Introducing The WR20 Stage Monitor

Following a preview at the recent NAMM show in January, Alcons Audio now officially introduces the WR20 high performance stage monitor sound system.

The passive-filtered system brings the well-recognized dynamic and ultra-low distortion Alcons signature sound in a slim and unobtrusive package.

Through the implementation of the Alcons proprietary RBN702 pro-ribbon transducer, an industry-first, the WR20 offers a non-compressed, identical tonal balance at any SPL, with up-to-90% less distortion and also far less listening fatigue.

“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.” – Philip “Dr.Phil” de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D

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.

7″ tall RBN702rs pro-ribbon driver

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.

The two Alcons purpose-designed 10” woofers feature Active Coil™ technology for very low-distortion LF reproduction, a perfect 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 to be driven by the ALC amplified loudspeaker controller; Through the integrated VHIR™ processing, 192kHz AES3 digital inputs and audiophile amplifier stages, the ALC makes the WR20 deliver a natural sound quality with maximum output and utmost operation reliability.

Philip “Dr.Phil” de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D: “we have had a floor or stage monitor on our development list for a long time. 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.”

Philip continues: “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.”

Weapon of choice for the mid and high frequencies became the RBN702rs, with a 7-inch voice-coil and 1500W peak power, coupled to a full-size waveguide for excellent directivity control.

For the low frequencies, a completely new 10” was developed for the WR20, featuring a 3-inch ActiveCoil™ motor structure for the lowest distortion possible.

Philip concludes: “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: “WR20 combines the power to cut through the noise, with the elegance to reveal even the finest detail.”

For more information visit www.wr20.info or visit us at InfoComm 24 from June 12 – 14, 2024 at Demo Room N119.

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