Rcf 932a - worthy upgrade?

[Dave71]

I’m looking at some new 12” cabs to sit over my RCF 905 bins. As I need some additional monitors, I’ve decided to relegate my 422a cabs to take on that role and go for something with a little more headroom

Just wondering if anyone is using the 932a and if they’re are worth the extra ££ over the standard 912 or cheaper 712

Cheers

[Sam Spoons]

I haven't heard the latest ART speakers but a comparison of the 722A and several other 112H active speakers a few years ago suggested to me that a 2" or larger tweeter* and the lower crossover point it allows makes a significant difference to clarity in the vocal range. In the end I didn't buy the 722's because the cost didn't add up for me but they were very nice speakers.

* FWIW I bought QSC K12s (which have a 1.75" HF driver) as I liked them and was offered a very good deal on an ex demo pair.

[topi.suuronen@intersonic.fi]

Hi,

From my point of view, the price difference between the 7-series and 9-series is so small that I wouldn't hesitate to choose the 9-series at any given moment. Besides the better sound, they also offer a more professional look.

BTW: There seems to be no ART 732-A mk5, so this improved 12" model is only available on older mk4 series.

Topi

[Dave71]

I am a bit in wonder why RCF would make, what they would suggest, is a superior speaker but at a very similar price point. I also much prefer the aesthetics of the 9 series and can imagine when on stage monitor duties, they're less prone to foreign objects falling into the ports/hf driver.

I do like the sound of my 422, but they struggle with louder more aggressive bands only having the 400w modules.

Have been considering alternatives such as QSC K12.2 and Yamaha DZR but they both have onboard DSP, much prefer something more simplistic and hopefully less to go wrong. I'd also need to look at replacing my subs if i went down the route of an alternative manufacturer, but IMO the 905's are a tough one to beat.

The 732a Mk 5 is there, but sitting at exactly the same price as the 932.

[DanR]

I have the 905 subs paired with RCF HD12a's.
Great sound.
It was between these and the ART 712a or 722a but prefer the look of the HD's.
Agree with the preference for a simple input arrangement. I also have a pair of Yamaha DXR10's for keys/small PA and while the DSP/mixer is useful, a straight forward single input is handy and time saving.

[WWjmp]

I have the 905/932 setup and love it. It's a great combination.

I did quite a bit of research before shelling out for these and one thing that has proven itself now that I have them is the performance in the vocal range with the lower Xover and larger HF compression driver. It is outstanding! In my view this does make a difference. Acoustic guitars, keyboards and vocals all benefit from the clarity. Another thing these seem to excel with is they stay alot cleaner than other systems when they are pushed harder, they won't crap out at high volumes as quickly as some other systems will. They sound great even in the relatively small confines of my home studio where I use them as keyboards monitors, but they really come into their own in a larger gig setting.

One thing that steered me away from the QSC, aside from the fact that everyone seems to have them, is QSC's rather underhanded and belated response to all the Protect Mode 4 problems people were having with them. I was not looking forward to having my system shut down in mid-gig as so many folks have had happen, and then getting jerked around by the company before they finally manned up and addressed the issue.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Resurrecting an old thread, I know, but I'm pondering the possible purchase of a pair of RXF Art 932a speakers, mainly for speech and small acoustic/vocal stuff, initially without subs.

Everything I've heard about them is good... except a few complaints about hiss from the power amp which is audible in quiet situations — like conferences, publuc meetings, after-dinner events, etc.

Have any current users found this to be an issue?

[AlecSp]

Everything I've heard about them is good... except a few complaints about hiss from the power amp which is audible in quiet situations — like conferences, publuc meetings, after-dinner events, etc.

Have any current users found this to be an issue?

While not 900 series, I've got ART 710 and 722. All of them hiss - noticeably when you're right in front of them in a silent room, but never a problem when deployed. I've no reason to expect the 900 series to be significantly different.

I would, of course, recommend taking a listen to the NX932 - the wooden construction will be an improvement, though it's much easier to spend other people's money.

Also, do have a listen to ART 910 and NX910 - while they lack the large compression driver, they will be cracking smaller/lighter units that will still sound great. All this based on my own 722/710 comparison.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Thanks.

I expected some hiss -- it's what 2kW of amplification does -- but I was concerned that it might have been too much of an issue after a couple of internet whingers reports.

I've yet to audition the RCF 932 in person, but I just wanted to check they were worthy short-listers.

I have heard the 910s and thought they sounded very sweet, and I loved their compact size (plus low weight and low price) but they were working with a sub when I heard them and I was concerned that they might not be loud and versatile enough on their own.

I expect I'll end up with a sub (or two) anyway eventually, but I'd rather avoid that expense for now, if I can, since I don't do live band PA work that would need it.

I don't like the looks of the 700 range, and the NX models are a little pricey for me. I think the ART9 series is the sweet-spot, with the bass motion control and, having heard a lot of Meyer Sound systems with the same approach, I like the idea of the larger horn with the 800Hz crossover for better vocal clarity/linearity.

