I've been looking into some new small array elements and the RCF HDL 20A looked attractive. My only two concerns are the ABS plastic boxes and the fact that they're active. Is it difficult to make changes to active arrays during a show?
Rcf hdl 20a
- Thread starter Kevin Spencer
- Start date
What are your criteria for an array? What type of changes during a show other than EQ?
The HDL boxes are great, but we need more info.
The HDL boxes are great, but we need more info.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
The HDL20A are great boxes for the price point...
We did a video on them RCF HDL20A overview - inside and out - AUTHORIZED DEALERS - YouTube
Took them apart...they sound great, but need more info on what you are wanting to do with them...
The HDL20A are great boxes for the price point...
We did a video on them RCF HDL20A overview - inside and out - AUTHORIZED DEALERS - YouTube
Took them apart...they sound great, but need more info on what you are wanting to do with them...
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
Sorry for the lack of specificity. Ive noticed the gain structure on active boxes can vary to some degree; even of the same make and model. I don't have any experience with active array elements which is why i ask. What i'm really wondering is if the gain on them will be able to be turned to 1 o'clock and have the same nearly identical output every time. Is there greater scrutiny that goes into the amplifiers or is that just the price you pay when using active arrays?
Sorry for the lack of specificity. Ive noticed the gain structure on active boxes can vary to some degree; even of the same make and model. I don't have any experience with active array elements which is why i ask. What i'm really wondering is if the gain on them will be able to be turned to 1 o'clock and have the same nearly identical output every time. Is there greater scrutiny that goes into the amplifiers or is that just the price you pay when using active arrays?
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
The RCF and DBTechnologies systems use click-detent pots. Turn them all the way up, then count the clicks as you turn them down. You should be within 1 dB. The further you turn them down the more you are likely to be off.
This is why Meyer have NO input level control.
The RCF and DBTechnologies systems use click-detent pots. Turn them all the way up, then count the clicks as you turn them down. You should be within 1 dB. The further you turn them down the more you are likely to be off.
This is why Meyer have NO input level control.
Silas Pradetto
Graduate Student
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
Sorry to steer the muddy water here, but i simply hate the sound of that box. Sound very harsh when pushed to the limit.
Sorry to steer the muddy water here, but i simply hate the sound of that box. Sound very harsh when pushed to the limit.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
Yeah i was skeptical about the ABS plastic boxes. RCF has a warehouse about 45 mins away from me and they've offered me demos before. I guess I'll see
Yeah i was skeptical about the ABS plastic boxes. RCF has a warehouse about 45 mins away from me and they've offered me demos before. I guess I'll see
The harsh sound is more the price point (drivers/limiters quality) than the plastic, and pushing them hard.
The box to box interaction isn't as smooth as higher dollar options, nor is the sound L'Acoustics smooth. For the price, bring enough rig for the gig, and they will do well.
The box to box interaction isn't as smooth as higher dollar options, nor is the sound L'Acoustics smooth. For the price, bring enough rig for the gig, and they will do well.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
The DbTech T series are. We sold an HDL20 rig recently and IIRC the pots were detented... but I don't have a box in the shop to check.
My observation is that when they run out of steam they're really out of steam. Neither the RCF nor the DBTech products are particularly graceful about it.
YMMV.
The DbTech T series are. We sold an HDL20 rig recently and IIRC the pots were detented... but I don't have a box in the shop to check.
My observation is that when they run out of steam they're really out of steam. Neither the RCF nor the DBTech products are particularly graceful about it.
YMMV.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
Hmm... That is a tad discouraging, I've heard a lot of mixed things about the amplifiers RCF implements. Any suggestions on comparable array elements in the 2500 to 3500 per box range? I've been doing a lot of shopping around and dealers aren't the best source of information.
Hmm... That is a tad discouraging, I've heard a lot of mixed things about the amplifiers RCF implements. Any suggestions on comparable array elements in the 2500 to 3500 per box range? I've been doing a lot of shopping around and dealers aren't the best source of information.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
What does comparable mean to you? The DB T12 mentioned above would be one option. Nexo S12 is similar in physical size but externally amped. I think the RCF TTL31A or TTL33A might be in the range you describe. After looking at the HDL array, I purchased a small JBL4886/4883 system as it is REALLY flexible, and a lot of sound comes out of little boxes.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
What is discouraging? Without quoting a post we have no idea.
My observations about "running out of steam" pretty much apply to ALL powered speakers until you get up into the $$$$ levels. The "sharp pencil" engineering has taken place - you run out of excursion, thermal dissipation, and amplifier at about the same time. The difference between that and a conventionally powered system is that you might run out of only 1 item, but you're ultimately & equally out of steam, too, but you haven't paid for the extra capacity that you can't use. We're very happy users of DBTech T4 and they kick ass in the situations for which they are suitable.
