Thank you for purchasing JBL VTX Series products In more than 75 years of JBL innovations, the VTX Series stands apart as a milestone in the practical application of cre- ative engineering. VTX products herald the next generation in line array loudspeaker systems: a new era in performance, system integration and user friendliness.
STANDARD DESCRIPTION TEST AGENCY Applies to machinery and lays down essential 2006/42/EC health and safety requirements Tested at JBL Professional MACHINERY DIRECTIVE ISO12100 Applies to loudspeaker and lays down essential 2014/35/EC health and safety requirements. Tested at JBL Professional...
None of the information in this section should be used without first obtaining competent advice with respect to applicability to a given circumstance. None of the information presented herein is intended as a representation or warranty on the part of JBL. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.
VTX A8 | User Manual JBL is not responsible for the application of its products for any purpose or the misuse of this information for any purpose. Furthermore, JBL is not responsible for the abuse of its products caused by avoiding compliance with inspection and maintenance procedures or any other abuse.
VTX A8 | User Manual 4 - COMPA TIBLE ACCESSORIES All listed accessories are compatible with the VTX A8 and, in some cases, the VTX B18. For subwoofer specific accessories refer to the B18 User Manual and Rigging Manual found at www.jblpro.com. 4.1 VTX A8 AF - ARRA Y FRAME •...
TIP: For subwoofer-specific accessories, refer to the subwoofer user and rigging manuals found at www.JBLpro.com. CAUTION: Always use components and accessories specified and approved by JBL Professional . When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart to avoid injury from tip-over .
5.2 ARRA Y LINK Array Link is a mobile companion app that works in conjunction with LAC software to assist in deployment of VTX Series systems. Array Link uses a QR code system to transfer all mechanical ar- ray information from the main LAC application to a mobile phone.
6.1 VTX A8 The VTX A8 is a next-generation line array element that delivers JBL Professional’s flagship VTX A Series technology in a compact solu- tion for small to mid-size rental and installed applications. The VTX A8 was designed to solve the diverse sound reinforcement needs of production companies, rental houses, theaters, houses of worship, as well as production applications requiring front fills, side arrays or other auxiliary support for larger-scale VTX systems.
VTX B18 features JBL’s 2288H 18-inch woofer, engineered for improved linearity, increased sensitivity and extra-long excursion. The 2288H is based on JBL’s Differential Drive, dual voice coil, dual gap technology, which delivers better heat dissipation, lower power com- pression, and wider dynamic range than conventional single-coil designs. The B18 incorporates a patented Slip Stream™ double-flared exponential low frequency port design to improve airflow and reduce audible turbulence, even at maximum excursion.
7 - CONNECTIONS The JBL VTX A8 is equipped with two Neutrik NL4 speakON connectors. The NL4 connectors are wired in parallel and can be used as the system input or as a through connection for daisy-chaining multiple cabinets together. The NL4 connectors are installed upside down so that the locking pin position can be seen from under the array.
RMS limiting, and long-term thermal protection for the transducers. The I-Tech HD amplifiers also offer a user-adjustable input section for equalization, time alignment, and electronic delay steering. Standard JBL presets are available for both the Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD and I-Tech 12000HD. The most up-to-date presets are available for download from www.jblpro.com, and bundled in the latest version of Performance Manager control software.
VTX A8 | User Manual Standard NL8 cables can be used to connect VTX A8 cabinets to a Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifier using an NL8-to-two-NL4 break- out cable. Using this breakout cable, up to six VTX A8 cabinets can be connected to a four-channel amplifier using a single NL8 cable, saving cables and simplifying wiring.
VTX A8 | User Manual 8.3 USING A8 AND B18 WITH I-TECH 4X3500HD A8 and B18 products can be combined on a single I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifier. In this case, the amplifier has enough resources to power four B18 subwoofers and up to three A8 cabinets without compromising SPL or the long-term thermal capabilities of the amplifier. Channel Selection Switch Amplifier Channels...