And I feel the 12-inch is probably the best compromise in terms of cost, size, weight and reasonable bass performance for general speech, playback, and small semi-acoustic gig PA duties.

[dickiefunk]

I have been in a similar situation and had been considering the Art 932a’s but I didn’t want something as big for some corporate events where the speakers need to be very discreet. I ended up getting the NX910’s and have to say I’m delighted with these. I need to use them for a variety of events from just voice for various corporate presentations to fully miked bands for small wedding receptions. When I first bought them I tested them out thoroughly before taking them out on an event. One of the things I check is self noise and to be honest, I didn’t really find these any noisier than any other similarly rated speakers I’ve tried from Yamaha, EV, FBT and Alto.
I used them recently for a fairly acoustic event in a 140 seater church for a 50 piece gospel choir with 2x lead vocals, keys and a 5 string bass running entirely though FOH without any back line. These tiny speakers completely exceeded my expectations in how easily they filled this venue with plenty of headroom to spare. The vocals and keys sounded very articulate and natural and had great clarity and detail that cut through the choir right to the very back of the church. Regarding the bass guitar, I wasn’t expecting how deep, detailed and clean it sounded. There was no buzzing or unnatural resonances that I have heard on the various plastic cabinet speakers I’ve tried.
I also used these on a larger wedding party with a five piece band + DJ and borrowed a pair of the RCF 702as mk2 subs and they equally far exceeded my expectations for such small and lightweight subs. I had 2x vocals, keys, guitar, bass and a small amount of drums running entirely through FOH without monitors or backline. The bass extension, clarity and output was very impressive and again there wasn’t any port noise or rattles etc. I was so impressed with these subs that I have order a pair of the newer mk3 702as for myself.

[AlecSp]

I have heard the 910s and thought they sounded very sweet, and I loved their compact size (plus low weight and low price) but they were working with a sub when I heard them and I was concerned that they might not be loud and versatile enough on their own.

There's really not a massive difference between my 722s and 710s. Hence, the latter tend to come out much more often as they're so much more convenient.

I expect I'll end up with a sub (or two) anyway eventually, but I'd rather avoid that expense for now, if I can, since I don't do live band PA work that would need it.

I don't like the looks of the 700 range, and the NX models are a little pricey for me. I think the ART9 series is the sweet-spot, with the bass motion control and, having heard a lot of Meyer Sound systems with the same approach, I like the idea of the larger horn with the 800Hz crossover for better vocal clarity/linearity.

Agreed on all of that. But you could well find that the wood cab of the NX910, along with its compact form factor, edge out the larger driver of the ART932. As I'm approaching 60, form factor (of kit) becomes more and more important to me.

Although, at this point, they're all perfectly good contenders.

[Hugh Robjohns]

.... I ended up getting the NX910’s and have to say I’m delighted with these...

Hmmm... that sounds encouraging. The weight and size of the Art 932s was niggling a little, so this is an interesting alternative if they really can do justice to 2x lead vocals, keys and a 5 string bass in a 140 seat venue on their own without subs.

I was so impressed with these subs that I have order a pair of the newer mk3 702as for myself.

Good to know. Thanks.

[dickiefunk]

.... I ended up getting the NX910’s and have to say I’m delighted with these...

Hmmm... that sounds encouraging. The weight and size of the Art 932s was niggling a little, so this is an interesting alternative if they really can do justice to 2x lead vocals, keys and a 5 string bass in a 140 seat venue on their own without subs.

It’s worth noting that it was mostly an event where the audience were seated and listening so no real other noises apart from the performance.
There are a few differences between the NX910 and Art 910 including a different waveguide for the compression driver and slightly lower crossover between the 10” driver and compression driver at 1.6 kHz vs 1.7 kHz. I’ve not heard the Art 910 so can’t comment on whether these factors have any noticeable difference on the overall performance between both models.
The NX910 is also has a slightly smaller cabinet size and fabric layer behind the grill which really looks very smart.
I haven’t heard the Art 932’s but know a company that has both the Art 932’s and Art 910’s and are very happy with them.

I was so impressed with these subs that I have ordered a pair of the newer mk3 702as for myself.

Good to know. Thanks.

Yes I thought the subs were very commendable given their tiny size and low weight. I used to own a pair of QSC KW181’s and naturally they exend lower and have more output but they weight more two and a half times the weight of the 702’s and are twice the size.
I don’t want to be carrying large heavy speakers around anymore and for the events I’m doing, I don’t need huge spl levels or thumping bass. If an event needs that these days I will give the work to a larger company.
The NX910 + 702as system is certainly worth auditioning.

[dickiefunk]

.... I ended up getting the NX910’s and have to say I’m delighted with these...

Hmmm... that sounds encouraging. The weight and size of the Art 932s was niggling a little, so this is an interesting alternative if they really can do justice to 2x lead vocals, keys and a 5 string bass in a 140 seat venue on their own without subs.

