Reviewing The Incredible RCF ART945-A Speaker

[@alexdefrancisco3066]

That speaker will be enough for a crowd of 200 people to 250 in a medium size room no questions asked. This thing is loud, I have tested it in open air space going back 40 to 50 yards and the sound is in your face. Louder than anything I had ever heard.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

It’s indeed incredible.

[@DestroyerOfLiberasts]

They can handle way more than that. Monster tops with 4 inch voice coil crossing over at 650 Hz, I don't know of any other speaker that crosses over that low.

[@alexdefrancisco3066]

@@DestroyerOfLiberasts agree. I can’t seem to make them hit limit without hurting my hearing. They just don’t hit limit. It’s unbelievable. Ooh and I paired them up with my Qsc ks118 with the crossover at 100hz and that combo is a beast. I’m a music teacher and was testing at the other end of the school in open air at the PE court and people were hearing at the other end side of the school. Really impressive.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@DestroyerOfLiberastsI’m sure they could. I basing my opinion on stand alone without subs. But I’m sure they could, just not what I use them for. But they are in fact unclipable.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@alexdefrancisco3066Never heard those subs, but I’m sure these paired with anything sound incredible. Just hard to find subs that would keep up.

[@kcvocalentertainer]

Boost is for low music playback, it warms the sound. It doesn’t produce better lows at higher levels.

[@OneBadAssDJ]

This is correct. You should never use the boost when pumping any RCF speaker

[@djosvani]

I had the 935a and was very impressed. I can only imagine what these bad boys are capable of. I also owned the JBL SRX 815p and those thing have low end for days and ere extremely loud. The Yamaha sr115 is also a beast, crazy loud and clear for loud music, but just like the EV ekx series, they lack bass for stand alone systems

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

These 945s on boost mode sounds very punchy and super clear. The JBL might have a little more bass because of the wood enclosure. All sounds like great options.

[@initrda-ux8ce]

Would you recommend the 935a for indoor house karaoke parties (room size 20x15 - audience 20-30 people)? The audio track will be played from KZbin or is it better to go with something smaller?

[@djosvani]

@@initrda-ux8ce you will be more than happy with the 935a for your needs. It’s always better to have more headroom that way the speakers are not pushed.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@initrda-ux8ce if your going without a subwoofer then yes I would always recommend a 15” no matter what I just like the added low end frequency they provide. If your getting a subwoofer a 10 or 12 in top will be sufficient

[@initrda-ux8ce]

⁠@@DJBrianRodriguesthank you! I’m definitely planning on going for the 15”sub irrespective of the series. The ART-915 AX is something I’m considering, but my concern is more to do with whether or not the 1.5” voice coil suffice for vocals…my only use case is indoor karaokes with small groups. Any thoughts?

[@mikewalker1885]

Speaker boxes on stands are soooooo last millennium, I'm even getting brides now asking " what style of speakers do you use ?" One even said "we only like those stick speakers, they dont blast your ears" !!!

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

That’s hysterical. I have never heard that in my life lol ,I’ll never use those stick speakers with small cheap 3” woofers. They don’t blast your face because they aren’t loud, and most of the high frequency’s are hitting people’s belly’s and chest. If bassboss makes one I’ll consider but for now not for me. Thanks for the comment though

[@mikewalker1885]

@@DJBrianRodrigues my normal rig is a pair of RCF 710's with a 15" sub bass. It's literally all I've ever needed. Big boxes on stands do look so ugly and old fashioned and I can see brides being swayed by the name Bose !!? I actually hired a pair of Bose L1's last year and thought the sound, while quite different from "point source" speakers, was very very good. Not blast your ears, in your face loud, like I normally play, but just good listenable sound. Hard to explain. They do look a lot smarter than big boxes on stands and to a lot of brides, that matters. For now I'm sticking with my little RCF's.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@mikewalker1885 Try my SV9 with BB15 Bassboss setup. You can do crowds up to 150 people with a 70 pound wood subs and 27 pound wood top. Incredible sound and not in your face like your saying.

[@OneBadAssDJ]

First off, no RCF blast your ears unless you have a DJ playing abnormally loud. My RCF ART 932's sound amazing even when pumped up. RCF EVOX 12's only go up to 130 SPL. These speakers alone go up to 135SPL and that with no subs. Actually real sound guys use tops and subs, not stick speakers.

