high 'Q' column systems
high-Q column systems
■ Column array solutions, scalable for each size venue / application
■ Ultra-low distortion multiple-patented pro-ribbon transducer technology
■ Intuitive 1:1 linear response with unparalled definition and dynamics
■ Very precise horizontal and vertical projection control
■ Shallow form factors + ACO™ color option for unobtrusive, "stealth" installation
■ Fully integrated eco system with loudspeakers, processing & amplification
The Q-series is the group of column systems, that are the perfect tools in applications where a high directivity and/or a long throw coverage is required; The columns combine a perfectly natural, dynamic sound reproduction with superb intelligibility and throw, in even the acoustically most challenging environments without the need for DSP-based beam shaping.
The series contains a solution for every application: The individual QRP20 and QRP40 point-source columns or the modular QR24 line-source column with QM24 low-mid extension, optionally stacked in multiples for extended directivity, frequency control and “proximity experience”; Even arrays with multiple lobes are possible.
The QB242 and QB363 low-frequency extensions can also be assembled into taller bass-arrays, for improved directivity control (extended “Fresnel area”) and a lower frequency response.
The series uniquely minimizes the influence of room acoustics without any sacrifice on output or sound quality; Or as one customer said “the Q-series switched-off the reverb!”.
The power behind the glory
Alcons Audio’s patented pro-ribbon transducer technology
RBN401 (left), RBN1203 (middle) and double RBN1203 (right) pro-ribbon driver
The heart of the Q-systems is the multiple-patented RBN pro-ribbon transducer technology.
Modern requirements put stringent demands on the sound system performance; Complex sounds should be reproduced with finest detail, fullest dynamics and highest intelligibility in any acoustical environment.
The different working principle of the pro-ribbon driver enable the Q-series to deliver an exceptional clarity with ultra-low distortion, a perfect speech intelligibility, an identical tonal balance at any SPL, no listening fatigue and a super dynamic power handling.
For the first time ever, it is possible to go “full-circle” utilizing the exact same 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.
Razor-sharp vertical directivity control
QR24 isobaric measurement
Utilizing the all-natural cylindrical wavefront of the pro-ribbon transducers, the Q-series is the purest form of a line-source, with which an acoustically pure, virtually side-lobe-free cylindrical projection is obtained, without the need for DSP-based beamforming.
The razor-sharp directivity control up to beyond 20kHz. Prevents destructive wall and ceiling reflections, while maintaining sonic source integrity.
Seamless patented horizontal dispersion
Up to 120° horizontal dispersion
The Alcons patented horizontal dispersion offers a very wide stereo-imaging and a seamless audience coverage up to the highest frequencies.
Furthermore, The constant directivity also guarantees a consistent reflected diffuse-field; Resulting in a very coherent sound response, both direct and reflected, dramatically enhancing the natural hearing experience.
Unique ultra-low distortion 1:1 sound reproduction
The Alcons proprietary mid and high frequency technology in the Q-series offers a 1:1 non-compressed sound reproduction, with up to 90% less distortion than any conventional mid/high transducer (@ same SPL), because of the lack of a compression chamber and the light weight diaphragm (with large integrated voice-coil).
The RBN pro-ribbon mid-high frequency drivers reproduce the original sound without adding any coloration or distortion. Input = output, just louder!
Industry reference
Alcons pro-ribbon
QRP20
point-source column
■ Point source column with high-Q directivity for increased projection control
■ RBN401 pro-ribbon HF driver with exceptional intelligibility and “throw”
■ 1:1 non-compressed linear sound reproduction, with up to 90% less distortion
■ Fully symmetric and coherent horizontal and vertical pattern control
■ Woofers with Active Coil™ technology for further reduced LMF distortion
■ SIS™ pre-wired for very high system damping and further reduced distortion
The QRP20 is a 2-way column loudspeaker to be used as vertical sound system, for both permanent and portable applications. Its slim design packs a perfectly natural, dynamic sound reproduction with superb intelligibility, coverage and throw.
It is specifically designed for applications where ultimate fidelity response needs to be projected with wide horizontal and narrow vertical coverage, ideal in acoustically challenging environments, or applications where intelligibility-over-distance is required.
Loaded with the RBN401 4” pro-ribbon driver on a “Morpher” lens, the system offers an exceptional, SPL-independent throw-efficiency and projection control, due to the pro-ribbon’s all-natural cylindrical (isophasic) wavefront. The patented horizontal dispersion offers a wide and consistent audience coverage up to the highest frequencies.
Its fast impulse response, “compression-less” principle and unusual high peak power handling (800W @ 200ms) cater for a perfect intelligibility from the lowest to the highest SPL with a 1:15 dynamic range, while offering a maximum “gain-before-feedback”.
The RBN401 driver is mounted in a D'Appolito speaker configuration with four woofers in a sealed cabinet. The custom-design 5” woofers feature Active Coil™ technology for extremely low-distortion LF reproduction, a perfect match with the pro-ribbon technology.
The frequency response roll-off enables an excellent partnering with an additional subwoofer, like the QB242.
