RCF HDL20-A User manual

OWNER MANUAL
MANUALE D’USO
HDL20-A
HDL10-A ACTIVE LINE
ARRAY MODULES

ENGLISH
ENGLISH
ITALIANO
LANGUAGE
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1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as
they provide important information.
WARNING: to prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, never expose this product to rain
or humidity.
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. This unit is CLASS I construction, so it must be connected to a MAIN socket outlet with
a protective earthing connection.
d. Appliance coupler or PowerCon Connector® is used to disconnect device from MAIN
power. This device shall remain readily accessible after the installation
e. Protect the power cable from damage; make sure it is positioned in a way that it
cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.
f. To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open this product: there are no parts inside
that the user needs to access.
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.
SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT
WARNING

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9. Supports and trolleys
The equipment should be only 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.
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.
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.
The equipments considered in this manual can be used in electromagnetic
environment E1 to E3 as specified on EN 55103-1/2: 2009.
-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
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.
CAUTION: to prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to mains power supply while
grille is removed
OPERATING
PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT NOTES
IMPORTANT NOTES
CAUTION

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HDL20-A, HDL10-A
ACTIVE LINE ARRAY MODULES
D LINE
TOURING AUDIO SOLUTIONS
The concept of this unique speaker derives from the touring industry, bringing in a compact
cabinet all the experience of RCF professional sound.
The vocals are natural, the sound is clear at longer distances, the spl power is stable at very
high levels.
The RCF Precision transducers equipping D LINE have been representing for decades the
ultimate performance, the highest power handling and the mos advanced technology in the
professional and touring industry.
The high power woofer delivers extremely accurate punchy bass, the custom made
compression driver offers a transparent midrange and extreme fidelity.
RCF Class-D power amplifiers technology packs huge performance operating with high
efficiency into a lightweight solution. D LINE amplifiers deliver ultra fast attack, realistic
transient response and impressive audio performance.
The integrated DSP manages crossover, equalisation, soft limiter, compressor and dynamic
bass boost.
D LINE cabinets are moulded on a special polypropylene composite material designed to
dampen down vibrations even at maximum volume settings.
From moulding to the final texture, D LINE offers the maximum reliability and strength for
the intensive use on the road.
The HDL20-A and HDL10-A are very compact, self-powered, 2-way line array loudspeaker
modules. The 700-watt Class-D amp modules accurately match the high quality digital
signal input boards with precise, complex filter responses that result in the natural,
detailed reproduction of the best direct radiating designs. They are 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 speakers deliver
extraordinary power handling, clarity, flexibility and great sound in a compact, easy to
handle and affordable package.
THE INPUT SECTION PROVIDES:
- Out XLR connectors;
- IN XLR Jack combo
- system volume control;
- 5 configuration switch;
- 4 status LEDs.
HDL20-A IS A 2-WAY ACTIVE SYSTEM FEATURING:
- 10” neo woofer, 2,5” voice coil in horn loaded configuration;
- 2” exit, 3” voice coil neo compression driver;
- 100° x 15°, constant directivity coverage angle.
HDL10-A IS A 2-WAY ACTIVE SYSTEM FEATURING:
- 8” neo woofer, 2,0” voice coil in horn loaded configuration;
- 2” exit, 2,5” voice coil neo compression driver;
- 100° x 15°, constant directivity coverage angle.
THE AMPLIFIER SECTION FEATURES:
- 700 Watt switching power supply module;
- 500 Watt low frequency digital amplifier module;
- 200 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 700 Watt 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.
PRODUCT
INFORMATIONS