[@ciekaweify]

Testowałem RCF 932a - barwa głosu jest lepsza i ładniejsza niż w Yamahaha DZR, EV, JBL srx. Moim jedynym zmartwieniem jest to, że mają mniej mocy niż inni. Nie używam go, ale lepiej go mieć. Zauważyłem, że tył chłodnicy się nagrzewa /jest to trochę kłopotliwe/ więc zastanawiam się nad zakupem RCF 945A

[@igorbassi3470]

Spectacular video.. Can I get such a good result with Rcf ART 935a without needing to take an active sub!? I do events with live music with a back track and I sing, I play the guitar... And I would like to take less equipment, just one or two boxes like this without needing to take an active sub! The events I do are not big and are closed places and for no more than 50 or 100 people 🙏🤙

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

These speakers have great sound quality and nice low end but if you’re looking for a small setup with good bass response in the budget of a 945. Maybe look into a column array style speaker that way you can get full frequency range. Being that your events are smaller, you don’t need the SPL of the 945. I’d prefer a more well rounded sound like a pair of RCF Evox J8. If you want more sound you can look to the bigger brother RCF Evox 12. But for your application I think the J8 would suffice. Hope I was able to help. Thanks for your comment

[@revelationevents2323]

I love these speakers. Just 4 days ago I played them outside on a football field. For 5 hours. And noticed that they got really hot. Not burning to the touch but they were hot on the back side where the amp is. Is this normal? I had never touched them so I don’t know if it happened before

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

I have never played these speakers outdoors and every event I have used them at I’ve never felt them hot.

[@soundfreak8892]

Well considering this product doesn’t have a fan in the back. I think it disperses its heat conventionally. (Heat sinks in the back) so yes it’s normal for it to get hot but not burning to the touch. If you are pushing them to there absolute limit for that long obviously the amp will get hot

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@soundfreak8892 they honestly barely heat up with me and I pushed them.

[@TheSery7]

I was thinking of buying a pair of art945-a but then I saw the nx 945-a, looks the same unit but on a wood cabinet, have you heard it?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

No I have not heard the wood version if your looking for a beautiful wood cabinet with incredible fidelity try Bassboss DV12MK3. Cleanest speaker I have ever heard.

[@MacGyverGear]

The NX-9450-a is 700watt RMS.. the ART version 1100watt!! Due to its specifications the ART version will play 2db louder. I bought the ART 932a and use them with a 18" sub. I'm really curious if this will be an upgrade if I can't use a subwoofer compared to the 932 solo. Does the 945 reach to 40 hz?? The 932a is loud enough but no real sub. The ART 945 is only 4kg heavier.. because of its Neodymium woofer I think??

[@bzrid]

@@MacGyverGearthe NX-945a is 2100w - 135db - 100x70 dispersion instead of 100x60 with the ART945a

[@selectaguru]

@@MacGyverGear The ART 945 and NX 945 has the exact same internal parts, only difference is the NX model is a wooden cabinet.

[@rtchannel1917]

Anyone know why Rcf speakers do not fit speaker poles snug. RCF speakers wobble too much…no locking screw

[@PaparazziEntertainment]

Nice we are using the 932-A which we use with our Yorkville ES15P But thinking of getting these for our ES18P since it has the 4" horn... what sub do you use these with ?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Hey bud so my best friend has the 932-A and let me tell you this speaker is a different animal. I actually don’t use these speakers with subs, I use these for my compact setup for 100 guests or less since they pack such a punch for a single cabinet and are so loud. For our bigger events we are waiting on our Bassboss DV12 MK3s and Bassboss SSP118 MK3 which should be here in the next month or so.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

I would guess you would need the bigger Yorkville ES18 to keep up with these specially if your crossing them over.

[@PaparazziEntertainment]

@DJBrianRodrigues Yes I see them at the DJ Expo every year (Bass Boss) but have never considered them since they are OD Expensive LOL but All their Speakers sound Amazing

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@PaparazziEntertainment I’m glad to hear you say that. Yes cost me about 17 grand with bags and carts haha 😂 I’ll post reviews as soon as I get them

[@alexdefrancisco3066]

I use them with my Qsc ks118 and they sound beast mode. With crooover at 100hz. But you can also crossover at 80hz and apply the setting on the tops that allows for more low end. Either way they are beasts. I bet you would never make them hit limit without damaging your hearing. Hahahahah. They just don’t hit limit.

