RCF NX L-23A [12/24] Array systems design

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ARRAY SYSTEMS DESIGN

RCF SHAPE DESIGNER SOFTWARE

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS

The RCF Shape Designer requires an IBM compatible PC with the Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® 2000, Windows® ME,

Windows® XP, or Windows NT® operating systems. It is not designed to work with Windows® 3.x, Windows® 95, or Macintosh® operating

systems.

INSTALLING RCF SHAPE DESIGNER

RCF Shape Designer is supplied in a zip folder which contains a setup executable file:

Double-click on this and follow the on-screen prompts.

NX L23-A allow users to choose from different face-to-face angle adjustments to create arrays with varying curvature. Thus, designers can

create arrays custom-tailored to each venue’s profile.

The basic approach to array design dependent on three factors:

- Number of Array Elements;

- Vertical Splay Angles;

- Horizontal Coverage.

Determining the number of elements to use is critical: the number of elements greatly affects the SPL available from the system as well as

the uniformity of coverage in both SPL and frequency response. The number of elements profoundly effects the directivity at lower frequencies.

The next easy equation, works as an approximation for flat listening planes.

Coverage (x) ≈ 8n (m) Coverage distance required = x (metres).

Changing the splay angles between cabinets has a significant impact on vertical coverage for the high frequencies, with the result that

narrower vertical splay angles produce a higher Q vertical beamwidth, while wider splay lowers the Q at high frequencies. In general, the

splay angles do not affect the vertical coverage at lower frequencies.

The curved array system design can be summarized as:

- flat-front NX L23-A s for long throw sections;

- increase curvature as distance decreases;

- add more enclosures for more output.

This approach focuses more transducers mounted on long-throw horns at the farthest seat, gradually focusing fewer transducers as distance

decreases. As long as the no gap rule is maintained, arrays constructed according to these principles will provide even SPL and a consistent

sonic character throughout the venue without requiring complex processing. This approach, where the same amount of acoustic energy is

spread over a larger or smaller vertical angle depending on required throw, typically have the following objectives:

- even horizontal and vertical coverage;

- uniform SPL;

- uniform frequency response;

- sufficient SPL for the application.

This discussion represents, of course, just a basic approach. Given the infinite variety of venues and performers, users will find themselves

needing to solve specific problems in specific situations. RCF Shape Designer software designed to help calculate optimum splay angles,

aiming angles, and fly-bar pick points (crucial in aiming the array) for a given venue, will be explained later in this Guide.