musikelectronic geithain

RL 944K

RL 944K1

Instructions for installation and use

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents

1 Introduction

2 System description

3 Basic information

3.1 Guidelines

3.2 Safety instructions

3.3 Unboxing

3.4 Delivery contents

3.5 Cleaning

3.6 Environmental conditions

3.7 Guarantee acknowledgements

4 Positioning

4.1 Positioning near walls

4.2 Stereo operation

4.3 Surround operation

5 Connecting the speakers

5.1 Set-up the RL944K

5.2 Set-up the RL944K1

5.3 Cable connection

5.4 Status indication

5.5 Adjustment controller

6

7

Specifications

Acoustic measurements

8 Notes

10

11

11

11

10

10

8

9

12

14

15

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

6

5

5

3

4

2 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

INTRODUCTION

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 artificially aged in-house.

Please read the technical description and manual to take advantage of the capabilities of these speakers and ensure safe operation.

3 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2 System description

The RL944K is a specialist for small rooms and short listening distances. So it is designed for both the professional user in the outside broadcasting van, small audio, video and film studios and for the discerning music enthusiast, who is not willing to make a compromise in a small living room.

By the cardioid radiation characteristics within the frequency range from 35 through 250 Hz the reflections on the back walls behind the speaker can be minimised. 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 filter.

The total directivity index of the monitor was optimised for listening distances between 1 and 2.60 m

(3.3 and 8.6 ft). As the bass system a very linear 200 mm (8’’) long throw driver in a cardioid cabinet is employed, delivering excellent impulse fidelity. Due to the special construction a low frequency reproduction is possible that is not expected from such a small cabinet. Therefore the RL944K is a real full-range speaker and in an outside broadcasting van an additional subwoofer can be spared. The 100 mm (4’’) cone is mounted together with the 19 mm (3/4’’) dome tweeter coaxially in front of the bass system allowing a precise steering of the focal perspective. 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 colouration. By the great consequent optimisation for short listening distances the RL944K allows realistic depth arrangement even in outside broadcasting vans and facilitates correct miking. Therefore the RL944K is a precision studio tool allowing fatigue free working for hours.

The three-channel MOSFET power amplifier 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 RL944K1 is a more compact cabinet variant of the RL944K, that is employed when not enough room is available. Be it a video wall or an outside broadcasting van. As an alternative to the standardly provided MOSFET amplifier in an upright standing enclosure the 19’’ compatible Class D amplifier

RL-Amplifier is also available.

A variety of special stands and racks is available as accessories. According fixing elements have been integrated into the loudspeaker cabinet.

4 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

BASIC INFORMATION

3 Basic information

3.1 Guidelines

This product complies to requirements of current European and national guidelines (Elektromagnetische 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.

5

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 sufficient 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 filled with liquids shall be placed on the device.

; There is risk of electric shock when the device is open.

;

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

;

Clean only with dry or slightly moistened cloth.

musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

BASIC INFORMATION

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

;

Amplifier enclosure (only RL944K1)

;

Speakon cable (only RL944K1)

;

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 influences there are no claims under guarantee.

6 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

POSITIONING

4 Positioning

Our speakers do not impose special requirements neither in stereo nor in multichannel set-ups.

Nonetheless speaker positioning has influence on listening impression because every room is individually designed and furnished. The following advices are just guidelines that ease proper positioning. In addition we offer 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 affected. 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 reflections 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

7 b

;

Minimum distance to wall b ≥ 20 cm (7.9”) musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

POSITIONING

4.2 Stereo operation

The optimum position of the speakers in your listening environment is the so-called stereo triangle

(see figure). The base distance between the speakers and the distance to the hearing zone form an equilateral triangle (stereo triangle). A distance less than 1 m (3.3 ft) or more than 2.6 m (8.6 ft) should be avoided. For precise, spacial reproduction turn the speakers inside, directed to the hearing zone.

8 a a

60° a hearing zone

;

Distance between speakers and your listening position a = 1 … 2.6 m (3.3 … 8.6 ft)

;

Adjust the speaker horizontally to the height of the ear at the listening position musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

POSITIONING

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°.

9 a

110° ... 120° a

60° a a hearing zone a

;

Distance between speakers and your listening position a = 1 … 2.6 m (3.3 … 8.6 ft) musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS

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 RL944K

Check the mains voltage stated on the backside of the device. If your local mains voltage does not match the specification 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 amplifier through the XLR socket.

5.2 Set-up the RL944K1

The amplifier of the RL944K1 is housed in a separate enclosure. Every amplifier 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 specification 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 amplifier 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 amplifier by turning the plug clockwise. Connect your signal source with the amplifier through the XLR socket.