[@revelationevents2323]

Bro do these get bright after some use? In the last gig I did I felt them very treblely. I don’t know if it was me but I heard them very bright,

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

They always sounded great to me bud. Very clear and great punch

[@chefpacham8574]

Take it to the mountain for sound check sir...

[@TkoBallerx]

Looking into buying new speakers for my Dj set up :) Would i need to buy a sub if i get the 945? Or Can i go a few years without a sub then eventually get one for better bass? Thank you! Any recommendations for a sub? That can last me for years to come?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@TkoBallerx 100% these speaker are so loud. In the future for a subwoofer you need something serious for these. I’d look at a bassboss ssp118

[@TkoBallerx]

@DJBrianRodrigues thank you. I will look into it!

[@alittlewing]

Hi! Could they occasionally be good for listening at medium-low volumes too? Thank you!

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Yes of coarse. They sound great

[@initrda-ux8ce]

Which one would you recommend for indoor karaoke parties (30 people max) where we just play audio tracks off of KZbin? I am leaning towards ART-915AX which has Bluetooth but concerned if the vocals won’t come out clear. Or should I get the 935A without Bluetooth?

[@bzrid]

A pair of 910 and a single a 702 will do well

[@kevinlee6553]

2 935a with Mackie Onyx mixer with bluetooth

[@Emvkazama]

Can someone tell me if it's ok to power 2 of the 945-a in a single 15 amp breaker? Thanks for the help.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Yes without an issue

[@djna890009]

what is the difference between art 945 and hdm 45a?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

This was the answer I received from my friend Kyle at RCF. “Hey, So this isn’t an easy question to answer. Better here in this case is kind of subjective. They’re kind of designed for 2 different things. HDM45 has RDNet so it appeals to our Production customers and can be used as part of a large production rig but can also be used as a regular point source box for customers that don’t use RDNet. The ART-945A is just an all out powerful good sounding point source box that can be used for anything. Technically the ART-945A is the louder cabinet when we look at the Max SPL. The HDM45 has multiple presets for the customer that is going to use something like that (Most don’t) Either they use RDNet or they use the cabinets on L1 which is the Linear setting. Both cabinets use very similar woofers and high frequency drivers as far as design goes but I wouldn’t say one is necessarily better than the other. The only thing I can say that’s better is the input section of the HDM45. It has a 32-bit floating point DSP with 48kHz processing. The ART-945 does not have this. So the processing and audio quality may be slightly better with the HDM45 but it may not even be something noticeable depending on the gig and the environment the speakers are in and the source material you’re using. For DJ use I don’t think you can go wrong with either of them. The easiest one to use is going to be the ART-945A and its also going to suit more of the needs of a DJ than the HDM45 will. If you’re a sound engineer then I would recommend either or but steer you more towards the HDM45 as it has more control on the box and also RDNet.”

[@VTVT1306]

No battery???

[@coolfxtr5419]

For small events, up to 100 people (without sub) why should I but 945? Will 915 be more than enough?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Personally i just like having more power available just in case. Your also getting bigger transducers in the cabinet. It will be much more versatile.

[@SirDadbod]

What's a good receiver to use with these for home parties exercise etc..

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Not sure what you mean? A microphone receiver?

[@HelderOliveira-bl2xg]

Hi, what would be the cons of using a speaker this big in a 40 sq meter indoor space?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

No cons just keep it low haha they have very good dispersion for a 15” speaker so should be ok

[@reyzuna]

I heard the other model of this RCF and its base sound horrible, The Mid and Hi are good though but when it comes to base I cannot recommend this for house DJs.. Maybe put some Sub will be good, I don't understand why this speakers are so expensive when it sound not satisfying.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Not sure what model you heard, but these speakers sounds very very good. They have incredible low end also for a sing 15' cabinet. Not many could compete with these.

[@reyzuna]

@@DJBrianRodrigues I'm not sure about that, Jbl and Bose make a lot of good PA Speakers and they use it on Cinema and Theaters, I don't see them using this brand or maybe they are just too expensive. I don't know what model but the air vent is on the upper side of the speaker and maybe the one that I heard was damage or something. I like the design though,

[@djsavanshah3534]

We have 10 of these and they sound great. Agreed the low end isn't as much as you would expect. But it's an incredible speaker nonetheless. It's sister speaker is the HDM45. So this speaker has more of a throw but not a great deal low end. With The HDM45s you have a more low end. I spoke with Kyle and a few other guys from RCF before buying my 945s. They pretty much said imagine having an HDL20, this is the verticle version of the HDL20s but you can't go wrong with these speakers.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@djsavanshah3534 I don’t think you can expect much more without a subwoofer. I think they sound great. Kyle is an awesome guy by the way. My bassboss DV12 have a little more punch and are a smaller cabinet but they are also twice as much.

