JBL Professional VTX V20
Adding to its VTX Series line arrays (V25, S28 and G28), Harman’s JBL Professional introduced the VTX V20 dual 10-inch line array loudspeaker and VTX S25 cardioid-arrayable dual 15-inch subwoofer at Winter NAMM 2014. Both products promise sonic clarity, high power density and precise coverage in compact form factors to offer greater flexibility to rental sound companies, event sound designers and system integrators when building live sound reinforcement systems.
The VTX V20 loudspeaker features a true 3-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. The VTX V20 has extremely high power density with each line array element featuring two 2261H 10-inch Differential Drive woofers, four 2164H 4-inch 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 increases pure 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 used 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 to 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.
JABL Professional states that it designed VTX V20’s new ASM Suspension System for ease of transport and handling, speed of installation and versatile re-configurability. Fully captive, ergonomic flip hinge bars 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 2000-Watt continuous, 15-inch 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.
Find more information about Harman’s JBL Professional VTX Series line arrays.
