Pro-Music-News Sound Section

JBL introduces portable VRX line array for musicians and DJs

Addressing the MI market’s growing demands for loudspeaker technology that is on par with sophisticated staging systems, JBL Professional showcased its new VRX932LAP 12-inch powered loudspeaker and the VRX918SP 18-inch powered subwoofer at winter NAMM show 2008. The powered VRX models incorporate the same engineering found in JBL’s Vertec line arrays and offer built-in amplification from Crown.
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.
“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.
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.
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 which may be used to attach the optional WK-4S caster kit.
One or two VRX932LAP loudspeakers may also be used on a tripod or over JBL 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.
VRX932AP line array module by JBL
VRX918SP self-contained subwoofer by JBL
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