JBL VTX M: Stage monitors for demanding, high-power applications

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

The Tour Audio division of JBL Professional has unveiled the premium line of VTX M stage monitors, 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 double diaphragm and new high-frequency waveguides (Image Control Waveguide) to provide optimal control and gain prior to feedback.

The VTX M20 features dual woofers of 10 and a D2 compression engine 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 monitors specific to JBL's VTX product family, for Touring. By working with some of the best monitor technicians in the industry, We concluded that we needed to meet their needs and fill the gaps in other monitoring solutions. To achieve our goals, we mix 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 high-power applications.", comments George Georgallis, Product Manager, Tour Sound Amps, Speakers and DSP.

The M-series high-frequency section uses the D2430 3-inch dual compression driver”, which is the same as the VTX V25-II large-format line array models. The D2 transducer is coupled to a new high-frequency waveguide and 60 coverage×60 Degrees, which has a shape specifically tailored 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 feature dual 3-coil coils″, which is more than twice the area of the coil than traditional designs.

One of the best features of this design is its surprisingly low weight, making the M-series one of the lightest in its class, 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 for both dual-channel modes of operation (Biamplified) as the only (passive), that can be configured in the easy-to-access switch 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, M Series Distributes Box Preset Responsibilities Between Amplifier DSP and 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 the high-pass and low-pass filters. The combination of internal and external processing recreates a bi-amplified speaker preset, but using only one amplification channel. Frequency, Phase response and maximum output power is identical in both bi-amplified and passive modes.

Like all other JBL VTX products, M Series is exclusively powered by Crown Itech HD DSP-based 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 independent monitor mixes), creating a compact monitoring system.