musikelectronic geithain RL921K1 User manual

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

2
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
Table of contents
1 Introduction 3
2 System description 4
3 Basic information 5
3.1 Guidelines 5
3.2 Safety instructions 5
3.3 Unboxing 6
3.4 Delivery contents 6
3.5 Cleaning 6
3.6 Environmental conditions 6
3.7 Guarantee acknowledgements 6
4 Positioning 7
4.1 Positioning near walls 7
4.2 Stereo operation 8
4.3 Surround operation 9
5 Connecting the speakers 10
5.1 Set-up the RL921K 10
5.2 Set-up the RL921K1 10
5.3 Cable connection 11
5.4 Status indication 11
5.5 Adjustment controller 11
6 Specications 12
7 Acoustic measurements 14
8 Notes 15

INTRODUCTION 3
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
1 Introduction
Dear customer,
Thank you for your 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.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 4
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
2 System description
The RL921K is based on the timeless classic design of the legendary RL901K. Not only optically but
also tonally the RL921K 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 RL921K
is aimed at professional users as well as music enthusiasts.
By the cardioid radiation characteristics within the frequency range from 30 through 250 Hz
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 base
distance between two and three metres (6.6 ft and 9.9 ft). 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 image 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 RL921K
is a precision studio tool allowing fatigue free working for hours.
Thethree-channelMOSFETpoweramplierwithelectroniccrossoverisintegratedwithintheback
wall 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 RL921K1 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’’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 5
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
3 Basic information
3.1 Guidelines
This product complies to requirements of current European and national guidelines (Elektro-
magnetische Verträglichkeit 89/336/EWG). 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.
3.2 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.
;Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing cover may expose you
to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
;Electrical devices are not intended for use by kids.
;Operate this device only with the mains voltage stated on the backside.
;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.
;Ensuresucientairventilationwheninstallingthedeviceinashelforwall.
;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.
;There is risk of electric shock when the device is open.
;Referallservicingtoqualiedservicepersonnel.
;Clean only with dry or slightly moistened cloth.

BASIC INFORMATION 6
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
3.3 Unboxing
Unpack the speaker carefully and check for visible damages by inappropriate transport. In case of
damages report them to your retailer. Keep the packaging, in case the speaker has to be transported
in the future.
3.4 Delivery contents
;Speaker
;Amplierenclosure(onlyRL921K1)
;Speakon cable (only RL921K1)
;Mains cable
;Technical description and user manual
3.5 Cleaning
The speaker is made of real wood veneer and should be nurtured in the same way as furnishings.
We advice quality wax polish to ensure durability of the veneer. Surfaces can also be cleaned with
tidy, slightly damped, fuzz-free, smooth cloth.
3.6 Environmental conditions
Ensure the following environmental conditions:
Operating temperature + 15°C ... + 35°C
Storage temperature range - 25°C ... + 45°C
Relative humidity 45 % ... 75 %
3.7 Guarantee acknowledgements
Opening the device by unauthorised 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 RL921K / RL921K1
4 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oerameasurementservicetotakeadvantageofthecapabilitiesofyour
listening environment.
4.1 Positioning near walls
Whenspeakersareinstallednearwallssoundqualityisphysicallyaected.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 however utilise cardioid radiation characteristics with rearward attenuation greater than
10 dB. 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 RL921K / RL921K1
4.2 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 (6.6 ft) or more than 3 m (9.9 ft) 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 … 3 m (6.6 … 9.9 ft)
;Adjust the speaker horizontally to the height of the ear at the listening position

POSITIONING 9
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
4.3 Surround operation
In surround operation the stereo triangle (see Stereo operation) is extended to a circle. The hearing
zone is the center of this circle. Position all speakers in the same distance to the hearing zone. The
center 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 center and rear
speakers should be about 110° - 120°
60°
110° ... 120°
a
a
a
aa
hearing zone
;Distance between speakers and your listening position a = 2 … 3 m (6.6 … 9.9 ft)

CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS 10
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
5 Connecting 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 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3) you can take the device into operation by use of the mains
switch.
5.1 Set-up the RL921K
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.ConnectyoursignalsourcewiththeamplierthroughtheXLRsocket.
5.2 Set-up the RL921K1
TheamplieroftheRL921K1ishousedinaseparateenclosure.Everyamplierispairedtoexactly
one speaker by the same serial number. Ensure installation in pairs.
Before start-up 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.
NowconnecttheSpeakertotheamplierwiththeshieldedSpeakoncablethatispartofthedelivery
contents.Ensurethatthelatchsnaps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.

CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS 11
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
5.3 Cable connection
Theinputoftheintegratedamplieriselectricallybalanced.Whenyoursignalsourcealsoutilises
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
Erde 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.
Unbalanced RCA to balanced XLR Connections
Loudspeaker (XLR-3M) Cable Source (RCA)
1 2
3
TocarrythesignalconnecttheXLRsocketofthespeakertoyoursignalsource.
5.4 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
5.5 Adjustment controller
The“Level”controllerisusedforleveladjustmentoverthefullfrequencyrange.

SPECIFICATIONS 12
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
6 Specications
General Active 3-way coaxial loudspeaker for listening distances
between 2 and 3 m (6.6 ft and 9.9 ft)
Maximum SPL
from 100 Hz ... 6 kHz 115 ... 121 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)
Bandwidth 30 Hz ... 20 kHz ± 3 dB
Calibration:
Acoustic output level / PE
= - 14 dBu 89 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)
Directivity Index
from 100 Hz ... 10 kHz Increasing from 4 to 10 dB
Inherent noise sound level ≤7dB(A)/r=1m(3.3ft)
Total harmonic distortion
measured at 96 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)
from 100 Hz ... 10 kHz ≤-46dB
Nominal input level + 6 dBu adjustable
Input impedance ≥10kOhmRCbalanced
Electronic crossover frequencies 650 Hz and 3.0 kHz
Nominaloutputpoweramplier
LF
MF
HF
180 W / 4 Ohm
100 W / 4 Ohm
100 W / 4 Ohm
Input connector XLR3F
Loudspeaker systems
Woofer
Mid-range unit
Tweeter
300mm(12”)cone
100mm(4”)cone
25mm(1”)dome
Operation and clipping indicator LED on front side
Power requirements 230 V ~ ± 10 %, 50 ... 60 Hz
115 V ~ ± 10 %, 50 ... 60 Hz (Optional)
100 V ~ ± 10 %, 50 ... 60 Hz (Optional)
Power consumption Max. 300 VA at full load
Mains connection IEC power connector
Temperature requirements
for use
for storage
humidity
+ 15°C ... + 35°C
- 25°C ... + 45°C
45 % ... 75 %
RL 921K (Amplier in loudspeaker cabinet)
Dimensions (h x w x d) 550 x 380 x 370 mm (21.7 x 15 x 14.6 inch)
Weight 39.5 kg (87.1 lbs)
Design of the cabinet MDF wood in ash black veneered; optional other veneers or colours
with holding device; optional without holding device
with handles; optional without handles

SPECIFICATIONS 13
musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL921K / RL921K1
RL 921K1 (Amplier in separate enclosure)
Connection cable
loudspeaker-amplierenclosure
Speakon NL8
Standard length 3 m (9.9 ft); optional other lengths
Dimensions (h x w x d)
Loudspeaker
Standardamplierenclosure
Highendamplierenclosure
550 x 380 x 300 (21.7 x 15 x 11.8 inch)
475 x 279 x 120 (18.7 x 11 x 4.7 inch) without base plate
495 x 320 x 260 (19.5 x 12.6 x 10.2 inch) with base plate
Weight
Loudspeaker
Standardamplierenclosure
Highendamplierenclosure
26.5 kg (58.4 lbs)
11 kg (24 lbs)
12 kg (26 lbs)
Design of the cabinet
Loudspeaker
Standardamplierenclosure
Highendamplierenclosure
MDF wood in ash black veneered; optional other veneers or colours
with holding device; optional without holding device
MDF wood with scratch proof structure coating black RAL9005;
optional other colours
MDF wood in ash black veneered; optional other veneers or colours
As an alternative to the standardly provided MOSFET amplier in an upright standing enclosure the 19’’
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 RL921K / RL921K1
7 Acoustic measurements
All acoustic measurements are carried out under anechoic conditions with 1 m (3.3 ft) 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 RL921K / RL921K1
8 Notes

musikelectronic geithain gmbh
STUDIOTECHNIK - HIGHENDTECHNIK - BESCHALLUNGSTECHNIK
Nikolaistraße 7
04643 Geithain / Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.me-geithain.de
BDARL921KV1170102EN