Alcons launches the new release of ARC™ [01-05-2008] Go to ARC™ section   The Alcons Ribbon Calculator™ is Alcons’ line-array simulation and set-up tool, turning the Alcons line-arrays and line-source columns into a precision instrument. Instead of developing a proprietary tool, Alcons decided to commit to standardised simulation platform; Not only to have optimised integration between line-array set-up tool and acoustical project simulations, but also to have a platform where users can compare different systems from different manufacturers. The Alcons ARC™ was developed in cooperation with Software Design Ahnert GmbH, the originators of the industry-standard EASE electro-acoustic design a.o. The ARC™ data files are compliant to the EASE Focus platform. ARC™ is based on actual system measurement output data and is designed to offer two-dimensional modelling of Alcons’ L-series pro-ribbon line-arrays and Q-series pro-ribbon column-arrays. The algorithms that drive the program take into account the coupling principles of arrayed (line-)sources. Being a set-up tool, ARC™ offers a relatively simple, intuitive modelling tool, while supplying the required prediction data for optimal system performance. Currently, ARC™ files are available for LR16 compact line-array, LR14/LR14-90 ultra-compact line-array, QR18 and QR36 line-source column arrays.        DDP™ firmware release V1.5 [28-04-2008] Go to DDP™ download area   The V1.5 firmware for the Digital Drive Processor has a number of new features, additions and optimisations:The phase response of the LR14 has been optimized, in combination with LR16 array (LR14 as downfill). The superb phase matching provides a uniform coverage in the vertical plane. Together with the first shipments of the LR14/90 line-array, the new presets for this model have been included in V1.5. Array-length optimisation, stacked or flown configurable and a choice of cross-over settings, to match LR14B bass and B-series subwoofers. A new option in BF181/BF362 presets is selectable response settings: after the system type/filtering has been chosen, one of three response settings can be selected: “sub”, “bass” and “punch”. Herewith you can chance the response from sub into more punch/kick LF response. A new option in BF181 presets; settings are included for BF181 when used in cardioid subwoofer arrays. These settings are based on a stack of 3 BF181 cabinets, with the center cabinet rotated 180-degrees and controlled by the cardioid processing setting, a cardioid (“rearward rejection”) pattern is achieved.        Alcons’ Prolight+Sound “best ever” [21-03-2008]   Becoming an annual “stand feature”, Alcons shares a glimpse of R&D projects, by displaying assembled prototype products of which part developments may be applied in future products. This year’s “R-Ray” showed the study on achieving maximum projection control through a modular point-source cluster, utilizing (pro-ribbon) line-source technology. The viewing of the LR7, latest and smallest member of Alcons’ successful line-arrays, also attracted a lot of attention. Typed as “micro pro-ribbon line-array”, the system features a single 6.5” woofer, next to a 4” pro-ribbon driver, in a 15-degree vertical projection configuration, with a choice of (Real!) 90-degree or 120-degree horizontal projection. Tom Back: “our fifth anniversary was the best show so far: Looking at the amount of stand visitors, the number of new contacts, the “buzz” that’s going through the market; We could also measure the Alcons’ success by looking at the number of copies we saw.. The annual Pro-Ribbon Partner dinner on Thursday night really showed the bond between Alcons “ambassadors” (rental-users, dealers, distributors) from countries from all over the globe; It’s this team spirit that is key to our motivation to continue improving our performance in any possible way”.        Alcons “down-under” in Australia [25-02-2008] www.loudandclear.com.au   For the second time, Alcons was present at the Entech 2008 show, with distributor Loud and Clear Sales. Dave Betteridge, MD Loud and Clear Sales: "The show was very good for Alcons; it was clearly (..) visible that awareness of and interest in Alcons has steeply increased, since Alcons' first Australian appearance at Entech 2006. A lot of brand recognition of people not yet involved with Alcons, but also a lot of hands-on experience from engineers, that have worked with the pro-ribbon systems. For a large part due to the reference pro-ribbon projects and rental activities in Australia, with specific theatres around Sydney.” On show the triple LR14 line-array on stand, as well as the QR36 pro-ribbon column array received a lot of interest. In the coming months, even more Alcons demo equipment will be flown into the country to be able to follow-up all requests.        