musikelectronic geithain RL921K User manual

musikelectronic geithain
RL 921K
RL 921K1
Instructions for installation and use

TABLE OF CONTENTS II
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
Table of contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Disclaimer 2
3 System description 3
4 Basic information 4
4.1 Guidelines 4
4.2 Safety instructions 4
4.3 Unboxing 6
4.4 Delivery contents 6
4.5 Cleaning 6
4.6 Environmental conditions 6
4.7 Guarantee acknowledgements 6
5 Positioning 7
5.1 Positioning near walls 7
5.2 Stereo operation 8
5.3 Surround operation 9
6 Set-up the speakers 10
6.1 Connecting the RL 921K 10
6.2 Connecting the RL 921K1 10
6.3 Cable connection 11
6.4 Adjustment controller 11
6.5 Status indication 11
7 Specications 12
8 Acoustic measurements 14
9 Notes 15

INTRODUCTION 1
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
1 Introduction
Dear customer,
Thank you for the trust you have put in us by buying these speakers. You decided upon a quality
product that in regard to tonal and technical characteristics complies to the utmost expectations.
The usual burn-in period is not required, because the speakers are articially aged in-house.
Please read the technical description and manual to take advantage of the capabilities
of these speakers and ensure safe operation.

DISCLAIMER 2
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
2 Disclaimer
Technical data and appearances are subject to changes without notice. Errors and omissions
excepted. Musikelectronic Geithain GmbH assumes no liability for any loss which may be suffered
by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement
contained herein. Musikelectronic Geithain GmbH products are sold through authorized fulllers
and resellers only. Fulllers and resellers are not agents of Musikelectronic Geithain GmbH and
have absolutely no authority to bind Musikelectronic Geithain GmbH by any express or implied
undertaking or representation. This manual is copyrighted. No part of this manual may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without the prior written permission of
Musikelectronic Geithain GmbH.
All rights reserved
Copyright © 2018 Musikelectronic Geithain GmbH

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 3
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
3 System description
The RL 921K is based on the timeless classic design of the legendary RL901K. Not only optically but
also tonally the RL 921K follows in the steps of its older sibling. Therefore it is the optimal solution
in cases where the RL901K can not be used because of its size or short listening distances. The
RL 921K is aimed at professional users as well as music enthusiasts.
By the cardioid radiation characteristics within the frequency range from 30Hz through 250Hz
the reections on the back walls of listening rooms can be minimized. In addition the transfer
characteristic can be matched to the acoustical conditions of the reproduction room as well as to the
set-up situation by an integrated room matching lter.
The total directivity index of the monitor was optimized for very short listening distances and a base
distance between two and three metres (6′7″ and 9′10″). As the bass system a very linear 300 mm
(12″) long-throw driver in a cardioid cabinet is employed, delivering excellent impulse delity. The
100 mm (4″) cone is mounted together with the 25 mm (1″) dome tweeter coaxially in front of
the bass system allowing a precise steering of the directivity index. As a result a realistic and
steady spatial performance of the sound pattern around the listening position is achieved, with high
homogeneity and smallest possible coloration. By the great membrane area the RL921K is in the
highest degree level proof while at the same time it has the lowest distortions. Therefore the RL 921K
is a precision studio tool allowing fatigue free working for hours.
The three-channel MOSFET power amplier with electronic crossover is integrated into the back
of the cabinet and is hinged for service purposes. An intermittent LED lighting signals when the
overload limit is reached. After crossing of the maximum level the output level will be reduced by
20 dB to avoid any overloading of the components.
The RL 921K1 is a shortened cabinet variant of the RL921K, that is employed when not enough
installation depth is available. Be it a video wall or an outside broadcasting van. For maximum
exibility when choosing the mounting position the speaker is also available in a lying variant. As an
alternative to the standardly provided MOSFET amplier in an upright standing enclosure both the
19-inch compatible Class-D ampliers RL-Amplier and RL-Amplier 2 are also available.
A variety of special stands and racks is available as accessories. According xing elements have been
integrated into the loudspeaker cabinet.

