RCF ART 310-A MK III, ART 312-A MK III, ART 315-A MK III User Manual

OWNER MANUAL

ART 310-A MK III
ART 312-A MK III
ART 315-A MK III

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVE

SPEAKER SYSTEMS

ENGLISH

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

ITALIANO

FRANÇAIS

DEUTSCH

3
8
13
18

2

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
a. The mains voltage is sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution; install and

connect this product before plugging it in.

b. 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.

c. 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
earthing connection.

d. Protect the power cable from damage; make sure it is positioned in a way that it

cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.

e. To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open this product: there are no parts inside

that the user needs to access.

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.

SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS

ENGLISH

4. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modifications or repairs that are not expressly
described in this manual.
Contact your authorized service centre 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 odours 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 specialised 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 and trolleys

The equipment should be only used on trolleys or supports, where necessary, that are
recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment / support / trolley assembly must be

IMPORTANT

3

moved with extreme caution. Sudden stops, excessive pushing force and uneven floors may
cause the assembly to overturn.

ENGLISH

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.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTES

OPERATING
PRECAUTIONS

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

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.

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

IMPORTANT NOTES

WARNING

4

Evolution in technology, revolution in sound.

Back in 1996 RCF moved into the forefront of the active loudspeaker technology with
the introduction of the ART Series: a loudspeakers range that was able to deliver perfect
and powerful sound with a lightweight cabinet strong enough to withstand everyday use.
The RCF R&D team kept evolving the ART technology during the last decade, developing
reference products such as the ART 322-A, the ART 310-A and the new digitally amplified
ART 725-A.
The RCF Team always has the performer’s needs at the forefront of the design in order to
create new lines of speakers with renewed features, improved sound clarity and definition
and even lighter weight systems.
The latest iconic design is the Art 3 Series MK III: an evolution in the active loudspeaker
technology with a revolutionary design and sound. Every detail of the 3 Series MK III has
been carefully studied in order to offer musicians and professionals the perfect tool to
amplify their performance, night after night.
High quality materials, precise manufacturing, careful assembly and extensive quality
control procedures complete the groundbreaking design work of the RCF R&D team.

PRODUCT
INFORMATIONS

ENGLISH

All the transducers in the Art 3 Series MK III speakers feature high power ferrite magnets in
order to guarantee a better performance and make for easier transportation.
All Compression drivers and Transducers are precision built taking advantage of RCF’s
superior moulding, assembly technologies and a wealth of professional knowledge and
experience dedicated to achieving extremely high standards.

All Art 3 Series MK III two-way speakers are equipped with a new generation of 400 Watt
digital amplifiers, 300 Watt for the woofers and 100 Watt for the compression drivers.
The result of this is very high output, extremely low distortion and an incredible natural
sound.
Each amplifier presents both XLR/jack balanced inputs, XLR output link, mic/line switch,
volume and a switchable EQ Mode (Flat/Boost). The amplifier features a solid mechanical
aluminium structure which not only stabilize the amplifier during transportation but also
assist in the heat dissipation.
All the Art 3 Series MK III amplifiers presents SMPS power supply section in order to
produce maximum output and minimum transportation weight.

The new loudspeaker design looks aggressive whilst retaining familiar Art ergonomics and
is the result of extensive combined functional and acoustic research.
The Art 3 Series MK III two-way system cabinets are moulded in a special polypropylene
composite material and are designed to dampen down vibrations even at maximum
volume settings. The reflex porting has been resized to offer a better efficiency. The ART
310-A MK III is equipped with a top handle for greater portability; the bigger models have
3 ergonomically designed handles, 2 on the sides and one at the top. At the bottom a
rugged steel pole mount has been installed in all models.
The new cabinet shape will allow every Art 3 Series MK III model to be used in the standard
configuration as well as in stage monitor mode.
M10 threaded inserts is provided for optional mounting hardware in Installed Sound
Applications.

COMPONENTS

AMPLIFIERS

CABINETS

5

ENGLISH

1

JACK/FEMALE XLR INPUTS (BAL/UNBAL). The system accept jack or XLR

input connectors. These balanced inputs can be used to connect balanced or
unbalanced microphones or audio sources at line level. The balanced connector
is connected in parallel and can be used to send the audio signal to other
amplified speakers, recorders or supplementary amplifiers.

