JBL Announces Powered VRX Portable Line Arrays

Jan 18, 2008

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Addressing the MI market's growing demands for loudspeaker technology that is on par with the world's most sophisticated staging systems, JBL Professional is showcasing its new VRX932LAP 12-inch powered loudspeaker and the VRX918SP 18-inch powered subwoofer. The new powered VRX models incorporate the same innovative engineering found in JBL's groundbreaking VERTEC® line arrays and offer built-in amplification from Crown, providing mobile DJ's and musicians with accessibility to world-class, professional-grade technology.

Utilizing the JBL DrivePack® DPC-2 amplification system designed in cooperation with Crown, both models are fully self-contained, powered loudspeakers. Retaining all the features of the original VRX932LA and VRX918S, self-powered performance has been optimized through integrated DSP, creating the simplest professional powered line array system in the industry.

"The professional audio world has acknowledged the versatility, performance and sonic quality of the VRX900 compact, high-performance line array systems," said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. "With the introduction of the VRX932LAP and VRX918SP, the speed and simplicity of setup has now dramatically increased."

Designed for use in arrays of up to five units, the VRX932LAP is the ideal choice when line array performance is needed but the venue size does not call for the long-throw characteristics of large line array systems. The VRX932LAP is a 12-inch, two-way powered line array loudspeaker featuring a DPC-2 amplifier module that provides 1750 Watts of peak power. A DSP-based resident input module provides system optimization and equalization.

The VRX932LAP features JBL Professional's latest 2408J Annular Ring Diaphragm HF driver technology. The Constant Curvature Waveguide mounts three compression drivers on a continuous arc. When additional VRX932LAP loudspeakers are added to the array, the uninterrupted arc continues. In effect, all the drivers work together as if they were a single driver on a very long waveguide. Since there are three drivers in each VRX932LAP loudspeaker, the combined power handling and acoustic output of the system is far greater than a single driver could achieve.

The VRX932LAP uses "amplitude shading" to shape the coverage of the array. For example, switches on the input plate control the output of each high-frequency section in the array. This allows users to set the upper enclosures in an array configuration to deliver more output to reach a distant balcony, while the lower box is shaded back to reduce excessive levels at the front of the listening area. This creates a more coherent sound field.

One or two VRX932LAP loudspeakers may also be used on a tripod or over JBL VRX918SP, VRX918S or SRX718S subwoofers. The integrated rigging hardware is used to securely lock the array together while the dual-angle pole socket provides aiming flexibility. Suspended applications require the JBL VRX-AF array frame or eye bolts.

Designed specifically for use in arrays with the VRX932LAP, the VRX918SP is a powered subwoofer system containing a 2268FF neodymium magnet patented Differential Drive®, 18-inch woofer in a front-loaded, vented enclosure. The VRX918SP features a built-in JBL DrivePack DPC-2 amplifier module designed in cooperation with Crown that provides 1500 Watts of peak power. A DSP-based resident input module provides system optimization, EQ and crossover functionality.

The VRX918SP is equally at home in ground-stacked applications and is equipped with a top-mounted, threaded, 20-millimeter socket that can receive the optional SS4-BK pole. The VRX918SP's enclosure is constructed of top quality birch plywood, coated in JBL's rugged DuraFlex™ finish and is heavily braced to maximize low-frequency performance. The attractive CNC-machined, 16-gauge steel grille is internally lined with acoustically transparent foam to provide additional driver protection. The rear of the enclosure is fitted with T-nuts with may be used to attach the optional WK-4S caster kit.

"Since its introduction, the VRX Series has revolutionized the industry's view of line arrays by incorporating JBL Professional's legendary VERTEC line array technology into more compact enclosures, bringing line array performance to a greater variety of markets," Jones added. "VRX loudspeakers have been widely adopted not only in portable applications, but fixed installation environments such as houses of worship. The addition of built-in amplification and onboard DSP will bring added benefits for all users of VRX Series loudspeakers, in all applications."