RCF Q 15 User manual

Q 15
Q 15-L
Q 15-P
TWO-WAY POINT SOURCE MODULES
OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUALE UTENTE

3
CONTENTS
ENGLISH
1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................................. 4
2 DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3 CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
4 HORIZONTAL HANGING ................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 HORIZONTAL HANGING OF 1 SPEAKER .................................................................................................................................................9
4.2 HORIZONTAL HANGING OF 2 OR MORE SPEAKERS .............................................................................................................................10
4.3 HORIZONTAL CONFIGURATIONS .........................................................................................................................................................12
5 VERTICAL HANGING....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 VERTICAL CONFIGURATIONS...............................................................................................................................................................16
6 VERTICAL HANGING WITH A 10° ANGLE...................................................................................................................................... 18
7 EXAMPLES OF MIXED CONFIGURATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 20
ITALIANO
1 AVVERTENZE PER LA SICUREZZA E INFORMAZIONI GENERALI................................................................................................. 22
2 DESCRIZIONE .................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
3 COLLEGAMENTI .............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
4 SOSPENSIONE ORIZZONTALE ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
4.1 SOSPENSIONE ORIZZONTALE DI 1 DIFFUSORE .....................................................................................................................................27
4.2 SOSPENSIONE ORIZZONTALE DI 2 DIFFUSORI......................................................................................................................................28
4.3 CONFIGURAZIONI ORIZZONTALI .........................................................................................................................................................30
5 SOSPENSIONE VERTICALE.............................................................................................................................................................. 32
5.1 CONFIGURAZIONI VERTICALI...............................................................................................................................................................34
6 SOSPENSIONE VERTICALE CON ANGOLO DI 10°......................................................................................................................... 34
7 ESEMPI DI CONFIGURAZIONI MISTE ............................................................................................................................................ 38
DIMENSIONS.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 41

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The symbols used in this document give notice of important operating instructions and
warnings which must be strictly followed.
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 or death.
IMPORTANT NOTES Helpful and relevant information
about the topic
SUPPORTS, TROLLEYS
AND CARTS
Information about the use of supports,
trolleys and carts. Reminds to move with
extreme caution and never tilt.
WASTE DISPOSAL
This symbol indicates that this product
should not be disposed 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
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.
f. Be careful: in the case of a product supplied by manufacturer only with POWERCON
connectors and without a power cord, jointly to POWERCON connectors type NAC3FCA
(power-in) and NAC3FCB (power-out), the following power cords compliant to national
standard shall be used:
-EU: cord type H05VV-F 3G 3x2.5 mm2 - Standard IEC 60227-1
-JP: cord type VCTF 3x2 mm2; 15Amp/120V~ - Standard JIS C3306
-US: cord type SJT/SJTO 3x14 AWG; 15Amp/125V~ - Standard ANSI/UL 62
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.
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, 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 uneven floors may cause the assembly to
overturn. Never tilt the assembly.
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.
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
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
WARNING! CAUTION! To prevent the risk of fire or electric
shock, never expose this product to rain or humidity.
WARNING! To prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to
mains power supply while 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.
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

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1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
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 of 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 thisproduct 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 these advices:
-If the product is intended to be set up outdoors, be sure it is under cover and protected
to 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.

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Q 15, Q 15-L, Q 15-P - TWO-WAY POINT SOURCE MODULES
Q 15 speakers are two-way, bi-amp point source modules for mid distance and long throw applications, merging a compact size with a very high
output and accurate voice and sound reproduction. The systems are equipped with the latest generation of RCF precision transducers: a 15”
neodymium woofer (4.0” v.c.) and a 1.4” exit compression driver (4.0” v.c.) providing 1500 W power rating.
Directivity, horizontal 22.5° and vertical 60° (Q 15), 90° (Q 15-L), 40° (Q 15-P) makes Q 15 speakers ideal to be used in point source configuration
for mid distance applications or clustered with narrower angles for long throw applications. The enclosure shape is trapezoidal and offers a 22.5°
coupling angle each side. Thanks to two different fly bars, it can be clustered both horizontally (up to 4 modules with the same fly bar) and
vertically (up to 6 modules with one flybar and up to 8 modules with two fly-bars). Connections to the amplifier are made through Speakon multi-
pole connectors. The grille is in custom perforated steel epoxy coated, with woven fabric backing. The cabinet is made of multi-ply Baltic birch
plywood and finished in a very resistant polyurea black paint.
2. DESCRIPTION
Q 15
Horizontal directivity: 22.5°
Vertical directivity: 60°
Q 15-L
Horizontal directivity: 22.5°
Vertical directivity: 90°
Q 15-P
Horizontal directivity: 22.5°
Vertical directivity: 40°