BASIC INFORMATION 4
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
4 Basic information
4.1 Guidelines
This product complies to requirements of current European and national guidelines (2004/108/EG
Electromagnetical Compatiblity). The conformity is ascertained, corresponding declarations and
records are deposited with the manufacturer.
Products built by us belong to B2C-class of the WEEE guidelines and must not
be disposed with domestic waste.
4.2 Safety instructions
Like using any other electrical device you should observe the following operation guidelines, safety
instructions and warning signs to ensure optimum functionality and safety of operation!
;Read these instructions carefully.
;Keep these instructions during the life cycle at a safe place. The instructions are an important
part of the product.
;Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions.
;The product may only be used in accordance with the information provided in the user manual.
Before and during the usage of the amplier please ensure that all recommendations, especially
the safety recommendations in the user manual, are adhered to.
;Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may
fall, causing serious injury, and damage to the product.
;The heat sink must not be blocked or covered. This product should not be installed unless
proper ventilation is provided or manufacturer‘s instructions have been adhered to.
;Do not install the device near any heat sources.
;Do not expose the device to direct sun radiation.
;Do not install the device in rooms with high humidity.
;Do not try to insert anything into device openings.
;The device shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects lled with liquids shall
be placed on the device.
;Clean only with dry or slightly moistened cloth.
;Protect the power cord from being walked on,pinched or damaged in any other way. Pay
particular attention to plugs and the point where they exit the device.

BASIC INFORMATION 5
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
;Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing cover may expose you
to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
;Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel.

BASIC INFORMATION 6
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
4.3 Unboxing
The speakers are shipped in proper condition. Unpack the speaker carefully and check for visible
damages. In case of damages report them to your retailer. Keep the packaging, in case the speaker
has to be transported in the future.
4.4 Delivery contents
;Speaker RL921K / RL921K1
;Amplier enclosure (only RL 921K1)
;Speakon cable (only RL 921K1)
;Mains cable
;Technical description and user manual
4.5 Cleaning
The speaker is made of real wood veneer and needs to be nurtured in the same way as furnishings.
We advise quality wax polish to ensure durability of the veneer. Surfaces can also be cleaned with
tidy, slightly damped, fuzz-free, smooth cloth.
4.6 Environmental conditions
Ensure the following environmental conditions in your listening room:
;Operating temperature +15 °C ... +35 °C (+59 °F ... +95 °F)
;Storage temperature range −25 °C ... +45 °C (−13 °F ... +113 °F)
;Relative humidity 45 % ... 75 %
4.7 Guarantee acknowledgements
Opening the device by unauthorized personnel leads to all claims under guarantee expire. In case of
destruction by overload, misuse or outside inuences there are no claims under guarantee.

POSITIONING 7
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
5 Positioning
Our speakers do not impose special requirements neither in stereo nor in multichannel set-ups.
Nonetheless speaker positioning has inuence on listening impression because every room is
individually designed and furnished. The following advices are just guidelines that ease proper
positioning. In addition we offer a measurement service to take advantage of the capabilities of your
listening environment.
5.1 Positioning near walls
When speakers are installed near walls sound quality is physically affected. Every customary speaker
behaves as a punctual sonic source in the low frequency range, with sonic waves spherical radiated
without any constructional measures. Back wall reections are unavoidable.
The speakers RL921K / RL921K1 however utilize cardioid radiation characteristics with rearward
attenuation greater than 10dB. Because of this structural measurement installation near walls is
considerably less critical. For optimum listening experience a minimum distance of 20 cm (7.9″) to
walls and furniture should be ensured. Avoid corner installations because unwanted bass accentuation
could arise.
b
b
;Minimum distance to wall b ≥ 20 cm (7.9″)

POSITIONING 8
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
5.2 Stereo operation
The optimum position of the speakers in your listening environment is the so-called stereo triangle
(see gure). The base distance between the speakers and the distance to the hearing zone form an
equilateral triangle (stereo triangle). A distance less than 2 m (6′7″) or more than 3 m (9′10″) should
be avoided. For precise,spacial reproduction turn the speakers inside,directed to the hearing zone.
a
a a
hearing zone
60°
;Distance between speakers and your listening position a = 2 m … 3 m (6′7″ … 9′10″)
;Adjust the speaker horizontally to the height of the ear at the listening position