10 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS

5.3 Cable connection

The input of the integrated amplifier is electrically balanced. When your signal source also utilises balanced connectors, please use a cable wired as stated in the table:

Erde

Signal +

Signal -

Balanced connector

(amplifier)

XLR

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Balanced connector

(signal source)

XLR

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Unbalanced connector

(Signal source)

RCA

Ring

Tip

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 figure show the wiring.

Unbalanced RCA to balanced XLR Connections

11

Loudspeaker (XLR-3M) Cable Source (RCA)

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

;

LED red indicates normal operation of the device 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.

musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

SPECIFICATIONS

6 Specifications

General Active 3-way coaxial loudspeaker for listening distances between 1 m and 2.60 m (3.3 ft and 8.6 ft)

Maximum SPL from 100 Hz ... 6 kHz

Bandwidth

110 ... 113 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)

35 Hz ... 20 kHz ± 3 dB

Calibration:

Acoustic output level / P

E

= - 14 dBu 89 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft)

Directivity Index from 100 Hz ... 10 kHz Increasing from 2 to 10 dB

≤ 7 dB (A) / r = 1 m (3.3 ft) Inherent noise sound level

Total harmonic distortion measured at 96 dB / r = 1 m (3.3 ft) from 100 Hz ... 10 kHz

Nominal input level

≤ - 40 dB

+ 6 dBu adjustable

≥ 10 kOhm RC balanced

800 Hz and 3.8 kHz

Input impedance

Electronic crossover frequencies

Nominal output power amplifier

LF

MF

HF

Input connector

Loudspeaker systems

Woofer

Mid-range unit

Tweeter

180 W / 4 Ohm

100 W / 4 Ohm

100 W / 4 Ohm

XLR 3F

200 mm (8”) cone

100 mm (4”) cone

19 mm (3/4”) dome

Operation and clipping indicator

Power requirements

Power consumption

Mains connection

Temperature requirements

for use

for storage

humidity

LED on front side

230 V ~ ± 10 %, 50 ... 60 Hz

115 V ~ ± 10 %, 50 ... 60 Hz (Optional)

100 V ~ ± 10 %, 50 ... 60 Hz (Optional)

Max. 300 VA at full load

IEC power connector

+ 15°C ... + 35°C

- 25°C ... + 45°C

45 % ... 75 %

12 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

SPECIFICATIONS

RL944K (Amplifier in loudspeaker cabinet)

Dimensions (h x w x d)

Weight

Design of the cabinet

481 x 285 x 330 mm (18.9 x 11.2 x 13 inch)

24 kg (52.9 lbs)

MDF wood in ash black veneered; optional other veneers or colours with holding device; optional without holding device

RL944K1 (Amplifier in separate enclosure)

Connection cable loudspeaker - amplifier enclosure

Speakon NL8

Standard length 3 m (9.9 ft); optional other lengths

Dimensions (h x w x d)

Loudspeaker

Standard amplifier enclosure

Highend amplifier enclosure

Weight

Loudspeaker

Standard amplifier enclosure

Highend amplifier enclosure

398 x 254 x 245 (15.7 x 10 x 9.6 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

11 kg (24 lbs)

11 kg (24 lbs)

12 kg (26 lbs)

Design of the cabinet

Loudspeaker

Standard amplifier enclosure

Highend amplifier 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 amplifier in an upright standing enclosure the 19’’ compatible Class D amplifier RL-Amplifier is also available. More information is available in the RL-Amplifier brochure.

13 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS

7 Acoustic measurements

All acoustic measurements are carried out under anechoic conditions with 1 m (3.3 ft) distance.

95

[dB]

90

85

80

75

70

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

[Hz]

FREE FIELD FREQUENCY RESPONSE 0° 45°h 180°h

[%]

1

0.5

0

100 200 500 1k 2k

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTIONS P

A

= 96 dB K2 K3

-30

-15

0

15

30

-45 45

-60 60

-75 75

-90

0 -3

-105

-6 -9

-120

-135

-150

-165

DIRECTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC

180

-9 -6 -3 0

90

105

120

135

150

165

32 Hz 80 Hz 125 Hz

14 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

NOTES

8 Notes

15 musikelectronic geithain GmbH RL944K / RL944K1

musikelectronic geithain gmbh

STUDIOTECHNIK - HIGHENDTECHNIK - BESCHALLUNGSTECHNIK

Nikolaistraße 7

04643 Geithain / Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 34341 3110

Fax: +49 (0) 34341 31144

E-Mail: [email protected]

www.me-geithain.de

BDARL944KV1150227EN