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THE REAR PANEL
The rear panel displays 2 sockets, both for ‘Neutrik Speakon NL4’ (4-pole) plugs:
1The INPUT socket receives the signal from the amplifier
2The LINK socket can be used to link another speaker
‘BI-AMP’ MODE
The speaker must be powered by two amplifiers (one for the low frequency, one for the high frequency) and an external crossover is required.
Check in the specification table the impedance of both ways, their power and the suggested crossover frequency.
LOW
HIGH
AMP.
CROSSOVER
AMP.
CONNECTIONS
- Low frequency amplifier + output to the pin 1+ of the SPEAKON connector
- Low frequency amplifier - output to the pin 1- of the SPEAKON connector
- High frequency amplifier + output to the pin 2+ of the SPEAKON connector
- High frequency amplifier - output to the pin 2- of the SPEAKON connector
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.
3. CONNECTIONS
21

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NOTES ABOUT LOW IMPEDANCE CONNECTIONS
-+
+
+
-+
+
WARNING! CAUTION!
- The total loudspeaker impedance must not be lower than the amplifier output impedance. Note: a loudspeaker total
impedance equal to the amplifier output one permits to get the maximum deliverable power (but an higher loudspeaker
impedance entails less power).
- The total loudspeaker power shall be adequate for the maximum deliverable power of the amplifier.
- The loudspeaker line shall be short (for long distances, it may be necessary to use cables with large cross-section wires).
- Always use cables having wires with an adequate cross-section, considering the cable length and the total loudspeaker
power.
- Loudspeaker lines must be kept separated from the mains cables, microphone cables or others, in order to avoid inductive
phenomena may cause hum or noises.
- Use loudspeaker cables with twisted wires to reduce hum caused by inductive effects due to coupling with electromagnetic
fields.
- Do NOT connect the low impedance input directly to 70 / 100 V constant voltage lines.
3. CONNECTIONS

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4. HORIZONTAL HANGING
Up to 4 x Q 15 can be hanged horizontally by using the horizontal flybar FLY BAR FL-B H Q 15.
4.1 HORIZONTAL HANGING OF 1 SPEAKER
1. Unscrew the 4 central screws from the Top Plate
2. Secure the Flybar with the 4 x M10 screws provided.
TOP VIEW
1 2

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4.2 HORIZONTAL HANGING OF 2 OR MORE SPEAKERS
Unscrew the 8 screws from the Top Plate Aand remove it. There are 2 plates below the Top Plate:
Ba Link Plate (with 6 holes)
Can External Plate (with 2 holes)
These two plates are designed to be moved from their position in order to link another speaker on its side depending on the configuration wanted.
Example: for a 2 speakers horizontal configuration, this is how the two plates must be positioned:
4. HORIZONTAL HANGING
C
A
B
BC
C
A
A
BB

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Example: for a 3 speakers configuration, this is how the two plates must be positioned:
NOTE: Once chosen the right configuration the Top Plate must be always screwed back on its position, leaving the four
middle holes free.
4. HORIZONTAL HANGING
NOTE: The exact same operations done on the upper side of the speaker must be done on the bottom side too.
BOTTOM VIEW of a 2 SPEAKERS CONFIGURATION
BOTTOM VIEW of a 3 SPEAKERS CONFIGURATION
C
A
A
BB
C
A
B
C
A
A
B
B
C
C
A
A
A
B
B
B

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4.3 HORIZONTAL CONFIGURATIONS
Once screwed back the top plate, secure the horizontal flybar over the top plate by screwing (on the middle holes) the four M10 screws provided.
These are all the 4 possible configurations by using one single Flybar:
4. HORIZONTAL HANGING
1 SPEAKER
HORIZONTAL
CONFIGURATION
3 SPEAKERS
HORIZONTAL
CONFIGURATION
2 SPEAKERS
HORIZONTAL
CONFIGURATION
4 SPEAKERS
HORIZONTAL
CONFIGURATION

