After more than three years of research, development and real-world evaluation, Alcons Audio has launched the M-series Reference Monitor Systems – the company’s entry into the studio and critical-listening market.
Developed from the ground up for sonic accuracy and dynamic range, the M-series brings Alcons’ pro-ribbon clarity and ultra-low distortion to environments requiring reference performance. Applications include immersive sound production, high-end music and film mixing, broadcast control rooms, and live-sound monitoring.
The initial range comprises three models: the MR5 micro two-way 5-inch close-field/surround monitor, MR10 mid-sized three-way 10-inch close/midfield monitor and MR12 large-format three-way 12-inch midfield/main monitor. All models share identical mid-/high-frequency transducers, ensuring consistent voicing and seamless imaging in multichannel and immersive setups.
At the core of each M-series system is Alcons’ RBN202 pro-ribbon driver, reproducing mid and high frequencies from 1kHz to beyond 20kHz; covering a much wider range in the critical mid-band than traditional designs. Thanks to its compression-less operating principle and extremely low moving mass, the RBN202 delivers a fully linear response at any level, combining exceptional transient detail with fatigue-free listening – even during extended sessions.
With a 500W peak power input, high efficiency and 1:15 RMS-to-peak dynamic range Alcons claims the RBN202 to deliver ‘virtually unlimited’ headroom. Mounted on the company’s new HempHorn waveguide with constant 120° horizontal directivity, it ensures a wide, stable sweet spot and unmatched 3D imaging.
Complementing the pro-ribbon driver are custom-engineered midrange and low-frequency transducers with ActiveCoil motor structures for ultra-low distortion. The newly developed ScoopVent LF loading design enhances breathing capacity and transient response, maintaining clarity and control even at the lowest octaves.
The M-series is powered and controlled by Alcons’ ALC amplified loudspeaker controllers, featuring VHIR phase processing, 192kHz AES3 digital inputs and audiophile-grade amplification stages. The remote-amplified architecture eliminates local heat build-up and electronics behind screens or within baffle walls, ensuring centralised, reliable system operation and maximum performance consistency.
‘Although we’ve always engineered our systems with a hi-fi approach, we took every element of the M-series back to first principles – cabinet construction, damping, venting, filtering, even internal cabling and amplifier topology,’ says Head of Alcons R&D, Philip de Haan. ‘All were re-evaluated for absolute transparency.’
‘Entering a new market demands a product that truly sets a benchmark,’ says Tom Back, co-founder of Alcons Audio. ‘With the M-series, we’ve bridged the gap between reference monitoring and high-output sound reinforcement – all built on the same proprietary transducer, amplification and processing foundation.’
With the M-series, Alcons Audio now offers a single, scalable cross-application reference from recording and mastering through to large-scale live playback.
More: www.studiomonitor.info