Description
The ARC Audio RS 3.0 is a matched pair of compact 3-inch raw midrange speakers for active two-way and three-way front-stage systems. The small frame and 1.38-inch mounting depth allow the driver to be used in dash, pillar, upper-door, and custom pod locations where a larger midrange cannot fit.
Its published operating range of 105 Hz to 18 kHz gives the system designer flexibility to use the RS 3.0 as a dedicated midrange or wideband driver, depending on installation angle, target output, and DSP crossover strategy. The pair is impedance-matched for consistent left- and right-channel integration.
The RS 3.0 is rated for 35 watts RMS, 65 watts maximum, and 89 dB sensitivity. It is a raw driver without an included passive crossover or grille, so filtering and protection must be provided by the system design.
Specifications
| Series | RS Series |
|---|---|
| Sold as | Matched pair |
| Speaker type | Raw midrange |
| Size | 3 inches |
| Nominal impedance | 4 ohms |
| RMS power handling | 35 watts |
| Maximum power | 65 watts |
| Sensitivity | 89 dB |
| Frequency response | 105 Hz–18 kHz |
| Mounting depth | 1.38 inches |
| Passive crossover included | No |
| Grilles included | No |
Features
- Compact 3-inch reference midrange pair.
- Matched left- and right-channel drivers.
- Designed for active two-way and three-way systems.
- Wide 105 Hz–18 kHz published response.
- Shallow 1.38-inch mounting depth.
- Suitable for dash, pillar, upper-door, and custom-pod locations.
- 4-ohm nominal impedance.
- Raw-driver format for external DSP or crossover control.
- No passive crossover or grille included.
Where the RS 3.0 Fits
The RS 3.0 is an optional dedicated midrange within an ARC RS system—not a requirement for every reference build. SMS adds it when the vehicle offers a strong dash, pillar, or upper-door location, or when the client wants custom fabrication that creates a worthwhile acoustic position.
When placement does not justify another driver, the RS 6.0 and RS 1.0 can be used as a complete active two-way front stage.
Common Pairing
RS active 3-way: RS 6.0 midbass + RS 3.0 midrange + RS 1.0 tweeter, each on independent DSP channels. Amplification may come from X2 800.8 DSP, Blackbird, Falcon, or a stand-alone ARC processor with separate amplifiers depending on power, channel count, packaging, and the rest of the system.
Installation Considerations
Midrange placement affects stage height, width, path-length relationships, and crossover behavior. SMS evaluates location and aiming before adding the RS 3.0, then establishes crossover, delay, level, EQ, polarity, and phase through measured tuning.
Read the ARC Audio Speaker Guide | Compare ARC DSP Options | Plan an ARC RS System