POSITIONING 9
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
5.3 Surround operation
In surround operation the stereo triangle (see Stereo operation) is extended to a circle. The hearing
zone is the centre of this circle. Position all speakers in the same distance to the hearing zone. The
centre speaker is positioned in the middle between both front speakers. Pay attention to positioning
the front and rear speakers horizontally along one plane. The angle between centre and rear speakers
should be about 110° – 120°.
;Distance between speakers and your listening position a = 2 m … 3 m (6′7″ … 9′10″)
In case installation in the prescribed way is not possible in your listening room most decoding
devices allow adjustments of single speakers.
60°
110° ... 120°
a
a
a
aa
hearing zone

SET-UP THE SPEAKERS 10
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
6 Set-up the speakers
In this chapter we inform you how to connect your speakers to mains and your signal source. Ensure
that the mains switch on the backside is in position “OFF”. Only when your speaker is completely
connected (see chapters 6.1,6.2, and 6.3) you can take the device into operation by use of the
mains switch.
The speaker can be connected to every common pre-amplier (Ua= 1 V ... 5 V; Ri < 600 Ω).
6.1 Connecting the RL 921K
Connect your signal source with the amplier through the XLR socket. Check the mains voltage
stated on the backside of the device. If your local mains voltage does not match the specication of
the speaker,please refer to your retailer or direct distribution. When the stated and your local mains
voltage comply connect the mains connector of the speaker to the socket with the included mains
cable.
6.2 Connecting the RL 921K1
The amplier of the RL 921K1 is housed in a separate enclosure. Every amplier is paired to exactly
one speaker by the same serial number. Ensure installation in pairs.
Ensure sufcient convection at the heatsink. Therefore the amplier should be used standing upright.
For a horizontal installation we recommend to use the RL-Amplier / RL-Amplier 2.
To connect the Speaker to the amplier use only the shielded Speakon cable that is part of the
delivery contents!
Ensure that the latch snaps audibly in place in the sockets of the speaker and the amplier by turning
the plug clockwise. Connect your signal source with the amplier through the XLR socket.
To release the connector cable from the speaker and the amplier,slide the latch on top of the
connector back and turn the connector anticlockwise.
Before start-up check the mains voltage state on the backside of the amplier. If your local mains
voltage does not match the specication of the device,please refer to your retailer or direct
distribution. When the stated and your local mains voltage comply connect the mains connector of
the amplier to the socket with the included mains cable.

SET-UP THE SPEAKERS 11
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
6.3 Cable connection
The input of the integrated amplier is electrically balanced. When your signal source also utilizes
balanced connectors, please use a cable wired as stated in the table:
Balanced connector
(amplier)
Balanced connector
(signalsource)
Unbalanced connector
(signalsource)
XLR XLR RCA
Earth Pin 1 Pin 1 Ring
Signal + Pin 2 Pin 2 Tip
Signal - Pin 3 Pin 3 Ring
When using a signal source with unbalanced outputs (RCA) you need to balance the connecting
cables. This avoids hum and other noise interferences. The table and the following gure show the
wiring.
6.4 Adjustment controller
The “Level” controller is used for level adjustment over the full frequency range.
6.5 Status indication
The two-coloured LED at the front of the speaker is used as status indicator of the device.
;LED green: indicates normal operation of the device
;LED red: indicates the operation of the overload protection circuit;
Output power limitation to protect the components from overloading
Unbalanced RCA to balanced XLR Connections
Loudspeaker (XLR-3M) Cable Source (RCA)
1 2
3

