RCF SUB 8003-AS MK3 User manual

SUB 8003-AS MK3
SUB 905-AS MK3
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUALE UTENTE

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1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
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

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1. 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 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�
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�
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�
FCC NOTES
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules� These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation� This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications� However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation� If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna�
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver�
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected�
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help�
Modifications: Any modifications made to this device that are not approved
by RCF may void the authority granted to the user by the FCC to operate this
equipment�

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SUB 8003-AS MK3 | SUB 905-AS MK3 | PROFESSIONAL ACTIVE SUBWOOFERS
SUB 8003-AS MK3 and SUB 905-AS MK3 are high power, high output active subwoofer systems that set a new standard in professional sound reinforcement�
Each transducer has been specifically designed for the application�The woofer provides large excursion and very lightweight�
RCF always has the performer’s needs at the forefront of the design in order to create new lines of speakers with renewed features, improved sound clarity and
definition and even lighter weight systems� Every detail of the Sub Series has been carefully studied in order to offer musicians and professionals the perfect
tool to amplify their performance, night after night� High quality materials, precise manufacturing, careful assembly and extensive quality control procedures
complete the groundbreaking design work of the RCF R&D team�
All transducers are precision built taking advantage of RCF’s superior moulding, assembly technologies and a wealth of professional knowledge and experience
dedicated to achieving extremely high standards� All the transducers in Sub Series speakers feature high power magnets in order to guarantee the best
performance and power handling� Sub Series Subwoofers are equipped with a new generation of Class-D Amplifiers� The result of this is very high output,
extremely low distortion and an incredible natural sound�
The amplifier features a solid mechanical aluminium structure which not only stabilize the amplifier during transportation but also assist in the heat dissipation�
The new loudspeaker design looks aggressive whilst retaining perfect ergonomics and is the result of extensive combined functional and acoustic research�
The Sub Series Subwoofer cabinets are built in polyurea coated birch plywood and are designed to dampen down vibrations even at maximum volume settings�
The reflex porting has been resized to offer a better efficiency� The cabinets are equipped with ergonomically designed forged aluminium handles with rubber
handgrip� Rugged steel pole mount has been installed in all models�
2. DESCRIPTION
SUB 905-AS MK3
2200 Watt
15” Woofer
26 Kg (57,32 lbs)
SUB 8003-AS MK3
2200 Watt
18” Woofer
37,6 Kg (82,89 lbs)

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3. REAR PANEL FEATURES AND CONTROLS
1FEMALE XLR INPUTS L and R The system accepts XLR input connectors�
2MALE XLR SIGNAL OUTPUTS The output XLR connectors provide a loop through for
speakers daisy chaining�The balanced connectors are connected in parallel, and can be
used to send the audio signal to other amplified speakers or supplementary amplifiers�
3SYSTEM SET UP ENCODER
4GAIN REDUCTION / POWER LED
- POWER LED This green LED lights up when the speaker is connected to the main
power supply�
- GAIN REDUCTION LED Pushing the encoder once, the gain reduction indicator
lights up green�Then, rotating the encoder, the gain level can be set to the right level�
5DELAY / SIGNAL LED
- DELAY LED Pushing the encoder twice, the delay indicator lights up green� Then,
rotate the encoder to delay the speaker�The delay is expressed in meters�
- SIGNAL LED This indicator lights up green if there is an audio signal on the main�
6PRESET / LIMITER LED
- PRESET LED Pushing the encoder three times, the preset indicator lights up green�
Then rotate the encoder to load the right preset to the speaker�
- LIMITER LED The amplifier has a built-in limiter circuit to prevent any amplifier
clipping or transducers overdrive� When the soft clipping circuit is active, the LED blinks
RED� It is okay if the limiter LED blinks occasionally� If the LED lights continuously, turn
down the signal level�
7SYSTEM SET UP DISPLAY It displays the system setting values�
8LINK/XOVER SELECTOR When the selector is set to LINK position, the input signal
is sent directly to the output signal� When the selector is set in XOVER position, a
crossovered signal will be applied to the outputs to optimize the signal sent to any
speaker connected�
9AC POWER INPUT Powercon locking 3-pole AC mains�
10 AC OUTPUT LINK Sends the AC power to another speaker�
Power link: 100-120V~16 A MAX 1600W l 200-240V~16 A MAX 3500W�
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�
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4. SET-UP
Pushing the rear encoder, it is possible to select the following three functions:
INPUT GAIN REDUCTION
SPEAKER DELAY SETTING
SELECTION OF A SPEAKER PRESET
Pushing once the rear encoder the GAIN REDUCTION LED will light up� Now rotating the encoder counter clockwise, it will be possible to reduce
the input gain� The gain reduction will be in steps of 0,1 dB for the first 10 dB and then in 1 dB steps�The maximum reduction is 99 dB�
Pushing a second time the rear encoder the DELAY LED will light up� Now rotating the encoder clockwise it will be possible to delay the signal
output of the speaker� The delay is expressed in meter� The delay will be in steps of 0,1 m for the first 10 m and then in 1 m steps� The maximum
delay will be 20 meter�
Pushing a third time the rear encoder the PRESET LED will light up� Now rotating the encoder clockwise it will be possible to select a preset:
EXTENDED LOW PRESETS (more extended and linear frequency response):
L1 30 Hz – 60 Hz L2 30 Hz – 80 Hz
L3 30 Hz – 100 Hz L4 30 Hz – 125 Hz
HARD PRESETS (less extended frequency response, more pressure at 50-60 Hz):
H1 40 Hz – 60 Hz H2 40 Hz – 80 Hz
H3 40 Hz – 100 Hz H4 40 Hz – 125 Hz
CARDIOID PRESETS (in combination with L presets)
C1 30 Hz – 60 Hz C2 30 Hz – 80 Hz
C3 30 Hz – 100 Hz C4 30 Hz – 125 Hz
SAVING A SPEAKER PRESET
After the parameter settings the two digits display will flash one time�This represent saving all the preset values in the speaker memory� Once saved,
all the speaker settings are permanent� It is possible to turn off and turn on; the speaker will remember the last settings�
CARDIOID SET-UP
It is possible to create subwoofer cardioid systems using groups of two or three modules�
A group of two modules shall be made as follow:
- Only use one of the L presets (30 Hz High Pass filter)
- 1 modules pointing in forward direction
- 1 module pointing in backward direction, correspondent cardioid preset
- The modules shall have the same settings (system delay, sensitivity, preset)
A group of three modules shall be made as follow:
- Only use one of the L presets (30 Hz High Pass filter)
- 2 modules pointing in forward direction
- 1 module pointing in backward direction, correspondent cardioid preset
- The modules shall have the same settings (system delay, preset)
- The 2 front modules shall have -1�5 dB gain less than the rear module�

