New Subcompact System Extends JBL Professional’s Industry-Leading VERTEC® Line Array Series

The VT4886 passive line array element and VT4883 cardioid-arrayable subwoofer are specifically designed for standalone use or integration with other existing VERTEC models.

LONDON, England – Delivering a very high degree of output and predictable coverage capabilities in an extremely compact package, JBL Professional is introducing the smallest system enclosures in the VERTEC® product family, the VT4886 passive 3-way high-directivity line array element and its companion VT4883 cardioid-arrayable subwoofer. Incorporating innovative acoustical technologies and purpose-built transducers, they are specifically designed for standalone use or in conjunction with other existing VERTEC models.

A Variety of Applications

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 ground-stacked 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 patented, road-proven mechanical design established with larger models in the VERTEC family.


VT4886 Subcompact Line Array Element

The VT4886 incorporates some of the latest electro-acoustical technologies developed by JBL Professional. Unique to the subcompact line array category, 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”-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" 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.

A pair of new 2166H 6.5" 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, midrange 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" x 7.75" x 10.25"). The enclosure weighs 15.9 kg (35 lb).


VT4883 Cardioid-Arrayable Subwoofer

The VT4883 companion subwoofer is specifically optimized for use with the VT4886 line array element, both acoustically and mechanically, in addition to being a suitable complement for other loudspeaker systems in the VERTEC family. This powerful, highly compact subwoofer is equipped with rigid internal bracing in a vented-bandpass enclosure topology to support the high-performance capabilities of its pair of new 2263H-1 12" long-excursion Differential Drive® low-frequency components.

The VT4883 is equipped with reverse-arrayable suspension hardware and an auxiliary input connector on the front grille, making it easily reversible within a group of multiple suspended or ground-stacked cardioid subwoofer arrays.

The VT4883 has a frequency range of 35 Hz – 600 Hz (-10 dB) and a maximum SPL capability of 133 dB continuous, 139 dB peak (half space). Dimensions measure 577 mm x 397 mm x 641 mm (22.72" x 15.62" x 25.24"). The enclosure weighs 30.8 kg (68 lb).


“Since the VT4886 is a true 3-way system with JBL’s new integrated mid/high waveguide providing optimized vertical and horizontal wavefront control, system users can expect better horizontal coverage stability and overall throw compared to other 2-way designs on the market. And, with 10 voice coils instead of three as found in most other similar products, the VT4886 has the highest component density in its class and a healthy 3-6 dB maximum SPL advantage over the competition,” noted Paul Bauman, Director of Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering, JBL Professional. “Given the VT4886’s extremely compact size, flexible suspension accessories and application-specific DSP, I'm excited about the many sound design possibilities that will open up for touring, corporate AV and fixed installs. I'm also excited about the companion VT4883 sub/low enclosure, specifically designed for gradient cardioid arraying. This will allow VERTEC system owners to apply the same cardioid and electronic delay steering techniques to small- and medium-scale configurations using the VT4883 that our customers have been successfully implementing in larger scale touring situations using full-size VERTEC subwoofers.”