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4. HORIZONTAL HANGING
NOTE: The Flybar can be positioned backward or forward to even increase the desired inclination.
CAUTION: do not hang more than 4 speakers to one single horizontal flybar. To hang 5 ore more speakers, more
horizontal flybars are required.
FLYBAR ON
CENTRAL
POSITION
FLYBAR ON
FORWARD
POSITION
FLYBAR ON
BACKWARD
POSITION

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To vertically hang a series of Q 15 speakers, unscrew the 8 screws from the Top Plate Aand remove it.
As described on chapter 4.1 (Horizontal hanging of 2 or more speakers) , two plates are located under the top one:
Ba Link Plate (with 6 holes)
Can External Plate (with 2 holes)
These two plates are designed to be moved from their position in order to link another speaker on its side depending on the configuration wanted.
Example: for a 1 speaker vertical configuration, this is how the two plates must be positioned:
PLATES B MUST BE ROTATED
UPSIDE DOWN
5. VERTICAL HANGING
4 x Q 15 can be hanged vertically by using the vertical flybar FLY BAR FL-B V Q 15.
B
C
B
A
C
B
A
C

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5. VERTICAL HANGING
TOP SPEAKER
TOP SPEAKER MIDDLE SPEAKER
LOWER SPEAKER
LOWER SPEAKER
Example: for a 3 speakers vertical configuration, this is how the plates must be positioned:
Example: for a 2 speakers vertical configuration, this is how the plates must be positioned:
NOTE: The exact same operations must be done on both sides of the speaker
NOTE: Once chosen the right configuration the Top Plate must be always screwed back on its position.
B
A
C
B
A
C
B B B
AAA
C C
C

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5. VERTICAL HANGING
5.1 VERTICAL CONFIGURATIONS
Once screwed back the top plate, secure the vertical flybar on the exposed portion of the Link Plate with the four M10 bolts provided.
Secure every bolt with the eight nuts provided (two nuts for each bolt).
These are the possible horizontal configurations by using one single Flybar:
1 SPEAKER
4 SPEAKERS
3 SPEAKERS
6 SPEAKERS
2 SPEAKERS
5 SPEAKERS
CAUTION: do not hang more than 6 speakers to one single vertical flybar.

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5. VERTICAL HANGING
An additional 8 speakers vertical configuration can be done by using two vertical flybars.

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6. VERTICAL HANGING WITH A 10° ANGLE
Using the C-BR 10° it is possible to reduce the opening angle from 22.5° to 10°.
PACKAGE CONTENT:
- 2 X C-BR 10° BRACKETS
1. Unscrew the 8 screws from the Top Plate Aand remove it.
2. Remove the two plates located under the top one:
Ba Link Plate (with 6 holes)
Can External Plate (with 2 holes)
A
A
B
C

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6. VERTICAL HANGING WITH A 10° ANGLE
3. Place the C-BR 10° Das shown in the pictures below.
-On the top and following speakers of the cluster, the External Plate Cmust be placed next to the C-BR 10°, as shown in FIGURE 1.
-On the bottom speaker of the cluster the External Plate Cmust be placed as shown in FIGURE 2.
4. For the top and following speakers, place back the Top Plate on its position and screw it back with only six screws, leaving the two bottom holes
empty. For the Bottom speakers screw back the Top Plate with all the 8 screws.
NOTE: The Top Plate Amust be always screwed back on its position.
FIGURE 1
(Top and following speakers)
(Top and following speakers)
C
D
FIGURE 2
(Bottom speaker)
(Bottom speaker)
C
D
AA

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5. Now place the Vertical Fly Bar on top of a Q15 speaker and screw it with the 4 screws provided.
The protruding part of the 10° bracket of the lower speaker must be inserted on the respective seat on the upper speaker. Then depending on
which angle is chosen, screw in the last two screws.
NOTE: The exact same operations must be done on both sides of the speaker
NOTE: The exact same operations must be done on both sides of the speaker
6. VERTICAL HANGING WITH A 10° ANGLE