MQ 50i - Loudspeaker RCF - Free user manual and instructions

Type	2-way bass-reflex (vented) for flush-mounting
Drivers	5" woofer, 0.75" dome tweeter
Crossover Frequency	3 kHz
Coverage Angle	120° horizontal, 100° vertical
Sensitivity	90 dB (1 W, 1 m)
Maximum Sound Pressure Level	108 dB (60 W)
Input Voltage	100 V or 70 V constant voltage line compatible
Power Taps (100 V)	30 W, 20 W, 10 W, 5 W (selectable)
Power Taps (70 V)	15 W, 10 W, 5 W, 2.5 W (selectable)
Low Impedance Mode	16 Ω, max 60 W
Frequency Response	180 Hz – 20 kHz
Cabinet Material	High-density polystyrene
Dimensions (W x H)	195 mm x 270 mm
Depth (with BTicino box)	72 mm
Depth (with rear metallic cover)	90 mm
Required Wall/Ceiling Thickness	10 mm – 26 mm
Net Weight	3 kg
Colour	White (MQ 50i-W)
Installation Options	Flush-mount box (BTicino 16102 or equivalent) or plasterboard with rear metallic cover
Included Accessories	Rear metallic cover
Protection Grille	Painted steel
Cleaning	Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene; wipe with dry cloth

Frequently Asked Questions - MQ 50i RCF

What is the MQ 50i loudspeaker designed for?

The MQ 50i is a compact 2-way loudspeaker designed for indoor wall flush-mounting installations. It features a 5" woofer and a 0.75" dome tweeter in a bass-reflex cabinet.

How do I select the power setting on the MQ 50i?

Use a screwdriver to turn the front panel rotary switch. For 100 V lines, choose among 5, 10, 20, or 30 W. For 70 V lines, the power is halved (2.5, 5, 10, 15 W). For low impedance (16 Ω), set the switch to the 16 Ω position.

Can I use the MQ 50i with a low impedance amplifier?

Yes, set the rotary switch to 16 Ω. The maximum power is 60 W. Ensure the total loudspeaker impedance is not lower than the amplifier output impedance.

How do I install the MQ 50i on a plasterboard wall?

Cut a 163 mm (w) x 228 mm (h) hole. Connect the loudspeaker to the rear metallic cover, pass the cable through the cable guide, and fix the cover to the board. Insert the speaker and tighten the screws until the attachment terminals secure it.

What is the required clearance behind the wall for installation?

Ensure at least 90 mm of rear clearance when using the rear metallic cover. For BTicino box installation, depth is 72 mm.

How do I clean the MQ 50i loudspeaker?

Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene, or other volatile substances. Wipe the external parts with a dry cloth only.

What safety precautions should I follow when installing?

Always connect loudspeakers with the amplifier switched off. Do not expose to rain or humidity. Use dedicated anchoring points for suspended installation. Ensure the supporting structure can bear the weight.

What happens if I set the rotary switch to OFF?

The loudspeaker will be muted. Ensure the switch is set to a valid power tap (5-30 W for 100 V, or 16 Ω) for operation.

Can the MQ 50i be used in constant voltage and low impedance systems simultaneously?

No, do not set the switch to 16 Ω when connected to a constant voltage line (100-70 V). Choose the appropriate mode for your system.

What is the maximum sound pressure level of the MQ 50i?

The maximum SPL is 108 dB at 60 W (1 m). Exposure to high sound levels can cause hearing loss; use hearing protection if necessary.

USER MANUAL MQ 50i RCF

Before connecting and using this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and keep it on hand for future reference. The manual is to be considered an integral part of this product and must accompany it when it changes ownership as a reference for correct installation and use as well as for the safety precautions.

RCF S.p.A. will not assume any responsibility for the incorrect installation and / or use of this product.

WARNING: To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, never expose this loudspeaker to rain or humidity and dust, but the case this has been expressly designed and made to get a suitable IP protection grade (indicated in the product specifications).

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information.
2. Loudspeaker lines (amplifier outputs) can have a sufficiently high voltage (i.e. 100 V) to involve a risk of electrocution: never install or connect this loudspeaker when the line is alive.
3. Make sure all connections have been made correctly and the loudspeaker input voltage (in a constant voltage system) or its impedance is suitable for the amplifier output.
4. Protect loudspeaker lines from damage; make sure they are positioned in a way that they cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.
5. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into this product, as this may cause a short circuit.
6. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modifications or repairs that are not expressly described in this manual.

Contact your authorized service centre or qualified personnel should any of the following occur:

• the loudspeaker does not function (or works in an anomalous way);
• the cable has been damaged;
• objects or liquids have got into the unit;

• the loudspeaker has been damaged due to heavy impacts / fire.

• Should the loudspeaker emit any strange odours or smoke, remove it from the line after having switched the amplifier off.

• Do not connect this product to any equipment or accessories not foreseen. For suspended installation, only use the dedicated anchoring points and do not try to hang this loudspeaker by using elements that are unsuitable or not specific for this purpose.

