Firehouse Productions has supplied JBL VRX Constant Curvature loudspeakers for Jet Blue Airlines Live From T5 Concert Series since its launch in August 2010. The ongoing promotion is held periodically at the Jet Blue T5 terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
The Live From T5 Concert Series offers free entertainment for ticketed passengers waiting to board their flights at the new Jet Blue terminal. To date, the concert series has hosted famed performers including Taylor Swift, James Blunt, Robyn, Jason Derulo and Raphael Saadiq, among others.
With limited space and the need for a compact setup to fit through the airport’s security checkpoints, the JBL VRX Series loudspeakers are the perfect fit for the job, said Simon Welch, Head Systems Engineer at Firehouse Productions.
“We are able to stack two VRX932LA-1 loudspeakers on top of two VRX918S powered subwoofers on each side for the main PA.” Welch explained. “Since we need to direct sound to a specific zone in the terminal, we are able to do so by setting the speakers at head level outward from the stage. Another pair of VRX932LA-1 loudspeakers are used as side fill, directing sound to the side areas of the stage.”
The main challenge of the Live From T5 Concert Series is time, Welch explained.
“All the gear has to go through security which takes about two hours, so obviously the less equipment, the better,” he said. “There isn’t a lot of labor, especially with the VRX Series. We are able to get everything set up quickly and taken apart even faster, which is important as we do not want a lot of distractions at the terminal.”
The light weight of the VRX loudspeakers only adds to the quality of the system.
“They are the most efficient boxes we have,” said Welch. “They provide great vocals and the ability to project sound deep with such a small array is perfect. HARMAN and JBL are such highly regarded brands that everyone who has used the system is extremely happy.”
“We are excited at what is left to come of the series and glad to be a part of this unique experience,” Welch summed up.
