RCF nx series User Manual

Touring audio solutions
ACTIVE
professional
LINE ARRAY
MODULE
english
Before connecting and using the amplifier, please read this instruction manual carefully and keep it on hand for future reference. The manual is to be considered an integral part of the product and must accompany the amplifier 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 the product.
WARNING: To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, never expose this equipment to rain or humidity.
1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information.
2. The power supply voltage of this equipment is sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution; therefore, never install or connect the
product with the power supply switched on.
3. Before powering up the amplifier, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and that the voltage of your power mains
corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the unit; if it does not, please contact your RCF dealer.
4. The metallic parts of the unit are earthed by means of the power cable. In the event that the current outlet used for power does not provide
the earth connection, contact a qualified electrician to earth the equipment using the dedicated terminal.
5. To protect the power cable from damage, make sure that it is positioned so that it cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.
6. To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open the amplifier. There are no parts on the inside that the user needs to access.
7. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into the amplifier, as this may cause a short circuit.
8. 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 amplifier does not function (or functions in an anomalous way);
- the power supply cable has been damaged;
- objects or liquids have got into the unit;
- the amplifier has been subject to heavy impact.
9. When the amplifier is not to be used for long periods of time, switch it off and disconnect the power cable.
10. If the amplifier begins to emit any strange odours or smoke, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power supply cable.
11. Do not connect this product to any equipment or accessories not specified.
For suspended installation, only use the dedicated anchoring points and do not try to hang this product using HANDLES or 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 the transducer. To prevent the risk of falling equipment, do not stack multiple units of this product unless this possibility is specified in the instruction manual.
12. RCF S.p.A. strongly recommends this product is 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.
13. SUPPORTS AND TROLLEYS
The equipment should only be used on trolleys or supports, where necessary, that are recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment/support/trolley assembly must be moved with extreme caution. Sudden stops, excessive pushing force and uneven floors may cause the assembly to overturn.
14. 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.).
15. 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 technical specifications in the instruction manual for the maximum sound pressure the loudspeaker is capable of producing.
IMPORTANT NOTES
To prevent the occurrence of noise on the cables that carry microphone signals or line signals (for example, 0 dB), only use screened cables and avoid running them in the vicinity of:
- equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic fields (for example, high power transformers);
- mains cables;
- lines that supply loudspeakers.
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OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Do not obstruct the ventilation grilles of the unit. Situate this product far from any heat sources and always ensure adequate air circulation around the ventilation grilles. Do not overload this product for extended periods of 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.
NX SERIES
The NX Series - a new line of active loudspeakers specifically designed to be the everyday tool for rental companies and professional musicians. With its ultra compact design and choice of formats, together with high output levels, NX Series is the answer to a wide variety of production requirements. The NX is reliable, easy to use and versatile: for every rental company, musician, venue and audio/visual provider, this high-performance self­powered speaker system offers a degree of simplicity unmatched by traditional amp and speaker PA systems. NX Series is a practical solution for high intelligibility speech and audio applications, covering infill or delay, production studios, presentations and high power music sound reinforcement with or without subwoofers. A key requirement for everyday audio systems, delivering simple ‘plug and play’ solutions, without compromising performance and portability.
Legendary RCF transducer technology coupled with state of the art digital amplification topology resulting in a perfectly optimized loudspeaker series. The NX Series provides high end audio coverage even at extreme sound pressure levels, unmatched reliability and acoustic compatibility across the whole series. The NX Series offers a wide range of practical mounting hardware, to cover all aspects of system integration, which assist in the overall simple and effortless system set-up, redefining the high performance portable PA.
TOURING AUDIO SOLUTIONS
The NX L23-A is a very compact, self-powered, 2-way line array loudspeaker module. The 750-watt Class-D amp modules accurately match the high quality analog signal input boards with precise, complex filter responses that result in the natural, detailed reproduction of the best direct radiating designs. NX L23-A is the ideal choice when line-array performance is needed but the venue size doesn’t call for the very long-throw characteristics of larger line-arrays and a fast and easy setup is a must. The NX L23-A speaker deliver extraordinary power handling, clarity, flexibility and great sound in a compact, easy to handle and affordable package.
