RCF Announces the Formation of the RCF Mixer Division at Prolight + Sound

	Umberto Zanghieri and Arturo Vicari shake on the formation of the RCF Mixer Division

RCF enjoyed one of its most successful trade fair outings at this year's Prolight+Sound Show in Frankfurt last week.

In addition to showcasing several new product ranges -- including the VMAX club series, originally given a sneak preview at ISE last month, the EVOX portable column speakers, plus new updates to the TT+ (touring and theatre) series, the company once again had a mighty presence on the sound demo stage outside with their flagship TT55-A line array and NXL24-A active column loudspeaker array.

But the event that brought most of the press to the stand was to hear RCF chairman Arturo Vicari announce the formation of the new RCF Mixer Division, and introduce his partner in the project, engineer Umberto Zanghieri, founder of the design house, ZP Engineering, which has now become part of the RCF Group. This enabled RCF to unveil the first batch of new L-PAD range of high performance audio mixers.

Vicari explained that with such an extensive knowledge of the professional audio industry, and realization of the importance of the mixing console in the audio chain, RCF had decided to move into the mixer market with the creation of a new dedicated division -- an important strategic move resulting from considerable investment in R&D. According to Vicari the models introduced in Frankfurt were just the first step in a much wider development plan, and the beginning of next year will herald the arrival of several innovative digital models.

"To successfully enter a crowded market requires us to be able to offer advantages and a different approach," he said. "RCF will bring together all its extensive audio experience to create this new line, applying its own philosophy, and optimizing the performance throughout the entire signal chain."

The first of the nine-strong series of compact mixers, housed in elegant and stylish chassis, supported the argument -- providing flexibility for most live applications.

These were joined by a selection of other products, including the TTP-5A point source speaker, launched last year. However, there was a good deal of interest in ranges being shown for the first time.

The pole-mounted EVOX 5 and EVOX 8 are designed for live sound, and set out to exceed the performance and portability of all competitive products in this class. In fact RCF believes this series will be the most important product to be added to the new "live sound" catalog this year. Conversely, the VMAX is designed for playback sources. It is the first high-powered system that RCF has produced, and offers five passive speakers dedicated to playback. Recognizing that DJ's need a powerful system this series ranges from a 6" and two by 6" line array to a two by 21" subwoofer with 4.5" voice coil. Finally, another significant move is the upgrade to the flagship ART 7 series. Replacing the flagship ART725-A is the new ART 745-A 15in active speaker, with a 4" voice coil and 1400W (peak) capability, is possibly the largest voice coil ever seen within a composite enclosure in this class.

Stated RCF general manager Fausto Incerti. "The show was extremely positive for us and we were able to present a new range of products in line with our brand values and our customers' expectations."

"Mixers represent a big step forward for us, but the first impressions and feedback were excellent. With an excellent Prolight + Sound behind us, we now need to work doubly hard to maintain this momentum."