The QRP20 is available with two different projection patterns: 90° x 15° (QRP20/90) and 120° x 15° (QRP20/120) dispersion.
Patented 4" pro-ribbon driver
Ultra-low distortion Active Coil™ drivers
Passive-filtered for highest amplifier efficiency
SIS™ pre-wiring for dynamic speaker cable compensation
QRP40
point-source column
■ Point source column with high-Q directivity for increased projection control
■ RBN1203 pro-ribbon HF driver with exceptional intelligibility and “throw”
■ 1:1 non-compressed linear sound reproduction, with up to 90% less distortion
■ Fully symmetric and coherent horizontal and vertical pattern control
■ Woofers with Active Coil™ technology for further reduced LMF distortion
■ Shallow form factor and ACO™ color option for unobtrusive deployment
The QRP40/90 is a 2-way point-source column system with high-Q directivity for increased projection control. It is to be used as vertical sound system, for both permanent and portable applications. Its slim design packs a 1:1 non-compressed linear sound reproduction, with up to 90% less distortion.
It is specifically designed for applications where ultimate fidelity response needs to be projected with a very precise coverage, ideal in acoustically challenging environments, or applications where musicality and intelligibility-over-distance is required.
Loaded with a RBN1203 12” pro-ribbon driver on a “Morpher” lens, the system offers an exceptional, SPL-independent throw-efficiency and projection control, due to the pro-ribbon’s all-natural cylindrical wavefront. The patented 90-degrees horizontal dispersion offers a consistent audience coverage, significantly extending the “sweet-spot”, while the 20-degrees isophasic directivity caters for the side-lobe-free projection up to the highest frequencies.
Its fast impulse response, “compression-less” principle and unusual high peak power handling (2000W @ 200ms) cater for a perfect intelligibility from the lowest to the highest SPL with a 1:15 dynamic range, while offering a maximum “gain-before-feedback”.
The RBN1203 driver is mounted in a co-axial speaker configuration with eight woofers in a sealed cabinet. The custom-design 5” woofers feature Active Coil™ technology for extremely low-distortion LF reproduction, a perfect match with the MHF pro-ribbon technology. The acoustic length assists the QRP40 in an extended vertical projection control in the low-mid frequency range, at the same time enabling a smooth but powerful roll-off to additional subwoofers.
Patented 12" pro-ribbon driver with 12” voice-coil
Ultra-low distortion Active Coil™ drivers
Passive-filtered for highest amplifier efficiency
Uninterrupted coaxial array for perfect directivity control
modular line-source column
■ Modular scalable column array system, for each size venue / application
■ Double 12" pro-ribbon MHF drivers with up to 90% less distortion
■ Very high peak power handling for virtually infinite, dynamic MHF headroom
■ All Neodymium drivers for excellent performance-to-weight ratio
■ SIS pre-wired for very high damping and further reduced distortion
■ Shallow form factor and ACO™ color option for unobtrusive, "stealth" installation
The QR24 is a modular 2-way column loudspeaker to be used as vertical array system, for both permanent and (limited) portable applications.
It combines a perfectly natural, dynamic sound reproduction with superb intelligibility and throw, in even the acoustically most challenging environments.
The symmetrical acoustic design, in combination with the patented horizontal dispersion of the RBN HF drivers, offers a coherent horizontal pattern control with seamless coverage; This widens the “stereo sweet spot” significantly, for the off-axis positioned audience.
By using only 2 RBN drivers, the system’s active frontal radiation is close to 90%; The resulting sharply-controlled vertical dispersion offers a superb, SPL-independent, intelligibility over distance, without the necessity of DSP-based beam-shaping.
This controlled (cylindrical) projection can be extended down to the lower frequencies by enlarging the array length through adding extra QR/QM modules (extending the “near field”).
The passive filtering allows multiple modules to be combined on one amplifier channel, up to 3 units.
Each purpose-designed 12″ RBN driver has a peak power handling of 2.000W (200 msec), creating a virtually infinite system headroom of 4.000W from 1kHz up.
Patented 12" high-output pro-ribbon HF drivers
Virtually side-lobe-free acoustic spacing
Passive filtered for highest amp efficiency
Scalable to any size system for any application
vertical directivity
modular low-frequency array column
■ Modular scalable LF column array system, for each size venue / application
■ Tight driver arrangement for optimal array coupling
■ All-Neodymium 12” drivers for excellent performance-to-weight ratio
■ Height and design-matching with QR24 and QM24 systems
■ SIS™ pre-wired for very high damping and further reduced distortion
■ Shallow form factor and ACO™ color option for unobtrusive, “stealth” installation
The QB242 is a modular column bass system to be used in both permanent and (limited) portable applications. It is designed as the low-frequency extension (LFE) system to the Q-series line-source column systems; However, it can be used as arrayable LFE system with any Alcons system.
The QB242 can be stacked or flown in multiples, making it an ideal building block to form bass arrays, for obtaining low frequency projection and throw control in acoustically challenging spaces. The controlled (cylindrical) projection of the QR24 can thus be extended down to the lower frequencies by enlarging the LFE array length through adding extra QB242 modules.
