Drawing on the heritage of the analog E series, RCF’s new generation analog F series initially raised the stakes, offering a choice of four formats, ranging from six channels up to 16, all devices packed with effects, housed in a sturdy metal frame.
Now it has gone bigger still, completing the F series with the launch of the F 24XR mixer featuring 18 mic preamps (eight channels more than the F 16XR), 16 line inputs, four stereo inputs, two stereo bus outputs, and six compressors. It contains 16 multi-FX presets, single control compressor and is supplied with USB interface for stereo recording, 3-band EQ with selectable frequency and 4 aux sends (one available for the internal FX engine).
In common with other models in the series, the F 24XR boasts the same rugged construction, metal chassis and plastic side cheeks for portability.
RCF’s first M series digital mixer, the M18 was designed for creative use with iOS and Android WiFi control platform and provided a complete backline set-up, complete with amplifiers, stomp boxes and FX at the musician’s fingertips.
Based on feedback received, RCF has now developed a complete, versatile range of four further M series mixers with added functionality—the M 20X, M 20R, M 20XD, M 20 RD—from the ground up. The DSP-rich consoles are fully recallable, with 11 motorized faders and 16 remote controlled preamps contained in a compact, ruggedly constructed chassis.
The new M 20 series features 20 input channels with 16 mic preamps, with eight XLR and eight combo inputs, two TRS inputs, a stereo input on mini jack. There are 10 output channels, with eight XLR and two TRS as well as two main output XLR’s. All outputs are routable.
The rear panel contains AES-EBU stereo output, USB audio 24×24 multi channel interface, and LAN port to connect external access point for wireless remote control.
There is a 5-inch capacitive high-contrast touch screen with five encoders, for control of all the mixer’s capabilities.
In addition, there are four function buttons that recall the main pages on the screen and eight programmable user keys. The motorized faders include 10 for inputs/outputs, and one for the main master mix. There are four fader layers (input 1-10, input 11-20, four FX return and six custom faders, while the fourth is dedicated to the 10 MIX outputs).
All channels contain hi-pass, gate, 4-band parametric EQ, compressor (ch 1-16) and gate, with four internal studio-quality Z.CORE FX engines.
The other key features of these M 20 mixers are three options for various multi-track real time recording and playback, with 20 tracks on SD card, in addition to a 24 x 24 channel USB 2.0 interface and stereo recording and playback on a USB key.
FX include two reverb, delay and modulation (which can be swapped for a further delay). Finally, there’s a phones output and RTA (Real Time Analyzer) function to check the audio spectrum of any channel.
One of the two USB ports on the mixer’s surface allow connection of USB/MIDI controllers or 5 Volt USB devices, the second allows for a WiFi dongle to connect a third-party device such as a tablet. There is 8-band parametric EQ on all outputs and 30-band graphic EQ on the main mix, with compressor / limiter on all outputs.
Of the mixer designations, the M20 X is the standard device, while the M 20 XD adds a Dante interface for Audio over IP networking. There are 3U rack versions of each without the faders (M20 R and M20 RD) offering the same functionality and remote-control capabilities.
The M20 X represents the first time RCF has produced a complete digital mixer with motorized faders, and with its compact form factor will appeal to rental companies, musicians, as a conference system or sub-mixer for larger installations.
The next development will be an extended control app for both iOS and Android. Via the Attach function users will have access to a larger touch surface and expanded screen to enhance the mixing experience.
