The newest trend in live production audio and lighting isn’t necessarily about better performance. Increasingly, it’s about saving you time and making your life easier.
One feature that’s becoming prevalent across the industry is NFC tap configuration, allowing technicians to configure their equipment simply by tapping it with a phone.
RCF visited us this week so our team could experience their new EVOX J9 and J11, KX Series loudspeakers and new SUB9016 subwoofers. They certainly didn't disappoint! During the session they introduced us to a new feature that they've brought to the world of professional audio - RDTAP. Named after their RDNET Sound System Management system, RDTAP is a new feature available on their latest 9000 Series subwoofers that uses NFC technology to configure your subwoofer simply by tapping it with your phone – even when the speaker is powered off.
Rather than doing it on the rear menu interface, RDTAP lets you set up the system on your phone. When setting up the system, you can choose the loudspeaker models you’re pairing with the sub, the configuration (ground-stack, line-array angle position), and any system processing such as EQs and delays. Once your configuration is ready, tap your phone onto the RDTAP point on the rear panel, and the settings are instantly written to the speaker.
Powered by ACE Technology
ACE (Advanced Crossover Engine) is RCF’s proprietary DSP technology designed to optimise performance between RCF subwoofers and compatible full-range speakers. It uses factory-tuned presets created by RCF’s system engineers to automatically align the sub and top box for the best possible sound.
By selecting the appropriate preset via the speaker menu or RDTAP, ACE automatically manages key parameters such as crossover frequency, polarity and delay, ensuring accurate phase alignment and consistent system performance. This gives you tighter, more powerful bass and a more coherent overall system, without the need for complex manual tuning.
RDTAP utilises ACE technology to configure your system, so you can do all of this with just a single tap.
Why This Matters for Live Production
In hire production and live event environments, speed and ease are everything.
Traditionally, configuring multiple loudspeakers means powering them up, going into the unit, and adjusting the settings one by one. With RDTAP, engineers can configure subs before they’re even powered on, saving valuable setup time during event prep or on site.
For production companies deploying multiple systems, it also helps ensure consistent configurations across every cabinet, reducing the chance of mistakes and speeding up deployment for touring rigs, festivals and corporate events.
A Growing Trend Across Live Event AV
RCF aren’t the only manufacturer exploring NFC configuration. Similar technology is already appearing in professional lighting fixtures (see CHAUVET Pro in our ISE round-up post), allowing technicians to set fixture modes, addresses and personalities without powering them on.
So watch this space – will this be an industry trend that’s only available on more premium products, or will it filter down into more accessible products in the future too?
