JBL VT4889-1 User Manual

Fullsize Three-Way
High Directivity

VT4889-1

VERTEC® Series

Application:

The VT4889-1 Three-Way Line Array Element is
designed to deliver high-quality reinforcement
of music and speech in a variety of applications
including concert audio and corporate A/V
presentations of all types for both portable users
and fi xed venue installations.

Key Features:

䉴 Advanced construction techniques and JBL

PlyMax™ engineered wood materials provide
rigid, yet lightweight enclosure

䉴 Advanced technology components: Differential

Drive®, neodymium magnet, dual voice coil,
Direct Cooled™ cone transducers for low
weight and high output.

䉴 Industry’s smallest, lightest, most powerful 1.5˝

exit, 3˝ diaphragm high frequency compression
driver

䉴 Proprietary waveguides couple to create

precision HF vertical slot aperture

䉴 Radiation Boundary Integrator® (RBI): Patented

technology integrates output of individual
bandpass elements

䉴 Rugged DuraFlex™ exterior fi nish; weatherized

components

䉴 Integrated S.A.F.E.™ suspension system:

premium heat-treated alloys provide rigid,
reliable hanging arrays

䉴 Pre-engineered to accept optional amplifi ed

electronics package. Rear-panel mechanical
attachments and electrical connections ensure
upgrade path for DrivePack™ self-powered
system modules with integral signal processing

The above features come together in a line
array system with performance advantages
offering benefi ts for both portable system users
and fi xed-venue installations. The VT4889-1
combines time tested acoustical physics with
JBL’s innovative transducer research and design
in a premium-grade system package. JBL’s V
(Vertical Technology) builds on proven line array
theory as demonstrated in JBL’s line array systems
in the early 1970’s. The VT4889-1 is a rugged,
lightweight enclosure housing two 15˝ woofers,
four 8˝ midrange radiators, and three high
frequency compression drivers. Extremely high
power-to-weight ratio.

The PlyMax™ enclosure features foam-backed
low frequency grilles, dense protective foam
inserts for midrange apertures, and a fi ne steel
mesh grille to protect high-frequency apertures.
All speaker cones are treated with weather­resistant compounds. Rigging frames and hinge
bars are made from premium-grade chromoly
alloy steel, with epoxy powder coating over
plated surfaces; hinge pins are plated and quick­release pin restraining lanyards are stainless steel
to resist corrosion and weather damage. V
arrays are rigid for maximum support strength, yet
fl exible in design and application. The
VT4889-1’s
release pins and end-mounted metal frames to
couple adjacent VT4889-1’s together. Enclosure
ships with available front and rear hinge bar set
(VT4889-RIG). Available padded soft bag and
protective grille cover/wheel-board ensure handy
transport for rough road conditions (purchased
separately as VT4889-1-ACC).

suspension hardware relies on quick-

ERTEC

ERTEC

Line Array Element

Specifi cations:

Line Array Element

Frequency Range (-10 dB): 40 Hz - 18 kHz
Frequency Response (+/- 3 dB): 45 Hz - 16 kHz
Horizontal Coverage Angle (-6 dB): 90 degrees nominal (250 Hz - 16 kHz)
Vertical Coverage Angle (-6 dB): Varies with array size and confi guration
System Input Power Rating: LF: 2000 W Continuous, 8000 W Peak (AES / 2 hour)

Maximum Peak Output

Recommended Amplifi cation: LF: 2 x 1000 - 2000 W into 8 ohms (2 x LF transducers

Recommended Signal Processing: dbx

Transducer Sections

Low Frequency: Two 2255H, 380 mm (15 in) dia., 76 mm (3 in) dual coil,

Bandpass Nominal Impedance: 2 x 8 ohms (LF transducers wired individually)
Input Power Rating (each driver)

Bandpass Sensitivity: 99 dB, 1W / 1m (2.83 Vrms at 3.3 ft)
Mid Frequency: Four 2250H, 203 mm (8 in) dia., 76 mm (3 in) dual coil,

Bandpass Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (MF transducers wired in series parallel)
Input Power Rating

Bandpass Sensitivity: 102 dB, 1W / 1m (2.83 Vrms at 3.3 ft)
High Frequency: Three 2435H, 76 mm (3 in) diameter beryllium diaphragm,