2

LIMITER LED. The amplifier has a built in limiter circuit to prevent clipping

of the amplifiers or overdriving the transducers. When the soft clipping circuit
is active the LED blinks RED. It is okay if the limit LED blinks occasionally. If the
LED blinks frequently or lights continuously, turn down the signal level.

3

SIGNAL LED. The signal indicator lights green if there is signal present on

the main input.

4

POWER STATUS LED. This green led is ON when the speaker is connected

to the main power supply and the ON/OFF is in ON position.

5

MALE XLR SIGNAL OUTPUT. The output XLR connector provides a loop

trough for speakers daisy chaining.

REAR
PANEL

1

5

6

1

2

3

4

7

8

6

VOLUME CONTROL. Adjust the amplifier volume. This control does not

affect the “Link” - “Input - Link” output level.

7

FLAT/BOOST SWITCH. Set the flat or boost equalization. “Boost” equalization

is a loudness recommended for background music applications, when the
system plays at a low level. For all other applications “Flat” equalisation is
recommended.

8

INPUT SENSITIVITY SWITCH. Position the switch in LINE to use a line level

source (0 dB) or MIC to use a microphone source.

9

IEC AC SOCKET. The IEC AC socket connect the power cord to the socket.

FUSE CARRIER. Mains fuse housing.

10

11

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

9

The XLR connectors
use the following AES standard:

PIN 1 = GROUND (SHIELD)
PIN 2 = HOT (+)
PIN 3 = COLD (-)

6

HOT GND

COLD

BAL. XLR

11

CONNECTIONS

10

On the back panel you will find all the controls, the signal and current inputs. In case
is necessary to change the voltage please call your vendor or authorized RCF SERVICE
CENTRE. This operation require the substitution of the fuse value and is reserved to an RCF
SERVICE CENTRE.

BEFORE CONNECTING
THE SPEAKER

ENGLISH

At this point you can connect the power supply cable and the signal cable, but before
turning on the speaker make sure that 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 damage to the speakers and noisy “bumps” due to turning on parts
on the audio chain. It is a good practice to always turn on speakers at last and turn them
off immediately after the show. Now you can turn ON the speaker and adjust the volume
control to a proper level.

The amplifiers are equipped with a microprocessor to control the DSP and the amplifier. The
correct switch on of the amplifier is ensured by an initialisation procedure; during this test
stage the LEDs (Limiter, Signal and Power Status), located on the amplifier module, remain
off for approx. 2 sec. At the end of the switch on procedure on the amplifier module the
Ready green LED only remains steadily on. In case of severe failure of the speaker, the LED
on the front panel flashes several times and on the amplifier module, the Limiter red LED
flashes. The speaker switches to “mute”.

A 35 mm socket for mounting the loudspeaker on a speaker stand is provided in the bottom
of the cabinet. ART speakers MUST be suspended only with approved rigging hardware. In
any case always use at least 2 M10 threaded inserts on opposite sides of the cabinet.

BEFORE TURNING ON
THE SPEAKER

TURNING ON
THE SPEAKER

INSTALLATION

WARNING: Never suspend ART speakers by there handles. Handles are intended for

transportation, not for rigging.

The microprocessor is able to signal three different kinds of failure by flashing the “Limiter”
red LED on the amplifier panel before the lighting up of the “Power status” green LED. The
three types of failure are: WARNING: a non severe error or auto-ripristinate malfunction
is detected and the performance of the speaker is not limited. LIMITATIONS: an error is
detected and the performance of the speaker is limited (the sound level is reduced by 3 dB).
This does not affect the operation of the speaker since it continues to operate. However, it
is necessary to call the service centre to solve the issue. FAILURE: a severe malfunction is
detected. The speaker switches to “mute”.

FLASHING INDICATION: 1 or 2 >Warning 3 or 4 >Limitation from 5 to 8 >Failure.
In case of failure, the “Ready” green LED remains off.

