Following their successful launch in 2015, RCF’s M 08 and M 18 digital mixers will now enjoy enhanced functionality thanks to the latest firmware update. At the same time RCF has hinted that the wireless-controlled digital mixer series will shortly extend, with a larger-format M 24, 24-input chassis, for larger production duties.
In 2015, RCF introduced the M Series 8, a new generation of small-format digital audio mixers designed for the performing musician. The result of an intense development effort by the new RCF Digital Audio Division, headed by engineer Umberto Zanghieri and its dedicated team, the M 08 and M 18 wireless controlled mixers are showing the way for the future of the technology, creating an affordable but extremely complete solution which was not previously available to the market. While many of the functionalities of RCF’s new M Series mixers existed previously in more sophisticated (and much more expensive) live sound mixers for Front of house and monitor duties, the M Mixers represent a fully integrated solution for musicians, fixed-installations and event applications.
Maximum flexibility and comfort are granted by internal power supply, integrated Wi-Fi access point and antennas, while the complementary MixRemote App enables complete and versatile control of the RCF M series digital mixers.
All M Series mixers combine a full set of connections, from XLR and combo connectors for musical instruments, uncolored mic preamp inputs, and a complete range of line inputs, some of which switchable to Hi-Z – High Impedance – for acoustic or electric or bass guitars with passive pickups. The remote-controlled Mic Gain allows the user to control the Mic Preamps and Line input Gain even at high distance from the mixer. All the settings are stored in the snapshot memories and can be recalled according to the user’s needs.
Balanced AUX outputs are also on hand to connect stage monitors or external effect processors, in case the mixer’s internal processing is not sufficient for the user’s needs. The +22 dB balanced MAIN MIX outputs are supported by a pair of male XLR and a headphones stereo output completes the series design. Using the Personal Mix function on the Phones menu of the MixRemote App it is possible to create a fully personalized stereo monitoring. The headphones’ output also offers Main Mix and, alternatively, PFL listening.
MIDI IN and OUT ports are also present on the rear panel, allowing the connection of various types of MIDI controllers. At Prolight+Sound 2016, RCF launched the MR5 dedicated MIDI footswitch, which enables users to recall effects’ presets or to mute effects’ returns, as well as providing several other control functions.
A USB type-A port allows connection of USB devices, such as pen drives or hard disks, to create a complete stereo system for playback and audio recording: this supports all the most common audio file formats, both high-quality and compressed. The intuitive graphics of MixRemote App helps the user to manage song playlists also with the AUTO play function.
Wile the current models are targeted firmly at performing musicians, RCF has already unveiled a larger model which will be able to respond also to larger setups and fully address the needs of any small-sized live event, including recording and virtual sound-check. During the Frankfurt show, RCF unveiled the M 24 model, with 16 mic preamps and 8 line inputs, 4 internal send FX, 6 assignable MultiFX and an integrated USB audio interface with 32x8 channels. RCF also displayed the S24 configuration with an expanded 8 balanced Mix Out channels. The existing models, M 18 and M 08, have eight and four mic preamps respectively, boast high quality reverbs and share the same algorithms. The larger models have three internal FX Sends (Stereo Reverb, Stereo Delay and Assignable), while the M 08 has two (Stereo Reverb and Assignable).
Firmware Upgrade
With the firmware upgrade for the M 18 and M 08 mixers, several new features have been included to address the requirements of modern musicians and bands. The new firmware upgrade was previewed for the first time at Frankfurt Prolight+Sound 2016 and includes several improvements and additional processing effects. Enhancements will include novel amplifier modeling simulations, licensed from Overloud, bringing the total number of models to 15, and four additional Stomp Box style effects; The stereo file player will be expanded to allow four-channel playback, representing one of the few compact mixing solutions with multichannel playback on the market.
Explaining the rationale behind the player upgrade, Umberto Zanghieri, Director of RCF Digital Audio Division, stated, “I wanted the musicians to have the backing track in stereo along with a click track which they can route on their headphones.”
RCF is also enabling LAN network bridging on the new firmware, making it possible to navigate the web on the same tablet being used for mixer control. Another welcome addition on the new firmware will be the presence of 4 DCA Groups, which will allow the grouping of input channels with a single level and mute control.
Finally, RCF demonstrated an Android version of the dedicated MixRemote App, with similar functionality as the iOS version, fully accessible from a tablet and covering all existing functions. The new firmware will be downloadable from the RCF website and will be free of charge. The current MixRemote app is available from iTunes store.
Summing up, Umberto Zanghieri states, “These models now have one of the most comprehensive feature sets in their class. It’s the only series on the market of compact digital mixers that has dual amp modeling, licensed from Overloud and Markbass, 4-track file playback from USB drives, internal WiFi Access Point and various audio effects”.
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