Also check the suitability of the support surface to which the product is anchored (wall, ceiling, structure, etc.), and the components used for attachment (screw

IMPORTANT NOTES

WARNING

anchors, screws, brackets not supplied by RCF etc.), which must guarantee the security of the system / installation over time, also considering, for example, the mechanical vibrations normally generated by transducers.

1. RCF S.p.A. strongly recommends this product is only installed by professional qualified installers (or specialised firms) who can ensure a correct installation and certify it according to the regulations in force.

The entire audio system must comply with the current standards and regulations regarding electrical systems.

1. There are numerous mechanical and electrical factors to be considered when installing a professional audio system (in addition to those which are strictly acoustic, such as sound pressure, angles of coverage, frequency response, etc.).

11. HEARING LOSS

Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. The acoustic pressure level that leads to hearing loss is different from person to person and depends on the duration of exposure. To prevent potentially dangerous exposure to high levels of acoustic pressure, anyone who is exposed to these levels should use adequate protection devices. When a transducer capable of producing high sound levels is being used, it is therefore necessary to wear ear plugs or protective earphones.

See the technical specifications in the instruction manual for the maximum sound pressure the loudspeaker is capable of producing.

1. To ensure a correct musical reproduction, loudspeaker phase is to be respected (loudspeakers are connected respecting the amplifier polarity). This is important when loudspeakers are installed adjacent one another, for instance, in the same room.

2. To prevent inductive effects from causing hum, noise and a bad system working, loudspeaker lines should not be laid together with other electric cables (mains), microphone or line level signal cables connected to amplifier inputs.

3. The loudspeaker cable shall have wires with a suitable section (twisted, if possible, to reduce inductive effects due to surrounding electro-magnetic fields) and a sufficient electrical insulation.

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

• Install this loudspeaker far from any heat source.
• Do not overload this product for extended periods of time.
• Never force the control elements (keys, knobs,etc.).
• Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene or other volatile substances for cleaning the external parts of this product.
• If the speaker is used in particular cold places, drive it with a low signal for 5-10 minutes before using it at maximum power.

RCF S.P.A. WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR HAVING PURCHASED THIS PRODUCT, WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE RELIABILITY AND HIGH PERFORMANCE.

DESCRIPTION

MQ 50i is a 2 way compact loudspeaker for indoor wall flush-mounting installation.

Its "bass-reflex" (/ vented) cabinet includes a 5" woofer and a waveguide-loaded dome tweeter (to ensure a sound correct dispersion over a wide coverage angle).

It includes a transformer inside for the connection to (100 - 70 V) constant voltage lines, yet it can also be set to 16 Ω (low impedance connection).

The power / mode selection is made by means of the front panel rotary switch.

Its power is:

a. 30-20-10-5 W (selectable) on 100 V constant voltage line.
b. 15-10-5-2.5 W (selectable) on 70 V constant voltage line.
c. Max. 60 W on low impedance (16 Ω).

Its cabinet is made of high density polystyrene with a painted steel protection grille.

It can be mounted on a flush-mounting box type "Multibox" (2 modules) by BTicino® (or equivalent).

It has a rear metallic cover with a cable guide (for installation on plasterboard or other types of panels).

MQ 50i is available in white only (MQ 50i-W).

CONNECTION AND PRESETTING

WARNING: loudspeaker connections should be only made by qualified and experienced personnel having the technical know-how or sufficient specific instructions (to ensure that connections are made correctly) in order to prevent any electrical danger.

To prevent any risk of electric shock, do not connect loudspeakers when the amplifier is switched on. Before turning the system on, check all connections and make sure there are no accidental short circuits. The entire sound system shall be designed and installed in compliance with the current local laws and regulations regarding electrical systems.

The input terminal is on the printed circuit board, close to the transformer. Connect the line positive wire (coming from the amplifier output usually marked "100 V", "+" or "a") to the "+" loudspeaker terminal. Connect the line negative wire (coming from the amplifier output usually marked "0", "-" , "COM" or "b") to the "-" loudspeaker terminal.

Fig. 1

Simple line drawing of a car front view with a circular base and a small vehicle icon, no text or symbols present.

POWER ROTARY SWITCH

NOTES:

USE A SCREWDRIVER TO TURN THE ROTARY SWITCH; IF THE SWITCH IS SET TO OFF, THE LOUDSPEAKER WILL BE MUTED.

a. 100 V (OR 70 V) CONSTANT VOLTAGE LINES

Set the rotary switch to the desired power value (referred to 100 V) among 5 – 10 – 20 – 30 W. If the line is 70 V (instead of 100 V), the power will be halved (2.5 – 5 – 10 – 15 W).

b. LOW IMPEDANCE CONNECTION

Set the rotary switch to the 16 Ω position.

Loudspeakers are to be installed by qualified personnel, respecting all safety standards.

Loudspeakers are to be installed securely.

Make sure the supporting structure (i.e. plasterboards / wood panels) has the necessary mechanical characteristics for the loudspeaker weight, without the risk of a fall that could damage things or cause an injury.

