Products

New JBL VTX A12 Line Array Loudspeaker From Harman Professional Solutions

Outfitted with new, proprietary transducer, high-frequency waveguide, and rigging designs, as well as refinements to the physical aspects of the cabinet

At the Prolight + Sound show in Frankfurt, Harman Professional Solutions introduced the JBL VTX A12 line array loudspeaker, designed for mid- to large-size touring productions and higher-end fixed installations.

The VTX A12 has new, proprietary transducer, high-frequency waveguide, and rigging designs, as well as refinements to the physical aspects of the cabinet.

“When we set out to design the VTX A12, JBL’s next generation midsize line array, we engaged some of the leading engineers in live sound and asked questions like ‘What frustrates you most?’ and ‘What would make a line array better?’” says Phillip Scobee, tour audio solutions manager, Harman Professional Solutions. “After engineering some groundbreaking advances with the A12’s drivers, we knew having the best sound wasn’t enough.

“We took the feedback we received and applied a systems-based approach that covered all the details, from how quickly the boxes could be rigged, to how efficiently you could load the truck after a performance,” Scobee continues. “What ended up in the VTX A12 is truly astounding. The sound engineers who received early previews are saying they are blown away by its clarity, power, and consistent directivity. Its ease of deployment, and the cost savings they’ll realize due to its light weight and reduced space for transport, is the additional reason why they’re adding the A12 to their riders.”

VTX A12 rigging enables fast setup and precise configuration, incorporating a patented locking mechanism to automatically lock the cabinet angles to the desired position. Accessories are designed to be lightweight, durable and sized to fit both U.S. and International truck dimensions simplifying transport and logistics.

VTX A12 also offers improved acoustic technology. The new high-frequency section has three uniquely designed drivers that combine the HF phasing-plug and waveguide into one part, designed to yield better tolerances and increase sensitivity above 6 kHz while reducing distortion and overall weight.

A newly designed Radiation Boundary Integrator (RBI) combines four 5-inch mid-frequency drivers into the high-frequency waveguide and provides a smooth horn surface for the high frequency section.

A lightweight 12-inch low frequency woofer (LF) has a 4th-generation Differential Drive design, new dual NEO dual-coil magnet arrangement and a host of proprietary JBL technologies designed to increase excursion, power handling and sensitivity. Stated directivity for the VTX A12 is 90 degrees down to 300 Hz.

“The VTX A12 sounds really even right away, and the rigging system is very easy to fly, from start to finish,” states Jon Loeser, FOH engineer for award-winning country trio Rascal Flatts. “I love it, just for the pure power of it. It’s got more meat in the low end than any other speaker box out in the market.”

The VTX A12 also has an updated exterior. The full-face grille design protects the loudspeaker components and helps the system achieve a higher Ingress Protection rating (IP55). Even more extensive weatherization is available if desired.

The grille reduces the number of exposed components, allowing the loudspeaker to be finished in a variety of color options to better suit fixed install applications.

The VTX A12 will be available in April 2017.

JBL
Harman Professional Solutions