[@troybrown4735]

@@DJBrianRodrigues How would you compare the two cost aside? I have owned subwoofers from Bassboss and 735's from RCFs, I also have heard all the tops from Bassboss but not the RCF 945's. The DV12 in full mode sound great without needing a sub sometimes but if paired the 945's and the DV12's with proper subs, which do you prefer?

[@rav-dmusicaudiorentals7587]

wish i can get even 2 of that

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

I hope you can too. God bless you

[@tonisternad8499]

Hello. which mixer do you recommend next to this speaker? for a duo?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

I use the RCF F6X for all my events.

[@tonisternad8499]

@@DJBrianRodrigues ok. I know the low tones are excellent in this speaker. what about the high tones?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@tonisternad8499 very good 4 inch voice coil

[@tonisternad8499]

@@DJBrianRodrigues now i have a yamaha stagepas 1k. I think this speaker would be better for me. is it stronger? what do you say? thanks for all the answers.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@tonisternad8499 the Yamaha will give you very nice wide coverage for a cocktail hour or something like that. This will be much louder. Probably loudest speaker I have ever heard. Literally impossible to clip

[@maxwiddows4710]

I have 2 qsc k10.2 plus k sub looking to swap as the k sub is getting heavy to transport. Would these be a good replacement as i just wanted 2 15's

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Yes much more punch and way louder

[@sahilarya1698]

Wich one live concert better ? Rcf art 945-A or Rcf nx 945-a ?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@sahilarya1698 for live sound I’d go the NX945 simple because of the wood cabinet will give you a warmer sound

[@cantofranco1685]

How do these compare to the EV ZXA5? Is it worth selling my EVs for these? Thanks

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

100% these cabinets are incredible. One of the loudest speakers I have ever heard

[@josemanjarrez4398]

Cual de estos modelos rcf hdl6 , rcf art 932 or art 945 recomiendan para un rcf sub 8004?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

If you are doing inside events and always use subwoofer 100% of the time I recommend ART932. If you do some small events and don’t want to always take subs I recommend ART945, they will give you more bass and punch out of a single cabinet. If you do huge outside events I recommend multiple HDL6s and multiple 8004s.

[@josemanjarrez4398]

Gracias por contestar mi pregunta.

[@weynnetarranza7304]

Which one is better rcf art 945 or evox j12?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

ART945 is a beast!

[@weynnetarranza7304]

@@DJBrianRodrigues so do you like 945 rather than evox 12?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@weynnetarranza7304 yes and save for a 8004 sub or a bassboss ssp118

[@djgazaaka5000]

keep the volume all the way up?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Yes that’s how I run them. Here is what I was told by RCF. “The way our volume control is setup is a little different than other manufacturers. You have the full range of volume, 0-100 that you can use. The knob controls sensitivity of the input. The amplifier itself is always set to 100%. So yes you can technically run them with the knob all the way up, they might be a little sensitive to smaller adjustments on your mixer but it wont hurt anything. Some people prefer to use them at 75%, some people at 100%. There is no right or wrong answer here because its really going to be based on how hot of a signal you’re sending them from your mixer. Running them at 100% won’t cause any damage unless you are constantly clipping them and hitting the limiter. Its ok to have the limit light blink every once in a while but I wouldn’t let that light blink often or stay lit. Once you see that light come on I would back off of them a bit to where the light is no longer coming on.”

[@djgazaaka5000]

@@DJBrianRodrigues ok thanks, because I was using mine at 75% all the time .

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@djgazaaka5000 should be perfectly fine :) just of matter of how much headroom you need. But it will do no harm.

[@djgazaaka5000]

So are those better than EV etx35p ?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@djgazaaka5000 I’ve never heard those EV’s but that is a 3 way cabinet that weights 37 more pounds. You’re not comparing apples to apples. By the looks of their specs I don’t think you can go wrong with either.

[@burn3649]

Hello Rcf 945 has bluetooth like the 915?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

No it does not it’s made for performance

[@moisebabdor6207]

Ji do you think rcf 945 worth the extra money of 935?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Yes much bigger horn

[@moisebabdor6207]

@@DJBrianRodrigues i will upgrade my set up so i will let tou know

[@moisebabdor6207]

Rcf 945 are not available in my city!! Do you think rcf 745 mkv are similar with them?

