Art 945-a Art 9 Series Professional Active Speakers Owner's Manual (+ PDF)

	CAUTION	Important operating instructions: explains hazards that could damage a product, including data loss
	WARNING	Important advice concerning the use of dangerous voltages and the potential risk of electric shock, personal injury r death.
	IMPORTANT NOTES	Helpful and relevant information about the topic
	SUPPORTS, TROLLEYS AND CARTS	Information about the use of supports, trolleys, and arts. Reminds us to move with extreme caution and never tilt.
	WASTE DISPOSAL	This symbol indicates that his product should not be disposed of 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

All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information.
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 down 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 the main 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.
f. Be careful: in the case of a product supplied by the manufacturer only with POWER CON connectors and without a power cord, jointly to OWERCON connectors type NAC3FCA (power-in) and NAC3FCB (power-out), the following power cords compliant to the 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
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 plashing. No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on this apparatus. No naked sources (such as lighted candles) should be placed n this apparatus.
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.
If this product is not used for a long period, disconnect the power cable.
If this product begins emitting any strange odors or smoke, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power cable.
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 ossibility is specified in the user manual.
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.
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 even floors may cause the assembly to overturn. Never tilt the assembly.
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.).
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 earplugs 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 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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

WARNING! CAUTION! To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, never expose this product to rain or humidity.
WARNING! To prevent electric shock hazards, do not connect to the mains power supply while the 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 f 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 this advice:

If the product is intended to be set up outdoors, be sure it is undercover and protected from 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 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 s 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 ressure 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 FiRPHASE and Bass Motion Control algorithms, perfectly tuned for each model, so your audience will experience all nuances of your sound and very deep bass.

REAR PANEL FEATURES AND CONTROLS

PRESETS SELECTOR This selector allows selecting 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.
PRESET LEDs These LEDs indicate the selected preset.
FEMALE XLR/JACK COMBO INPUT This balanced input accepts a standard JACK or XLR male connector.
MALE XLR SIGNAL OUTPUT This XLR output connector provides a loop trough for speakers’ daisy-chaining.
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 frequently 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.
VOLUME CONTROL Adjusts the master volume.
POWER MAIN SWITCH The power switch turns the AC power ON and OFF.
FUSE CARRIER Mains fuse housing.
STANDARD 3-PRONG IEC SOCKET Power connection.
POWER CON INPUT SOCKET Power connection (ART 945-A only).
POWER CON 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).

BEFORE CONNECTING THE SPEAKER
On the rear panel, you will find all the controls, signals, 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 turn 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 the audio signal, controlling
level and maintaining distortion at an 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.

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

INSTALLATION

WARNING! CAUTION! Never suspend ART speakers by their 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 a 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’s 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 equipment 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.

