A demonstration event at the Abeno Ward Citizen Center in Osaka put Alcons Audio pro-ribbon systems on display to potential Japanese customers courtesy of new Japanese distributor E’Spec Inc. Despite difficulties presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 100 audio professionals attended the event, which was split into three sessions to ensure effective social distancing. Those attending included audio engineers and system designers, as well as representatives from rental and sales companies.

Alongside PowerPoint and video presentations, practical demonstrations of Alcons pro-ribbon systems included the LR7/LR7B micro line-array, LR18/LR18B compact mid-size line-array, the VR8 compact versatile monitor, VR12 mid-size versatile monitor, RR12 point-source array module and the BF151mkII compact subwoofer.

A variety of sources were played through the systems to highlight audio quality and versatility in a wide range of sound reinforcement applications. A demonstration of live drumming by Sakae Takeda showcased their handling of dynamic sounds.

The distributor reports many visitors noting the VR12 as being of especial interest, thanks to its user-friendliness, sound and ability to be used as a high quality floor monitor. The compact size, light weight and sound quality of the LR7 and LR7B line array also proved popular outside the major touring companies. Ease of handling is very important because, in Japan, systems are rarely flown at small and medium-sized events. Stacking systems is the usual method of deployment, especially in indoor venues, so the ease that this can be achieved with the LR7 is a positive selling point.

‘There were many requests to hear the LR18/LR18B and, although we didn’t have a LR24 mid-size line array system at the event, the LR18 triggered the interest of a number of rental companies in the LR24, mostly due to its successful debut at the Namm show earlier this year,’ says E’Spec’s Yoshiaki ‘Yoshi’ Yamaguchi.

The LR7 also received special attention: ‘It was a successful event and, from speaking to the audio professionals who attended and a post-event survey, attendees were impressed with Alcons pro-ribbon systems.’

More: www.e-spec.co.jp

More: www.alconsaudio.com