When using Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers, up to two VTX B28 subwoofers can be powered per amplifier and the remaining chan- nels can be used to power a JBL full-range speaker, such as the VTX A8. The example below illustrates how to connect two VTX B28 cabinets and three VTX A8 to a four-channel I-Tech HD amplifier.
TIP: The VTX A8 presets provide a well-balanced tonal starting point for a given array size. The Array Size Compensation filter found in the JBL Line Array Control Panel (LACP) can be used to further fine-tune the tonal balance of an array for a...
VTX A8 | User Manual 10 - SUBWOOFER OPTIONS VTX A8 presets are designed for a 3:2 minimum cabinet ratio when used with the VTX B18, and a 3:1 ratio when used with dual 18-inch subwoofers like the VTX B28, G28 or VTX S28. The minimum recommended ratios provide sufficient headroom for both the subwoofers and the full-range cabinets to reach MAX SPL (limiters) at the same time, while maintaining a minimum of 10 dB SUB to full-range low frequency contour.
VTX A8 | User Manual 10.2 TIME ALIGNMENT The VTX A8 presets provide proper system summation with companion VTX subwoofers (all models) in physically coupled configura- tions (stacked or suspended), and when used with corresponding subwoofer presets. This pre-alignment is done at the factory, allowing any VTX subwoofer to be used with other VTX products without needing specific subwoofer presets for each system and configuration.
The LF response of any VTX line array system can be easily adjusted using the Array Size Compensation Filter in the JBL Line Array Control Panel. The Array Size Compensation Filter was specif- ically designed to compensate for LF/MF buildup with a single, adjustable parameter.
VTX A8 | User Manual 13 - LINE ARRA Y CONTROL PANEL The JBL Line Array Control Panel (LACP) was designed to tailor the tonal balance of a line array using the five included, adjust- able, DSP filters. Each filter serves a specific, intended purpose and accelerates the tuning process.
VTX A8 | User Manual 13.2 FIL TER 1 - ARRA Y SIZE COMPENSA TION Filter 1 is used to correct for LF/MF buildup when the array size or shape differs from that for which the factory preset was designed. LF adjustments should be applied to all cabinets within the array;...
VTX A8 | User Manual 13.6 EXAMPLE USING LACP This example is for an array of 12 VTX A8 cabinets. The standard A8 preset is used with the Array Size Compensation filter set to –3 dB to offset LF buildup and achieve a flatter frequency response. As seen from the illustration below, Array Size Compensation is globally applied to all array circuits.
VTX A8 | User Manual 14 - TESTING THE VTX A8 Speakers need to be periodically checked and maintained to assure long-term performance and reliability. While the VTX A8 is designed for the utmost reliability, it is important to confirm that the system is operating within specified tolerances to ensure optimal performance for years to come.
VTX A8 | User Manual 14.2 TESTING INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS Testing the individual sections of an A8 enclosure requires removing the input panel and bypassing the passive network. Remove the (10) T15 screws holding the panel, then slide the input panel out of the A8 enclosure. Once the panel has been removed, disconnect the Molex connector from the board as illustrated below.
VTX A8 | User Manual 14.3 USING PERFORMANCE MANAGER When in the field, the Test System Mode in the Performance Manager software can be used to test an A8 system. This test method is quick and especially useful for determining whether all speaker cables, including cabinet-to-cabinet NL jumpers, are properly function- ing.
JBL continually engages in research related to product improvement. Some materials, production methods and design refinements are introduced into existing products without notice as a routine expression of that philosophy. For this reason, any current JBL product may differ in some respect from its published description, but will always equal or exceed the original design specifications unless otherwise stated.
+1 (844) 776-4899 www.jblpro.com PROFESSIONAL CONT ACTS, OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.: Contact the JBL Professional distributor in your area. A complete list of JBL Professional international distributors is provided at our U.S.A. website: www.jblpro.com HARMAN Professional EMEA HARMAN Professional APAC...