Sonus introduces Alcons in Slovenia [07-12-2007] www.sonus.si   A presentation and demonstration of the V-series, Q-series and of course the LR16 Ribbon line-array marked the inroads Alcons is making in the Slovenian market. Alcons Pro-Ribbon Partner for Slovenia, Sonus, organized the event in the Narodni Dom cultural centre in Maribor. Coinciding with the Izzven jazz festival in the same location, the introduction started with a lecture of Tom about the development of pro-ribbon technology, continued with different demonstrations of VR8, QR36 and LR14 configurations and was finished with a concert in the evening. Charlie Hunter, kicking-off the festival with his remarkable eight-string guitar (allowing him to play bass and guitar at the same time!) put the LR14 system with BF362 subs through its paces. Behind the FOH controls during the festival weekend was Gaber Lesjak, engineer of rental company Bobencek (with Miha Plohl of Bobencek audio on monitors). Borut Celik, managing director of Sonus: “the show-up of invitees at the demo was very good and we could notice that the “Alcons” name has already been going through the market for some time. Together with the projects we’ve already materialized, this presentation clearly proved the potential of Alcons in Slovenia.” photo courtesy of Žiga Koritnik   Gaber, Tom, Borut (l. to r.)      Alcons @ Music Moscow show [06-12-2007] Ltm.com.ru   Alcons was present at the Music Moscow show through her Russian Pro-Ribbon Partner LTM Music. For already the 7th year, LTM participated with no less than 3 booths with a surface of 240 m2 in total. The absolute unique part of the Music Moscow show is the “sound hall”: In this hall, a manufacturer can demonstrate its sound system for 5 minutes at full (!) SPL. After 5 minutes, the next door neighbour performs its demo, etc.. In this way, a visitor follow the different sound performances through the hall. Konstantin Guzev of LTM: “there’s always lots of interest in the loud demos. Most vendors try to attract customers with bright lights, special messages, even live shows! Almost like a birds bridling dance! As a contrast, we always demo the Alcons sound through sound quality: The pure-fidelity flow makes orthodox Russian souls vibrating, even with playing the “popular" pro-audio-tests tracks. Again a great show!”        O’mage, South Africa’s latest The Ribbon Network member [19-11-2007] www.omage.com   O’Mage is more than just a production house; They create events, environments and interactive experiences that engage and entertain audiences while delivering corporate communication objectives. They have now gone a step further with the acquisition of a considerable amount of high-end technical equipment. Their choice, when it came to purchasing a line-array sound system, was the Alcons Audio LR14 system complete with LR14B’s and being powered by Alcons ALC2 and ALC4 amplifiers. The system was delivered recently by Matrix Sound of Johannesburg and christened in the warehouse with the team flattening a bottle of Moët to celebrate! The LR14 system was purchased with all flying and ground stacking options enabling maximum flexibility and the ability to adapt comfortably to almost any venue. The highly-integrated speaker-amp-processing and unified logistics for easy dry-hire expansion, was a large part of the attraction to join The Ribbon Network in South-Africa.        Alcons present in Portugal [19-10-2007]   Through Pro-Ribbon Partner for the Portuguese market, Arte Dos Sons, Alcons was present at the Musicalia sound & light show in Lisbon. Timed shortly after the PLASA show in London, it was the first time Alcons was present at this bi-annual show, with LR14, LR14B, SR9, VR12 and BF181(controlled by the ALC incl. the DDP drive processor). Joaquim Pais de Olivera, owner and MD of Arte Dos Sons: ”with all activities we deployed with Alcons over the last year in Portugal, it was a simple decision to be here. It was a very successful show with lots of interest in the pro-ribbon technology and a good number of leads to follow-up. The Portuguese market is relatively small with a large number of brands represented; However, the very different technology and sound quality or Alcons’ pro-ribbon systems is raising a lot of attention throughout the market”.        