RCF HDL30-A, 2200W Active 2x10" Two-Way Line Array Module

The RCF HDL 30-A (HDL30-A, HDL 30A) is a self-powered 2-way line array module with two 10-inch neodymium woofers and a 1.4-inch exit titanium compression driver with a 4-inch voice coil, driven by a built-in 2200 W peak (1100 W RMS) Class-D bi-amplifier. It reaches 137 dB max SPL, plays from 50 Hz to 20 kHz with 100° x 15° coverage, and weighs 55.1 lb (25 kg). RCF's product page describes it as a compact touring system for medium to large events, indoors and outdoors; it suits production companies and rental houses that want to fly a full array without an amp rack.

The amplifier, a 48 kHz, 32-bit DSP and RCF's FiRPHASE processing are all in the cabinet. Audio links box to box on XLR, power on powerCON, and RDNet network control on etherCON.

Which HDL 30-A rigging and accessories do I need?

Start with the FB-HDL30 fly bar, which every flown hang and ground stack uses unless the HDL 30-A hangs under an HDL 50-A; the rest depends on how you hang, stack, move and protect the array.

Is the HDL 30-A the right size for your rig?

It sits between the 2-way HDL 20-A and HDL 28-A and the 3-way HDL 50-A 4K, as the table shows. All four are fully powered.

Pick the HDL 20-A for a simpler 1400 W system without networking, the HDL 28-A when a smaller, lighter box matters more than the last 2 dB, and the HDL 30-A for the most output of the three 2-way modules here. The HDL 50-A 4K is the 3-way step up for large events; RCF calls it the most powerful HDL array it has made. See the full line array speaker range, or browse everything from RCF.

Is the RCF HDL 30-A powered or passive?

Powered. The Class-D bi-amp (1600 W peak low frequency and 600 W peak high frequency, 2200 W peak in total) and the DSP are built into the cabinet, so you do not need an external amplifier or processor. RCF lists forced cooling, so keep its ventilation grilles clear.

How many HDL 30-A can I fly or ground-stack?

Up to 20 from one FB-HDL30 fly bar, but RCF strongly discourages hanging more than 8 from a single pickup point. For bigger hangs, the FB-PK-HDL30 adds a second pickup so you can hang from two motors. Trim them to the exact fly bar angle the software calculated, because RCF warns that any other angle can be dangerous. Splay angles are preset on the ground from RCF's Easy Shape Designer software (or its newer RDShape platform), and the cabinets slip into those angles as the array lifts. The software also gives the pickup position, the fly bar tilt and the safety factor of each hang. RCF suggests a safety factor above 7 and never admits a hang that does not exceed 1.5; it calculates the factor against the steel's yield strength, and local regulations may require a higher one. If the module count, splay angles or fly bar tilt change, RCF says the safety factor must be recalculated in the software before you rig.

For a ground stack, RCF allows up to 4 HDL 30-A on the same fly bar, either on the ground or, with the STCK-KIT-2XHDL30, on top of a SUB 8006, 9006 or 9007 series subwoofer, the subwoofers RCF's manual names for it. The AC-TRANS-HDL5030 link bar hangs up to 8 HDL 30-A under an HDL 50-A array. On the cart, RCF allows no more than 4 HDL 30-A, and says to move a loaded cart sideways, never front to back. RCF also says HDL arrays should be rigged and flown by professional riggers, or by trained personnel under their supervision, never installed over areas of public access, and never exposed to extra loads from wind or snow. RCF gives no module count for HDL 38-AS subwoofers or mixed sub-and-top hangs here, so plan those in its software.

Disclaimer: Hollywood DJ provides load information, including the manufacturer load tables we host, for general reference only. It is not intended to replace a qualified engineer or professional rigger, who should plan and approve any truss or staging installation.

What does RDNet control add?

Remote monitoring and control of every module from one computer. With RCF's RDNet software, connected over the etherCON ports, one engineer can:

• Monitor the whole system and each component, and test individual components
• Read the tilt angle of each module from its built-in inclinometer
• Group modules into arrays and create separate zones inside an array
• Design and control arc and end-fire subwoofer arrays
• Adjust gain and delay, and set EQ, including three adjustable FiRPHASE filters for mid to high frequencies
• Set air compensation for one cabinet or a group, for long-throw applications
• Save and recall system presets

Can I run it without RDNet?

Yes. The rear-panel encoder and display set gain reduction, delay and the preset, and with the RDNet switch released the module runs its local setup. You still need RCF's Easy Shape Designer (or RDShape) on a computer before the show: RCF uses it for every hang to calculate the splay angles, the safety factor and which local presets to dial in. The rear panel reaches 4 of the 9 low-frequency cluster presets and 4 of the 15 high-frequency presets that RDNet offers.

How many HDL 30-A can I daisy-chain on power?

No more than three at 115 V. RCF limits each powerCON daisy chain to 3 modules at 115 V or 6 at 230 V, and warns that a longer chain exceeds the connector's rating and creates a fire risk. RCF rates each module at 6.3 A long term at 115 V (3.2 A at 230 V) and says to multiply that by the number of modules, so a full chain of three draws about 18.9 A through the first module's power cable. Size the circuit and the feed cable for the total.

How is it different from the HDL 20-A?

Both use two 10-inch woofers with 100° x 15° coverage, but the HDL 30-A has 2200 W peak against 1400 W, a 4-inch instead of a 3-inch voice coil driver, 2 dB more output (137 dB versus 135 dB), deeper low end (50 Hz versus 55 Hz) and RDNet control. It is also 11.5 lb lighter (55.1 lb versus 66.6 lb). RCF rates the HDL 20-A for convection cooling and lists four DSP controls for it: Cluster, HF, High Curving and Indoor.

How is it different from the HDL 28-A?

The HDL 30-A has bigger drivers and 2 dB more output: 10-inch woofers and a 4-inch voice coil driver where the HDL 28-A has 8-inch woofers and a 3-inch voice coil driver (137 dB versus 135 dB). They share the 2200 W amplifier, RDNet, the polypropylene composite cabinet and 100° x 15° coverage. Both are rated 50 Hz to 20 kHz, though RCF describes the HDL 28-A's linear low-frequency handling as reaching 65 Hz, against 50 Hz for the HDL 30-A. The HDL 28-A is the smaller box, 22.4 in wide and 45.4 lb against 27.76 in and 55.1 lb, and RCF pairs it with the HDL 36-AS flyable subwoofer rather than the HDL 38-AS.

Do I need a subwoofer with it?

It depends on how much output you need below 50 Hz, where RCF's rating for the HDL 30-A ends. RCF names the RCF HDL 38-AS as its ideal flyable bass complement: an 18-inch subwoofer that plays down to 30 Hz, hangs from the same FB-HDL30 fly bar, and connects to the HDL 30-A as shown in RCF's manual.

HDL 30-A specifications

Specifications from the RCF HDL 30-A product page, spec sheet and user manual.

Can Hollywood DJ help me plan an HDL 30-A system?

Yes. Get in touch and we will help you size the hang for your rooms. If you are ordering several modules or need a delivery appointment, contact us before checkout.