Harman JBL Professional VTX Series User Manual
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Harman JBL Professional VTX Series User Manual

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VTX B15 | User Manual

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  • Page 1 VTX B15 | User Manual...
  • Page 2 VTX B15 | User Manual GENERAL INFORMATION VTX B15 User Manual Document Number: 1000364848 Version: A-EN Distribution Date: July 25, 2022 Copyright © 2022 by HARMAN International; all rights reserved JBL PROFESSIONAL 8500 Balboa Blvd Northridge, CA 91329...

  • Page 3: Line Array Calculator

    VTX products draw on multiple JBL patents in driver, waveguide, and suspension technology, as well as custom amplification, DSP, control, and system management designs created in collaboration with HARMAN Professional sister companies. VTX loudspeakers marry custom transducer design and in-house manufacture, breakthrough technologies, and a compre- hensive system approach to deliver a premium experience for all who come into contact with them from the FOH mixing engineer to the systems engineer, rigger, road crew, warehouse manager, and, of course, the audience.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    VTX B15 | User Manual T ABLE OF CONTENTS 1 - SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1.1 Safety Instructions .
  • Page 5 VTX B15 | User Manual 10.4 Flown Array Configurations ................25 10.5 Cardioid Presets in Performance Manager .

  • Page 6: Safety

    VTX B15 | User Manual 1 - SAFETY 1.1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not expose the product to direct rain or sea spray. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

  • Page 7: Are You New To Rigging

    VTX B15 | User Manual 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.

  • Page 8: Symbols

    VTX B15 | User Manual 1.7 SYMBOLS The following symbols are used in this document: CAUTION: This symbol gives notice of a potential risk of harm to the individual or the equipment. Instructions marked with this symbol must be strictly followed. TIP: This symbol gives notice of helpful, relevant information about the topic.

  • Page 9: System Components

    VTX B15 | User Manual 2 - SYSTEM COMPONENTS VTX B15 VTX B15G Menu/Exit Fault Thermal 1 2 3 4 Power Clip Prev Bridge 1/2 Bridge 3/4 Data DRIVECORE SERIES Signal Next Ready Fault Fault Thermal Thermal Power Bridge 1/2 Clip Clip Bridge 3/4...

  • Page 10: Compatible Accessories

    VTX B15 | User Manual 3 - COMPA TIBLE ACCESSORIES The accessories listed below are compatible with the VTX B15. For more detailed information about B15 accessories, refer to the VTX B15 Rigging Manual found at www.jblpro.com. VTX A6 MF | Mini Frame VTX A6 CM | Ceiling Mount VTX A6 SB | Suspension Bar VTX B1 GND | Ground Stack Accessory...

  • Page 11: Software

    VTX B15 | User Manual 4 - SOFTW ARE 4.1 LINE ARRA Y CALCULA TOR 3 LAC-3 is simulation software for designing and predicting VTX Series systems. LAC predicts the acoustical performance of line array systems, as well as flown and ground-stacked subwoofer ar- rays.

  • Page 12: Overview

    VTX B15 | User Manual 5 - OVERVIEW The VTX B15 Compact Arrayable 15-inch Subwoofer extends the low end performance of VTX full-range sound reinforcement systems, including the VTX A6 Subcompact Dual 6.5-inch Line Array Element. The B15 is a versatile solution for production companies, touring acts, rental houses, theaters, houses of worship, or anyone who demands superior sound reinforcement when space is at a premium.

  • Page 13: Connections

    VTX B15 | User Manual 6 - CONNECTIONS The B15 is equipped with four Neutrik NL4 speakON connectors, two on the rear and two on the front grill. All four connectors are wired in parallel and can be used interchangeably. The front connectors are typically used when B15s are in a cardioid mode, where some enclosures are pointed backwards.

  • Page 14: Transportation

    VTX B15 | User Manual 7 - TRANSPORT A TION The VTX B15 ACC accessory kit includes a front face caster board for a single B15 and a protective cover. The ACC is an efficient solution for easy transportation and maximizing truck packs. Because of their small footprint, B15 subwoofers can be stacked on top of other equipment packed in a truck.

  • Page 15: Caster Board Installation

    VTX B15 | User Manual 7.1 CASTER BOARD INST ALLA TION Two caster board tabs at the front of the B15 are used to secure the front face ACC caster board to the B15. The tabs are retractable and ship from the factory in the retracted position inside the B15. This orientation is ideal when B15s are used in an installation, where the tabs are not needed, but the tabs must be rotated to attach the caster board to the B15.

  • Page 16: Preset Library

    VTX B15 | User Manual 8 - PRESET LIBRARY The B15 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 Performance Manager control software. Au- dio Architect™...

  • Page 17: Amplification & Wiring

    VTX B15 | User Manual 9 - AMPLIFICA TION & WIRING The B15 subwoofer, like all other VTX systems, is powered exclusively by Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers, providing consistency and opti- mum performance anywhere in the world. All B15 processing is performed by the I-Tech HD’s internal processing, which includes the advanced LevelMax three-stage limiter suite, ensuring proper, reliable B15 operation under any conditions.
  • Page 18 VTX B15 | User Manual Alternatively, all six B15 subwoofers can be daisy chained together for easier cabling. In this scenario the A/B switch is used to designate three subwoofers to channel A of the amplifier and three subwoofers to channel B. The NL4 connector for channel A on the amplifier must be used In this configuration, as it carries both channel signals, while the channel B connector does not .

