Alcons introduces dedicated immersive audio loudspeaker

Alcons Audio has released the CRS8, a 2-way passive-filtered full range loudspeaker designed to meet all requirements of current and future immersive surround sound formats.

Featuring the patented Alcons pro-ribbon driver technology, the CRS8 combines an “exceptional clarity and intelligibility” with an “unusually high dynamic range”.

The CRS8/9090 system consists of the RBN401 pro-ribbon driver for HF and a vented 8” mid-bass for LF reproduction. The CRS8 HF section has an 800W peak power input, enabling a 1:16 dynamic range with up to 90 per cent less distortion from 1kHz to beyond 20,000Hz.

Due to the “compression-less” principle of the pro-ribbon transducer technology, the system has a fully linear response, with the same tonal balance at all SPL’s for a 1:1 performance.

The patented (90-degrees) horizontal and patent-pending (90-degrees) vertical dispersion of the waveguide offers a very wide and consistent coverage up to the highest frequencies (20kHz -3dB); important for the imaging in height channels of immersive systems.

Driven by the Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controller, the Signal Integrity Sensing pre-wiring ensures dynamic cable/connector compensation between the CRS8 and ALC. This offers a 1:1, undistorted natural sound reproduction, regardless of cable length and amplifier impedance load.

Typical applications include (height layer) immersive surround sound systems for performing arts theatres, screening rooms, post-production facilities and dubbing stages, premium home cinemas and PLF cinemas.

“Immersive sound is now coming up in a wide variety of applications, demanding a diverse choice of dispersion patterns,” said Philip “Dr. Phil” De Haan, head of Alcons R&D. “Following our initial designs with the patent-pending waveguide technology on the RBN202 pro-ribbon platform, very successfully deployed in the VR5 and CRMSC-SRHV systems, we focused on applying our new waveguide development onto our 4” pro-ribbon transducer platform.”

De Haan added: “The missing link has finally arrived, for a perfect voicing-match with the other RBN401 pro-ribbon loaded main- and surround systems, completing the seamless 3D immersive experience.”

The CRS8/9090 is available in two impedance choices: eight ohms for efficient parallel connection in 5.1/7.1 configurations, and four ohms, for maximum amplifier efficiency in individually-amplified immersive surround systems. It comes with a six year warranty.