 12") ... all of which will be on view at the Royal Armouries.
(Jim Evans)