  • Page 19: Crown I-Tech 12000Hd (Cardioid)

    VTX B15 | User Manual 9.2 CROWN I-TECH 12000HD (CARDIOID) 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 three forward-facing or three rear-facing B15s can be used per amplifier channel.

  • Page 20: Crown I-Tech 4X3500Hd

    VTX B15 | User Manual 9.3 CROWN I-TECH 4X3500HD When using Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers, up to eight B15 subwoofers can be powered per amplifier (two per channel). The example below illustrates how to connect eight subwoofers to a four-channel I-Tech HD amplifier using standard NL4 cables. In the example below, four cabinets are connected to each NL4 output.

  • Page 21: Crown I-Tech 4X3500Hd (Cardioid)

    VTX B15 | User Manual 9.4 CROWN I-TECH 4X3500HD (CARDIOID) Cardioid configurations can be created using Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers. In this case, any one of the amplifier channels can be set for cardioid using Performance Manager. Each amplifier channel is capable of driving two B15 enclosures, and the channel selection switch at the back of the B15s can be used to assign B15 cabinets to the cardioid channels.

  • Page 22: Cardioid Configurations

    VTX B15 | User Manual 10 - CARDIOID CONFIGURA TIONS The directivity of a subwoofer is understood to be omnidirectional, meaning that it projects energy equally in all directions. In reality, most subwoofers do exhibit some front-to-back directivity (about 1 to 3 dB, depending on the frequency), but not enough to have any meaningful impact.

  • Page 23: Minimum Spacing

    VTX B15 | User Manual As previously discussed, subwoofers do exhibit some front-to-back directivity, resulting in 1 to 3 dB of natural rear rejection. This is taken into consideration in the factory presets, and is the reason 2:1 is the most effective ratio. A 1:1 ratio supplies less rejection than 2:1 or 3:1, and should be avoided whenever possible.

  • Page 24: Minimum Space From A Wall

    VTX B15 | User Manual 10.3 MINIMUM SPACE FROM A W ALL When cardioid subwoofer stacks are placed in front of a high-mass structure, like a concrete wall or stage, rear radiation patterns can be disrupted. Allow at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) of space behind the array for the cardioid effect to develop.

  • Page 25: Flown Array Configurations

    VTX B15 | User Manual 10.4 FLOWN ARRA Y CONFIGURA TIONS Subwoofers in flown cardioid arrays should be configured in 2:1 or 3:1 building blocks and, when possible, in arrangements that are symmetrical, top to bottom. Symmetry ensures that the pattern produced by the array is axially symmetric with the physical array, al- lowing more predictable coverage and aiming.

  • Page 26: Cardioid Presets In Performance Manager

    VTX B15 | User Manual 10.5 CARDIOID PRESETS IN PERFORMANCE MANAGER Performance Manager software allows selection of the appropriate factory preset for any subwoofer configuration. Each amplifier chan- nel can run its own preset, enabling implementation of the configuration and layout needed for each situation. STEPS: •...

  • Page 27: System Testing

    VTX B15 | User Manual 11 - SYSTEM TESTING As with all speakers, the B15 must be checked and maintained periodically in order to assure long-term performance. While the system is designed to exhibit the utmost reliability, ensuring optimal performance for years to come requires confirming that the B15 is operat- ing within specified tolerances.

  • Page 28: Using Performance Manager

    VTX B15 | User Manual 11.2 USING PERFORMANCE MANAGER When in the field, Performance Manager’s Test System Mode can be used to test VTX systems. This 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 capabilities to sense voltage and current draw, to generate a nominal load impedance reading for each amplifier output channel.

  • Page 29: Specifications

    VTX B15 | User Manual 12 - SPECIFICA TIONS 12.1 VTX B15 ACOUSTICAL Frequency Range 35 Hz-95 Hz (Preset: 80 Hz) (-10 dB) : 42 Hz-80 Hz (Preset: 80 Hz) (±3 dB) : Coverage Pattern Options Omnidirectional or Cardioid Maximum Peak Output² : 132 dB (Preset: 80 Hz) System Power Rating 1300 Watts Continuous (IEC/100 hour)

  • Page 30: Vtx B15G

    VTX B15 | User Manual 12.1 VTX B15G ACOUSTICAL Frequency Range 35 Hz-95 Hz (Preset: 80 Hz) (-10 dB) : 42 Hz-80 Hz (Preset: 80 Hz) (±3 dB) : Coverage Pattern Options Omnidirectional or Cardioid Maximum Peak Output² : 132 dB (Preset: 80 Hz) System Power Rating 1300 Watts Continuous (IEC/100 hour) System Type :...

  • Page 31: Acoustic Measurements

    VTX B15 | User Manual 13 - ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS FREQUENCY RESPONSE 1000 10000 20000 Frequency (Hz) VTX B15 80 VTX B15 60 14 - DIMENSIONS FRONT REAR 536 mm (21.1 in) TOP/BOTTOM LEFT/RIGHT 586 mm 446 mm (23.1 in) (18.3 in)

  • Page 32: Contact Information

    VTX B15 | User Manual 15 - CONT ACT INFORMA TION UNITED ST A TES OF AMERICA HARMAN Professional Solutions U .S .A . Technical Support 8500 Balboa Blvd. +1 (844) 776-4899 Northridge, CA 91329 HProTechSupportUSA@Harman.com www.jblpro.com +1 (844) 776-4899 www.jblpro.com...

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