Bandpass Nominal Impedance: 16 ohms (HF drivers wired in series)
Input Power Rating: 225 W Continuous, 900 W Peak (AES / 2 hour)
Bandpass Sensitivity: 116 dB, 1W / 1m (2.83 Vrms at 3.3 ft)

Enclosure

Box Construction: Wedge frustum 5 degree side angle enclosure. PlyMax™

Suspension System: S.A.F.E. hardware, integral hinge bars nest in rigging

Grille: Separate LF and HF, black perforated steel. LF grilles foam

Input Connectors: Neutrik

Dimensions (W x H x D): 1213 mm x 489 mm x 546 mm

Net Weight: 79.8 kg (176 lb)
Shipping Weight: 86.2 kg (190 lb)

1

Calculated maximum SPL based on rated peak power and measured sensitivity

2

AES Standard one decade pink noise with 6 dB crest factor within devices operational band, free air. Standard AES 2 hr rating

plus tong term 100 hr rating are specifi ed for cone transducers.

JBL continually engages in research related to product improvement. Some materials, production methods and design
refi nements are introduced into existing products without notice as a routine expression of that philosophy. For this
reason, any current JBL product may differ in some respect from its published description, but will always equal or
exceed the original design specifi cations unless otherwise stated.

MF: 1400 W Continuous, 5600 W Peak (AES / 2 hour)
HF: 225 W Continuous, 900 W Peak (AES / 2 hour)

1

: 138 to 146 dB SPL, 1m (frequency/bandpass dependent)

powered independently)
MF: 1400 - 2800 W into 8 ohms
HF: 450 - 900 W into 8 ohms

®

4800, Crown® I-Tech, BSS FDS-366T, and other

Digital System Controllers supported

®

Neodymium Differential Drive

2

: 2 x 1000 W Continuous, 2 x 4000 W Peak (AES / 2 hour)

2 x 650 W Continuous, 2 x 2600 W Peak (100 hour)

Neodymium Differential Drive

2

: 1400 W Continuous, 5600 W Peak (AES / 2 hour)

1200 W Continuous, 4800 W Peak (100 hour)

38 mm (1.5 in) throat diameter Neodymium compression
drivers

engineered wood composite structure, DuraFlex™ fi nish,
10 handles

frames on box ends. Quick release pins with restraining
lanyards. Set of 4 hinge bars included. Suspend with
VT4889-AF or VT4889-SF Array Frame.

backed

®

Speakon® NL-8 (2x) Pins 1+/- & 2+/- for Lows,

Pin 3+/- for Mids, Pin 4+/- for Highs

(47.8 in x 19.3 in x 21 in)

, Direct Cooled™

®

, Direct Cooled™

䉴 VT4889-1 Fullsize Three-Way High Directivity Line Array Element

360

100

Vertical

-6 dB Beamwidth (degrees)

10

Normalized Frequency Response
(Individual bandpasses with composite overlay)

360

20 100 1000 10000 20000

Vertical Beamwidth, Single Line Array Element

360

Frequency (Hz)

100

Horizontal

-6 dB Beamwidth (degrees)

10

20 100 1000 10000 20000

Frequency (Hz)

Horizontal Beamwidth, Single Element and Typical Array

VT4889-1 Acoustical Measurements

The acoustical performance of line array elements
must be considered within the context of a multi-box
vertical array, in which format they are designed to be
used. The frequency response measurement shows
individual bandpass responses with composite response
overlay. The Vertical Beamwidth results range from a
single box up to an 8-box array with 10° splay angles
between adjacent array elements.
All measurements provided herewith are derived
from data gathered with a calibrated measurement
microphone centered on-axis of the box or array,
with polar data points taken symmetrically around the
measurement axis.
All polars were taken as groundplane measurements
at a distance of 20 meters, with data gathered on
5-degree intervals from 0-355° using the MLSSA
measurement system.