INSTALLATION ON A FLUSH-MOUNTING BOX TYPE "MULTIBOX" (2 MOD.) BY BTICINO® (CODE 16102) OR EQUIVALENT

After connecting the loudspeaker (putting the cable through the flush-mounting box) and setting the desired power value (by means of the front panel rotary switch), fix the loudspeaker to the box with the 4 screws (as shown in the drawing) and then add the front grille.

Technical line drawing of a speaker enclosure and its internal components, showing external housing and wiring (no text or symbols)

Use the (included) rear metallic cover in case of the loudspeaker is to be installed on plasterboards or other panel types.

NOTE: MAKE SURE THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM (AT LEAST 90 MM) ON THE REAR SIDE.

1. Make a 163 mm (w) x 228 mm (h) hole in the plasterboard.
2. Connect the loudspeaker and fix it to the rear metallic cover. The cable shall pass through the rear cover cable guide.
3. Put the 4 screws into the loudspeaker and add (at the screw end) the rear attachment terminals (at the rest initial position).
4. Insert the loudspeaker into the plasterboard / panel and then screw the 4 screws until the relevant attachment terminals tighten / fix it.
5. Set the power value (through the front panel rotary switch) and then add the front grille.

Technical line drawing of a speaker housing with exposed wiring (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing a device transitioning from a flat panel to a speaker with a scroll wheel (no text or symbols present)

NOTES ABOUT CONSTANT VOLTAGE SYSTEMS

• The loudspeaker input voltage (Vd) shall correspond to the amplifier output voltage (Va).
• The sum of nominal power values (Pd x n) of all loudspeakers connected to the line shall not exceed the amplifier power (Pa).
• Make sure all loudspeakers are connected in phase to ensure a correct audio reproduction.

NOTES ABOUT LOW IMPEDANCE CONNECTIONS

• The total loudspeaker impedance must not be lower than the amplifier output impedance. Note: a loudspeaker total impedance equal to the amplifier output one permits to get the maximum deliverable power (but an higher loudspeaker impedance entails less power).
• The total loudspeaker power shall be adequate for the maximum deliverable power of the amplifier.
• The loudspeaker line shall be short (for long distances, it may be necessary to use cables with large cross-section wires).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Always use cables having wires with an adequate cross-section, considering the cable length and the total loudspeaker power.
• Loudspeaker lines must be kept separated from mains cable, microphone cables or others, in order to avoid inductive phenomena may cause hum or noises.
• Use loudspeaker cables having twisted wires to reduce hum caused by inductive effects due to coupling with electromagnetic fields.
• Do not set the rotary switch to the 16 Ω position when the loudspeaker is connected to a (100 – 70 V) constant voltage line.

TYPE

2 way bass-reflex (vented) for flush-mounting

LOUDSPEAKERS

5" woofer, 0.75" dome tweeter

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY

3 kHz

COVERAGE ANGLE

120° horizontal, 100° vertical

SENSITIVITY

90 dB (1 W, 1 m)

MAX. SOUND PRESSURE

108 dB (60 W)

INPUT VOLTAGE

100 - 70 V

POWER

- 30-20-10-5 W (100 V)

- 15-10-5-2.5 W (70 V)

- max. 60 W (16 Ω)

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

180 Hz ÷ 20 kHz

CABINET

high density polystyrene

DIMENSIONS (W, H, D)

195 mm, 270 mm

Depth:

- with BTicino® 16102 box 72 mm

- with rear metallic cover 90 mm

REQUIRED WALL / CEILING

THICKNESS FOR THE INSTALLATION

min. 10 mm; max. 26 mm

NET WEIGHT

3 kg

COLOUR

white (MQ 50i - W)

ACCESSORIES

rear metallic cover

IMPORTANTE

Simple line drawing of a car interior with a circular base and a small vehicle icon, no text or symbols present.

SELETTORE DELLA POTENZA

NOTE:

Technical line drawing of a speaker enclosure and its internal components, showing external housing and wiring (no text or symbols)

INSTALLAZIONE CON CUSTODIA POSTERIORE METALLICA

Technical line drawing of a speaker assembly with two speakers and a housing (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing a device transitioning from a flat panel to a speaker with a scroll wheel (no text or symbols present)

NOTE SUI SISTEMI A TENSIONE COSTANTE

ALTRE NOTE

• Install this loudspeaker far from any heat source.
• Do not overload this product for extended periods of time.
• Never force the control elements (keys, knobs,etc.).
• Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene or other volatile substances for cleaning the external parts of this product.
• If the speaker is used in particular cold places, drive it with a low signal for 5-10 minutes before using it at maximum power.

Simple line drawing of a car with a circular base and a small rectangular component, no text or symbols present.

Technical line drawing of a speaker enclosure and its internal components, showing external housing and wiring (no text or symbols)

INSTALLATION IN RÜCKSEITIGEM METALLGEHÄUSE

Technical line drawing of a speaker enclosure and its internal components (no text or symbols)

Diagram showing a device transitioning from a flat panel to a speaker with an arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols present)