The recent InfoComm 2016 show in Las Vegas saw the official North America debut of the new Alcons Audio LR18 pro-ribbon line array system.
The 3-way “compact-mid-size” format line-source combines sound quality with power handling rated at 1,500 watts and RMS-to-peak ratio of 1:15.
By implementing Alcons’ multiple-patented pro-ribbon technology for mid and high frequencies, a fast impulse response with less distortion is achieved. This enables the LR18 to offer a linear response, with high intelligibility and non-compressed identical tonal balance.
The all-natural cylindrical wavefront of the purpose-designed RBN702rs 7-inch pro-ribbon transducer and the acoustically and electronically symmetrical component configuration bring pattern control in both the vertical as well as the horizontal plane without distortion-inducing horn constructions.
The MF-section features a high-efficiency 6.5-inch midrange transducer with neodymium motor-structure co-axially mounted behind the RBN702rsr pro-ribbon driver, while the LF section consists of two extended-excursion, reflex-loaded 8-inch woofers with 3-inch voice-coil neodymium motor-structure.
The LR18 is driven by two channels of the Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controller, optimizing the system’s response by LR18-specific drive processing and feedback for each array configuration, including presets for phase-matched low-frequency extensions.
A form-factor matching LB18 is also available, consisting of two of the same 8-inch LF transducers; Adding LB18 modules enlarges the array length, extending the controlled (cylindrical) projection of the LR18 down to the lower frequencies, while increasing throw of the low-mid frequencies over distance.
The Signal Integrity Sensing pre-wiring ensures dynamic cable/connector compensation between the LR18 (/ LB18) and ALC, without any preset requirement; This offers a 1:1, undistorted natural sound reproduction, regardless of cable length and amplifier impedance load (system damping factor at the speaker terminals of 10.000).
The rigging system enables angle-setting on the cabinets without lifting the array, resulting in safer and faster set-up with minimal handling and a WLL of 24 cabinets under 10:1 safety (LB18 32 units).Array configurations can be simulated in the new release of Alcons Ribbon Calculator (ARC3), Alcons’ high-resolution 3D simulation program.
Philip “Dr. Phil” de Haan, Alcons’ head of R&D, states, “With the development of the LR18, we followed the design footsteps and system approach of the LR28, Alcons’ large format line-array and the LR18’s larger brother. We paid specific attention to the projection of the LR18; In the vertical (coupling) plane, the side-lobe free projection creates a perfect wavefront for an unprecedented throw; In the horizontal plane, the category-leading 90-degree horizontal dispersion is completely maintained from 20 kHz down to 360 Hz for a seamless coverage.”
Tom Back, Alcons’ managing director, adds, “This is one of the most important product releases for Alcons Audio to date: Not only for the market volume in both the install and rental market, but also to complete the LR28 large-format touring system package. When we started development of the LR18, we knew we had to pull out all stops to make this a benchmark system; Not only in the projection control, but also in the 1:1 sound reproduction in any type of application, from classical up to rock ‘n’ roll. The result is what you mix is what you get.”
The LR18 is part of The Ribbon Network, comes with a 6-year “hassle-free” limited warranty, and is available for ordering