Hello and welcome to the introductory video for the latest members of the VTX family
the VTX A8 compact line array and the VTX B18 subwoofer.
The A8 and B18 deliver JBL’s flagship VTX A Series technology in a compact solution for
small to mid-size rental and installed applications.
Despite its size, the A8 features a full 3-way design, housing 8 proprietary JBL transducers.
The low-frequency section includes two JBL Differential Drive 8 inch woofers
while the mid-frequency section includes four JBL 3 inch mid-frequency drivers that are
integrated into the high-frequency horn using JBL’s patented Radiation Boundary Integrator
improving horizontal directivity while keeping the overall size at a minimum.
The high frequency section consists of two 2” annular diaphragm compression drivers
the same drivers and waveguides used in the flagship VTX A12. This provides consistent and
predictable voicing across the A-series lineup.
Despite the 3-way design, a passive network is used between the mid and High-frequency
sections allowing A8s to be driven with just two amplifier channels.
Up to six A8s to be powered with a single 4-channel amplifier.
The A8 includes the same patented RED auto-locking rigging system as the A12, allowing for
for the preselecting of the cabinet angles while the system is still on the ground.
This is done simply by moving one pin to the chosen position. When the array is lifted,
the RED locking-mechanism automatically secures the array to the selected angles.
Designed to complement A8, is the all new VTX B18.
The B18 is JBL Professional's next generation, single 18” subwoofer and it is sonically
compatible with all A-series full-range products.
The B18 utilizes JBLs next-generation 18” Differential Drive woofer and patented
SlipStream double-flared ports. The new woofer dramatically increases linearity and dynamic
range while the slipstream ports keep port noise at a minimum.
Two NL-4 connections available on the front, and two on the back, allow for clean cabling
when deployed in a standard or cardioid configurations.
On the rear panel, A Pin 1/2 selection switch minimizes wiring requirements and allows for
easy selection of the desired amp channel from the NL-4 cable.
The rigging system on the VTX B18 is also simple and safe.
The captive, spring-loaded rigging bars allow for easy assembly, quick deployment and quiet
operation.
Up to 16 B18’s can be suspended together in a single array in traditional omnidirectional, or
cardioid configurations and because of the matched rigging with the a8, mixed ground
stacked or flown arrays are possible.
Developing your plans, and deploying your A8
system could not be any easier, with great tools like JBL’s Line Array Calculator,
the Array Link mobile app,
and Performance Manager. This suite of software tools is a tight ecosystem that
helps you from start-to finish.
Begin planning your system by calculating angles and predicting your coverage with
Line Array Calculator.
With a simple QR Code, Send the array information your field teams need to
their mobile devices for when-and-where they need it with
the Array Link mobile app for iOS and Android.
When you are on-site, Performance Manager will deploy your amplifier settings and presets
to your amplifiers, and put a world class-systems optimization and monitoring suite
at your fingertips.
All of this is available for every user of VTX products at no additional cost.
With JBL's suite of software solutions, designed from the ground up for the way modern​
live audio is done, you and your teams will find it's never been easier to get up and running
with JBL VTX systems.
A comprehensive set of JBL accessories like the array frame, suspension bar, mini-frame,
truss-clamp, base plate, vertical transporters and castor-board are available, allowing for
more configurations than ever before.
The team at JBL always strives for the best
acoustic performance but. great attention was
given to transportation efficiency and how
systems fit in a variety of international trucks.
The transportation cart for the A8 hold up to 4
A8s and perfectly fits into semis and box vans
across world. It's flat hard top allows for B18s or
other cargo to ride on top, eliminating valuable un-used space in the truck.
The next generation JBL VTX A8 and B18 line array systems pack a whole lot of innovative
features into a highly efficient, compact package. These new cabinets are a fantastic
addition to the A series line up and
set the standard going forward for arrays in their size.