YOU need to determine what product(s) best meet your needs and the needs of your clients.
I heard the HDL20 rig we sold, and it was deployed incorrectly (the owner swears he used the software, but in modeling the same space I came up with box angles and EQ settings very different from his) and the FOH mix was far from stellar. IOW, I can't blame any deficiencies on the box. Try to arrange a demo of whatever your interested in buying and THEN determine if you need something different.
What is discouraging? Without quoting a post we have no idea.
My observations about "running out of steam" pretty much apply to ALL powered speakers until you get up into the $$$$ levels. The "sharp pencil" engineering has taken place - you run out of excursion, thermal dissipation, and amplifier at about the same time. The difference between that and a conventionally powered system is that you might run out of only 1 item, but you're ultimately & equally out of steam, too, but you haven't paid for the extra capacity that you can't use. We're very happy users of DBTech T4 and they kick ass in the situations for which they are suitable.
YOU need to determine what product(s) best meet your needs and the needs of your clients.
I heard the HDL20 rig we sold, and it was deployed incorrectly (the owner swears he used the software, but in modeling the same space I came up with box angles and EQ settings very different from his) and the FOH mix was far from stellar. IOW, I can't blame any deficiencies on the box. Try to arrange a demo of whatever your interested in buying and THEN determine if you need something different.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
Can you stop commenting on how "crappy" boxes sound. Until your Bold Audio speakers make their way in the North America, I don't think you should be posting how a speaker sounds and works.
Also, every speaker sounds harsh when pushed to the limits.
Can you stop commenting on how "crappy" boxes sound. Until your Bold Audio speakers make their way in the North America, I don't think you should be posting how a speaker sounds and works.
Also, every speaker sounds harsh when pushed to the limits.
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
This has nothing to do with Bold Audio. Did i say crap? I dont think so, i said i didnt liked it at all. Did i said dont get RCF, get Bold Audio?
I really dont get what you actually try to say here.
And no, not all boxes sound harsh when pushed.
So i should stop giving my honest opinion on any product anymore? Is that the way to help someone?
Then i better remove my self from the forum since i am not allowed to say what i think on any product, right?
This has nothing to do with Bold Audio. Did i say crap? I dont think so, i said i didnt liked it at all. Did i said dont get RCF, get Bold Audio?
I really dont get what you actually try to say here.
And no, not all boxes sound harsh when pushed.
So i should stop giving my honest opinion on any product anymore? Is that the way to help someone?
Then i better remove my self from the forum since i am not allowed to say what i think on any product, right?
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
Your statement is a blanket statement about RCF HD boxes.
Since you work for Bold Audio as a speaker designer; everything you write is in comparison to Bold Products. It might not be in this post, but you have mentioned it on several other speakers. You have recommend to me a few time I should run Bold speakers over JBL many of times; however, I have yet too see a speaker box show up on my door step, let alone see on in USA. (FYI: Bold Audio has offered to send me demo boxes for review for the last 2 years)
Your statement is a blanket statement about RCF HD boxes.
Since you work for Bold Audio as a speaker designer; everything you write is in comparison to Bold Products. It might not be in this post, but you have mentioned it on several other speakers. You have recommend to me a few time I should run Bold speakers over JBL many of times; however, I have yet too see a speaker box show up on my door step, let alone see on in USA. (FYI: Bold Audio has offered to send me demo boxes for review for the last 2 years)
Re: Rcf hdl 20a
Matt, what i have recommended to you on a private chat has nothing to do with this particular topic. But whatever i told you, i stand behind it.
I am a long time RCF user, for more then 20 years. I have never complained about any of their products and i still own 4 RCF ART300a that still sound very good.
I love the TT+ series (just used the 33 one on a 4 day festival), but this particular one i dont like. So loudspeaker designer or not, i do have right to have opinion right?
Why you didnt get any Bold Audio products to review, i dont know. It is not up to me. And North America is definitely not our priority at the moment. That is the only reason we are not there yet.
Matt, what i have recommended to you on a private chat has nothing to do with this particular topic. But whatever i told you, i stand behind it.
I am a long time RCF user, for more then 20 years. I have never complained about any of their products and i still own 4 RCF ART300a that still sound very good.
I love the TT+ series (just used the 33 one on a 4 day festival), but this particular one i dont like. So loudspeaker designer or not, i do have right to have opinion right?
Why you didnt get any Bold Audio products to review, i dont know. It is not up to me. And North America is definitely not our priority at the moment. That is the only reason we are not there yet.