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The HDL line arrays Systems are designed to operate in hostile and demanding situations.
Nevertheless it is important to take extremely care of the AC power supply and set up a
proper power distribution.
The HDL line arrays Systems are designed to be GROUNDED. Always use a grounded
connection.
The HDL amplifiers are designed to work within the following AC Voltage limits:
230 V NOMINAL VOLTAGE: minimum voltage 185 V, maximum voltage 260 V
115 V NOMINAL VOLTAGE: minimum voltage 95 V, maximum voltage 132 V.
If the voltage goes below the minimum admitted voltage the system stops working If
the voltage goes higher than the maximum admitted voltage the system can be seriously
damaged. To obtain the best performances from the system it is very important that the
voltage drop it is as low as possible.
Make sure that all the system is properly grounded. All the grounding points shall be
connected to the same ground node. This will improve reducing hums in the audio system.
The module is provided with a Powercon outlet to daisy chain other modules.The maximum
number of modules that is possible to daisy chain is:
16 (SIXTEEN) OR 4 HDL 18-AS + 8 HDL 20-A MAXIMUM OR 8
HDL18-A.
230 Volt NOMINAL VOLTAGE: minimum voltage 185 Volt, maximum voltage 264
Volt (for UK 240V+10%)
115 Volt NOMINAL VOLTAGE: minimum voltage 95 Volt, maximum voltage 132
Volt.
A superior number of modules in daisy chain will exceed the Powercon connector maximum
ratings and create a potentially dangerous situation.
When the HDL line arrays systems are powered from a three phase power distribution it
is very important to keep a good balance in the load of each phase of the AC power. It is
very important to include subwoofers and satellites in power distribution calculation: both
subwoofers and satellites shall be distributed between the three phases.
POWER
REQUIREMENTS
AND SET-UP
WARNING
WARNING
VOLTAGE
GROUNDING
AC CABLES DAISY CHAINS
POWERING FROM
THREE PHASE

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MAIN XLR INPUT (BAL/UNBAL).The system accept male XLR/Jack input connectors
with line level 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.
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.
HF.The switch gives the possibility to set high frequencies correction depending on
target distance (air absorption correction):
- NEAR (used for pole mount applications or near field)
- FAR (for farthest field).
CLUSTER. The combination of the 2 switches gives 4 possibilities of mid low
frequencies correction depending on cluster size.
- 2-3 modules (used for pole mount applications ground stacking)
- 4-6 modules (small flown systems)
- 7-9 modules (medium flown systems)
- 10-16 modules (maximum flown configuration).
HIGH CURVING. The switch gives the extra possibility to boost mid frequencies
depending on a high curving cluster configuration of few pieces.
- OFF (not active correction)
- ON (for high curving arrays of few pieces HDL20-A or HDL10-A).
INDOOR. The switch gives the extra possibility to set low frequencies correction
depending on a indoor/outdoor use, in order to compensate room reverberation on
lows.
- OFF (not active correction)
- ON (correction for reverberant indoor rooms).
REAR
PANEL
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BEFORE TURNING ON
THE SPEAKER
VOLTAGE SETUP
(RESERVED TO THE RCF SERVICE CENTRE)
SIGNAL CABLES DAISY CHAINS
HOT GND
BAL. XLR
COLD
CONNECTIONS
AC POWERCON RECEPTACLE. RCF D LINE 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.
The XLR connectors use the following AES standard:
PIN 1 = GROUND (SHIELD)
PIN 2 = HOT (+)
PIN 3 = COLD (-)
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.
230 Volt, 50 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T3,15A - 250V
115 Volt, 60 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T6, 30A - 250V
Audio signal can be daisy-chained using the male XLR loop through connectors. A single
audio source can drive multiple speakers modules (like a full left or right channel made of
8-16 speaker modules); make sure that the source device is able to drive the impedance
load made of the modules input circuits in parallel.The HDL line arrays input circuit presents
a 100 KOhm input impedance. The total input impedance seen as a load from the audio
source (ex. audio mixer) will be:
- system input impedance = 100 KOhm / number of input circuits in parallel.
The required output impedance of the audio source (ex. audio mixer) will be:
- source output impedance > 10 * system input impedance;
- always make sure that XLR cables used to feed audio signal to the system are:
- balanced audio cables;
- wired in phase.
A single defective cable can affect the performance of the overall system!
WARNING
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The HDL is a flexible system that can be used in ground-supported or suspended applications.
The following information will help you set up your HDL system safely and effectively.
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 HDL loudspeakers on a stand or pole.
- When mounting two HDL 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.
A single HDL may be used on a tripod stand (AC S260) or on a pole (AC PMA) over its D
LINE Series subwoofers. The use of a subwoofer is recommended for applications requiring
more low-frequency power and extension and needs a pole (P.N. 13360110).
Usually, the cluster switch on the input panel should be set to the 2-3 position and the
HF on NEAR when a single speaker is used. Indoor switch use depends on the speaker
placement. Place the speaker on the pole or on a tripod using its own hardware LIGHT
BAR HDL20-A (P.N. 13360229) or LIGHT BAR HDL10-A (P.N. 13360276) as shown in the
following picture.
SINGLE HDL20-A, HDL10-A
POLE AND TRIPOD SAFETY
WARNINGS

