What is the peak wattage of the RCF ART 945-A?

The speaker features a 2100W Class-D bi-amplification system. This power is divided between the high-frequency and low-frequency drivers to ensure optimal performance and headroom.

What is the maximum SPL of this speaker?

The RCF ART 945-A can achieve a maximum sound pressure level of 135 dB. This makes it capable of providing sound reinforcement for large crowds and loud environments.

What type of compression driver does it use?

It utilizes a high-performance 4-inch titanium/neodymium compression driver. The use of neodymium keeps the weight down while the titanium diaphragm provides durability and clear high-frequency reproduction.

What is the purpose of RCF FiRPHASE technology?

FiRPHASE is a DSP technology that ensures a 0° linear phase response. It optimizes the timing of different frequencies to provide a more natural sound and better clarity for the listener.

What is Bass Motion Control (BMC)?

BMC is an RCF-proprietary feature that manages woofer excursion. It allows for deeper, more powerful bass by dynamically controlling the woofer's movement without the need for a traditional, restrictive high-pass filter.

What is the frequency range of the ART 945-A?

The speaker covers a wide frequency range from 45 Hz up to 20,000 Hz. This wide response allows it to handle deep bass and crystalline highs effectively as a standalone unit.

How is the cabinet constructed?

The cabinet is made from a durable polypropylene composite. It features internal M-brace reinforcement to reduce vibrations and improve the overall acoustic performance.

Can the ART 945-A be used for fixed installations?

Yes, the speaker is designed for both portable use and fixed installations. Its cabinet includes rigging points to facilitate mounting in permanent venues like clubs or theatres.

What makes the 945-A different from the ART 735-A MK5?

The 945-A is part of the newer ART 9 series, featuring higher amplification (2100W), updated DSP like Bass Motion Control, and a more advanced cabinet design compared to the ART 7 series.

Is a subwoofer required with the ART 945-A?

While a subwoofer like the QSC KLA181 or an AVCOM 8" sub can enhance the very low end, the ART 945-A's 15-inch woofer and BMC technology allow it to provide significant bass for many applications on its own.

How much does the RCF ART 945-A typically cost?

The typical price for this model is approximately EUR 1444. This reflects its position as a high-end, professional-grade active PA speaker.

What kind of amplifier does the speaker use?

It uses a two-channel Class-D amplifier. Class-D technology is chosen for its high efficiency, allowing the speaker to deliver high output levels while remaining relatively lightweight and cool during operation.

Gear article

RCF ART 945-A 15" Active PA Speaker

The RCF ART 945-A is a high-performance active PA speaker designed for intensive sound reinforcement applications, featuring a 2100W Class-D bi-amplification system. It combines a 4-inch titanium/neodymium compression driver with a 15-inch woofer to achieve a maximum sound pressure level of 135 dB. The unit incorporates proprietary signal processing technologies to ensure linear phase response and precise low-frequency management.

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Overview and Construction

The RCF ART 945-A represents the flagship tier of the ART 9 series, engineered for high-demand audio environments. The enclosure is constructed from a durable polypropylene composite material, specifically reinforced with an internal M-brace design. This structural reinforcement connects the four sides of the cabinet and the amplifier to minimize mechanical deformation and vibration, resulting in improved acoustic damping even at high volume levels.

The cabinet is designed for versatility, featuring ergonomic handles and multiple rigging points to accommodate both portable live sound use and fixed installations. Its robust build ensures it can withstand the rigours of frequent transportation and professional touring.

Acoustic Engineering and Components

The ART 945-A utilizes a bi-amplified architecture powered by a 2100W Class-D amplifier. The high-frequency section features a 4-inch titanium/neodymium compression driver, which is significantly larger than those found in entry-level PA systems, allowing for a lower crossover point and improved vocal clarity.

The low-frequency duties are handled by a high-power 15-inch woofer. Together, these components provide a wide frequency range of 45 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The amplifier efficiency is managed to provide rapid attack and realistic transient response while maintaining low heat dissipation.

