ALCONS INTRODUCES LR18 PRO-RIBBON LINE ARRAY

The Prolight+Sound show in Frankfurt will see the official debut of the Alcons LR18 pro-ribbon line-array; The three-way, ‘compact-mid-size’ format line-source sound system, combining the highest sound quality possible with high SPL capabilities and throw.

By implementing Alcons’ multiple-patented pro-ribbon technology enables the LR18 to offer a linear response, with very high intelligibility and non-compressed identical tonal balance at any SPL. The pro-ribbon’s has a power handling of 1500W and RMS-to-peak ratio of 1:15.

The all-natural cylindrical wavefront of the purpose-designed RBN702rs seven-inch pro-ribbon transducer and the acoustically and electronically symmetrical component configuration bring impressive pattern control in both vertical and horizontal planes.

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.

The LF section consists of two extended-excursion, reflex-loaded eight-inch woofers with oversized three-inch voice-coil neodymium motor-structure.

The LR18 is driven by two channels of the Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controller, optimising 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 eight-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 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: “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° horizontal dispersion is completely maintained from 20kHz down to 360Hz for a seamless coverage.”

Tom Back, Alcons’ MD: “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 LR18 is part of The Ribbon Network, comes with a six-year ‘hassle-free’ limited warranty and is available for ordering from today.

Off-site demonstrations will take place during the Prolight+Sound show on Wednesday (April 6) and Thursday (April 7) of the show.