100

Vertical

-6 dB Beamwidth (degrees)

10

20 100 1000 10000 20000

Frequency (Hz)

Vertical Beamwidth, Two Element Array
(10° splay between cabinets)

360

100

Vertical

-6 dB Beamwidth (degrees)

10

20 100 1000 10000 20000

Frequency (Hz)

Vertical Beamwidth, Four Element Array
(10° splay between cabinets)

360

100

1213 mm
(47.75 in)

546 mm
(21.5 in)

489 mm

(19.25 in)

403 mm

(15.88 in)

System Dimensions (WxHxD): 1213 mm x 489 mm x 546 mm

Including attached suspension hardware

Vertical

-6 dB Beamwidth (degrees)

10

20 100 1000 10000 20000

Frequency (Hz)

Vertical Beamwidth, Six Element Array
(10° splay between cabinets)

360

100

Vertical

-6 dB Beamwidth (degrees)

10

20 100 1000 10000 20000

Frequency (Hz)

Vertical Beamwidth, Eight Element Array
(10° splay between cabinets)

Horizontal 1/3 Octave Polars
(Single VT4889-1 Array Element)

Data taken as groundplane measurements at a distance
of 20 meters, gathered on 5-degree intervals from 0-355°
using the MLSSA measurement system.

䉴 VT4889-1 Fullsize Three-Way High Directivity Line Array Element

Vertical 1/3 Octave Polars
(Single VT4889-1 Array Element)

Data taken as groundplane measurements at a distance
of 20 meters, gathered on 5-degree intervals from 0-355°
using the MLSSA measurement system.

Vertical 1/3 Octave Polars
(8-Box Array of VT4889-1 Enclosures)

Data taken as groundplane measurements at a distance
of 20 meters, gathered on 5-degree intervals from 0-355°
using the MLSSA measurement system.

䉴 VT4889-1 Fullsize Three-Way High Directivity Line Array Element

VERTEC System Arrays

The VT4889-1 is an Articulating Line Array™ element designed for use in
vertically-oriented, multi-box systems. A nominal horizontal coverage pattern of 90°
is maintained, while setting the individual box angles allows the creation of arrays
with varying vertical coverage angles. Vertical coverage of an array is a function of the
number of boxes used and the splay angles chosen.
VT4889-1 enclosures can be suspended from the available VT4889-AF or
VT4889-SF array frames. Due to the use of JBL’s S.A.F.E. suspension hardware
system, rigid arrays can be constructed that can be tilted either upwards or
downwards at radical angles. Front hinge bars are tightly coupled, while rear hinge
bars are used to set angles from zero to ten degrees for adjacent enclosures.
No “gaps” appear on the array’s front baffl e due to trapezoidal box shape. No
“straps” are required on the rear of the array.

VT4889-AF (Array Frame)

This array suspension frame is crafted of 6061 heat-treated aluminum. It
includes 11 (eleven) attachment holes for shackles, each fi tted with bronze
bushings for long life. These holes are set on approx. 4” centers. Each
hole has an I.D. (inner diameter) of 1” (25.4 mm). Fitted with SAE Grade
8 bolts, 7075 Grade aluminum receiver blocks and steel quick release pins
with stainless steel restraining lanyards. The VT4889-AF can also be used to
groundstack up to 6 (six) enclosures. Weight: 100 lbs. (45 kg).

VT4889-SF (Short Frame)

This array suspension frame is crafted in similar fashion to the VT4889­AF. The VT4889-AF is primarily intended for use with smaller clusters or
distributed satellite arrays. Optional anchor for use on bottom of large
arrays. Can also be used to groundstack up to 4 enclosures. Weight: 52 lbs.
(24 kg).

VT4889-RIG

VT4889-RIG comprises a set of four separate hinge bars for the
VT4889-1, two each of the front hinge bar and two each of the longer rear
hinge bar. Crafted of premium-grade chromoly steel alloy with plated hinge
pins, ships with product. Extra set is advised for use when groundstacking
with the VT4889-AF or VT4889-SF. Weight: 9.5 lbs. (4.3 kg).

VT4889-1-ACC

The VT4889-1-ACC includes items necessary for the proper transport and
protection of one VT4889-1. The accessory kit includes: (1) VT4889-Dolly
and (1) VT4889-1-Cover.

Important Note: The VT4889-1-ACC is sold as a separate item. One kit
should be ordered with each VT4889-1 to ensure safe and reliable transport
of each system in portable use.

JBL Professional
8500 Balboa Boulevard, P. O. Box 2200
Northridge, CA 91329 USA

A Harman International Company

© Copyright 2007 JBL Professional

SSVT4889-1
CRP 5M
01/07