RCF has been producing components such as compression drivers and woofers since 1949 and its own complete speaker systems for over 30 years, but has only now decided to move into the mixer market with the creation of a new dedicated division. The establishment of the 'RCF Mixer Division' represents an important strategic move and considerable investment in R&D. According to RCF chairman, Arturo Vicari, the models introduced in Frankfurt are just the first step in a much wider development plan, and the beginning of next year will herald the arrival of several innovative digital models, he promises.
"To successfully enter a crowded market it requires us to be able to offer advantages and a different approach," he said. "RCF will bring together all its extensive audio experience to create this new line, applying its own philosophy and optimising the performance throughout the entire signal chain."
The additional R&D resource is situated in Rome where a dedicated team of engineers, with wide experience in digital audio networks, digital signal processing, voice processing, DSP projects and several design activities related to digital mixer projects, is based. The team is led by Eng. Umberto Zanghieri, founder of this design house, which has now become part of the RCF Group. Zanghieri, who is himself a musician, has vast experience in audio projects and has also held several positions in the AES organisation.
He commented: "We are very excited to have joined RCF in order to start this new mixer division. We have already been working together on projects for some years and can appreciate the company's progressive attitude in the way it continuously invests in R&D activities."
The first nine-strong series of compact mixers, housed in elegant and stylish chassis, will provide flexibility for most live applications, where they will support everything from small combos and jazz quartets down to one man bands, as well as mixing corporate and conference room style events.
The consoles in the RCF L-PAD series come both with and without effects, and are represented as follows: RCF L-PAD6 (6ch); RCF L-PAD6X (6ch with effects); RCF L-PAD8C (8ch); RCF L-PAD8CX (8ch with effects); RCF L-PAD10C (10ch); RCF L-PAD12C (12ch); RCF L-PAD12CX (12ch with effects), RCF L-PAD16CXusb (16ch with effects); RCF L-PAD24CXusb (24ch with effects).
Each model is distinguished by an uncompromising audio quality, and by the presence of compressors in seven of the models and internal multi-effects in five of the models all in a compact, ergonomic layout contained within a sleek, Italian designed chassis.
Careful attention and research have been devoted to the design of warm-sounding and transparent mic preamps. The compressors installed on the microphone channels of the RCF L-PAD mixers are highly intuitive, with a single knob that controls the threshold and compression ratio at the same time. The compressors also feature a very soft but effective action - the result of a careful study of the parameters.
The three-band EQ on mono channels and the two bands on the stereo channels are extremely effective thanks to the correct choice of frequency and allow the user to process the input signal professionally.
RCF L-PAD8C, 8CX and 10C all rely on super-tested modular and 45mm faders while on the 12C and 12CX models 60mm faders are present. Finally, a sophisticated DSP takes care of the management of the internal effects: 16 presets are available in the compact RCF L-PAD6X while RCF L-PAD8CX and 12CX have a choice of 99 different presets.
(Lee Baldock)
