Vertical array system from Alcons Audio

The QR24 line-source array is a new modular two-way column loudspeaker from Alcons Audio. Designed for use as a vertical array system for both permanent and (limited) portable applications, the QR24 offers a combination of ‘natural, dynamic’ sound reproduction with ‘superb’ intelligibility and throw. It is reported to be able to achieve this even in the most challenging acoustically environments ¬– without the need for DSP-based beam shaping.

Due to its modularity, throw and low-frequency directivity can be increased by extending the array length. This means multiple individual mid-high frequency lobes can be made by using the QM low-mid fill columns.

Measuring 66cm tall, the new offering is fitted with four 6.5-inch woofers and two purpose-built 12-inch pro-ribbon drivers. The RBN03 pro-ribbon platform was developed specifically for this system.

By using only two 12-inch RBN drivers, the system’s active frontal radiation is reported to be close to 90 per cent. Its symmetrical acoustic design and patented horizontal dispersion of the RBN HF drivers offer what the manufacturer describes as a coherent horizontal pattern control with ‘seamless’ coverage. The projection pattern in the horizontal/non-coupling plane is 80-degrees (-6dB) and in the vertical/coupling plane it is six-degrees (single column).

Each purpose-designed 12-inch RBN driver has a peak power handling of 2,000W (200 msec). The frequency response is -3dB flat between 74Hz to 20,000Hz, catering for a relatively simple bi-amped, three-way system. In addition, the passive filtering allows up to three QR24 modules to be combined on one amplifier channel, with an array length of 2m.

Also new from the manufacturer is the BC332: a self-contained, high-output cardioid subwoofer system for both permanent and portable ground-stacked applications. Offering a ‘directivity-controlled, high output, tight and accurate sub-bass response’, the BC332 acts as a low-frequency extension of any Alcons pro-ribbon system.

By means of a front and rear located woofer configuration (in combination with dedicated processing) the BC332 enables selectable cardioid low-frequency pattern control and rear rejection (up to 18dB), without the need for additional cabinets.

One 18-inch long-excursion woofer with a double-spider and demodulation ring frame 4-inch voice-coil is mounted in a front-loaded configuration with X-Venting, which has been designed to maximise the system’s breathing capacity. Meanwhile, on the rear side, a single 15-inch long-excursion woofer with four-inch voice-coil and a double-spider and demodulation ring frame has been mounted in a ‘front’-loaded configuration ¬complete with a Flank-Venting port design. This enables optimal reflex-breathing under minimal baffle dimensions, reducing destructive interference between speaker and reflex-vent.

Frequency response starts at 35Hz (-3dB) and offers a ‘colourless’ low frequency enhancement of any Alcons pro-ribbon sound system. As with all Alcons loudspeaker systems, the BC332 is SIS pre-wired for a very high damping factor (>10.000 under all loads/conditions).

It is finished in Durotect scratch-resistant coating and comes with a six years limited warranty.

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