Alcons enters Finland [18-10-2007]   At the PLASA show, an agreement was reached between Alcons Audio and Oy Hedcom from Helsinki for the representation of the Alcons product range for the Finnish market. Hedcom were already active with some Alcons products in Finland with great success and very enthusiastic feedback. Jarmo Roivas, MD of Hedcom; ” In a small but technologically intelligent market such as ours we need to efficiently cover all vertical markets and niche’s with dedicated and appropriate solutions demanded by our customers. This applies to all of Hedcom´s divisions including our AV, broadcast and lighting systems businesses. This can only be done with the right tools. Alcons pro-ribbon line source technology is unique and provides these specialist solutions and tools." Tom: “we’ve been working together for some years on the T-series now, but we knew someday the time would come, where the pro-ribbon products would attract attention in Finland; That time has come and Hedcom is the best Pro-Ribbon partner to bring the Alcons products to the market.”   Jarmo Roivas, Ari Manninen, Tom      Alcons’ 5th PLASA show in London [02-10-2007]   Alcons’ 5th PLASA show in London, was again a very successful one; Many new clients and interested potential Alcons users found their way to the Alcons stand, this year located on the ground floor of Hall 1 in the new PLASA format with 2 ground floor halls, deleting the upper-level stand space. Tom: “We can look back on another very successful event, where we could welcome many new Alcons-interested people and existing clients from around the globe: Denmark, Israel, Sweden, United Arab Emirates a.o. It was good to see that they could find us on the main floor of Hall1 between the diversity of light, hazer en sound exhibitors, where in previous years people could easily go upstairs to see (the majority of) audio manufacturers and exhibitors.” Following its presentation at Frankfurt’s ProLight & Sound, the Phitom “large-format pro-ribbon sound-reinforcement” design study was also present in London and proved again to be the centre-point of interest and discussion. Besides this, also the Q-series pro-ribbon column arrays and the L-series pro-ribbon line-arrays were on show, including the LR16 line-array, as featuring in London WestEnd’s Fame, the musical. Tom continued: “With PLASA also attracting user groups from different territories + taking place in the second-half of the year, the show continues to be an important platform for our international presence.”        Disney’s Beauty & the Beast moved to Berlin [09-08-2007]   After a very successful period in the Metronom theatre in Oberhausen, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” has moved to the Theater at Potsdamerplatz in Berlin. With the beautiful costumes, impressive décor and vibrant music arrangements and choreography, the Joop van den Ende / Stage Entertainment production also received great critics from the Berlin media. The musical sound is being reinforced through a large Alcons pro-ribbon line-array system, designed by awarded sound designer Jeroen ten Brinke. The sound design consists of three vertically flown arrays, of 10 units LR16 each, as left, center and right. For front, there are two stacks of 4 units LR14 left and right; Front-fill is taken care of by 8 units SR9, while bass is reinforced by 6 units BF302. All Alcons systems are powered and controlled by ALC4 and SDP analog processing.        JazzBaltica 2007 [30-07-2007] www.profimusik.de   At this year’s edition of the “JazzBaltica” Jazz Festival in Salzau, Germany, artists like Gary Burton, Nils Landgren and Chick Corea, a.o. were reinforced through Alcons sound systems. Responsible for the sound in the different performance areas of the event was company Profimusik from Lüneburg. Jürgen Thiele, Profimusik founder und MD: “the fantastic results from last year’s Randy Crawford tour left no choice but to utilize Alcons systems.” Besides the excellent sound quality, another requirement for the sound system was to be very compact, avoiding (live) broadcasting sightline obstruction. Thiele again: “we’ve developed an interesting concept, where we use 4x LR16 und 1x LR16B as center array, with one QR36 pro-ribbon line-source column per side for the stereo-imaging. This combination guarantees a perfect synergy between throw and sound from a, for tv-recording virtually invisible, sound system.” Also in the second (smaller) area, the Alcons pro-ribbon sound was very convincing; Here an LR14 system consisting of 3x LR14 + 2x LR14B array for left/right and 3x LR14 as center-array came into play. All systems dedicatedly powered and controlled by Alcons ALC’s.        