Many renowned pro audio manufacturers have tried and never succeeded to dislodge decade-old stage monitor designs that are considered industry standards, and that many rental and live production companies repeatedly specify. When a company like Alcons Audio challenges the status quo in the category, it needs to offer clear, audible benefits, apart from meeting a specific set of requirements that are expected for such a specific application.
According to Alcons audio, through the implementation of its proprietary RBN702 pro-ribbon transducer, the WR20 stage monitor "offers a non-compressed, identical tonal balance at any SPL, with up-to-90% less distortion and also far less listening fatigue."
"Its fast impulse response, “compression-less” principle and flat frequency response offer a 3 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 1500W results in a unique 1:15 RMS-to-peak dynamic range, which means in practice a virtually unlimited headroom. The multiple-patented (H 45 x V 60-degrees) dispersion of the RBN702 offers a very controlled and consistent projection up to the highest frequencies. Mounted in a symmetrical tight-pack configuration with the two woofers, the projection control is extended down to the lower frequencies, while maintaining a relative small footprint.
As an integral part of the Alcons eco system, the WR20 stage monitor is to be driven by the brand's existing ALC amplified loudspeaker controller. The unit's integrated VHIR processing, 192kHz AES3 digital inputs and high-quality amplifier stages, allow the WR20 to 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. Despite quite a few prototypes through the years, it wasn't possible 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," explains Philip de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D.
"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," he adds.
"The result of the combination is a unique ultra-low distortion reference system, with a very high dynamic range. Or as we like to put it: the power to cut through the noise, with the elegance to reveal even the finest detail," adds Philip de Haan.
www.alconsaudio.com
