Harman Professional Solutions Extends the JBL VTX A12 Family with New VTX A12W Loudspeaker

Harman Professional Solutions introduces the JBL Professional VTX A12W line array loudspeaker.

Featuring a 120° dispersion pattern for wide horizontal coverage, the VTX A12W expands the VTX A Series family and enables live sound professionals to achieve balanced coverage in any live sound application. Whether used in conjunction with the VTX A12 or by itself in its own configuration, the VTX A12W provides tour sound companies, theaters, houses of worship, and live performance venues with additional flexibility to deliver unmatched performance and coverage, the company says.

"When we developed the VTX A Series, our goal was to create a line array system that would meet the most important needs of live sound professionals across our entire industry -- from mid to large-size touring productions and high-end fixed installations," says George Georgallis, solutions manager, tour audio and performing arts, Harman Professional Solutions. "The VTX A12W extends the promise of the VTX A Series by providing live sound professionals with even more versatility for applications requiring wide and balanced coverage."

The VTX A12W features a 120° dispersion pattern for applications where wide coverage is required. When used in the lower part of a line array in combination with VTX A12, the VTX A12W provides a wider pattern that helps balance coverage closer to the audience. Every component inside the VTX A12W loudspeaker leverages the advances introduced in the VTX A12 for linear performance, high output, and consistent coverage. And like the VTX A12, the completely redesigned low-, mid-, and high-frequency sections deliver the highest output per weight and improved low-frequency extension, the company says, but now with 120° directivity down to 250Hz.

VTX A Series' new high-frequency (HF) section features three uniquely designed drivers that combine the HF phasing-plug and waveguide into one part, which helps provide better tolerances and increased sensitivity, while reducing distortion and overall weight. Improving upon the patented JBL Radiation Boundary Integrator (RBI), the all-new RBI found in A Series loudspeakers combines four 5.5" mid-frequency drivers into the high-frequency waveguide -- providing a smooth horn surface for the high-frequency section. A lightweight 12" neodymium low-frequency woofer (LF) features a 4th-generation Differential Drive design, with a new dual-voice coil, dual-magnet arrangement introduced with the VTX A12, which increases linear excursion, power handling and sensitivity.

To facilitate quicker deployment, array elements are stacked four per vertical transporter (VT) cart in a 10° collapsed position. A patented internal locking mechanism makes it easy to set arrays from 0.25° to 10° using selector pins. Once the system is suspended, the mechanism automatically locks the cabinet angles at the designated positions. And both the VTX A12 and A12W feature a new full-face grill design that reduces the number of exposed components and protects the loudspeaker from extreme weather and road conditions. The enclosed grill helps the system achieve a higher Ingress Protection rating (IP55), and can be finished in a variety of colors to suit fixed install applications.

JBL VTX A12W will be available in December 2017.