Harman's JBL Professional Launches JBL VTX V20 and S25 Line Array Loudspeakers

Adding to its VTX Series line arrays, Harman's JBL Professional is introducing the VTX V20 dual 10" line array loudspeaker and VTX S25 cardioid-arrayable dual 15" subwoofer. Both products offer the same sonic clarity, high power density, and precise coverage as their predecessors (the V25, S28, and G28) but in more compact form factors, providing rental sound companies, event sound designers and system integrators even more flexibility when building live sound reinforcement systems.

"In its short history, the VTX Series has already proven to be the world's highest-performing line array system, as evidenced by its rapid worldwide adoption and deployment on some of the world's most successful tours and in some of the world's most prestigious venues, not to mention numerous industry awards," said Paul Bauman, associate director, tour sound, JBL Professional. "The new V20 and S25 deliver the same level of performance that is characteristic of the VTX Series while adding even more flexibility due to their compact form factors."

The VTX V20 loudspeaker features a true three-way system design with proprietary D2 dual-diaphragm, dual-voice coil compression driver and differential drive low frequency transducer technology along with patent-pending ultra-linear motor technology employed for midrange components. In keeping with the philosophy of the VTX Series, the VTX V20 has high-power density with each line array element featuring two 2261H 10" differential drive woofers, four 2164H 4" ultra-linear midrange transducers, and three of the new small-format D2415K dual drivers.

VTX V20 features three D2415K transducers -- a new small format version of the patented D2 dual-diaphragm, dual-voice coil annular (ring radiator) compression driver that delivers a dramatic increase in high frequency extension and sound pressure levels with significantly lower distortion, reduced power compression and lower weight combined with increased power handling, linearity, and dynamic headroom.

A new radiation boundary integrator (RBI) waveguide based on the same proven design principles that have been so successfully employed for both the VTX V25 and VerTec VT4886 subcompact line array elements, provides stable 110-degree horizontal coverage for V20, combined with perfect line source array coupling from 0 - 12.5 degrees in the vertical plane. The VTX V20 features a highly integrated, modular design with unique cast-aluminum baffle and HF waveguide construction that allows the enclosure to achieve the same tightly-packed power density as the V25 along with the added benefits of light weight, improved structural rigidity and enhanced heat dissipation.

VTX V20's new ASM suspension system was specifically designed for ease of transport and handling, speed of installation and versatile re-configurability. Fully captive, ergonomic flip hingebars work in conjunction with a rotary cam angle stop mechanism (ASM) to select inter-enclosure angles quickly and efficiently while the array is being deployed. The dual mode ASM suspension system facilitates operation in either compression mode (using a rear pullback motor or hand hoist to set inter-enclosure angles) or traditional fixed angle suspension mode (using quick release pins to secure angles between enclosures). During de-installation, ASMs can quickly be reset to zero degrees to configure enclosures into travel position for convenient landing onto vertical transporters that are specifically designed to have truck pack friendly dimensions.

A completely new array frame and extension bar design complements the V20 suspension system, providing a high degree of flexibility for either compression or tension mode suspension as well as tilt adjustment capability for stacked configurations. An additional adapter accessory is under development that will allow V20 to be suspended under V25 enclosures for downfill applications. The companion VTX S25 subwoofer uses a pair of the same 2,000W continuous, 15" differential drive transducers employed in the fullsize V25, ensuring the same sonic signature while allowing V20 and S25 arrays to be used for outfill, center cluster or delay system applications in conjunction with main left/right V25 arrays. The S25 is cardioid-arrayable, and can be suspended in the middle of V20 arrays to provide effective balcony/floor coverage and under-balcony penetration for theatrical sound design applications. Alternatively, S25 enclosures can be flown at the top of V20 arrays in either front-firing or cardioid mode to extend the low frequency length of the line array and provide improved low frequency pattern control and throw, similar to the manner in which S28 enclosures can be deployed at the top of V25 arrays. With its compact form factor, the S25 is also an ideal tool for drum monitoring and medium format front-of-house "subwoofer/satellite" use with VTX F Series enclosures or VerTec subcompact line arrays.

Bauman concludes, "NAMM was the public preview of V20 and S25 and we were excited to feature the system on the Grand Plaza main stage serving all live acts in front of the Anaheim Convention Center. We'll be conducting field testing throughout January and February with key development partners to further refine the V20 system in preparation for production availability in March 2014."