Jands, the Harman Professional Solutions audio distributors in New Zealand, recently launched JBL’s new medium to large format line array at the ASB Theatre in Auckland.
Designed from the ground up, the JBL VTX A12 is a dual 12-inch three-way line array element that has been purpose built for mid to large size touring applications and high-end fixed installations.
Guests were introduced to the theory behind the technologies of the A12 before being allowed hands-on demonstrations of the system.
“We wanted our guests to understand the philosophy behind the technology of the VTX A12 and then to experience first-hand the innovative new features such as the ease of set up due to the redesigned rigging system,” says Jands Tour Sound manager Tim Robertson. “We then gave each person the opportunity to conduct their own listening tests on the system.”
The listening tests had some varying responses from guests.
“I’ve never tested anything so uniformly flat both on and off axis in the HF range, and they have heaps of detail there,” says sound engineer Chris Tait from College Hill Productions.
JBL has patented a rigging mechanism and redesigned the suspension system that has streamlined deployment and setup. 
“The rigging is incredible – one of the fastest I’ve seen for a line array,” says Ray Ward of NZ Sound. “It looks like it could be a one-man job to bring the PA up and down. The coverage and sound of the A12’s were fantastic, much smoother than I thought they would be.”
Regarding the innovative rigging element, Danielle de Waal from Oceania Audio adds: “I weigh 60kg and I can put the whole system up myself – that’s just so mind blowing.”
“There has been fantastic interest with the VTX A12 locally and our aim is to have it added to technical riders in the New Zealand market,” concludes Jands’ Tim Robertson. “The VTX A12 has appeared at numerous festivals in the US, while JBL VTX line array systems have been used by a number of International artists such as Pitbull, Demi Lovato, Enrique Iglesius, Neil Diamond, Linkin Park, Kesha, DJ Zedd and Lenny Kravitz. VTX-A12 will be added to technical riders when the system becomes fully available after the promotional tours.”