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5. 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, signal 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 turning them off
immediately after their use� You can now turn ON the speaker and adjust the volume control to a proper level�
PROTECTIONS
These RCF active speakers are equipped with a complete system of protection circuits�The circuit is acting very gently on audio signal, controlling
level and maintaining distortion at acceptable level�
VOLTAGE SETUP (RESERVED TO THE RCF SERVICE CENTRE)
220-240 Volt, 50 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T6,30 A - 250V
110-120 Volt, 60 Hz SETUP: FUSE VALUE T6,30 A - 250V
MALE XLR CONNECTOR
Balanced wiring
FEMALE XLR CONNECTOR
Balanced wiring
22
11
33
2211
33
PIN 1 = GROUND (SHIELD)
PIN 2 = HOT (+)
PIN 3 = COLD (-)

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6. 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 equipments 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�

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DIMENSIONS - SUB 8003-AS MK3

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DIMENSIONS - SUB 905-AS MK3

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Acoustical specifications Frequency Response:
Max SPL @ 1m:
Transducers Woofer:
Input/Output section Input signal:
Input connectors:
Output connectors:
Input sensitivity:
Processor section Crossover Frequencies:
Protections:
Limiter:
Controls:
Power section Total Power:
Cooling:
Connections:
Standard compliance Safety agency:
Physical specifications Cabinet/Case Material:
Handles:
Grille:
Color:
Size Height:
Width:
Depth:
Weight:
Shipping information Package Height:
Package Width:
Package Depth:
Package Weight:
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS SUB 8003-AS MK3
35 Hz ÷ 120 Hz
135 dB
18'', 4.0'' v.c
bal/unbal
XLR
XLR
-2 dBu/+4 dBu
Selectable
Thermal, RMS
Soft Limiter
Gain, EQ, Phase, Xover,
Delay, Cardioid
2200 W Peak
Convection
Powercon IN/OUT
CE compliant
One handle each side
Plywood
Steel with clothing
Black
693 mm / 27.28 inches
505 mm / 19.88 inches
685 mm / 26.97 inches
37.6 kg / 82.89 lbs
735 mm / 28.94 inches
745 mm / 29.33 inches
565 mm / 22.24 inches
44 kg / 97 lbs
SUB 905-AS MK3
bal/unbal
40 Hz ÷ 120 Hz
133 dB
15'', 3.0'' v.c
XRL Stereo
XRL Stereo
-2 dBu/+4 dBu
Selectable
Thermal, RMS
Soft Limiter
Gain, EQ, Phase, Xover,
Delay, Cardioid
2200 W Peak, 1100 W RMS
Convection
Powercon IN/OUT
CE compliant
Plywood
One handle each side
Steel with clothing
Black
590 mm / 23.23 inches
420 mm / 16.54 inches
590 mm / 23.23 inches
26 kg / 57.32 lbs
640 mm / 25.2 inches
650 mm / 25.59 inches
480 mm / 18.9 inches
30 kg / 66.14 lbs
SPECIFICATIONS