The introduction of RCF’s ART Series in 1996 heralded a new generation for lightweight, portable loudspeaker systems and established the Italian manufacturer as a highly influential pro audio brand worldwide. The ART 300 was one of the very first composite material active loudspeakers to offer professional-grade sound quality, and from its inception, the ART Series has been a staple for musicians and pro audio professionals alike. With the introduction of the new ART 9 Series of advanced Digital Active Speaker Systems, RCF is taking their portable workhorse technology several exemplary steps further.
Offering six models, all driven by an integrated 2-channel active system, ART 9 loudspeakers are said to offer 50% more power than previous models thanks to an improved amplifier design. Offering extremely high sound pressure levels with ultra-fast attack times, realistic transient response, and very low heat loss, ART 9 amplifiers are amongst the most energy-efficient the manufacturer has ever produced.
Additional performance improvements come curtesy of newly redesigned RCF transducers, utilizing materials such as Kapton, Neodymium and Titanium, as well as new compression drivers featuring Polyimide-Kapton domes. The compression drivers of the ART 9 series utilize a new bonding technology and reinforced ribs that ensure they are an order of magnitude more durable than previous models.
The ART 9’s new woofers are designed to offer more stability over high currents, ensuring less distortion and an overall cleaner sound at higher output levels. When combined with the ART 9’s True Resistive Waveguide (TRW) vented port design, ART 9 woofers are able to mimic a resonance-free pure resistive load- leading to less distortion and an improved sonic image.
These components work with two RCF-exclusive DSP algorithms, one designed around woofer excursion management and the other taking care of phase linearization and crossover. RCF’s FiRPHASE algorithm ensures 0° linear phase for time-aligned sound emissions across the spectrum, providing enhanced sonic detail, and a more accurate panorama of the stereo field. The woofer excursion management, known as Bass Motion Control, maps the dynamic behaviour of the transducer in order to generate a custom algorithm. This algorithm is then used to ensure that only over-excursions of the driver are limited, thereby avoiding use of both large-band limiters and high-pass filtering which can often impact sound quality.
Designed for workhorse applications including stage monitoring, fills, DJ/playback and even Front of House, each model can be stand-mounted via a steel pole socket or flown using multiple M10 rigging points and custom accessories. The ART 9’s black cabinet uses a proprietary polypropylene composite material with a new internal reinforcement system known as M-Brace. This design connects four sides of the enclosure with the amplifier, preventing deformation and protecting the cabinet from mechanical stress.
Offering an unequalled value to performance ratio, RCF’s ART 9 Series represents a stunning culmination of their most recent technological developments. Able to handle a veritable plethora of performance and event applications, the ART 9 Series forms one of the most dynamic workhorse systems available to the current pro audio market.
The ART 9 Series:
ART 945-A
Max SPL: 135 dB
45-20000 HZ Linear Frequency Response
4″ Compression Driver
15” Woofer
ART 935-A
Max SPL: 133 dB
45-20000 HZ Linear Frequency Response
3″ Compression Driver
15” Woofer
ART 915-A
Max SPL: 131 dB
50-20000 HZ Linear Frequency Response
1.75″ Compression Driver
15” Woofer
ART 932-A
Max SPL: 132 dB
45-20000 HZ Linear Frequency Response
3″ Compression Driver
12” Woofer
ART 912-A
Max SPL: 130 dB
50-20000 HZ Linear Frequency Response
1.75″ Compression Driver
12” Woofer
ART 910-A
Max SPL: 130 dB
50-20000 HZ Linear Frequency Response
1.75″ Compression Driver
10” Woofer
