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 B18 | 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 B18 | User Manual 3 - SYSTEM COMPONENTS VTX B18 Fault Menu/Exit Thermal 1 2 3 4 Power Bridge 1/2 Clip Prev Bridge 3/4 Data DRIVECORE SERIES Signal Next Ready Fault Fault Thermal Thermal Power Bridge 1/2 Clip Clip Bridge 3/4 Data Signal...
VTX B18 | User Manual 4 - COMPA TIBLE ACCESSORIES The accessories listed below are compatible with the VTX B18. For more detailed information about the B18 accessories refer to the VTX B18 Rigging manuals found at www.JBLpro.com. 4.1 VTX A8 AF - ARRA Y FRAME •...
TIP: For B18-specific accessories refer to the VTX B18 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.
VTX B18 | User Manual 6 - OVERVIEW The VTX B18 is JBL Professional’s next-generation single 18-inch subwoofer, designed to complement VTX full-range sound reinforce- ment systems. The VTX B18 features the 2288H 18-inch woofer, engineered for improved linearity, increased sensitivity and extra-long excursion.
VTX B18 | User Manual 7 - CONNECTIONS The VTX B18 is equipped with four Neutrik NL4 SpeakON connectors, two at the rear for the cabinet and two at the front grill. All four NL4 connectors are wired in parallel and can be used interchangeably. The NL4 connectors at the front of the B18 are typically used when B18s are setup in a cardioid configuration, when some of the enclosures are pointed backwards.
VTX B18 | User Manual 8 - TRANSPORT A TION OPTIONS There are two transportation options for the B18. One is the vertical transporter cart (VTX B18 VT) which allows for vertically transporting up to four B18 subwoofers. When stacked in blocks of two, three or four, B18 cabinets can be configured in either front-firing or cardioid mode (the CVR soft cover can cover stacks of two or three B18s).
VTX B18 | User Manual 8.1 ROT A TING THE DOLL Y T ABS - FOR USE WITH THE ACC DOLL Y There are two dolly tabs available at the front of the B18 that are used to secure the front face ACC dolly board to the B18. The tabs are retractable and ship from the factory oriented towards the inside of the B18.
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VTX B18 | User Manual STEPS: • Remove the four Phillips screws holding each bracket, reverse the orientation of the brackets and reinstall the Phillips screws • Reconnect the Molex connector and secure the grill TOOLS REQUIRED: A 4 mm HEX key is required to remove the four M6 screws holding the grill on the B18. A Phillips #2 screwdriver is required for removing the four Phillips screws holding the bracket.
The VTX B18 preset library includes 60 and 80 Hz operating modes along with cardioid presets for rear-facing subwoofer enclosures. VTX presets are exclusively developed for Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers and come bundled with JBL HiQnet® Performance Manager control software. Audio Architect presets are also available and can be downloaded from www.jblpro.com.
DSP is required. The Crown amplifiers include a user-adjustable input section for room correction equalization, array size com- pensation, and circuit adjustments. Standard JBL presets are available for both the Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD and Crown I-Tech 12000HD. The most up-to-date presets are available for download from www.jblpro.com...
Cardioid configurations can be created using Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers. In this case, any one of the amplifier channels can be set for cardioid using JBL Performance Manager software. Up to two forward-facing or two rear-facing B18s can be used per amplifier channel.
VTX B18 | User Manual 10.3 B18 USING I-TECH 4X3500HD When using Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers, up to four VTX B18 (one per circuit) subwoofers can be powered per amplifier. Based on the B18 component resource requirements, this allows for optimum power-to-transducer ratio without compromising the maximum SPL capabilities of the system.
10.5 CROWN V-RACK VTX series systems are compatible with the Crown V-Rack 12000HD and Crown V-Rack 4x3500HD touring racks. The number of sup- ported cabinets per amplifier and wiring options remain the same as the Crown I-Tech examples illustrated in this document. For more...