NX L23-A, ACTIVE LINE ARRAY MODULE
THE INPUT SECTION PROVIDES:
- In/Out XLR connectors
- system volume control
- 2 configuration switch
- 4 status LEDs
NX L23-A IS A 2-WAY ACTIVE SYSTEM FEATURING:
- 12” neo woofer, 3,5” voice coil in horn loaded configuration
- 3 x 1” exit, 1,75” mm voice coil neo compression driver
- 90° x 15°, constant directivity coverage angle.
THE NX L23-A AMPLIFIER SECTION FEATURES:
- 750 watt switching power supply module
- 500 watt low frequency digital amplifier module
- 250 watt high frequency digital amplifier module
- extra capacitor bus able to sustain the voltage for 100 ms burst signals
The total available power supply power is 750 watts and can be distributed to the 2 final amplifier sections. Each amplifier section has a very high maximum output power capability in order to provide, when necessary, maximum output bursts in a specific frequency range.
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REAR PANEL FEATURES AND CONTROLS
MAIN XLR INPUT (BAL/UNBAL)
The system accept female XLR input connectors and line­level signals from a mixing console or other signal source.
LINK XLR OUTPUT
The output XLR male connector provides a loop trough for speakers daisy chaining.
VOLUME
Controls the volume of the power amplifier. The control ranges from -
(maximum attenuation) to the MAX level
(maximum output).
POWER INDICATOR
Power on indicator. When the power cord is connected and the power switch is turned on this indicator lights green.
STATUS INDICATOR
The status indicator lights orange if the main amplifier or power supply is in faulty condition. If the status indicator lights orange, switch off the amplifier and call the closest RCF SERVICE CENTRE.
SIGNAL INDICATOR
The signal indicator lights green if there is signal present on the main XLR input.
LIMITER INDICATOR
The amplifier has a built in limiter circuit to prevent clipping of the amplifiers or overdriving the transducers. When the peak clipping circuit is active the LED blinks orange. It is okay if the limit LED blinks occasionally. If the LED blinks frequently or lights continuously, turn down the signal level. The amplifier has a built in RMS limiter. If the RMS limiter is active the LED lights red. The RMS limiter has the purpose to prevent damages the transducers. The speaker shall never be used with the limit indicator red, continuous operation with the RMS protection active can cause damages to the speaker.
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LF SHAPE
The combination of the 2 switches gives 4 possibilities of mid low frequencies correction depending on cluster size:
- 1 module (used for pole mount applications)
- 2-3 modules (ground stacking - small flown systems)
- 4-5 modules (medium flown systems)
- 6-8 modules (maximum flown configuration).
HF BOOST
The switch gives the possibility toi set high frequencies correction depending on target distance (air absorption correction):
- LINEAR (used for pole mount applications or near field)
- ARRAY (for farthest field).
AC POWERCON RECEPTACLE
RCF NX series uses a POWERCON locking 3-pole AC mains. Always use the specific power cord provided in the package.
AC POWERCON LINK RECEPTACLE
Use this receptacle to link one or more units. Always make sure that the maximum current requirement does not exceed the maximum admitted POWERCON current. In case of doubt call the closest RCF SERVICE CENTRE.
POWER MAIN SWITCH
The power switch turns the AC power ON and OFF. Make sure that the VOLUME is set to -
when you turn on the
speaker.
FUSE
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CONNECTIONS
The XLR connectors use the following AES standard:
PIN 1 = GROUND (SHIELD) PIN 2 = HOT (+) PIN 3 = COLD (-)
VOLTAGE SETUP
(RESERVED TO THE RCF SERVICE CENTRE)
BEFORE TURNING ON THE SPEAKER
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.
WARNING: Always make sure that the maximum current requirement does not exceed the maximum admitted POWERCON current. In case of doubt call the closest RCF SERVICE CENTRE.
HOT
SHIELD 2
3 1COLD
SHIELD 1
COLD
HOT
3
2
1
2
3
SHIELD
COLD
HOT
230 Volt, 50 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T5 AL 250V
115 Volt, 60 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T10 AL 250V
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SINGLE NX L23-A
The NX L23-A is a flexible speaker system that can be used in ground-supported or suspended applications. The following information will help you set up your NX L23-A system safely and effectively.
