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JBL Professional Introduces the UK to its New VLA Series
Harman Pro UK used this year’s PLASA Show platform to introduce a new range of JBL Professional loudspeakers to the UK market.
The JBL VLA Series (Variable Line Array) is a revolutionary product providing high-impact sound reinforcement at throw distances beyond the reach of traditional loudspeaker design. The VLA Series is intended for use in large venues where there is a need for high sound pressure levels and precise pattern control to provide the best possible speech intelligibility.
In recent years, line arrays have become an attractive solution for touring bands thanks to their ability to provide precise vertical pattern control and very high sound pressure levels. With the new JBL VLA Series, JBL Professional has synthesized the vertical pattern control and high SPL capabilities of line array speakers such as the JBL VerTec and the effective horizontal pattern control and sensitivity of large waveguide-based loudspeakers such as the JBL Precision Directivity PD700 Series to create a series of loudspeakers that offer improved horizontal pattern control and increased power output capabilities.
To accomplish this, the JBL VLA Series array loudspeaker systems have two important features: narrower coverage waveguides, which improve the direct to reflected energy ratio in the venue, and increased driver density, which allows the arrays to maintain their spectral balance at very long distances.
The JBL VLA Series incorporates six models offering three horizontal coverage patterns in either standard or high-powered (H) versions. These include the VLA301 and the VLA301H, which offer 30° horizontal coverage; the VLA601 and VLA601H, which offer 60° horizontal coverage and the VLA901 and VLA901H, which offer 90° horizontal coverage. Standard versions of each loudspeaker are equipped with three HF drivers, two MF drivers and two LF drivers, while high-output versions are equipped with six HF drivers, four MF drivers and two LF drivers.
JBL is aiming its new VLA Series at permanent installations such as outdoor sporting facilities, arenas and large houses of worship where even coverage, intelligibility and levels capable of overcoming crowd noise are required. The modular design concept gives system designers the ability to build large line array systems for larger venue applications or to design smaller line array systems for use as distributed clusters in arenas, domed stadiums and larger performance spaces.
The JBL VLA Series is optionally available in WRC or WRX finishes for outdoor applications and incorporates components that have been designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making the VLA Series exceptionally tough and rugged.
Alongside the JBL VLA Series, JBL has also introduced the VLA Calculator software package that allows system designers and consultants to mechanically and acoustically model VLA arrays of various sizes and shapes in order to predict the most effective array configuration for any given venue.
The JBL VLA Calculator is the result of extensive acoustical measurements undertaken to confirm the predictive accuracy of the VLA Calculator and its modelling functions. The proprietary algorithms that calculate array performance and drive the graphic displays have been correlated with observed real-world performance characteristics of the products. Using this simple software, designers can specify and enter measurements for seating sections of the venue and visualise a desired JBL VLA system consisting of any combination of elements. The direct sound pressure level for each seating plane is then plotted for up to three frequency bands concurrently. The calculator also takes other factors into account, for example air temperature and air absorption.
“JBL Professional has developed the VLA Calculator with convenience for the system designer in mind,” said Ted Leamy, Vice President of Installed Sound, JBL Professional. “The ability to accurately determine optimal system configurations prior to installation translates to added value in terms of time and labour savings.”
JBL VLA Series arrays can also be modelled within EASE 4.1 using an available DLL plug-in. EASE DLL files, as well as individual product architectural files, are available for download from the JBL Professional website.
19th October 2006
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