Alcons Audio has introduced the WR20 high-performance stage monitor system.
Through the use of Alcons’ proprietary RBN702 pro-ribbon transducer, the WR20 claims an uncompressed, consistent tonal balance at any SPL. Its fast impulse response, ‘compression-less’ principle and flat frequency response offer a 3dB to 6dB improved gain-before-feedback over traditional systems, even with the most sensitive microphones, without steep tonal corrections, leaving the original signal unchanged. At the same time, it also caters for the benchmark-setting intelligibility in even the acoustically most-challenging applications.
The pro-ribbon’s very high peak power handling of 1.5kW results in a 1:15 RMS-to-peak dynamic range, which means in practice a virtually unlimited headroom.
The 45° x 60°)dispersion of the RBN702 offers a controlled and consistent projection up to the highest frequencies. Mounted in a symmetrical tight-pack configuration with the two woofers, projection control is extended to lower frequencies while maintaining a relatively small footprint.
The two Alcons purpose-designed 10-inch woofers feature Active Coil technology for very low distortion LF reproduction to match with the MHF pro-ribbon driver. The woofers are loaded by VelocityVent ports, for optimised breathing while extending the usable LF response down to 44Hz.
As integral part of the Alcons eco system, WR20 is driven by the ALC amplified loudspeaker controller. Through the integrated VHIR processing, 192kHz AES3 digital inputs and audiophile amplifier stages, the ALC enables the WR20 deliver a natural sound quality with maximum output and utmost operation reliability.
‘We have had a floor or stage monitor on our development list for a long time,’ says Alcons Audio R&D head, Philip de Haan. ‘Despite quite a few prototypes though the years, it wasn’t until we developed the patent for the directivity control up to the highest frequencies in both planes for our pro-ribbon transducers.
‘Being the first-ever Alcons dedicated stage monitor, we wanted to make a design statement to give it the extra edge over the traditional industry standards, which are typically aimed at being “loud”, but often lack the fidelity to be a truly accurate reference for the performer. For operation economy, we wanted to stick to a passive-filtered system, as with most of our designs. However, we also wanted ‘over-the-top’ headroom, so we opted for high efficiency components combined with large/maximum voice-coil real estate.
‘The result of the combination is a unique ultra-low distortion system with a very high dynamic range. Or as we like to put it, "WR20 combines the power to cut through the noise, with the elegance to reveal even the finest detail".’
More: www.wr20.info
