The HDL18-AS is an active, flyable, high-power subwoofer designed for professional audio applications, specifically to integrate seamlessly into an HDL 20-A flown array system. It is manufactured by RCF, a company known for its professional and touring audio solutions.
Function Description:
The HDL18-AS serves as a subwoofer, providing deep and linear bass response to complement full-range speaker systems. Its active design means it has a built-in amplifier and DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for optimized performance. The "flyable" aspect indicates it can be suspended in an array configuration, making it suitable for large-scale sound reinforcement in venues and outdoor events. The integrated mechanics are compatible with the HDL 20-A array module, allowing for flexible system configurations.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power: The subwoofer features a 2000 Watt Peak power output, with 1000 Watt RMS (Root Mean Square) for continuous operation. The amplifier section utilizes a 1x1000 Watt Digital amplifier module.
- SPL (Sound Pressure Level): It can achieve a maximum SPL of 135 dB, indicating its capability to produce very high sound levels.
- Frequency Response: The operating frequency range is 30 Hz to 140 kHz (-3 dB), ensuring powerful and extended low-frequency reproduction.
- Woofer: It is equipped with a single 18-inch woofer with a 4.0-inch voice coil, designed for minimum power compression and accurate, punchy bass.
- Input/Output: The input section includes IN/OUT XLR connectors for balanced/unbalanced line-level signals and a Crossover Output XLR connector.
- Input Sensitivity: The input sensitivity is selectable between -2 dBu and +4 dBu.
- Protections: The system incorporates thermal and RMS protections, along with a soft limiter to prevent clipping and transducer damage.
- Cooling: Convection/forced cooling ensures reliable operation.
- Connections: Power is supplied via a Powercon AC input connector, with a Powercon link receptacle for daisy-chaining multiple units.
- Cabinet: The cabinet is constructed from Baltic birch plywood, known for its outdoor quality and durability, and is protected with a heavy-duty, scratch-resistant polyurea coating. It includes two aluminium die-cast handles with rubber hand-grips on each side for transportation.
- Physical Dimensions:
- Height: 511.5 mm (20.1″)
- Width: 700 mm (27.5″)
- Depth: 620 mm (24.4″)
- Net Weight: 48.4 kg (106.7 lbs)
- Rigging Hardware: Features rigging flyware and an M20 insert, designed for tour-grade safety and solid variable mechanics.
Usage Features:
- Control Panel: The rear panel provides several controls and indicators:
- MAIN XLR INPUT (BAL/UNBAL): For connecting line-level signals.
- LINK XLR OUTPUT: Offers a loop-through for daisy-chaining speakers or a crossover-filtered output when the LINK/XOVER switch is engaged.
- VOLUME: Adjusts the output level of the amplifier.
- POWER INDICATOR: Lights green when the unit is powered on.
- SIGNAL INDICATOR: Lights green when an input signal is present.
- LIMITER INDICATOR: Blinks orange for peak clipping and lights red for RMS limiter activation. Continuous red light indicates potential transducer damage and requires reducing the signal level.
- HIGH PASS Switch: Sets the high-pass filter at 30 Hz or 45 Hz.
- LOW PASS Switch: Sets the low-pass filter (crossover point) at 90 Hz or 140 Hz.
- PHASE Switch: Rotates the phase by 180° (phase reverse).
- LINK/XOVER Switch: Toggles the XLR output between a daisy-chained input signal (LINK) and a crossover-filtered output signal (ON).
- AC POWERCON RECEPTACLE: Main power input, requiring the specific power cord provided.
- AC POWERCON LINK RECEPTACLE: For linking power to additional units.
- POWER MAIN SWITCH: Turns the AC power ON and OFF.
- FUSE: Provides electrical protection.
- DSP Control: The integrated DSP manages crossover, equalization, soft limiter, compressor, and dynamic bass boost, allowing for selectable presets to optimize performance.
- Rigging System: The HDL18-AS is designed for suspension using the HDL18-A Fly Bar. The rigging process involves connecting the fly-bar to a chain hoist, securing it with certified shackles, and then attaching the HDL18-AS cabinets using quick-lock pins. The system allows for various configurations, including arrays with HDL20-A cabinets. The first HDL18-AS must be fixed at 0° relative to the frame.
- RCF Shape Designer Software: This software is provided to assist professional qualified installers in designing and configuring HDL20-A arrays, including HDL18-AS subwoofers. It helps calculate optimum splay angles, aiming angles, fly-bar pick points, and ensures compliance with safety factors based on UNI EN 10025-95 S 235 JR and S 355 JR Steel standards. The software allows for both automatic and manual configuration modes, providing detailed mechanical specifications, safety factors, DSP preset configurations, and SPL representations for the audience area. The maximum array size supported with the HDL20-A frame is 16 HDL20-A units, or 4 HDL18-AS + 8 HDL20-A, or 8 HDL18-A units.
Maintenance Features:
- User-Accessible Parts: The product is not designed for user-serviceable parts inside; opening the product is not recommended to prevent electric shock.
- Cleaning: External parts should be cleaned without using solvents, alcohol, benzene, or other volatile substances.
- Professional Servicing: In case of malfunction, damage, or unusual operation (e.g., strange odors, smoke, heavy impact), contact an authorized service center or qualified personnel.
- Power Disconnection: Disconnect the power cable if the product is not used for a long period.
- Fuse Replacement: A fuse is present for electrical protection, and its value depends on the mains voltage (T 1.6 A - 250V for 230V, 50Hz; T 3.15A - 250V for 115V, 60Hz).
- Cable Protection: Ensure power cables are protected from damage and not stepped on or crushed.
- Air Circulation: Place the product away from heat sources and ensure adequate air circulation to prevent overheating.
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