S 15 - Subwoofer RCF - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Passive Subwoofer
Driver Size	15 inches
Continuous Power Handling	400 W RMS
Peak Power Handling	800 W Peak
Impedance	8 Ohms
Frequency Response	40 Hz - 200 Hz (-3 dB)
Sensitivity	100 dB SPL (1W/1m)
Maximum SPL	128 dB peak
Enclosure Type	Bass reflex (ported)
Connectors	2 x Neutrik Speakon NL4
Dimensions (W x H x D)	20.9 x 23.6 x 23.6 in (530 x 600 x 600 mm)
Weight	66 lb (30 kg)
Power Source	Passive (requires external amplifier)
Main Features	High-power 15" woofer, low distortion, robust birch plywood enclosure, protective metal grille
Cleaning	Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth; do not use solvents
Safety	Use only with amplifiers rated for 8 Ohm loads; avoid clipping
Spare Parts & Repairability	Contact RCF authorized dealer for service; user-replaceable only by qualified personnel
General Information	Designed for professional sound reinforcement; suitable for live sound and fixed installations

Frequently Asked Questions - S 15 RCF

What amplifier should I use with the RCF S 15?

Use a power amplifier that can deliver 400-800W RMS into 8 ohms per channel. Ensure the amplifier is stable into 8 ohm loads and has adequate headroom.

Can I use the S 15 in a portable setup?

Yes, the S 15 has a robust birch plywood enclosure and a metal grille, making it suitable for portable use. It does not have built-in handles; use a dolly or carry with care.

How do I connect the S 15 to my amplifier?

Use a Speakon NL4 cable. The two connectors are paralleled for easy daisy-chaining. Connect pin 1+ and 1- for a single subwoofer.

What is the impedance of the S 15?

The impedance is 8 ohms. When connecting multiple units, consider the total impedance load on your amplifier.

What is the frequency response of the S 15?

The frequency response is 40 Hz to 200 Hz at -3 dB. It is designed to reproduce low frequencies.

How should I clean the subwoofer?

Wipe the enclosure with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or water directly on the driver.

Can I stack other speakers on top of the S 15?

Yes, the S 15 has a flat top surface and is sturdy enough to support a satellite speaker. Use appropriate straps or brackets for safety.

What should I do if there is no sound from the subwoofer?

Check connections, amplifier output, and signal path. Ensure the amplifier is powered and not in protect mode. Test with a known working speaker.

Is the S 15 suitable for outdoor use?

The S 15 is not weatherproof. Protect it from rain, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Use a cover when outdoors.

Does the RCF S 15 come with a warranty?

Yes, RCF offers a limited warranty. Typical warranty period is 2 years from date of purchase. Contact your dealer for details.

USER MANUAL S 15 RCF

OWNER MANUAL MANUALE UTENTE

S 10
S 12
S 15

BASS REFLEX SUBWOOFERS

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

ITALIANO

3

13

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information.

2. POWER SUPPLY FROM MAINS

a. The mains voltage is sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution; install and connect this product before plugging it in.
b. Before powering up, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and the voltage of your mains corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the unit, if not, please contact your RCF dealer.
c. The metallic parts of the unit are earthed through the power cable. An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
d. Protect the power cable from damage; make sure it is positioned in a way that it cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.
e. To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open this product: there are no parts inside that the user needs to access.

1. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into this product, as this may cause a short circuit. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on this apparatus. No naked sources (such as lighted candles) should be placed on this apparatus.
2. 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 product does not function (or functions in an anomalous way).

- The power cable has been damaged.

- Objects or liquids have got in the unit.

- The product has been subject to a heavy impact.

1. If this product is not used for a long period, disconnect the power cable.
2. If this product begins emitting any strange odours or smoke, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power cable.
3. 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 product 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 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.

To prevent the risk of falling equipment, do not stack multiple units of this product unless this possibility is specified in the user manual.

1. RCF S.p.A. strongly recommends this product is only installed by professional qualified installers (or specialised firms) who can ensure 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. Supports and trolleys

The equipment should be only used on trolleys or supports, where necessary, that are recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment / support / trolley assembly must be moved with extreme caution. Sudden stops, excessive pushing force and uneven floors may cause the assembly to overturn.

IMPORTANT

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 manual technical specifications to know the maximum sound pressure level.

IMPORTANT NOTES

To prevent the occurrence of noise on line signal cables, use screened cables only and avoid putting them close to:

• Equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic fields.
• Power cables.
• Loudspeaker lines.

IMPORTANT NOTES

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

• Place this product far from any heat sources and always ensure an adequate air circulation around it.
• Do not overload this product for a long 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.

IMPORTANT NOTES

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 product to rain or humidity.

IMPORTANT NOTES

WARNING

DESCRIPTION

S 10, S 12 and S 15 are high power, compact subwoofer systems ideal for those installations where a great sound impact with physical small size is desired. Extending their frequency response to below 50Hz (S 10), 40Hz (S 12) or 35Hz (S 15) these highly efficient designed systems are capable of providing output levels normally associated with considerably larger enclosures. These systems are suited to background music playback in applications ranging from clubs, bars and cafes, right through to theatres and AV presentations.

