LDI 2008 Marks North American Introduction Of JBL VERTEC® DP Series Powered Full-Size Models With JBL DrivePack® Technology

Rounding out its VERTEC® Series line array family of powered and passive loudspeaker models for the professional tour/rental and performance-venue markets, the JBL VERTEC VT4889ADP Full Range High Directivity Line Array Element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer are making their U.S. debuts today at LDI 2008 in Las Vegas. Both models are integrated audio systems featuring field-proven JBL DrivePack® technology. Co-developed with Harman Pro Group sister companies Crown International and dbx Professional, the high-performance JBL DrivePack electronics modules with integral digital signal processing are designed to couple seamlessly with VERTEC loudspeaker enclosures and deliver superb audio quality with robust reserve power.

The new powered VERTEC models have already been fielded for a variety of applications and events, ranging from the “Love, Janis” nationwide musical theatrical production, to the general session of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in Las Vegas, to the La Fiesta Del Pueblo Cinco de Mayo music festival at San Diego’s Del Mar Fairgrounds’ outdoor grandstand. Here at the LDI convention, a system including the new powered VERTEC models has been selected for use by StagePro for the Live Design Awards ceremony at the Apex mobile stage, booth #214.

“The JBL VERTEC system has already proven its worth at countless concert, corporate and civic events,” noted Jay Waller, owner of Kansas-based StagePro, whose company is responsible for all technical production equipment and staffing for audio, video, lighting and staging needs at the 2008 Live Design Awards. “Now, having optional powered versions to give system designers a choice, is a logical evolution for the line. It makes a lot of sense for applications like this one, by giving us a ‘plug and play’ solution while reducing floor requirements where space is at a premium.”

The available JBL DrivePack DP-3 module features Crown’s exclusive BCA (Balanced Current Amplification) technology, incorporating Class I circuitry with temperature-compensated modulation. The units include an auto-sensing Universal Power Supply and a fan-free, passive, cooling design. The three-channel DP-3 offers a full rated output power of 6,000 watts peak, 3,000 watts continuous (at load) for the VT4889ADP, and 6,900W peak, 3,500W continuous for the VT4880ADP subwoofer.

The standard input module from dbx features analog audio inputs, dbx’s Type IV™ analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and sophisticated onboard digital signal processing technology. Precision bandpass limiting, pre-equalization filters and automatic self-test functions ensure optimized performance. The modular input bay design allows for insertion of optional networked modules.

Powered Full-Size High Directivity Line Array Element

The VT4889ADP 3-way full-size line array element is a powerful, lightweight option for applications requiring powered loudspeaker systems. It is fitted with two 380 mm (15 in) low frequency transducers, four 203 mm (8 in) midrange components and three 76 mm (1.5 in) neodymium compression drivers with beryllium diaphragms. It weighs only 93.1 kg (205 lb), enabling the assembly of large powered arrays of multiple units, yet each unit is capable of delivering 143 dB SPL maximum output (1 m).

The VT4889ADP and its companion subwoofer, the VT4880ADP, are pre-configured from the JBL factory with JBL’s new V4 DSP preset data, developed with the aid of JBL’s exclusive LDM™ (Loudspeaker Data Manager) software, and offering optimized acoustical performance.

Powered Full-Size Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer

The VT4880ADP 2 x 18-inch arrayable subwoofer is a high output, lightweight companion subwoofer to complement VT4889ADP full-range loudspeaker systems. It is fitted with two new 457 mm (18 in) model 2269G ultra long-excursion low frequency transducers. The subwoofer is capable of delivering 137 dB SPL (1 m). This powered subwoofer weighs only 99.9 kg (220 lb), enabling the construction of extremely powerful VLF (Very Low Frequency) arrays of multiple units. It is designed to be suspended in stand-alone arrays, coupled with VT4889ADP’s in the same array, or ground-stacked as required.

Optional Network Modules: HiQnet™ Compatible

Optional networked DPAN (analog audio) and DPCN (Cobranet™-compatible digital audio) input modules from Crown allow JBL’s new powered full-size models to link seamlessly into Harman Professional’s HiQnet™ system. With optional network modules installed, users have remote control and monitoring access to system functionality and digital speaker presets, via System Architect software. HiQnet compliance ensures that VERTEC DP Series system products offer a variety of configuration and monitoring functions, through software control panels that address not only JBL DrivePack-equipped loudspeakers, but also other HiQnet-compliant audio products from Harman Professional companies that may be integrated into the same sound system.

JBL VERTEC Product Line Compatibility: User Advantages

These new models allow professional sound system users who need full-size loudspeaker array elements to leverage the distinct performance and business advantages the JBL VERTEC DrivePack technology platform can provide, including reduced system configuration costs, less concern over cooling needs in low-noise environments like performing arts centers due to the JBL DrivePack’s fan-free design, and transportation and installation savings due to lower space requirements when compared to loudspeaker systems powered by traditional amplifier racks.

“JBL’s latest powered models effectively equip the VERTEC DP Series with options in all size categories for line array elements--compact, midsize and now full-size. This provides a comprehensive set of solutions for high-end, powered loudspeaker applications,” said David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Now, in addition to the premium-quality sound available with passive models in the VERTEC Series of line array systems, we’re providing a suite of powered models with all of the improved consistency that such system products can offer to our customers in the tour sound and fixed-installation performing arts markets. These new powered full-size VT4889ADP full-range line array and VT4880ADP arrayable subwoofer systems bring all of the integrated-system advantages of our smaller and more compact powered models to the broad range of high-end system users in the concert touring and corporate/AV market segments who require high-performance, large-scale sound reinforcement solutions.”

StagePro can be reached at http://www.stagepro.com/