Dutch loudspeaker manufacturer Alcons Audio announces
the start of its Launch Partner Program for the long-awaited LR24 pro-ribbon
line-array system.
Designed specifically for the concert touring and
large-scale installation market, and first shown at the Prolight+Sound in 2010,
Alcons Audio has now concluded LR24s initial beta phase.
Since then, the Alcons’ R&D team has worked very
hard to produce what is seen as the holy grail of sound reinforcement: HiFi sound
quality at concert sound pressure levels. This has now been achieved.
The LR24 mid-sized pro-ribbon line-array system is
actually a synergetic toolbox of line-array modules, bass array module,
different subwoofer principles, dedicated power and processing platform,
power-, signal- and transport logistics, high-resolution simulation software
and factory-direct user-network support.
One of Alcons Audio’s strengths is the development of
its own acoustics, mid/high frequency transducers, amplified electronics and
processing. The pièce de résistance of the LR24 is the newly developed,
multiple-patented pro-ribbon transducer for the reproduction of mid and high
frequencies.
Philip ‘Dr. Phil’ de Haan, co-founder and head of
Alcons Audio R&D, explains: “A long time ambition was to see how far we
could take our pro-ribbon transducer technology, in terms of sheer power
output. For the LR24 we purposely built the 02-platform and even more efficient
than our evolutionary 01 platform.”
The result is a 14” tall, single-diaphragm pro-ribbon with 14” voice-coil and, combined
with a number of patent-pending developments, with up to 90% lower distortion
and a flat frequency response beyond 20.000Hz at concert sound pressure levels.
Another crucial element is the new Sentinel amplified
loudspeaker controller, which contains multiple processors, as well as four
individual audiophile HiFi amplifier stages, totaling more than 10kW of power,
directed by an integrated Linux micro-computer, under touch screen control.
“The completely linear response, the stunning
resolution and dynamic response of this system, in combination with perfect
throw capacities, will change the way engineers create their mix,” says Alcons
co-found Tom Back. “Even the most subtle details are now audible, becoming a
relevant ingredient of the performance. Or, as we would put it: What You Mix Is
What You Get”.
The LR24 is part of The Ribbon Network, Alcons’ global
rental network, for dry-hire cooperation between members, joint product
development, information exchange and factory-direct support. The complete LR24
system contains no less than six global patents and patent-applications.
Back continues, “Unlike our peers, we don’t have an
extensive user backbone in the live-sound/touring market. This enabled us to
start with a blank piece of paper in terms of development, without any
protocols or heritage to take into account. At the same time, it allows us to
cater for the interest we receive from owners across all top brand systems.
“With the Launch Partner Program, we enable a select
group of forward-thinking users to get access to this technology at an earlier
stage; these innovators will be part of the final development stage and we’re
inviting those who are interested in the program to get in touch with us.”