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- 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.
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: HDL mechanics are built
with certified UNI EN 10025-95 S 235 JR and S 355 JR Steel.
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.
S 355 J and S 235 JR characteristic values are R=360 [N/mm2] and R=510 [N/mm2] for
Ultimate Strength and Rp0.2=235 [N/mm2] and Rp0.2=355 [N/mm2] for Yield Strength. In
our prediction software the Safety Factors are calculated considering the Maximum Stress
Limit equal to the Yield Strength, according with many international standards and rules. The
resulting Safety Factor is the minimum of all the calculated safety factors, for each link or pin.
This is where you are working with a SF=4:
Depending on local safety regulation and on situation the required safety factor can vary.
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. The “RCF Shape Designer”
software gives detailed information of the safety factor for each specific configuration.
The safety factor is the result of the forces acting on fly bar’s and system’s front and rear
links and pins and depends on many variables:
- number of cabinets;
HDL20-A, HDL10-A SUSPENDED
“RCF SHAPE DESIGNER”
SOFTWARE AND SAFETY
FACTOR
Ultimate
Strength
N/mm2
Y
ield
Strength
SF =
4
W
orking
Conditions
%
Ultimate
Strength
N/mm2
Y
ield
Strength
SF =
4
W
orking
Conditions
%
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

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- fly bar angles;
- angles from cabinets to cabinets. If one of the cited variables change the safety factor
MUST BE recalculated using the software before rigging the system.
In case the fly bar is picked up from 2 motors make sure that the fly bar angle is correct.An
angle different from the angle used in the prediction software can be potentially dangerous.
Never allow persons to stay or pass under the system during the installation process.
When the fly bar is particularly tilted or the array is very curved the centre of gravity can
move out from the rear links. In this case the front links are in compression and the rear
links are supporting the total weight of the system plus the front compression. Always
check very carefully with the “RCF Shape Designer” software all this kind of situations
(even with a small number of cabinets).
THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPEAKERS THAT MAY BE SUSPENDED USING
THE HDL20-A FRAME IS:
n° 16 HDL20-A;
n° 8 HDL18-AS;
n° 4 HDL 18-AS + 8 (EIGHT) HDL 20-A USING ACCESSORY LINK BAR HDL20-HDL18-AS
THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPEAKERS THAT MAY BE SUSPENDED USING
THE HDL10-A FRAME IS:
n° 16 HDL10-A;
n° 8 HDL15-AS;
n° 4 HDL 15-AS + 8 (EIGHT) HDL 10-A USING ACCESSORY LINK BAR HDL10-HDL15-AS
MAXIMUM ARRAY SIZE
THE HDL FLY BAR FEATURES:
FRONT FLYING BRACKET. Front mounting.
QUICK LOCK PIN HOLE. Front mounting (to be used to lock the front bracket before
installation).
FRONT BRACKET - TRANSPORT HOLES.
CENTRAL PICK UP POINTS.
The pickup point is asymmetric and can be fit in two positions (A and B).
A position brings the shackle towards the front.
B position allows an intermediate step using the same fixing holes.
Move the pickup bracket in the position suggested by RCF Shape Designer.
Fix the pickup bracket with the two pins on the bracket’s lanyard to lock the pickup.
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THE HDL FLY BAR
A B