TOTO on Alcons (again) [25-07-2007] www.blue-sound-gmbh.de   Recently, the superband Toto played on Alcons while visiting Germany, on their European “Falling In Between" Tour 2007. The famous classic-rock band known for tophits like “Hold the line”, “Rosanna” and “Africa” and her all-star member line-up, is touring to promote their 18th and latest album “Falling in Between”. For this tour, the band consisted of: Bobby Kimball (vocals), Steve Lukather (lead guitar), Simon Philipps (drums), Greg Phillinganes (keyboards, vocals) and long-bearded Leland Sklar (bass), replacing Mike Porcaro. For the gig in Bremerhaven, Herbert Heinze of Blue Sound Veranstaltungstechnik, technical director and responsible for the light and sound, designed a sound system based on Alcons pro-ribbon line-arrays. The system consisted of in total 36pcs. LR16 (main left/right), 12pcs. LR16B (bass left/right), 12pcs. LR14 (under-fill left/right), powered and controlled by 17pcs. ALC. Sub was handled by 16 pcs. double 18”. Overall system control was taken care of by a Dolby Lake processor. Console of choice was a Digidesign Venue. Reaction from TOTO’s engineer Jon Ostrin, short and sweet : “The Alcons pro-ribbon line-array is a great system: I love it!”        Successful Alcons introduction in Greece [16-07-2007] http://www.ima.gr   Under a temperature of 40+ degrees Celsius, well-established pro-audio distributor IMA of Greece introduced the Alcons product range to the Greek market. With the great skyline of the hills just outside of Athens as background and the undivided attention of the attendees, the complete product line was presented and explained by Tom. The day after the presentation, there was already press coverage on the Internet. The IMA team built a stage where complete LR14/LR14B and LR16/LR16B arrays were flown and the also erected an FOH tent, enabling the visitors to work on the systems themselves. Michalis Asitzoglou, MD of IMA: “we could welcome many rental companies and consultants from all over Greece; We even had a few sound engineers that came from gigs, without having had any sleep which was a clear demonstration of the interest Alcons is generating! Alcons is a great addition to our port-folio, serving the top-level clients. We can look back on a very successful event, as kick-off for Alcons on the Greek market”.   The IMA team     Alcons’ “award-winning” at Musical Awards Gala [11-06-2007] http://www.stichtingmusicalawards.nl   At this year’s live-televised Dutch Musical Awards Gala, not only were two “Alcons reinforced” musicals awarded, but also the Awards Gala itself was amplified through an Alcons pro-ribbon sound system. “Rembrandt, the musical”, produced by Stardust Theatre in 2006 (the “Rembrandt year”) received the award for best male actor (Henk Poort) and best (set and costume) design (Jan Aarntzen); The Alcons sound system for the Rembrandt production in Royal Theater Carré in Amsterdam consisted of 26 units LR16 and 15 units ALC4 and was supplied by Orbital Sound from London. The Audience Award for the best large musical went to “The Wiz”, produced by Joop van den Ende theaterproductions. The Alcons sound system for the Wiz production in the Beatrix Theater Utrecht consists of 30 units LR16, 8 units LR14, 8 units BF302 and 23 units ALC and was supplied by Focus showequipment from Amsterdam. Nice detail of the Audience Award was that all three nominated productions (Rembrandt, The Wiz and Cats) feature(d) Alcons pro-ribbon sound systems. The Oeuvre Award went to the famous British producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh. During the Gala, snippets of new productions were performed as preview for the coming season. The Gala in Studio 24 in Hilversum was reinforced by an Alcons LR14 line-array configuration, with main system per side 10x LR14 and 2x LR14B ea. and 3x down-fill of 6x LR14 ea. Engineered by (awarded!) designer Jeroen ten Brinke, supplied by Focus showequipment.       Maranatha Church South-Africa chooses Alcons [21-05-2007] http://www.matrixsound.co.za/   After a lengthy period of time during which a number of the players in the pro-audio industry did demonstrations of their sound systems, Maranatha Community Church chose to go with Alcons for the upgrade of their sound system. The Matrix Sound team designed a system based on the L-series: The left and right hangs each consist of one LR14B and six LR14 enclosures while the centre hang consists of three LR16’s with three LR14’s underneath them. The LR14’s are seamlessly attached with the Alcons CNVB14 adaptor bracket. The entire system is being powered and controlled with Alcons ALC2’s. Trevor Peters, MD of Matrix: “The challenge was to provide even, quality coverage on the three sides of the venue containing upstairs seating - as well as even, quality coverage downstairs from right in front of the stage to under the balcony at the very back – without flying any delay speakers. This was achieved by hanging the three drops of speakers on the arc of a circle and by combining LR16’s and LR14’s in the centre, to cater for longest throw in the venue. In the final analysis this installation is much more than simply supplying a newer speaker system. It is a venue-specific design which in combination with the correct product ultimately delivers the desired results.”       