HARMAN Professional Solutions has announced the new JBL Professional VTX B28, a dual 18-inch subwoofer that joins the company’s flagship VTX A-Series line of loudspeakers.
The VTX B28 houses a new, integrated rigging system that follows in the footsteps of the A8 and A12 rigging designs, allowing the B28 to be suspended in omnidirectional or cardioid arrays of up to 16 enclosures. The rigging and a collection of accessories offer added flexibility in both portable and installed applications. The B28 integrates with HiQNet Performance Manager and Line Array Calculator (LAC) software, and has the same industrial design as A- and B-Series loudspeakers.
“The VTX B28 is our new premium subwoofer and a perfect addition to VTX Series line array systems,” says HARMAN Professional product manager George Georgallis. “As with the B18 subwoofer, we started by taking the best aspects of the previous-generation S28 and G28 and improving performance. Then we optimized the design for a dual 18-inch system, and the result was the B28. We worked very hard to ensure the B28 could meet the most demanding applications, but also focused on configurability, a full suite of accessories, and software applications to make the B28 a solid investment and an outstanding performer for tour sound providers and rental companies.”
The two JBL Differential Drive 2288H-M 18-inch woofers are designed to provide improved linearity, efficiency and longer excursion. The drivers and a large, central, flared port are designed to foster low-frequency output without distortion or artifacts, even at elevated sound pressure levels. FEA-optimized integral bracing is intended to eliminate inter-cabinet standing waves, improve rigidity, and simplify the structural design.
The 2-point rigging system uses integrated levers and locks, avoiding quick release pins and retaining cables that can get damaged or lost as well as limit potential configurations. The B28 can be stacked vertically or horizontally, using the independent sets of feet on the bottom and sides, while the spring-loaded design is intended to help insure against rattling during operation. Universal M20 mounts interface with supported VTX accessories for constructing ground stacked arrays. NL4 connectors on both the front and rear of the unit enable wiring in standard or cardioid configurations.
