Previewed to a very positive response at ProLight+Sound in
April, Alcons has launched the LR28/110 Wide Dispersion Larger Format Line
Array – a three-way, line-source sound system for use as vertical array with
extended horizontal coverage in up to the largest applications.
The roots of the LR28 system go back to Alcons’ foundation in
2002 and the fledgling company’s aim of delivering the best possible sound
reproduction in any application at any sound pressure level. The Alcons R&D
team already had over 15 years’ experience in signal processing, amplifier
technology and transducer development, with particular focus on pro-ribbon
technology. As a manufacturer of its own mid/high transducers, the company
literally had a blank sheet of paper from which to start its quest for the
‘holy grail’ of large format sound reinforcement systems.
“A long-time ambition was to see how far we could take our
pro-ribbon transducer technology, in terms of sheer power output,” says Philip
‘Dr Phil’ de Haan, Alcons co-founder and R&D chief.
By 2007 the company had a design study for a large scale,
pro-ribbon sound reinforcement system and in 2010 development started in
earnest on what would become the LR28.
Alcons produced a 14” tall, single-diaphragm pro-ribbon
transducer with 14” voice-coil. This was the multiple-patented RBN1402rsr,
which is the mid/high heart of the LR28. Its super-fast impulse response, HF
peak power handling of 3000W with RMS-to-peak ratio of 1:15 and all-natural
cylindrical wavefront delivers a fully-predictable linear response, with
ultra-low distortion and exceptionally precise pattern control.
Introduced in 2015, the LR28/80 features an 80º horizontal
dispersion pattern, but is identical to the new, wide-dispersion LR28/110 in
all other aspects. Both models combine the highest sound quality possible with
very high SPL capabilities and throw. It is a true ‘what you mix is what you
get’ (WYMIWYG) solution, where the system literally doesn’t add anything to the
original source; Input = output (but louder!).
The LR28/80 and LR28/110 are powered and controlled by four
channels of the Sentinel10 amplified loudspeaker controller; Through the
integrated processing and feedback, the ALC offers LR28-specific drive
processing with array compensation, filter-presets, system EQ, phase-matching
and other facilities.
“Up
to 90% lower distortion and a flat frequency response up to and beyond 20.000Hz
at the highest concert sound pressure levels became a reality with the LR28.
The LR28/110 module extends this capability, delivering enhanced coverage and
even better audience experience,” Dr Phil concludes.
