JBL VTX M: stage monitors for demanding, maximum-power applications

Integrated by VTX M20 and VTX M22 models, this line incorporates the neodymium Differential Drive woofers, D2 high-frequency transducers with dual diaphragm and new high-frequency waveguide (Image Control Waveguide) to offer optimal control and gain before feedback.

The Tour Audio division of JBL Professional has unveiled the premium line of stage monitors VTX M, designed for the most demanding applications.

With an elegant design, this series, composed of the VTX M20 and VTX M22 models, incorporates Differential Drive neodymium woofers, D2 high-frequency transducers with dual diaphragm and new high-frequency waveguide (Image Control Waveguide) to offer optimal control and gain before feedback.

The VTX M20 features dual woofers from 10 inches and a D2 compression motor of 3 Inch, while the VTX M22 has the same compression engine and dual woofers of 12 Inch. Both models are available in Spain and Portugal from the hand of Earpro.

“The M Series is the first line of stage-specific monitors in JBL's VTX product family, for Touring. Working with some of the best monitor technicians in the industry, we came to the conclusion that we had to meet their needs and fill the gaps of other monitoring solutions. To achieve our goals, we blended the best of JBL technology with new components that were developed from the ground up specifically for these monitors. As a result, these premium stage monitors are ready for the most demanding and maximum power applications", comments George Georgallis, Product Manager, Tour Sound Amps, Speakers and DSP.

The high frequency section of the M series uses the D2430 dual compression motor of 3”, which is the same as the large format line array models VTX V25-II. The D2 transducer is coupled to a new high frequency waveguide and coverage of 60×60 Degrees, which has a shape specifically adapted for this series and for stage monitoring applications.

This waveguide is based on JBL's Image Control Waveguide technology, originally developed for JBL M2 studio monitors. Coupled to the D2 transducer, offers a very consistent coverage pattern, allowing the M series to achieve excellent gain before feedback.

VTX M series woofers use neodymium Differential Drive technology, allowing excellent heat dissipation, low distortion and very high power. They have dual coils of 3″, which is more than twice the area of the coil than traditional designs.

One of the best features of this design is its surprising low weight., which makes the M series one of the lightest in its category, with half the weight of many references of other brands. The two woofers are supported by a bass-reflex enclosure with a large low-frequency port, that allows the system to reproduce low frequencies of up to 50 Hz with minimal noise and turbulence.

The M series allows both dual-channel operating modes (biamplified) as unique (passive), that can be configured in the easily accessible switches section. This reduces the cost per mix, allowing the M series to be the ideal solution for a much larger audience.

When single channel mode is selected (passive), an internal passive network is activated that allows amplification with a single amplification channel, reducing total amplification requirements. Unlike typical passive monitors, the M series divides the responsibilities of the box preset between the amplifier DSP and the internal passive network.

The external DSP is responsible for correcting the frequency response, linearization of phase response and component protection, while the internal network is only responsible for high-pass and low-pass filters. The combination of the internal and external process recreates a bi-amplified loudspeaker preset, but using only one amplification channel. Frequency, phase response and maximum output power is identical in both bi-amplified and passive mode.

Like all other JBL VTX products, M series is exclusively powered by DSP-based Crown Itech HD stages, allowing optimal operation and consistency. In single channel mode, a single Crown 4x3500HD amplifier can power up to 8 M Series Monitors (in four separate monitor mixes), creating a compact monitoring system.

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