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RIGGING PROCEDURE
H
S
F
Check that all the pins are secured and locked.
Rigging the system follow the procedure:
RIGGING CHAIN HOIST.
CERTIFIED SHACKLE.
FLY BAR.
1) Connect the fly-bar F to the chain hoist H (o motors) using the certified shackle.
Secure the shackle.
2) Connect the second pin on the front bracket to make sure that the connecting bracket
is vertical.
3) Connect the front bracket to the first HD cabinet using 2 quick lock pins.
USING THE FLY BAR HDL 20 LIGHT (P.N. 13360229) IT IS ALLOWED TO CONNECT A
MAXIMUM OF 4 HDL 20-A MODULES.
USING THE FLY BAR HDL 10 LIGHT (P.N. 13360276) IT IS ALLOWED TO CONNECT A
MAXIMUM OF 6 HDL 10-A MODULES.
H
S
F
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4) Reverse and connect the 1 rear bracket to the fly-bar using 2 quick lock pins.
The first HDL has to be fixed always starting at 0° with respect of the frame. No other
angles are allowded.
5) Connect the second cabinet to the first always starting from the 2 front brackets.
6) Reverse and connect the rear bracket of the second cabinet using the hole for the proper
angle.
7) Connect all the other cabinets following the same procedure and connecting a single
cabinet each time.

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HDL allow users to choose from different face-to-face angle adjustments to create arrays
with varying curvature. Thus, designers can create arrays custom-tailored to each venue’s
profile.
The basic approach to array design dependent on three factors:
- Number of Array Elements;
- Vertical Splay Angles;
- Horizontal Coverage.
Determining the number of elements to use is critical: the number of elements greatly
affects the SPL available from the system as well as the uniformity of coverage in both SPL
and frequency response. The number of elements profoundly effects the directivity at lower
frequencies.
The next easy equation, works as an approximation for flat listening planes.
Coverage (x) ≈ 8n (m) Coverage distance required = x (metres).
Changing the splay angles between cabinets has a significant impact on vertical coverage
for the high frequencies, with the result that narrower vertical splay angles produce a
higher Q vertical beamwidth, while wider splay lowers the Q at high frequencies. In general,
the splay angles do not affect the vertical coverage at lower frequencies.
The curved array system design can be summarized as:
- flat-front HDL for long throw sections;
- increase curvature as distance decreases;
- add more enclosures for more output.
This approach focuses more transducers mounted on long-throw horns at the farthest seat,
gradually focusing fewer transducers as distance decreases. As long as the no gap rule is
maintained, arrays constructed according to these principles will provide even SPL and a
consistent sonic character throughout the venue without requiring complex processing.
This approach, where the same amount of acoustic energy is spread over a larger or smaller
vertical angle depending on required throw, typically have the following objectives:
- even horizontal and vertical coverage;
- uniform SPL;
- uniform frequency response;
- sufficient SPL for the application.
This discussion represents, of course, just a basic approach. Given the infinite variety of
venues and performers, users will find themselves needing to solve specific problems in
specific situations. RCF Shape Designer software designed to help calculate optimum splay
angles, aiming angles, and fly-bar pick points (crucial in aiming the array) for a given venue,
will be explained later in this Guide.
ARRAY SYSTEMS
DESIGN

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The software was developed with Matlab 2015b and requires Matlab programming
libraries. At the very first installation user should refer to the installation package, available
from the RCF website, containing the Matlab Runtime (ver. 9) or the installation package
that will download the Runtime from the web. Once the libraries are correctly installed,
for all the following version of the software the user can directly download the application
without the Runtime. Two versions, 32-bit and 64-bit, are available for the download.
IMPORTANT: Matlab no longer supports Windows XP and hence RCF Easy Shape Designer
(32 bit) doesn’t work with this OS version.
You may wait a few seconds after the double click on the installer because the software
checks if Matlab Libraries are available.After this step the installation begins. Double-click
the last installer (check for the last release in the download section of our website) and
follow the next steps.
SOFTWARE EASY SHAPE DESIGNER

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After the choice of folders for RCF Easy Shape Designer software (Figure 2) and Matlab Libraries Runtime the installer takes a couple
of minutes for the installation procedure.

