Alcons Audio develops RBN1801 pro-ribbon driver
Dec 2, 2004 3:54 PM
Alcons Audio has designed the RBN1801, a new mid/high frequency transducer, for high-output and high-fidelity professional sound reproduction applications. Based on the principles of Isophasic planar driver technology, the RBN1801 resets the bar for ribbon technology standards with spectacular specifications: the effective radiation length of 18” / 46cm offers an extreme power handling of 3kW (for 200ms, which is ten times the industry standard) and a very high efficiency of 108dB with 1W @ 1m. With a 90-degree wave-guide, this efficiency even rises to 110dB, with a frequency operating range of 1 kHz – 20 kHz. (+/-3dB).
As a result of the symmetric “push/pull” design, not only is the 1801 completely magnetically shielded, it also functions as a dipole cylindrical radiator. The mid/high frequency transducer features Alcons Audio’s patented “Real-90” dispersion, a unique development providing for a constant horizontal directivity of 90-degrees up to 20 kHz.
“We wanted to explore the possibilities of increasing the performance of the RBN601, our initial pro-ribbon driver and evolution platform for the RBN-series of ribbon transducers”. Said Philip de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D. “We already downscaled the patented 601 into the 401, which is used in our LR14 ultra-compact line-array and VR8 compact monitor. Both drivers have proven themselves as very reliable, with not one single unit failing to date”. Philip has initiated a number of significant patents and has been involved in pro-ribbon technology for 20 years.
Mr. De Haan continues: “With our research going further into array-technology, the need existed for a larger, single-diaphragm driver: Of course, a larger radiating surface can be made with multiple smaller drivers, but this will drastically sacrifice the degree of frontal-radiation, which is one of the main criteria for line-source behavior. As a driver with these required specifications simply didn’t exist, the necessity arose to develop this driver ourselves.”
Achieving the power handling and efficiency of the 601 driver seemed to be the absolute maximum possible, but the envelope was pushed even further. It may sound like an easy thing to do, but it was far from a walk in the park!
De Haan: “because of enlarging the engine of the driver, we encountered a totally different set of physical challenges that we had to cope with; not only in the development stage but also in the production process where each driver should be manufactured within 1dB deviation”.
Adds Tom Back, Alcons Audio Managing Director: “The RBN1801 is further proof of the leading position Alcons has in pro-ribbon technology, and it confirms why Philip de Haan is seen by many in the industry as the father of today’s high output pro ribbon technology”.
The RBN1801 is raising the bar in pro-ribbon technology and will become the platform for a range of new, evolutionary solutions for installed sound, live sound, cinema audio, and the recording studio market, starting with the upcoming Q-series.
Alcons Audio is a Dutch company that is active in development and manufacturing of professional sound systems for quality-conscious clients in the cinema, installation and touring industry. For more information, visit www.alconsaudio.com and www.proribbondriver.com.
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