It’s worth noting that it was mostly an event where the audience were seated and listening so no real other noises apart from the performance.
There are a few differences between the NX910 and Art 910 including a different waveguide for the compression driver and slightly lower crossover between the 10” driver and compression driver at 1.6 kHz vs 1.7 kHz. I’ve not heard the Art 910 so can’t comment on whether these factors have any noticeable difference on the overall performance between both models.
The NX910 is also has a slightly smaller cabinet size and fabric layer behind the grill which really looks very smart.
I haven’t heard the Art 932’s but know a company that has both the Art 932’s and Art 910’s and are very happy with them.

I was so impressed with these subs that I have ordered a pair of the newer mk3 702as for myself.

Good to know. Thanks.

Yes I thought the subs were very commendable given their tiny size and low weight. I used to own a pair of QSC KW181’s and naturally they exend lower and have more output but they weight more two and a half times the weight of the 702’s and are twice the size.
I don’t want to be carrying large heavy speakers around anymore and for the events I’m doing, I don’t need huge spl levels or thumping bass. If an event needs that these days I will give the work to a larger company.
The NX910 + 702as system is certainly worth auditioning.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I ended up getting the NX910’s and have to say I’m delighted with these.

Okay... it's all on you now! The credit card has been bashed, and a pair of nx910s will be here on Monday.

[dickiefunk]

I ended up getting the NX910’s and have to say I’m delighted with these.

Okay... it's all on you now! The credit card has been bashed, and a pair of nx910s will be here on Monday.

Ooh nice, hope you like them and find they are a good match for you requirements.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Just a quick update: I had a chance to fire up the nx910s today and I'm very impressed indeed with the nicely balanced sound from such compact boxes — and they go extremely loud without any sign of strain.

I was just playing a range of my favourite speaker demo tracks in the garden (for the benefit of the whole village ), and I've heard studio monitors that weren't this good!

For a lot of the things I do the nx910s will easily suffice on their own — especially with the boost mode — but I can see a 702mk3 sub or two coming my way at some point in the future for band work.

Thanks again for the recommendation.

[dickiefunk]

Just a quick update: I had a chance to fire up the nx910s today and I'm very impressed indeed with the nicely balanced sound from such compact boxes — and they go extremely loud without any sign of strain.

I was just playing a range of my favourite speaker demo tracks in the garden (for the benefit of the whole village ), and I've heard studio monitors that weren't this good!

For a lot of the things I do the nx910s will easily suffice on their own — especially with the boost mode — but I can see a 702mk3 sub or two coming my way at some point in the future for band work.

Thanks again for the recommendation.

That’s great. I’m glad you’re happy with them. I have been very impressed with them as well.

[Dave Rowles]

A local venue that I work at got 4 of the NX912SMA (stage monitor focused version) and I was impressed by the smooth sound out of them. Great for the price!

[Hugh Robjohns]

Slightly weird set of circumstances allowed me to try a couple of different RCF subs with the NX910s earlier this week.

Long story short, I've ordered a single 905AS mk3.

Being a 15-inch driver it's larger and heavier than a 702, which I had intended to get. But it's still manageable and a very easy carry between two people.

It is at least as loud as two 702s, but goes noticeably lower (especially in its L presets) and in the L3 setting it seems to integrate a little better and sounds a little more even.

[Wonks]

It’s a slippery slope you’re on.

It will then be another one and then a couple more and a knackered Transit to cart them all around in.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I'm wearing crampons. I can withstand the slope....

</famous last words>

[Sam Spoons]

I actually bought an EV 12" sub and quickly sold it on as it confirmed my belief that 15" subs are about as small as you can go (and probably the sweet spot for a small rig) with 10" or 12' tops. I have a single old school EV sBa 750 sub with my two QSC K12's, not a modern rig these days but it always sounds well matched to me. I used it playing a 'not too loud' show to 500 people outdoors a couple of weeks ago and it got the job done pretty comfortably.

[dickiefunk]

Slightly weird set of circumstances allowed me to try a couple of different RCF subs with the NX910s earlier this week.

Long story short, I've ordered a single 905AS mk3.

Being a 15-inch driver it's larger and heavier than a 702, which I had intended to get. But it's still manageable and a very easy carry between two people.

It is at least as loud as two 702s, but goes noticeably lower (especially in its L presets) and in the L3 setting it seems to integrate a little better and sounds a little more even.

I’ve considered the 905as mk3 subs myself as the mk2 702as subs don’t quite keep up with the NX910’s. However, for the events I’m doing, they are enough. Also, I really like the small footprint of the 702’s as-well as the low weight. If I find myself needing more than the 702’s on a regular basis I may add the 905as mk3’s or Sub15 AX. I’ve even considered potentially getting a second pair of 702as mk3’s which I can couple together either side. I quite like the idea of having a scalable system where I can cover different size/type of events with either a single pair of NX910’s, NX910’s +702as mk3 subs or NX910’s and 905asmk3/4x 702as mk3 subs. However, I don’t have any need for the 905as mk3’s as it stands.

Which subs did you get to try out with the NX910’s.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Good to know, thanks. Helps with the buyers remorse!