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 any 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. The LF section consist of 2 extended-excursion, reflex-loaded 8-inch woofers with oversized 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: “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 20kHz down to 360Hz for a seamless coverage.”

Tom Back, Alcons’ managing director : “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.” Tom continues: “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.”

Alcons Audio can be found at Hall 3 Level 1 Booth B50.