Intended as a very portable and uncomplicated, high quality, powered speaker for vocalists to use in impromptu rehearsals, where the transporting of a complete PA system would be a disincentive. The rfm50 could also function perfectly well as a foldback monitor on small-scale gigs (i.e. clubs, bars, studio theatres), and includes a pole mount 'top hat' on its underside for such occasions.

The rfm50 measures 32x30x18cm, and features an integrated 50W (rms) power amp, dedicated microphone pre-amp (with trim control), 2 mid-range/woofers and 2 ferrofluid dome tweeters. The unit is angled back for more efficient dispersion characteristics, has an uncomplicated user interface (just a volume controls), an integral pole-mount capability, has a robust steel loudspeaker grille and a sprung carry handle

rfm50 technical spec:

Power rating: 50W rms
input: balanced line-level XLR
Mic pre-amp input:balanced/unbalanced jack

output: XLR signal link
( which can be used to link on to another rfm50, or PA system)
mic trim, and main volume control

Price: The rfm50 is now available for £225No it isn't!.

Last few available for £150.oo, just to shift 'em quickly.

To give the clearest idea of the features and applications, here follows a copy of the User's Guide:

rfm50 User Guide

rfm stands for Rehearsal & Foldback Monitor, the intended uses for this vocalist’s device.

Used on its own (rehearsals):

The rfm50 will be loud enough for most, if not all rehearsal situations.

To connect, simply plug microphone into the jack socket, setting the silver 'mic trim' control to fully counter-clockwise (off), then turn the main black volume control to full.

Now turn up the mic trim control to the level required.

Used with other equipment (performance):

In this circumstance your microphone will be plugged directly into the PA, as normal.

Taking the ‘Line Out’, ‘Monitor Send’, ‘Foldback Send’ or ‘Aux Send’ from your PA amplifier, connect to the ‘Audio In’ input on the rfm50.

(The outputs listed above are usually 1/4inch jack, so you will need an appropriate adaptor lead; jack plug to xlr plug. It might prove necessary to use a balanced ‘TRS’ jack plug, if you find there is no signal getting into the rfm50. A ‘TRS’ jack looks like a stereo jack plug, having the barrel of the plug divided to provide an additional connecting point. Any reasonably well qualified sound engineer or music store boffin should be able to help if the concept of ‘balanced’ & ‘unbalanced’ is scaring you.... )

Now switch on the rfm50 (making sure volume is at zero to start with) and adjust the volume to suit.

Chairs, beer crates & poles:

Although placing the unit on a chair (or beer crates...) in front of you will enable you to hear yourself clearly and easily, it is provided with a pole-mount ‘top hat’ on the underside. Thus you might mount it more professionally on a louspeaker stand.

General Care:

Distortion may mean the input of the rfm50 is being driven too hard.

As with all professional audio equipment, avoid contact with moisture, do not drop, and when transporting it in a vehicle it is best to keep the speakers face down.

N.B: Some of the units’ mains ‘on-off’ switches (situated immediately above the mains inlet point) I have found to feel not very positive, not clicking into either position. If so, don’t worry, it does work properly. If the rfm50 continues to work after switching off, it does so for a few seconds, using residual current in its power supply. This is quite normal, apparently.

Please note: the rfm50 and the above text all remain Copyright of Steve Berry, July 2002. All rights reserved.