For HF reproduction, the LR14 is loaded with the patented Alcons RBN401 ribbon driver, the most powerful ribbon driver in its category. The all-natural cylindrical radiation of the RBN401 through the 'Morpher' wave-guide brings the active frontal radiation of the LR14 up to 94%, offering even and 'spike-less' dispersion with seamless wide coverage.
The 'Morpher' is mounted in a 120 x 15 degree HempHorn; Alcons' unique waveguide, made of hemp particles. The much higher internal damping of this new combination of composite materials with natural hemp fiber structures, make the waveguide inaudible.
The frequencies below 1200Hz are taken care of by two 6.5" Neodymium mid-bass drivers, making the system real full-range in most applications with its lowest usable frequency being 51Hz. The total system weight is 15kg/33 lb.
The integrated flying system doesn't have any separate/loose parts and has a unusual high safety-rating (24 cabinets at 7:1 safety-ratio). The Alcons line-arrays have one of the fastest rigging systems on the market. With the two-side usable bumper, the system can easily be ground stacked. The Alcons Ribbon Calculator (ARC) software calculates positions in 15 steps of 1 degree and can be simulated both through the auto-shooter function and manually.
As all Alcons systems, the LR14 is SIS pre-wired; Signal Integrity Sensing ensures complete cable/connector compensation between the LR14 and ALC (damping factor of 10.000) resulting in tight and accurate mid and bass response. SIS also further reduces distortion.
Philip de Haan, head of Alcons R&D commented: "The main design goal for the LR14 was to design a very small line-array module, while meeting the line-array design criteria like its bigger brother, the very successful LR16 line-array module. After the initial announcement of the LR14, we decided to take more time and walk the extra mile, ending up with much more than just a downscaled version of the LR16. We've done extensive A/B comparisons with same category (and even bigger!) array systems and we think that the LR14 clients will be very satisfied with the result. Especially the throw and even coverage set new standards in this category."
The system comes in Durotect finishing and is covered by a six-years limited warranty.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