The low-frequency transducers are a 10" woofer for S 10, a 12" woofer for S 12 and a 15" woofer for S15, all equipped with a 2,5" voice coil. The woofer design is the result of the latest refinements in RCF experiences in compact active and passive subwoofer design, resulting in a fast and controlled reproduction of the bass frequency range. It is particularly well-suited in high-quality multimedia applications.

EXAMPLES OF A BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

graph LR
    A["CROSSOVER"] --> B["SATELLITE"]
    A --> C["SUBWOOFER"]
    B --> D["f > 80 ÷ 120 Hz"]
    C --> E["f < 80 ÷ 120 Hz"]

This manual concerns 3 subwoofer models:

- S 10 with a 10" woofer (2.5" voice coil)

- S 12 with a 12" woofer (2.5" voice coil)

- S 15 with a 15" woofer (2.5" voice coil)

The front grilles are made of steel with a robust double mesh polyester clothing.

On its top, there is a M 20 threaded insert for a pole mount (for a satellite loudspeaker).

All models have a 4-pin EUROBLOCK connector (audio input and parallel link output).

INSTALLATION

S Series subwoofers shall be placed on the floor (on a place surface).

Satellite loudspeakers shall be installed securely by qualified personnel, respecting all safety standards. Make sure the support structure (walls / ceilings) has the necessary mechanical characteristics for the loudspeaker weight, without the risk of a fall that could damage things or cause an injury. Use attachments elements suitable for walls / ceilings (e.g. wall plugs for bricks, for concrete, etc.).

CONNECTIONS

WARNING: loudspeaker connections should be made by qualified and experienced personnel only 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.

S Series subwoofers are designed for indoor use only.

If installed outdoor, loudspeakers shall be protected against water.

The impedance of both subwoofers is 8 Ω.

The total impedance of multiple identical subwoofers linked in parallel on the same line is given by the impedance value of a single subwoofer divided by their quantity (impedance / quantity).

For example, the total impedance of two S Subwoofers linked in parallel is 4 Ω (8 Ω / 2)

Connect the positive wire (amplifier '+' output) to the pin 'INPUT+' of the 4-pin EUROBLOCK connector.

Connect the negative wire (amplifier ‘-’ output) to the pin ‘INPUT -’ of the 4-pin EUROBLOCK connector.

The 'LINK+' and 'LINK-' pins are useful to link another subwoofer in parallel.

NOTES ABOUT LOW IMPEDANCE CONNECTIONS

• The total loudspeakers impedance must not be lower than the amplifier output impedance. Note: loudspeakers' total impedance equal to the amplifier output one permits to get the maximum deliverable power (but a higher value entails less power).
• The total loudspeakers' power shall be adequate for the maximum deliverable power of the amplifier.
• Loudspeakers' line shall be short (for long distances, it may be necessary to use cables with large cross-section wires).
• Always use cables having wires with an adequate cross-section, considering the cable length and the total loudspeaker power.
• Loudspeakers' lines must be kept separated from the mains cables, microphone cables or others, in order to avoid inductive phenomena may cause hum or noises.
• Use loudspeakers cables with twisted wires to reduce hum caused by inductive effects due to coupling with electromagnetic fields.
• Do NOT connect the low impedance input directly to 70 / 100 V constant voltage lines.

SPECIFICATION

S 10 S 12 S 15

Frequency Response (-10dB) 50 Hz ÷ 200 Hz 40 Hz ÷ 200 Hz 35 Hz ÷ 200 Hz

Max SPL @ 1m 124 dB 125 dB 126 dB

System Sensitivity: 92 dB 93 dB 94 dB

Nominal Impedance (ohm) 8 ohm 8 ohm 8 ohm

Power Handling 400 W RMS 400 W RMS 400 W RMS

Peak Power Handling	1600 W PEAK	1600 W PEAK	1600 W PEAK
Recommended Amplifier	800 W	800 W	800 W

Woofer

10", 2.5" v.c

12", 2.5" v.c

15", 2.5" v.c

Nominal Impedance (ohm) 8 ohm 8 ohm 8 ohm

Input Power Rating	400 W AES, 800 W PROGRAM POWER	400 W AES, 800 W PROGRAM POWER	400 W AES, 800 W PROGRAM POWER
Sensitivity	92 dB, 1W @ 1m	93 dB, 1W @ 1m	94 dB, 1W @ 1m

Input/Output connectors

Euroblock

Euroblock

Euroblock

Standard compliance

CE marked

CE marked

CE marked

Cabinet/Case Material

Plywood

Plywood

Plywood

Hadrware

12 x M10

12 x M10

12 x M10

Pole mount cap

Yes

Yes

Yes

Grille

Steel with clothing

Steel with clothing

Steel with clothing

Color

Black

Black

Black

Size (H x W x D)

318 x 450 x 360 mm

373 x 530 x 425 mm

443 x 630 x 500 mm

Net weight

21 Kg 22,8 Kg

27,5 Kg

S 10

S 12

S 15

AVVERTENZE PER LA SICUREZZA

Input Power Rating

400 W AES, 800 W PROGRAM POWER

400 W AES, 800 W PROGRAM POWER

400 W AES, 800 W PROGRAM POWER

Sensibilità

92 dB, 1W @ 1m

93 dB, 1W @ 1m

94 dB, 1W @ 1m

Connettori Input/Output

Euroblock

Euroblock

Euroblock

Pole mount cap

Yes

Yes

Yes

S 15

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