ART 910 DIMENSIONS

ART 912/932 DIMENSIONS

ART 915/935/945 DIMENSIONS

Acoustical speciﬁcations	Frequency Response: Max SPL @ 1m: Horizontal coverage angle: Vertical coverage angle:	ART 910-A 50 Hz ÷ 20000 Hz 130 dB 100° 60°	ART 912-A 50 Hz ÷ 20000 Hz 130 dB 100° 60°	ART 932-A 50 Hz ÷ 20000 Hz 132 dB 100° 60°	ART 915-A 45 Hz ÷ 20000 Hz 131 dB 100° 60°	ART 935-A 45 Hz ÷ 20000 Hz 133 dB 100° 60°	ART 945-A 45 Hz ÷ 20000 Hz 135 dB 100° 60°
Transducers	Compression Driver: Woofer:	1.0”, 1.75” v.c 10’’, 2.5” v.c	1.0”, 1.75” v.c 12’’, 2.5” v.c	1.4” neo, 3.0” v.c 12’’, 2.5” v.c	1.0”, 1.75” v.c 15’’, 2.5” v.c	1.4” neo, 3.0” v.c 15’’, 3.0” v.c	1.4” neo, 4.0” v.c 15” neo, 3.5” v.c
Input/Output section	Input signal: Input connectors: Output connectors: Input sensitivity:	bal/unbal Jack/XLR XLR -2 dBu/+4 dBu	bal/unbal Jack/XLR XLR -2 dBu/+4 dBu	bal/unbal Jack/XLR XLR -2 dBu/+4 dBu	bal/unbal Jack/XLR XLR -2 dBu/+4 dBu	bal/unbal Jack/XLR XLR -2 dBu/+4 dBu	bal/unbal Jack/XLR XLR -2 dBu/+4 dBu
Processor section	Crossover Point: Protections: Limiter: Controls:	1800 Hz Termal, RMS limiter Soft limiter Linear, Boost, Stage, Volume	1800 Hz Termal, RMS limiter Soft limiter Linear, Boost, Stage, Volume	700 Hz Termal, RMS limiter Soft limiter Linear, Boost, Stage, Volume	1800 Hz Termal, RMS limiter Soft limiter Linear, Boost, Stage, Volume	700 Hz Termal, RMS limiter Soft limiter Linear, Boost, Stage, Volume	800Hz Termal, RMS limiter Soft limiter Linear, Boost, Stage, Volume
Power section	Total Power: High frequencies: Low frequencies: Cooling: Connections:	2100 W Peak, 1050 W RMS 700 W Peak, 350 W RMS 1400 W Peak, 700 W RMS Convection VDE AC socket	2100 W Peak, 1050 W RMS 700 W Peak, 350 W RMS 1400 W Peak, 700 W RMS Convection VDE AC socket	2100 W Peak, 1050 W RMS 700 W Peak, 350 W RMS 1400 W Peak, 700 W RMS Convection VDE AC socket	2100 W Peak, 1050 W RMS 700 W Peak, 350 W RMS 1400 W Peak, 700 W RMS Convection VDE AC socket	2100 W Peak, 1050 W RMS 700 W Peak, 350 W RMS 1400 W Peak, 700 W RMS Convection VDE AC socket	2100 W Peak, 1050 W RMS 700 W Peak, 350 W RMS 1400 W Peak, 700 W RMS Convection POWER socket
Standard compliance	CE marking:	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Physical speciﬁcations	Cabinet/Case Material: Hardware: Handles: Grille: Color:	Cabinet/Case Material: Hardware: Handles: Grille: Color:	PP composite 3xM10 (1 Top, 2 Sides) 1 Top, 2 Side Steel Black	PP composite 3xM10 (1 Top, 2 Sides) 1 Top, 2 Side Steel Black	PP composite 3xM10 (1 Top, 2 Sides) 1 Top, 2 Side Steel Black	PP composite 3xM10 (1 Top, 2 Sides) 1 Top, 2 Side Steel Black	PP composite 3xM10 (1 Top, 2 Sides) 1 Top, 2 Side Steel Black
Size	Height: Width: Depth: Weight:	572 mm / 22.52 inches 330 mm / 12.99 inches 310 mm / 12.2 inches 15.8 kg / 34.83 lbs	642 mm / 25.28 inches 370 mm / 14.57 inches 363 mm / 14.29 inches 19 kg / 41.89 lbs	642 mm / 25.28 inches 370 mm / 14.57 inches 363 mm / 14.29 inches 18.8 kg / 41.45 lbs	717 mm / 28.23 inches 415 mm / 16.34 inches 410 mm / 16.14 inches 22 kg / 48.5 lbs	717 mm / 28.23 inches 415 mm / 16.34 inches 410 mm / 16.14 inches 24.2 kg / 53.35 lbs	717 mm / 28.23 inches 415 mm / 16.34 inches 410 mm / 16.14 inches 22.1 kg / 48.72 lbs

RCF S.p.A. Via Raffaello Sanzio, 13 – 42124 Reggio Emilia – Italy
Tel +39 0522 274 411 – Fax +39 0522 232 428 – e-mail: [email protected] – www.rcf.it