Perform the checks listed below:

- check if the speaker is properly connected to the power supply

- make sure that the power supply is of correct voltage

- check that the amplifier is not overheated

- disconnect the speaker from the mains power supply, wait for a few minutes and connect
it again. If after these tests the red “LIMITER” LED is still on, please contact an authorised
service centre.

WARNING

FAILURE INDICATION
AND SAFETY

!

230 Volt, 50 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T 1.6 A 250 V

115 Volt, 60 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T 3.15 A 250 V

VOLTAGE SETUP

(RESERVED TO THE RCF SERVICE CENTRE)

7

ITALIANO

AVVERTENZE PER
LA SICUREZZA

AVVERTENZE PER LA SICUREZZA

1. Tutte le avvertenze, in particolare quelle relative alla sicurezza, devono essere lette
con particolare attenzione, in quanto contengono importanti informazioni.

2. Alimentazione diretta da rete

a. La tensione di alimentazione dell’apparecchio ha un valore sufficientemente alto da

costituire un rischio di folgorazione per le persone: non procedere mai all’installazione
o connessione dell’apparecchio con l’alimentazione inserita.

b. Prima di alimentare questo prodotto, assicurarsi che tutte le connessioni siano corrette

e che la tensione della vostra rete di alimentazione corrisponda quella di targa
dell’apparecchio, in caso contrario rivolgetevi ad un rivenditore RCF.

c. Le parti metalliche dell’apparecchio sono collegate a terra tramite il cavo di

alimentazione. Un apparecchio avente costruzione di CLASSE I deve essere connesso
alla presa di rete con un collegamento alla terra di protezione.

d. Accertarsi che il cavo di alimentazione dell’apparecchio non possa essere calpestato o

schiacciato da oggetti, al fine di salvaguardarne la perfetta integrità.

e. Per evitare il rischio di shock elettrici, non aprire mai l’apparecchio: all’interno non vi

sono parti che possono essere utilizzate dall’utente.

3. Impedire che oggetti o liquidi entrino all’interno del prodotto, perché potrebbero causare
un corto circuito. L’apparecchio non deve essere esposto a stillicidio o a spruzzi d’acqua;
nessun oggetto pieno di liquido, quali vasi, deve essere posto sull’apparecchio.
Nessuna sorgente di fiamma nuda (es. candele accese) deve essere posta
sull’apparecchio.

4. Non eseguire sul prodotto interventi / modifiche / riparazioni se non quelle espressamente
descritte sul manuale istruzioni.
Contattare centri di assistenza autorizzati o personale altamente qualificato quando:

- l’apparecchio non funziona (o funziona in modo anomalo);

- il cavo di alimentazione è danneggiato;

- oggetti o liquidi sono entrati nell’apparecchio;

- l’apparecchio ha subito forti urti.

5. Qualora questo prodotto non sia utilizzato per lunghi periodi, scollegare il cavo

d’alimentazione.

6. Nel caso che dal prodotto provengano odori anomali o fumo, spegnerlo immediatamente
e scollegare il cavo d’alimentazione.

7. Non collegare a questo prodotto altri apparecchi e accessori non previsti.
Quando è prevista l’installazione sospesa, utilizzare solamente gli appositi punti di
ancoraggio e non cercare di appendere questo prodotto tramite elementi non idonei o
previsti allo scopo.
Verificare inoltre l’idoneità del supporto (parete, soffitto, struttura ecc., al quale è ancorato
il prodotto) e dei componenti utilizzati per il fissaggio (tasselli, viti, staffe non fornite
da RCF ecc.) che devono garantire la sicurezza dell’impianto / installazione nel tempo,
anche considerando, ad esempio, vibrazioni meccaniche normalmente generate da un
trasduttore.
Per evitare il pericolo di cadute, non sovrapporre fra loro più unità di questo prodotto,
quando questa possibilità non è espressamente contemplata dal manuale istruzioni.

8. La RCF S.p.A. raccomanda vivamente che l’installazione di questo prodotto
sia eseguita solamente da installatori professionali qualificati (oppure da ditte
specializzate) in grado di farla correttamente e certificarla in accordo con le
normative vigenti. Tutto il sistema audio dovrà essere in conformità con le
norme e le leggi vigenti in materia di impianti elettrici.

8

IMPORTANTE