JBL VTX A8 ARRAY & B18 SUB

Harman Professional Solutions announces the JBL VTX A8 dual 8-inch line array loudspeaker and companion B18 single 18-inch subwoofer, which bring JBL Professional’s flagship VTX A Series technology to compact solutions for small- to mid-size rental and installed applications.

The VTX A8 combines proprietary JBL transducers and latest-generation high-frequency waveguide acoustic design to provide unmatched performance, efficiency and 110 degrees of horizontal coverage, while the companion VTX B18 is JBL Professional’s next-generation, compact and lightweight subwoofer, designed to extend the low frequency response of full range JBL VTX systems below 30Hz.

“We created the VTX A8 loudspeaker and B18 subwoofer to meet the diverse sound reinforcement needs of production companies, rental houses, theatres and houses of worship, and for anyone needing front fills, side arrays or other auxiliary support for large-scale VTX systems,” says George Georgallis, Solutions Manager, Tour Audio and Performing Arts, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Both the VTX A8 and the B18 were engineered from the ground up to provide big-system JBL sound in flexible, compact components.”

VTX A8

For VTX A8, next-generation transducers and physical design refinements were custom-engineered by JBL to integrate more drivers into a smaller, lighter cabinet for a compact footprint, while still maintaining high output and sonic consistency with the VTX A-Series family.

The VTX A8’s 8-inch neodymium low-frequency woofer is based around JBL’s fourth-generation Differential Drive technology, featuring a dual-voice coil, dual-gap configuration that maximises excursion, power handling and sensitivity. Midrange drivers are integrated into JBL’s patented Radiation Boundary Integrator (RBI) for a seamless transition across each band and maximum transducer density.  And VTX A8 integrates two instances of the JBL 2423K 2-inch compression driver found in the larger VTX A12. The innovative JBL 2423K driver combines the compression drive, phasing plug and line array waveguide in a single part, which provides increased accuracy and sensitivity, along with lower distortion and lighter weight.

With the VTX A8, every seat is a sweet spot: Its tight 110-degree dispersion pattern down to 350Hz makes it ideal for small- and mid-size venues, front fills and other applications that call for controlled, uniform coverage over a wide listening area.

The speaker’s three-way design utilises a passive network to drive both the mid- and high-frequency sections with a single amplifier channel. Reducing system amplifier count translates to simpler configuration, lighter total weight, less truck space and lower overall costs.

Lastly, the VTX A8 shares the VTX A12’s innovative rigging mechanism, suspension system, truck-friendly dimensions and Performance Manager software for streamlined, rapid deployment. Eight accessory options expand the VTX A8’s mounting, integration and installation capabilities. Highlights include a Base Plate that mounts the A8 on top of ground-stacked subwoofers such as the new B18, and a truss clamp and mini frame that enable the A8 to be mounted on a truss, making it ideal for trade shows or small productions.

B18

The VTX B18 features JBL’s new 2288 single 18-inch woofer engineered for improved linearity and a wider dynamic range. The new woofer takes advantage of JBL’s patented fourth-generation Differential Drive technology to deliver higher output, extra-long excursion, lower distortion and ultra-low power compression. In addition, the B18 incorporates JBL’s patented SlipStream double-flared exponential low-frequency port design to improve airflow and reduce audible turbulence even at maximum excursion.

The B18 shares the industrial design of the JBL’s VTX A-Series products and has the same width and suspension hardware as the VTX A8, allowing the two products to be used together in a variety of flown or ground-stacked configurations.

Both the VTX B18 and VTX A8 adopt the signature VTX A Series full-face powder- and zing-coated grille design, which protects components from extreme conditions and contributes to a high Ingress Protection rating (IP55); grilles can be finished in a variety of colours to suit fixed installations.

The VTX B18 and VTX A8, together with A12 and A12W loudspeakers, Crown i-Tech HD amplifiers and JBL Performance Manager Software, give audio professionals a complete toolset for designing the optimal sound system for any scale rental, performing arts or fixed install application.

JBL: www.jblpro.com
Australian Distributor: www.cmi.com.au