Dr.Phil with the RBN1801 pro-ribbon transducer.
The RBN1801 is a new mid/high frequency transducer designed for high output and high fidelity professional sound reproduction applications. Based on the principles of Isophasic planar driver technology, the RBN1801 features the effective radiation length of 18 inches and offers an extreme power handling of 3kW (for 200ms, which is 10 times the industry standard) and an efficiency of 108dB with 1W@1m. With a 90-degree wave-guide, this efficiency rises to 110dB, with a frequency operating range of 1 kHz–20 kHz. (+/-3dB) and a maximum SPL of 145dB.
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.” De Haan has initiated a number of significant patents and has been involved in pro-ribbon technology for 20 years.
De Haan continues that, “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.”
Adds Alcons Audio managing director Tom Back, “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.”
For more information, visit www.alconsaudio.com and www.proribbondriver.com.