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The RCF Easy Shape Designer software is divided into two macro sections: the left part of
the interface is dedicated to project variables and data (size of audiences to cover, height,
number of modules, etc.), the right part shows the processing results.
At first the user should introduce the audience data choosing the proper pop-up menu
depending on the size of the audience and introducing the geometrical data. It is also
possible to define the height of the listener.
The second step is the array definition selecting the number of cabinets in the array, the
hanging height, the number of hanging points and the kind of available flybars. When
selecting two hanging points consider those points positioned at the flybar extremes.
The height of the array should be considered referred to the bottom side of the flybar, as
shown in the picture below.
After entering all the data input in the left part of the user interface, by pressing the
AUTOSPLAY button the software will perform:
- Hanging point for the shackle with A or B position indicated if a single pickup point is
selected, rear and front load if two pickup points are selected.
- Flybar tilt angle and cabinet splays (angles that we have to set to each cabinet before
lifting operations).
- Inclination that each cabinet will take (in case of one pick up point) or will have to
take if we were to tilt the cluster with the use of two engines. (two pick up points).
- Total load and Safety Factor calculation: if the selected setup doesn’t give Safety
Factor > 1.5 the text message shows in red color the failure to meet the minimum
conditions of mechanical safety.
- Low Frequency Presets (a single preset for all the array) for RDNet use or for rear
panel rotary knob use (“Local”).
- High Frequency Presets (a preset for every array module) for RDNet use or for rear
panel rotary knob use (“Local”).
HEIGHT

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Once the design (number of elements and vertical splay angles) has been designed using
Shape Designer software,you can effectively optimise the array depending on the environment
and the application by driving it using different DSP presets stored onboard. Typically arrays
are divided in two or three zones depending the design and size of the array.
To optimise and EQ the array, different strategies are used for high frequencies (long throws
and short throws) and low frequencies.
The longer the distance, the greater the attenuation at high frequencies. Generally, high
frequencies need a correction to compensate for energy lost over distance; the correction
needed is usually proportional to the distance and high-frequency air absorption. In the
near- to mid-field, the air absorption is not nearly as critical; in this zone, high frequencies
need little additional correction.
In the next figure is shown the equalization that corresponds to HF settings for NEAR and
FAR:
HIGH-FREQUENCY
EQUALIZATION STRATEGIES
OPTIMIZING
THE ARRAY
While wave-guides provide isolated control over various mid- to high-frequency coverage areas,
the low-frequency section of a HDL array still requires mutual coupling - with equal amplitude
and phase - to achieve better directionality. Low-frequency directionality is less dependent on the
array’s relative splay angles and more dependent on the number of elements of the array.
At low frequencies, the more elements in the array (the longer the array), the more directional the
array becomes, providing more SPL in this range. The directional control of the array is achieved
when the length of the array is similar or larger than the wavelength of the frequencies being
reproduced by the array.
Although the array can (and usually should) be zoned for implementing different
equalization curves for high frequencies, identical equalization should be maintained in all
the low-frequency filters.
Different low-frequency equalization settings in the same array will degrade the desired
coupling effect. For the same reason, gain differences are not recommended for line arrays,
since adjusting various zones with an overall amplitude control for each results in decrease
of Low-frequency headroom and directionality.
In any case, line arrays generally need a correction to compensate for energy sum on lows.
In the next figure is shown the equalization that corresponds to CLUSTER settings, referring
to different number of speakers from 2-3 up to 10-16. Increasing the number of cabinets,
response curves are decreased in order to compensate the low-frequency section mutual
coupling.
LOW-FREQUENCY COUPLING
EFFECTS
LOW-FREQUENCY STRATEGIES

20
ENGLISH
HDL modules can still be stacked on top of RCF subwoofers using the HDL fly bar.
HDL 20-A compatible Subwoofers:
- SUB 8004-AS
- SUB 8006-AS
- HDL 18-AS
HDL 10-A compatible Subwoofers:
- SUB 8004-AS
- SUB 8006-AS
- HDL 15-AS
HDL10-A & HDL20-A
GROUND STACKED
1) Fix the HDL fly bar on subs as shown in the picture.
2) The stacking bar adds a fixed amount of up or downtilt to ground-stacked HDL modules,
with additional 15 degrees of adjustment possible (from +7,5° to -7,5°).