JBL Professional has just introduced the smallest system enclosures in the VERTEC line array product family – the VT4886 passive 3-way high-directivity line array element and its companion VT4883 cardioid-arrayable subwoofer.
Designed to be one of the most versatile tools in a portable sound rental company’s inventory, the new VT4886 and VT4883 subcompact models are suitable for use in a broad range of suspended-array, ground-based and fill speaker applications, with a comprehensive range of array and suspension accessories planned for the new system.
Application flexibility also ensures that the VT4886/VT4883 system will provide an effective sound design tool for performance audio facility system designers.
Given its very compact dimensions, the VT4886 is ideal for distributed front fill or under-balcony use. VT4886 line array elements can also be suspended in large multi-box arrays or ground-stacked, either standalone or with its companion VT4883 low-frequency extension for FOH, offstage fill, stereo in-fill, center cluster or delay cluster use.
Mixed VT4883/VT4886 arrays can be suspended and supplemented with additional, large-format groundstacked VERTEC subwoofers for extended-range FOH use.
U-bracket and pole mount fixtures also enable three to four VT4886 enclosures to be used with a tripod stand, or an extension rod in coordination with VT4883 subwoofers.
Integral suspension hardware enables the quick, secure assembly of variable-curvature vertical arrays with adjustable splay angles from 0 to 15 degrees, or modular, constant-curvature horizontal line arrays, following JBL’s mechanical design established with larger models in the VERTEC family.
VT4886 Subcompact Line Array Element
The VT4886 features 8 transducers with 10 separate voice coils. A proprietary mid/high-frequency waveguide assembly seamlessly integrates MF and HF section output in a next-generation implementation of JBL’s patented R.B.I. (Radiation Boundary Integrator) technology, providing precise wavefront control and allowing for proper inter-enclosure vertical coupling.
Twin 1-inch-exit high-frequency compression drivers, equipped with neodymium magnets for the reliable reproduction of very high frequencies with precise, detailed fidelity, are mounted on a precision dual-aperture assembly that includes geometric path-length compensation to ensure optimal twin-driver exit summation.
Each VT4886 also includes a total of four new 2103G 2.5-inch midrange transducers with neodymium magnets, combined with the high-frequency drivers in the new proprietary, integrated mid/high waveguide assembly.
The midrange transducers utilize JBL’s Thermomaster technology, paired in thermo-coupled back-cover heatsink structures for improved heat transfer, which results in reduced power compression.
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A pair of new 2166H 6.5-inch low-frequency component transducers with dual neodymium magnets and dual voice coils, incorporating JBL’s patented Differential Drive technology, establishes a robust low-frequency foundation for the VT4886.
Each 2166H low-frequency transducer is matched to a low-frequency diffraction absorber with a tuned resonant-chamber cavity. This unique proprietary technology ensures optimal performance even at extremely high output levels while reducing cabinet edge diffraction effects for improved horizontal coverage stability.
A highly refined multi-band passive network is designed to minimize insertion loss and lower distortion while ensuring precise impedance matching between the low, mid-range and high-frequency component sets.
With a maximum SPL capability of 131 db continuous, 137 dB peak, the VT4886 has a nominal horizontal coverage of 110 degrees and a frequency range of 70 Hz – 20 kHz. It measures 577 mm x 197 mm x 260 mm (22.7-inches x 7.75-inches x 10.25-inches). The enclosure weighs 15.9 kg (35 pounds).
Go to next page (page 2) for information on the new VT4883 subwoofer.