The direct-radiating “next-gen” 12” transducers feature a large, dual-3.5” voice-coil Neodymium motor, enabling an extended excursion and output with a significantly lower distortion factor.
The 8 ohms system impedance, makes for a very efficient amplifier channel loading, when assembling arrays of multiple units.
The integrated and optional mounting hardware facilitates easy coupling with other QB242, QB363mkII, QR24/QM24 or QRP20/QRP40 modules; The shallow form-factor, QR24-matching height and design and the Architect Color Option™, cater for a perfect integration.
Through the Signal Integrity Sensing (SIS™) pre-wiring, the cable-length and connector resistance between the QB242 and ALC is dynamically compensated (system damping factor 10.000), further reducing distortion, while increasing response accuracy.
High output, ultra-low distortion 12” drivers
Virtually side-lobe-free acoustic spacing
SIS™ pre-wiring for dynamic speaker cable compensation
Scalable to any size system for any application
modular low-frequency array column
■ Modular scalable LF column array system, for each size venue / application
■ Height and design-matching with QRP40 point-source column
■ Tight driver arrangement for optimal LF array coupling
■ All-Neodymium 12” drivers for excellent performance-to-weight ratio
■ SIS™ pre-wired for very high damping and further reduced distortion
■ Shallow form factor and ACO™ color option for unobtrusive, “stealth” deployment
The QB363 mkII is a modular column bass system, designed as a low-frequency extension (LFE) system to the Q-series line-source column systems; However, it can be used as arrayable LFE system with any Alcons system.
The QB363 mkII can be stacked or flown in multiples, making it an ideal building block to form bass arrays, for obtaining low frequency projection and throw control in acoustically challenging spaces or in long-throw applications. The controlled (cylindrical) projection of the Q-series can thus be extended down to the lower frequencies by enlarging the LFE array length through adding extra QB modules.
The QB363 mkII is also the perfect base for a slim profile stack system with the QRP40 point-source column, for applications where highest audiophile performance with increased projection control needs to be combined with an unobtrusive design appearance.
The new-generation 12” transducers feature a large, dual-3.5” voice-coil Neodymium motor, enabling a significantly-extended excursion, while maintaining a high sensitivity.
The 5.3 ohms system impedance, makes for a very efficient amplifier channel loading, when assembled in multiples; An array of six 12” woofers can thus be driven by one Sentinel channel.
The integrated and optional mounting hardware facilitates easy coupling with other QB363mkII, QB242, QR24/QM24 or QRP20/QRP40 modules; The shallow form-factor, QRP40-matching listening height and the Architect Color Option™, enable a perfect integration in any mobile or permanent installation.
High output, ultra-low distortion 12” drivers
Virtually side-lobe-free acoustic spacing
SIS™ pre-wiring for dynamic speaker cable compensation
Prepared for easy QRP40 connection with full panning capability
Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controllers
■ High-output, high-end Hi-Fi sound quality amplifier stages
■ 4-in/4-out matrix with 192kHz capable AES3 digital inputs
■ SIS™ circuit for cable compensation (damping factor 10.000)
■ Dedicated presets for all Alcons system configurations
■ Future upgradeable DSP hardware + life-time software updates
■ Remote control via VNC, ALControl™ or embedded command sets
As part of the Alcons synergetic system approach, the proprietary designed and developed Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controllers are the drive engines behind the Alcons pro-ribbon sound systems.
The Sentinels combine a powerful 4-channel DSP-based controller with true audiophile-grade high-headroom ClassD amplifier stages and are designed to get the absolute maximum performance out of the pro-ribbon systems.
The future-upgradable DSP engine enables a range of functions, such as equalising, delay, user-presets and system feedback a.o., while the dedicated factory speaker presets feature Alcons’ VHIR™ processing, for an optimized phase response.
Its 192kHz-capable AES3 digital inputs offer the most direct “lossless” signal path from source to speakers.
The Signal Integrity Sensing™ circuit dynamically compensates the effects of long speaker cables, resulting in a fast and tight sub and bass response regardless of cable length or impedance; SIS™ also caters for even further reduced distortion (due to optimized cross-over drive).
Sentinel3
Sentinel10
The Sentinel3 amplified loudspeaker controller is the recommended “engine” for the pro-ribbon systems and subwoofers for small to medium rooms; For larger rooms, it can be used for powering and controlling the screen system’s mid/high section and the surround systems. With an output of 750W per channel, it packs 3kW of dynamic audiophile drive power.
The Sentinel3 also features a bridge-mode, with which 2 channels can be combined into 1 high-output channel with a minimum 4 ohms load.
The Sentinel10 amplified loudspeaker controller is the recommended “engine” for the pro-ribbon screen and larger surround systems and subwoofers for even the largest rooms; With an output of 2500W per channel, it packs a massive 10kW of dynamic audiophile drive power in a 2 rack-unit space.
It shares the same control and processing infrastructure and modular lay-out with the S3, with 2 redundant power supplies and 4 individual power amp stages.