Signal Processing and Bass Management

A defining feature of the ART 945-A is the inclusion of RCF's advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms:

FiRPHASE: This technology uses finite impulse response (FIR) filters to achieve 0° linear phase. It ensures that the sound is distributed to all listeners with coherent timing, resulting in better stereo imaging and vocal detail.
Bass Motion Control (BMC): Unlike traditional high-pass filters that can limit bass response to protect the woofer, BMC maps the dynamic behavior of the transducer. This allows the system to manage woofer excursion at the limit of its capabilities, resulting in extended, controlled bass without the risk of over-excursion or distortion.

Applications and Suitability

Due to its high maximum SPL of 135 dB, the ART 945-A is suited for large-scale events, including live band performances, DJ sets in medium-to-large venues, and public address in outdoor spaces. Its ability to produce high sound pressure levels with clarity makes it a primary choice for users who require a full-range solution that can perform without necessarily requiring a dedicated subwoofer for every application. It is also frequently utilized in fixed installations for clubs, theatres, and multipurpose halls.

Market Comparison

Within the RCF ecosystem, the ART 945-A sits above the ART 735-A MK5, offering higher power and more advanced DSP. When compared to other professional monitors like the RCF NX 915-SMA, the ART 945-A is focused on front-of-house projection rather than stage monitoring. In the broader market, it competes with systems like the QSC KLA181 or Turbosound iQ series, though it distinguishes itself through the specific use of a 4-inch compression driver and the proprietary BMC technology. For users on a stricter budget, alternatives such as the dB Technologies B-Hype 15 or SubZero P15X offer 15-inch configurations at a lower price point, albeit with different driver specifications and lower SPL capabilities.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the peak wattage of the RCF ART 945-A?: The speaker features a 2100W Class-D bi-amplification system. This power is divided between the high-frequency and low-frequency drivers to ensure optimal performance and headroom.
What is the maximum SPL of this speaker?: The RCF ART 945-A can achieve a maximum sound pressure level of 135 dB. This makes it capable of providing sound reinforcement for large crowds and loud environments.
What type of compression driver does it use?: It utilizes a high-performance 4-inch titanium/neodymium compression driver. The use of neodymium keeps the weight down while the titanium diaphragm provides durability and clear high-frequency reproduction.
What is the purpose of RCF FiRPHASE technology?: FiRPHASE is a DSP technology that ensures a 0° linear phase response. It optimizes the timing of different frequencies to provide a more natural sound and better clarity for the listener.
What is Bass Motion Control (BMC)?: BMC is an RCF-proprietary feature that manages woofer excursion. It allows for deeper, more powerful bass by dynamically controlling the woofer's movement without the need for a traditional, restrictive high-pass filter.
What is the frequency range of the ART 945-A?: The speaker covers a wide frequency range from 45 Hz up to 20,000 Hz. This wide response allows it to handle deep bass and crystalline highs effectively as a standalone unit.
How is the cabinet constructed?: The cabinet is made from a durable polypropylene composite. It features internal M-brace reinforcement to reduce vibrations and improve the overall acoustic performance.
Can the ART 945-A be used for fixed installations?: Yes, the speaker is designed for both portable use and fixed installations. Its cabinet includes rigging points to facilitate mounting in permanent venues like clubs or theatres.
What makes the 945-A different from the ART 735-A MK5?: The 945-A is part of the newer ART 9 series, featuring higher amplification (2100W), updated DSP like Bass Motion Control, and a more advanced cabinet design compared to the ART 7 series.
Is a subwoofer required with the ART 945-A?: While a subwoofer like the QSC KLA181 or an AVCOM 8" sub can enhance the very low end, the ART 945-A's 15-inch woofer and BMC technology allow it to provide significant bass for many applications on its own.
How much does the RCF ART 945-A typically cost?: The typical price for this model is approximately EUR 1444. This reflects its position as a high-end, professional-grade active PA speaker.
What kind of amplifier does the speaker use?: It uses a two-channel Class-D amplifier. Class-D technology is chosen for its high efficiency, allowing the speaker to deliver high output levels while remaining relatively lightweight and cool during operation.