POLE AND TRIPOD SAFETY WARNINGS
When using stands or poles, be sure to observe the following precautions:
- Check the stand or pole specification to be certain the device is designed to support the weight of the speaker. Observe all safety precautions specified by the manufacturer.
- Be certain that the surface on which the system is to be stacked is flat, stable and solid.
- Inspect the stand (or pole and associated hardware) before each use and do not use equipment with worn, damaged, or missing parts.
- Do not attempt to place more than two NX L23-A loudspeakers on a stand or pole.
- When mounting two NX L23-A speakers on a pole or tripod, integral rigging hardware must be used to secure the speakers to each other.
- Always be cautious when deploying the system outdoors. Unexpected winds may topple a system. Avoid attaching banners or similar items to any part of a speaker system. Such attachments could act as a sail and topple the system.
Usually, the LF SHAPE switch on the input panel should be set to the 1 position and the HF BOOST on LINEAR when a single speaker is used.
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LINEAR
LF SHAPE
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2-3
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6-8
HF BOOST
LINEAR
ARRAY
CLUSTER SIZE
A single NX L23-A may be used on a tripod stand (AC S260) or on a pole (AC PMA) over its NX Series subwoofers. The use of a subwoofer is recommended for applications requiring more low-frequency power and extension.
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DOUBLE NX L23-A ON A STAND
The NX L23-A is designed so that a pair of speakers may be safely mounted onto a pole or tripod stand.
1) Place the speakers on the pole or tripod one at a time. Be sure to lock the two speakers together using its rigging hardware.
Usually, the LF SHAPE switch on the input panel should be set to the 2-3 position and the HF BOOST on LINEAR when two speakers are used.
LINEAR
2-3
2) Connect the second cabinet to the
first starting from the 2 front brackets.
3) Reverse and connect the rear brackets of the first cabinet using the hole for the proper angle.
LF SHAPE
1
2-3
4-5
6-8
HF BOOST
LINEAR
ARRAY
CLUSTER SIZE
WARNING: The floor stand support the full load of the part of the system on top. It is very important that the floor stand is certified for the total weight on top.
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NX L23-A SUSPENDED
GENERAL RIGGING WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Suspending loads should be done with extreme caution.
- When deploying a system always wear protective helmets and footwear.
- Never allow people to pass under the system during the installation process.
- Never leave the system unattended during the installation process.
- Never install the system over areas of public access.
- Never attach other loads to the array system.
- Never climb the system during or after the installation.
- Never expose the system to extra loads created from the wind or snow.
WARNING: The system must be rigged in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Country where the system is used. It is responsibility of the owner or rigger to make sure that the system is properly rigged in accordance with Country and local laws and regulations.
WARNING: Always check that all the parts of the rigging system that are not provided from RCF are:
- appropriate for the application;
- approved, certified and marked;
- properly rated;
- in perfect condition.
WARNING: Each cabinet support the full load of the part of the system below. It is very important that each single cabinet of the system is properly checked.
“RCF SHAPE DESIGNER” SOFTWARE AND SAFETY FACTOR
The suspension system is designed to have a proper Safety Factors (configuration dependent). Using the “RCF Shape Designer” software it is very easy to understand safety factors and limits for each specific configuration. To better comprehend in which safety range the mechanics are working a simple introduction is needed: NXL23-A mechanics are built with certified UNI EN 10025-95 S 235 JR Steel. RCF prediction software calculates forces on every single stressed part of the assembly and shows the minimum safety factor for every link.
S 235 JR is a structural steel and has a stress-strain (or equivalent Force-Deformation) curve like the following:
The curve is characterized by two critical points: the Break Point and the Yield Point. The tensile ultimate stress is simply the maximum stress attained. Ultimate tensile stress is commonly used as a criterion of the strength of the material for structural design, but it should be recognized that other strength properties may often be more important. One of these is for sure the Yield Strength. Stress-strain diagram of S 235 JR exhibit a sharp break at a stress below the ultimate strength. At this critical stress, the material elongates considerably with no apparent change in stress. The stress at which this occurs is referred to as the yield point. Permanent deformation may be detrimental, and the industry adopted 0.2% plastic strain as an arbitrary limit that is considered acceptable by all regulatory agencies. For tension and compression, the corresponding stress at this offset strain is defined as the yield.
Ultimate Strength
N/mm
2
Yield Strength
SF = 4 Working Conditions
%
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