M-series
Reference monitor systems for critical sound reproduction
A studio is the place where creations come to life; It is where an artist’s inner world meets the outer one, where stories are told, emotions are translated into sound and creativity comes to life in forms that can move, inspire, and connect people everywhere.
In capturing this, no detail should get lost; All elements in the signal chain should be designed without compromise, to maintain the artist’s creative integrity.
There should be nothing between the engineer and the creation. No room for subjective guesswork; Decisions need to be made with confidence.
The M-series is the group of reference monitor systems, designed as precision tools for critical sound reproduction combined with an exceptionally wide dynamic range. The M-monitors reveal every layer of detail, from the softest breath to the deepest bass; From the longest reverb tail to the sharpest 3D imaging.
The M-series sets a new benchmark in analytical monitoring.
The power behind the glory
Preserving creative integrity through the pro-ribbon transducer
Modern, high resolution media put stringent demands on the studio reproduction chain, especially on the monitor system; Complex mixes should be reproduced with finest detail and fullest dynamics, without any compromise or limitation.
The heart of the M-series is the RBN202 2” multiple-patented pro-ribbon transducer; This proprietary mid and high frequency transducer enables the M-series to deliver ultra-low distortion and a super dynamic power handling; It uniquely bridges studio monitor analytics with live-sound headroom.
For the first time ever, it is possible to preserve the exact experience as it was intended, by utilizing the identical high-resolution transducer technology from recording to mastering to playback and large-scale delivery, for any type of source material and in any size of application. One reference, one experience.
Ultra-low system distortion
The Alcons proprietary pro-ribbon technology offers a 1:1 non-compressed sound reproduction and exceptional clarity with up to 90% less distortion than any conventional mid/high transducer, due to the light weight diaphragm and lack of a compression chamber.
The Alcons proprietary pro-ribbon technology offers a 1:1 non-compressed sound reproduction and exceptional clarity with up to 90% less distortion than any conventional mid/high transducer, due to the light weight diaphragm and lack of a compression chamber.
The superb transient response and the lack of “time-smear” results in the absence of listening fatigue. This maintains a stable, analytical 1:1 reference, even after prolonged listening sessions. It’s hearing instead of listening!
The Alcons pro-ribbon technology reproduces the original sound without adding any coloration; input = output. The HempHorn™ waveguide further eliminates coloration, by using hemp wood fibres that considerably improve internal damping.
The custom-designed mid-range and woofers feature Active Coil™ technology for extremely low-distortion MF and LF reproduction; This motor structure design with secondary coil takes away induction (back-EMF) generated by the coil movement; a perfect match with the MHF pro-ribbon technology.
In the passive filtered sections, discrete filters are used to prevent destructive interference (distortion) between the components. Furthermore, the completely resistive load of the pro-ribbon transducer provides a flat impedance response; As such, no corrections in the cross-over are required. Less passive components in the signal path means minimized distortion!
Virtually infinite system headroom
The RBN202 pro-ribbon driver with its 2” voice-coil and a unique 1:15 RMS-to-peak power handling ratio brings a remarkable dynamic headroom reserve. The resulting power handling of 500W (for 200msec = 10x AES standard) in combination with the very high efficiency enables reproduction of even the most dynamic media without limitation, coloration or distortion.
Another advantage of the ultra-robust RBN’s high efficiency and power handling is the low noise floor, without sacrificing dynamic output.
The custom-designed high efficiency, high power handling mid-bass and woofers, as also utilized in Alcons sound reinforcement systems, maintain dynamic output capabilities in the lower frequencies.
Very wide sweet spot with sharp 3D imaging
The pro-ribbon’s patented horizontal dispersion in combination with the 120-degree constant directivity of the HempHorn™ and the optimized VHIR™ system phase response, offers a very wide sweet-spot and a perfect phantom image with ultra-wide and deep 3D localisation, up to and beyond 20kHz.
Not only brings this a seamlessly accurate object placement, essential in immersive systems; The constant directivity also guarantees a consistent reflected diffuse-field. This results in a very coherent sound response, both direct and reflected, dramatically enhancing the natural hearing experience.
In the vertical plane, the all-natural isophasic wavefront of the RBN202 pro-ribbon transducer creates a unique pattern control; This cylindrical projection provides a virtually side-lobe-free 40-degree vertical direct-to-listener projection up to the highest frequencies, minimizing desk (or ceiling) room reflections.
Wide system frequency bandwidth
The M-series monitors are designed to cover a wide frequency bandwidth. The RBN202 pro-ribbon, as all Alcons pro-ribbon transducers, covers a very wide frequency range to beyond 20 kHz, starting already from 1 kHz, which is well below traditional designs. This prevents the need for filtering in the critical mid band, but also provides for a much smoother directivity transition to the MF section.
Frequencies below 1kHz are taken care of by the 5” Active Coil™ mid-bass driver by itself (MR5), or with the support of a larger woofer in the three way designs (MR10, MR12).
In all configurations, the cone transducers are loaded by the direct-drive ScoopVent™; This port design supplies maximum breathing capacity for the fastest, non-compressed response down to the lowest octaves, without any chuffing.
The combination of the ScoopVent™ with the LF driver design, reduces the necessity of having to add subwoofers for enough output or “reach”.
Eco system remote self-powered system
As integral part of the Alcons eco system, the M-series monitors are to be driven by the ALC amplified loudspeaker controller; Through the integrated VHIR™ phase processing, factory system configuration presets, 192kHz AES3 digital inputs and super audiophile pre- and power amplifier stages, the ALC makes the M-series monitors deliver absolute maximum sound quality with utmost operation reliability and flexibility.
Furthermore, this “remote self-powered” configuration offers also other advantages, such as efficient centralized processing and AC powering, but also amplification without difficult accessible electronics and no heat build-up behind a screen, in a baffle-wall or against a ceiling.
MR5
Micro reference monitor system
MR10
Mid-size reference monitor system
MR12
Larger-format reference monitor system
See more videos on the M-series on the Alcons Audio YouTube channel:
