The new Alcons Audio QB242 is a modular subwoofer for both permanent and (limited) portable applications, designed as a scalable low-frequency extension (LFE) to QR24 line-source column loudspeakers or as an arrayable LFE with any of the company’s pro-ribbon systems.
The QB242 can be stacked or flown in multiples, and the controlled (cylindrical) projection of the QR24 can be extended down to the lower frequencies by enlarging the LFE array length through adding extra QB242 modules. The lowest usable frequency of one single element is stated as 35 Hz.
The two direct-radiating 12-inch neodymium woofers are mounted in a vented chamber with large bass reflex ports for enhanced “breathing” capacity, intended to increase overall output while minimizing port-compression. The tight driver arrangement is designed to foster optimal array coupling. The 8-ohm impedance, makes for efficient amplifier channel loading when assembling arrays of multiple units.
The integrated mounting hardware is designed to facilitate quick and easy coupling with other QB242 modules. It has a slim form-factor, matched height with the, QR24 (26 inches) plus the company’s Architect Color Option.
The QB242 is powered and controlled by the ALC amplified loudspeaker controller; Through the integrated processing and feedback, the ALC offers QB242-specific drive processing. The integrated factory presets in the ALC drive processor offer the latest VHIR processing, with gain, phase and filtering matching with all Alcons top systems.
Through the Signal Integrity Sensing (SIS) pre-wiring, the cable-length and connector resistance between the QB242 and ALC is dynamically compensated (system damping factor is 10.000) to further reduce distortion, while increasing response accuracy. The QB242 is finished in Durotect™ coating and comes with the company’s six-year “no-hassle” warranty.
Philip “Dr. Phil” de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D: “Our Q-series is the purest form of a line-source array, where we are able to acoustically obtain a pure, virtually side-lobe-free cylindrical projection, without the need for DSP-based beamforming.”