VTX B18 | User Manual 11 - CARDIOID CONFIGURA TIONS The directivity of a subwoofer is understood to be omnidirectional, meaning energy is produced equally in all directions. In reality, most subwoofers do exhibit some front-to-back directivity (about 1-3 dB, depending on the frequency) but not enough to have any meaning- ful impact.
VTX B18 | User Manual 11.1 GROUND ST ACKED CARDIOID CONFIGURA TIONS B18 subwoofers can be used in a variety of ground-stacked cardioid configurations, depending on available space and the number of cabinets. The main difference between these configurations is the front to back subwoofer ratio. A ratio of 1:1 indicates that there is one rear-facing subwoofer for every front-facing subwoofer, while a 3:1 ratio utilizes one rear-facing B18 for every three front-facing B18s.
VTX B18 | User Manual 11.2 MINIMUM SPACE BETWEEN CARDIOID ST ACKS When creating large subwoofer arrays using cardioid blocks of B18 subwoofers, some space should be allowed between the stacks to maximize rejection directly behind the array. Allow a minimum distance of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) between stacks. 11.3 MINIMUM SPACE FROM A W ALL When cardioid subwoofer stacks are placed in front of a solid structure like a concrete wall or solid stage, a minimum of 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) should be provided behind the array to allow the cardioid effect to develop.
11.4 CARDIOID VERSUS OMNI - SPL DIFFERENCES Cardioid stacks are not lossy. Using the proper JBL preset, rear-facing subwoofers not only reject sound at the back of an array they also contribute positively to the sound pressure at the front of the array, though not as much as an array in which all subwoofers face forward.
VTX B18 | User Manual 12 - FLOWN CARDIOID CONFIGURA TIONS B18 subwoofers can be suspended in cardioid configurations using VTX A8 suspension accessories like the VTX A8 AF Array Frame, the VTX A8 MF Mini Frame or the VTX A8 SB Suspension Bar. This chapter outlines best practices for using the B18 in flown cardioid configurations.
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VTX B18 | User Manual In some cases, non-symmetric arrays have to be used, especially when the arrays are arranged in blocks of four cabinets each. In these cases, the coverage produced is always biased towards one direction, but strategic selection of placement can help shape the cover- age to the specific need.
VTX B18 | User Manual 13 - CARDIOID PRESETS IN PERFORMANCE MANAGER Performance Manager can be used to select the appropriate factory preset for any subwoofer configuration. Using Performance Man- ager, cardioid presets can be freely selected on a per amplifier channel basis to match the required configuration and layout. STEPS: •...
VTX B18 | User Manual 13 - ELECTRONIC DELA Y STEERING (EDS) The longer a loudspeaker array is, the narrower the coverage it provides. When a large horizontal subwoofer array is used, its overall size can negatively impact its coverage. Electronic Delay Steering (EDS) is a technique used to electronically widen the coverage pattern of a subwoofer array into a virtual arc by applying a specific, precalculated delay value, based on the radius of the arc, to each subwoofer enclosure.
VTX B18 | User Manual 13.2 EDS EXAMPLE - WITH DELA YS The delay calculation function of LAC-3 can generate delay values for each B18 cluster that electronically “curve” the array to a pre- determined angle that “opens” its coverage wider. Delay values generated by LAC-3 for an opening angle of 60 degrees produce array coverage as shown in the SPL map below.
VTX B18 | User Manual 14 - TESTING VTX B18 Speakers need to be periodically checked and maintained in order to assure long-term performance and reliability, and the VTX B18 is no exception. While the system is designed for the utmost reliability, it is important to confirm that the system is operating within spec- ified tolerances to ensure optimal performance for years to come.
VTX B18 | User Manual 14.2 USING PERFORMANCE MANAGER When in the field, the Test System Mode in Performance Manager can be used to test an A8/B18 system. This test method is quick and especially useful for determining whether all speaker cables, including cabinet-to-cabinet NL jumpers, are properly functioning. To perform the test, Performance Manager uses the I-Tech HD’s built-in noise generator in conjunction with the amplifier’s current draw and voltage sensing capabilities to generate a nominal load impedance reading for each amplifier output channel.
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...