Alcons Introduces The QRP20 Pro-Ribbon Point Source Column Alcons Audio's QRP20 is a 2-way column array system with high-Q directivity for increased projection control 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 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, the company says. Loaded with the RBN401 4" pro-ribbon driver on a "Morpher" lens, the system offers a very high throw-efficiency and projection control, due to the pro-ribbon's all-natural cylindrical wavefront. Its transient response and unusual high peak power handling (800W @ 200ms) cater for a perfect intelligibility from the lowest to the highest SPL with a 1:15 RMS-to-peak dynamic range, while offering maximum "gain-before-feedback." The flat frequency response and the fast impulse response of the RBN mid-high frequency transducers, in combination with the sharply controlled dispersion, brings a maximum "gain-before-feedback" up to directly in front of / under the system. Due to the "compression-less" principle of the pro-ribbon transducer technology, the system has a fully linear response at any SPL, for an intuitive 1:1 performance. The RBN401 is mounted in a D'Appolito speaker configuration with the 4 5" 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 MHF reproduction. The QRP's are powered and controlled by the ALC amplified loudspeaker controller; Through the integrated VHIR processing, audiophile amplifier stages and Signal Integrity Sensing feedback circuit, the ALC offers QRP20-specific drive processing, delivering absolute maximum sound quality with increased headroom and utmost operation reliability and flexibility, the company says. Philip "Dr. Phil" de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D: "the essence of the Q-series is the isophasic wavefront of our pro-ribbon mid/high frequency transducer technology, delivering the razor-sharp, side-lobe free projection control in the vertical plane and throw, the Q-series is known for." Combining this dispersion with the fast transient response, the flat frequency response, the (patented) horizontal dispersion to beyond 20kHz and the intuitive linear response of Alcons Audio's pro-ribbon transducers, it's easy to understand why sound designers around the globe are recognizing the Q-series as a unique tool in their toolbox. de Haan continues: "Following the success of our larger QR24 system, that utilizes this line-source wavefront coupling ability in a modular configuration, we received many requests for a smaller, non-modular single cabinet system, while maintaining the controlled projection characteristics. The result is the QRP20 point-source column." The combination with the RBN401 pro-ribbon and the 5" woofers with Active Coil technology in a sealed box brings the unsurpassed clear, dynamic and ultra-low distortion Alcons signature sound in a very slim and unobtrusive package, measuring only 150mm / 5.9" wide and deep. de Haan concludes: "We've seen in many, typically acoustically challenging applications, that the necessity for controlling the sound projection in order to get a satisfactory intelligibility lead to severe sacrifices on sound quality and dynamic output with existing solutions, either passive or steered. The QRP20 is proof that an exceptional, SPL independent intelligibility and throw is possible without any sacrifice on sound quality and performance, regardless of system size." The QRP20 is available in two versions with 90° (QRP20/90) and 120° (QRP20/120) horizontal dispersion and comes with Alcons Audio's six year "no hassle" warranty. ![](/std_images/blank.gif)
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