Alcons’ 5th edition of ProLight & Sound [16-04-2007]   Alcons’ 5th edition of ProLight & Sound was a very successful one, with again further increased interest and attention from the sound-reinforcement market. Tom: “We can look back on a very successful event, with a larger stand on a (much) better, central position within Hall 8.0. Needless to say the Phitom pro-ribbon design study was a real “head-turner”, but also the shown VR8 top + new BF151 compact bass system astounded many when played. The 4 meter QB363 bass array was a visual statement of our vision on array technology.” The annual Alcons dinner on Thursday evening was a great mix of Alcons relations from around the world, with delegations from South-Africa, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Austria, to name a few, all sharing the same passion: Alcons. Right before the show it was decided to clear the “Phitom” design study for exhibition on the Alcons stand. This evolutionary design concept is a study on how to implement pro-ribbon technology into a large-scale sound reinforcement system. Utilizing a complete new generation of extreme-power pro-ribbon transducer technology, as well as new state-of-the-art cone driver designs, this development platform was without doubt the highlight of the Alcons stand. Tom continued: “”HiFi at concert SPL’s” has always been seen as the “Holy Grail” of sound reinforcement market; With Phitom we wanted to show that that Holy Grail is now within reach. Every input we received on the study will be used for further research done on our pro-ribbon transducer technology in general and the development of larger-scale systems in specific”.       Alcons in Guatemala [27-02-2007] http://www.proacoustic.ws/son_profe.htm   Recently, the first Alcons system ever landed in Guatemala, South America. Company ProAcoustic took delivery of a complete LR14 system, with 12 units of LR14, 4 units of LR14B and ALC4 processor-amplification. Julio Nápoles, owner of ProAcoustic: “Believe it or not: We’ve bought the system unheard! In all honesty, the system managed to exceed our expectations. We are very happy with Alcons LR14, I have 20 years of experience in sound, and this is the best sound than I have listened to in my race, Congratulations!” Right after the delivery of the LR14 system, it was put through its paces on Christian convention “Profesia 2006". ProAcoustic has already a group of very interested clients lined-up for evaluation demos       Jan Jaap van der Wal on tour [27-02-2007] www.janjaapvanderwal.tk   Jan Jaap van der Wal is a nationally famous stand-up comedian and currently touring the Netherlands with his “BSUR” (“be as you are”) reprise show, on an Alcons LR14 pro-ribbon line-array. His sound engineer for quite a few years has been Jochum Vrijland of Pudding Theatertechniek Amsterdam. Alcons was Jochum’s system of choice, almost right from the beginning of Alcons Audio! Jochum: I’m very happy to work with this talented guy; His sharpness and timing is almost second to none. However, in the speed of his performance, speech intelligibility is very difficult to achieve. For this I need the right tools to get it right. Line-arrays have proven themselves already in these type of applications, but Alcons is my absolute favorite. The transparent high frequencies cater for an unsurpassed intelligibility en the natural “air” around the voice makes it very comfortable to listen to. This is an excellent asset, as for an audience it’s not easy to listen to one voice for 1,5 hours, regardless of how good the performance is. The quick set-up and strike makes it also comfortable for me.”       Alcons @ Integrated Systems Europe ‘07 [27-02-2007]   Playing on “home-turf” Alcons Audio was present at the ISE show in Amsterdam with a representation of her pro-ribbon speaker systems of both the general product line-up as well as the (home)cinema product line-up. Both offering unusual solutions in a wide variety of installs. “Ear-catching” detail was the 5 meter flown array of QR36 pro-ribbon columns; Cylindrically projecting bird sounds over the isle with a length of 50meters, it caught the ears of many visitors! Tom: “Although we didn’t know quite what to expect, as the show tends to lean mostly towards video, we had a great show where we could meet a lot of AV integrators, as well as many of our rental companies, specializing in the corporate / AV market. A surprisingly good show for Alcons.”