SPECIFICATIONS 12
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
7 Specications
General Active 3-way coaxial loudspeaker for listening distances between
2 m (6′7″) and 3 m (9′10″)
Maximum SPL
from 100Hz ... 6 kHz 115 dB ... 121 dB / r = 1 m (3′3″) (4 π)
Bandwidth 30 Hz ... 20 kHz ±3 dB
Calibration:
Acoustic output level / PE= −14 dBu 89 dB / r = 1 m (3′3″)
Directivity index
from 100Hz ... 10 kHz increasing from 4dB to 10 dB
Inherent noise sound level ≤ 7 dB (A) / r = 1 m (3′3″)
Total harmonic distortion
measured at 96dBSPL / r = 1 m (3′3″)
from 100Hz ... 10 kHz ≤ −46 dB
Nominal input level +6 dBu (adjustable)
Input impedance ≥ 10 kΩRC balanced
Electronic crossover frequencies 650 Hz and 3 kHz
Nominal output power of the amplier
LF
MF
HF
180 W / 4 Ω
100 W / 4 Ω
100 W / 4 Ω
Input connector XLR 3F
Drive units
Woofer
Mid-range unit
Tweeter
1× 300 mm (12″) cone
1× 100 mm (4″) cone
1× 25 mm (1″) dome
Operation and clipping indicator LED on front
Power requirements 230 V ~ ±10 %, 50 Hz ... 60 Hz
115 V ~ ±10 %, 50 Hz ... 60 Hz (optional)
100 V ~ ±10 %, 50 Hz ... 60 Hz (optional)
Power consumption 35 VA when idle
max. 300 VA at full load
Mains connection IEC power connector
Environmental conditions
for use
for storage
humidity
+15 °C ... +35 °C (+ 59 °F ... +95 °F)
−25 °C ... +45 °C (−13 °F ... +113 °F)
45 % ... 75 %
RL921K(Amplierinloudspeakercabinet)
Dimensions (H × W × D) 550 mm × 380 mm × 370 mm (21.7″ × 15″ × 14.6″)
Weight 39.5 kg (87.1 lbs)
Design of the cabinet MDF wood in ash black veneered; different veneers and colours on
request
Lateral mounting with lateral mounting; without lateral mounting on request
Handles with handles; without handles on request

SPECIFICATIONS 13
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
RL921K1(Amplierinseparateenclosure)
Connection cable
Loudspeaker – amplier enclosure
Speakon NL8; shielded cable
Standard length 3 m (9′10″); other lengths on request
Dimensions (H × W × D)
Loudspeaker
Standard amplier enclosure
High-end amplier enclosure
550 mm × 380 mm × 300 mm (21.7″ × 15″ × 11.9″)
475 mm × 279 mm × 120 mm (18.8″ × 11″ × 4.8″) without base plate
495 mm × 320 mm × 260 mm (19.5″ × 12.6″ × 10.3″) with base plate
Weight
Loudspeaker
Standard amplier enclosure
High-end amplier enclosure
26.5 kg (58.5 lbs)
11 kg (24.3 lbs)
12 kg (26.5 lbs)
Design of the cabinet
Loudspeaker MDF wood in ash black veneered; different veneers and colours on
request
with lateral mounting; without lateral mounting on request
Standard amplier enclosure MDF wood with scratch proof structure coating black RAL9005; other
colours on request
High-end amplier enclosure MDF wood in ash black veneered; different veneers and colours on
request
As an alternative to the standardly provided MOSFET amplier in an upright standing enclosure the
19-inch compatible Class D amplier RL-Amplier is also available. More information is available in
the RL-Amplier brochure.

ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS 14
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
8 Acoustic measurements
All acoustic measurements are carried out under anechoic conditions with 1 m (3′3″) distance.
20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
95
90
85
80
75
70
[dB]
[Hz]
FREE FIELD FREQUENCY RESPONSE 0° 45°h 180°h
32 Hz 125 Hz
-15 015
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
180
-165
-150
-135
-120
-105
-90
-75
-60
-45
-30
0 -3 -6 -9 -9 -6 -3 0
DIRECTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC
1
0.5
0
[%]
K2 K3
[Hz]
100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTIONS PA= 96 dB

NOTES 15
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1
9 Notes

NOTES 16
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1

NOTES 17
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL 921K / RL 921K1

musikelectronic geithain gmbh
STUDIO MONITORING - HIGHEND LOUDSPEAKER - SOUND REINFORCEMENT
SYSTEMS SYSTEMS
Nikolaistraße 7
04643 Geithain / Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.me-geithain.de
BDA_RL 921K_RL 921K1_18.05.2018_ENV17