JBL’s New Line-Array Technology Serves Small and Mid-size Venues
Feb 16, 2006 8:00 AM
JBL Professional’s new VRX932LA portable line array system brings the tour-sound-proven versatility and performance of its Vertec series line array to performers and smaller venues, AV rental companies, and entertainers traveling with their own PA system. The VRX932LA is a compact 12in., two-way line array loudspeaker designed for use in arrays of up to six units. Each speaker has a 15-degree (nominal) vertical coverage angle. This means that a single enclosure or arrays consisting of two or three speakers can provide practical vertical coverage.
The speaker is ideal for smaller environments requiring line array performance without the long-throw characteristics of larger systems.
“Until now, most line array speakers have been designed for use in very large, extremely high-power systems in large venues,” says Gerry Tschetter, director of portable PA marketing, JBL Professional. “The VRX932LA is built for smaller venues than the Vertec line but not to a lower standard. In fact, the VRX932LA shares components with the renowned VT4888 and VT4887.”
The VRX932LA is not limited to use in suspended arrays. One or two units may also be used on a tripod or on a pole over SRX718S subwoofers. This flexibility will make the system a welcome addition for performers and AV rental companies. An integral rigging system supports flying (using the available JBL VRX932-AF array frame) or secure stacking.
The system uses JBL’s patented Differential Drive 12in. woofer with dual voice coils and magnetic gaps and a neodymium magnet, allowing a few ounces to replace pounds of conventional magnet material. The Differential Drive design greatly reduces weight while increasing power capacity, decreasing distortion, and reducing power compression.
The distinctive Constant Curvature Array (CCA) waveguide mounts three compression drivers on a continuous arc. When additional units are added to the array, the uninterrupted arc continues. Whether a single unit or a maximum array of six is being used, the output from the high-frequency drivers sums with unprecedented coherence. In effect, all the drivers work together as if they were a single driver on a very long waveguide. But since there are three high-frequency drivers in each line array, the combined power handling and acoustic output of the system is far greater than a single driver could achieve.
Like larger line arrays, the coverage of the VRX932LA array may be adjusted. However, the relative angles between enclosures are fixed in order to maintain the Constant Curvature character of the array. Instead, the VRX932LA uses amplitude shading to shape the coverage of the array. The Array Configuration Selector switches on the input plate allow, for example, the upper box in an array to reach a distant balcony while the lower box of the array is shaded back to reduce excessive level at the front of the audience area.
For more information, visit www.jblpro.com.
