QSC and RCF are two renowned and well-respected brands in the audio industry that produce high-quality speakers, headphones, soundbars, subwoofers, and amplifiers.
In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at sound quality, durability, price, and so on. Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points, however, we will compare them as closely as we can.
QSC is known for its professional-grade amplifiers, speakers, and digital mixers, while RCF is a professional-grade audio brand known for its high-quality speakers and amplifiers.
QSC vs RCF Comparison Table
| Criteria | QSC | RCF |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Reputation | Highly Respected in Pro Audio | Renowned in Professional Audio |
| Sound Quality | High-Fidelity, Clear Sound | Premium Sound Reproduction |
| Build Quality/Design | Durable Build, Pro Audio Focus | Robust Build, Sleek Design |
| Product Range | Pro Audio Solutions | Professional Audio Systems, Speakers |
| Pricing | Moderate to High | Moderate to High |
| Features | Advanced DSP, Amplification | Innovative Technologies, Amplification |
Before we continue, you can check out similar comparisons in the series:
Pros and Cons of QSC:
- Pros: Known for producing high-quality professional audio products, including amplifiers, speakers, and digital mixers. Many of their products are well-regarded for their sound quality and build quality.
- Cons: Some of their products can be expensive and may not be suitable for casual home use.
Pros and Cons of RCF:
- Pros: A well-respected brand in the professional audio industry, known for producing high-quality speakers and other audio products.
- Cons: May not be as well-known for consumer audio products.
Quick History
QSC Quick History
QSC is a globally recognized company in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of award-winning, high-performance loudspeakers, digital mixers, power amplifiers, audio processors, digital cinema solutions, video, and control platforms.
They offer reliable, scalable, and flexible solutions for entertainment and commercial AV applications.
QSC was founded by Patrick Quilter in 1968. In 2011, Pat remembered his passion for designing and building guitar amplifiers and founded Quilter Labs where he designs and builds amps for some of today’s biggest artists in music.
RCF Quick History
RCF S.p.A. (formerly Radio Cine Forniture) is a well-known Italian manufacturer of high-performance audio devices including loudspeakers, power amplifiers, digital mixers, and digital signal processors (DSPs).
It was founded in 1949 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The first products sold were microphones and electroacoustic transducers, but today, they have successfully manufactured various other devices that are recognized worldwide.
Sound Quality
QSC Sound Quality
In general, they offer very crisp highs and clear mid-ranges with regard to their speakers and similar products.
No matter how loud the music gets, the bass is never affected. DJs often love to use QSC devices because of this feature. They are also great for both indoor and outdoor use as their sound quality is not compromised in either setting.
RCF Sound Quality
The audio quality of RCF devices is top-notch. There is powerful bass, distinct mid-tones, and sharp highs. All these combine to form a natural and unmuddied output. Even at the high volumes, you will get a clear sound production.
Features
QSC Features
QSC Company has a lot of beneficial features that make their product so easy for users to operate. These features include:
- Driverless USB 2.0 Connection
- Jack auxiliary port
- Channels of Total Analog Audio
- Configurable Flex Channels.
- GPIO Logic Ports.
- Single POTS Telephone line.
- Higher resolution with significantly improved screen transitions.
RCF Features
RCF devices have several user-friendly features incorporated into their devices. Below are some features you can expect from your RCF devices:
- Remote Control via RCF Evox App
- Up to 24-bit/192kHz playback
- The studio devices are compatible with various recording software such as Cubase and Wavelab
- Innovative DSP Processing
- Versatile connectivity options
Build Quality
QSC Build Quality
QSC has managed to develop a durable and long-lasting speaker while still keeping the weight down.
QSC products are solid and well-protected. An example is the QSC K12, built with an impact-resistant ABS core that helps to protect the speaker with a front grille cloth lining for additional protection. QSC devices have high-quality aluminum handles.
RCF Build Quality
All components of RCF devices are made of materials with excellent acoustics and durability.
