Alcons Audio had announced the QB242, a modular bass element for use in both permanent and (limited) portable applications.
The QB242 offers a fully-scalable low-frequency extension (LFE) system to the QR24 line-source column system, or as arrayable LFE system with any Alcons pro-ribbon system, and can be stacked or flown in multiples as a building block for bass arrays. The Q-systems are suited to applications where a high directivity and/or a very long throw is required, such as theatres, churches, houses of worship, mobile outdoor sound system and acoustically challenging rooms. Integrated mounting hardware facilitates quick and easy coupling with other QB242 modules.
The controlled (cylindrical) projection of the QR24 can thus be extended down to the lower frequencies by enlarging the LFE array length through adding extra QB242 modules. The lowest usable frequency of a single element is 35Hz.
The two direct-radiating 12-inch Neodymium woofers are mounted in a vented chamber, with large bass reflex ports for optimum breathing capacity, increasing overall output while minimising port-compression. The tight driver arrangement caters for optimal array coupling.
The 8Ω system impedance, makes for a very efficient amplifier channel loading, when assembling arrays of multiple units.
The QB242 is powered and controlled by the ALC amplified loudspeaker controller. Through integrated processing and feedback, the ALC offers QB242-specific drive processing with optimal response and long-term reliability. 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 10.000), further reducing distortion, while increasing response accuracy.
‘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,’ says Alcons Audio R&D head, Philip de Haan. ‘The Q-series is probably our most underestimated system, as listeners are always surprised by the phenomenal throw and razorsharp vertical directivity control of even a single QR element; And to experience a coherent QB array of 12m/39ft tall in one of our reference projects is quite impressive.’