[@moisebabdor6207]

@@DJBrianRodrigues and for sub 2x8003 or 1x8004?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@moisebabdor6207 more is better but even with a bassboss ssp118 would be killer

[@Jerryhayes2]

I don't understand in 2023 how manufacturers don't put fucking crossovers in the speakers. Plenty of people like to mix and match tops and subs.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Haha Bassboss does 🤣

[@nntvog86]

You are supposed to crossover at the sub or at the mixer. RCF do it the right way and have crossover at their subs and have 2 stereo highpass out to top speakers.

[@FGEMixVlogs9406]

How much the price of this speaker?

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Retail $1999 if you call KPODJ and tell them Brian Rodrigues sent you they will take down at least 10%

[@daviddavid-nm7ft]

bonjour comment allumer et éteindre l'enceinte ? merci

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Plug wire in and out

[@daviddavid-nm7ft]

@@DJBrianRodrigues merci

[@ByronIvan78]

Hi I have a question about the speakers what subwoofer you recommend for this one .

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

Personally I’m in love with my Bassboss SSP118MK3s. But if you’d like to stick with RCF I’d recommend either a 8004, 9004 or 8008. These will probably overpower the 8004s when at max volume. The 8008s should give you the most output. Hope this helped :)

[@duss2duss]

@@DJBrianRodrigues I got the yorkville ES18P to pair with the 945.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@duss2duss great subs

[@elyasssajjad8879]

Honest opinion as an owner of 4 of these, they’re only 700 watts of HF 1400 watts of LF, surprisingly easy to peak/limit with these. JBL SRX815P > RCF 945A. For the price what it brings to the table is rather mediocre

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

I have to disagree with you. These speakers are nearly impossible to clip. And are one of the loudest tops on the market. The SRX is a wood cabinet and not a fair comparison. But I doubt it’s louder then RCF. I was always a JBL guy and let me tell you RCF has much higher end equipment then JBL.

[@revelationevents2323]

Bro these thing don’t limit unless you want to go deaf, I’ve play them outside at -3 dbs and the output is so much I’ve had to go back without ever limiting nit even one time

[@ingo.h]

The difference in loudness is minimal, but yes the JBL is a bit louder. But nevertheless it's sound especially the base isn't as clean as the RCF's by far. If you want the minimal difference in loudness, take the JBL, if you want to have precise sound for a Club or a concert, take the RCF. Easy decision.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

RCF's all the way. @@ingo.h

[@lucho14garfield]

A fairer comparison would be between JBL SRX815P and RCF NX945, since both are wood enclosures. RCF NX945 is basically RCF ART945 in a wood cabinet instead of a plastic one. I haven't either, though I'd love to see if anyone has made A/B comparisons with both, because I'm really torn between the JBL SRX series and RCF NX series.

[@djs1279]

This sound its very poor for what a sound tech thinks about. You tested some track without a very important content like: trumpet, quitar, sax or other mid freq essential for listen the MID response. Like other said : the sound is warm, nice low nice highs but ....irelevant important MIDS. Listen TT25 or EV RX115 to hear what we espect from this product. At this price there a lot of better speakers in terms of CORRECT SOUND.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@djs1279 I realize I could have done a better job utilizing more tracks and have done so on newer reviews. With copyright it’s a little complicated. Also keep in mind the cabinets you’ve mentioned are wood cabinets. Of coarse they will sound better. This was my first speaker review. It is very loud and sounds good but currently I only use Bassboss and my DV12MK3 sound better then anything I’ve heard. Thank you for your comment.

[@Tallamango2024Pallamango]

And for live band? Naaah. FBT Himaxx ,60a wins again

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

FBT makes serious speakers. I had the Mitus series and loved them. This for the weight to power ration there isn’t anything like it. If you want something for live sound I’d lean more towards Bassboss.

[@Tallamango2024Pallamango]

@@DJBrianRodrigues BassBoss is superior in all. Again, B&C neodinium components, like FBT. Himaxx 60a is a bit heavy. Mitus too, but sound is more full. 945a has weight too.

[@DJBrianRodrigues]

@@Tallamango2024Pallamango I think it’s 52 pounds it feels light. But it’s not a wooden box which is always best

[@Tallamango2024Pallamango]

@@DJBrianRodrigues wood weights more but lows are more full & bass comes back to your esrs less.