This includes neodymium magnet drivers, frames of aluminum, and see,l and several types of plastic, titanium, Kapton, Mylar, fiberglass, Nomex for the driver cones, and several other excellent materials.
Ease of Use
QSC Ease Of Use
QSC devices are quite easy to use and install. The Q-SYS mobile app by QSC company is downloadable on both the Google Play Store for Android users and the AppleStoree for iOS users, which makes it easy to use for every user.
There’s also a guide booklet to put users through on how to use and install their QSC devices.
RCF Ease Of Use
RCF devices integrate well into existing audio setups and with third-party software. The controls are well-labeled and easy to locate. The support for PC software, mobile apps, and remotes also makes setup and control a clinch.
Cost
QSC Cost
QSC devices are a little bit expensive compared to other manufacturing brands, below are different price ranges for QSC devices:
- Loudspeakers: $1000 – $2000
- Subwoofers: $500 – $1000
- Amplifiers: $500 – $2000
- Headphones: $100 – $200
RCF Cost
The price ranges of some RCF devices are given in the following list:
- Outdoor Speakers: $300 – $3500
- Transducers: from $400
- Studio Speakers: $200 – $2500
Space Requirements
QSC Space Requirements
There are different kinds of QSC devices of various sizes and shapes. You have to put your available space into consideration before getting any devices. Most QSC devices have a stand or hanger that can be used to place the devices at any convenient place.
RCF Space Requirements
RCF devices range in size from compact transducers to large outdoor loudspeakers. The TRK PRO1 audio controller measures 46×91.4×125.8mm (HWD) and weighs just 0.5 kg. The much larger and heavier ST 15-SMA II measures 362x673x473mm (HWD) and weighs 20.3 kg.
Remote Controls
QSC Remote Controls
Most QSC products do not come with remote control, but with the help of the Q-SYS mobile app, users can take absolute control of all the settings with the use of their mobile phones.
RCF Remote Controls
RCF devices can be remotely controlled using wireless remotes. Other options include the RCF Evox App and PC software. These can be used for basic control and advanced audio tuning purposes.
Connectivity Options
QSC Connectivity Options
Here are the main connectivity options compatible with most QSC speakers:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- RCA
- HDMI
RCF Connectivity Options
Due to the wide scope of applications, RCF devices have various connection options for maximum versatility. These include RCA, XLR, USB, various audio jacks, VDE, Powercon, Bluetooth, and several other choices.
Power Range
QSC Power Range
QSC devices consume more than some other audio brand devices. On average, the QSC devices have a power range of 100 watts to 2000 watts. Their amplifier has a peak power output of about 1600 W (for a typical 4, 8 ohm load).
RCF Power Range
RCF devices can reach very high power levels due to the efficiency of their amplifiers. The EVOX 12 has a 1400W peak power output compared to the ART 912-A at 2100W. The power ranges are usually between 25W and 4000W.
Frequency Response
QSC Frequency Response
The frequency response of QSC devices ranges from 50Hz to 20KHz. This also varies depending on the kind of device. The QSC CP8 has a frequency of 53 Hz to 20 kHz, and the QSC HPR122i has a frequency of 16 Hz to 18 kHz.
RCF Frequency Response
The frequency responses of RCF devices fully cover the optimum ranges for maximum enjoyment. Their frequency responses range from as low as 20Hz up to 20KHz. The AYRA PRO8 studio monitor has a frequency range from 45 Hz to 20KHz, while the NX 912-A ranges from 45 Hz to 20KHz.
Conclusion
QSC has been a leading audio device manufacturing company for years offering amazing features and the quality their devices possess. Though their products might be costly, if top-notch sound is your priority, then you should consider getting a QSC product.
RCF devices are all built on versatility. This ensures that they blend well with almost all professional and home audio systems. Plus, there are several OEM parts available for the more DIY-oriented users and manufacturers.