JBL VTX A8 User Manual

VTX A8 | User Manual

VTX A8 | User Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION

VTX A8 - User Manual Document Number: 1000337283 Version: C - EN

Distribution Date: December 23, 2020

Copyright © 2020 by HARMAN International; all rights reserved

JBL PROFESSIONAL

8500 Balboa Blvd

Northridge, CA 91329

USA

VTX A8 | User Manual

Thank you for purchasing JBL VTX Series products

In more than 75 years of JBL innovations, the VTX Series stands apart as a milestone in the practical application of creative engineering. VTX products herald the next generation in line array loudspeaker systems: a new era in performance, system integration and user friendliness. VTX products draw on multiple JBL patents in driver, waveguide, and suspension technology, as well as custom amplification, DSP, control, and system management designs created in collaboration with HARMAN Professional sister companies.

VTX loudspeakers marry custom transducer design and in-house manufacture, breakthrough technologies, and a comprehensive system approach to deliver a premium experience for all who come into contact with it, from the FOH mixing engineer to the systems engineer, rigger, road crew, warehouse manager, and, of course, the audience. Designed for operators of portable and fixed systems alike, the VTX Series features JBL’s legendary sound quality coupled with expert support and advanced tools that enable optimal specification, configuration, and operation of VTX systems in any venue, anywhere in the world. The VTX Series delivers a comprehensive solution: the finest sound quality available, plus efficient and intuitive setup, tuning, networking, and control.

VTX A8 | User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1	- DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY. . .				. . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .	. 6
2	- SAFETY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	. . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		7
	2.1	Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	. 7
	2.2	General Hardware Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	. 7
	2.3	Attachment to Structures. .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			.	7
	2.4	Important Safety Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	. 8
	2.5	Are You New to Rigging? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	. 8
	2.6	Inspection and Maintenance .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	8
	2.7	Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	. 9
3	- SYSTEM COMPONENTS . . . . . .		.	. . .	. . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .	10
4	- COMPATIBLE ACCESSORIES. . .		. .	. . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		11
	4.1	VTX A8 AF - Array Frame. .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 11
	4.2	VTX A8 AF EB - Array Frame Extension Bar . .				. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	11
	4.3	VTX A8 MF - Mini Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					. 11
	4.4	VTX A8 SB - Suspension Bar.		.	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	12
	4.5	VTX A8 VT - Vertical Transporter .			. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. 12
	4.6	VTX A8 VT CVR - Soft Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	12
	4.7	VTX A8 BP - Base Plate. .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .				.	12
	4.8	VTX RC500 - Rotating Clamp		. . .	. . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .	13
	4.9	VTX Delta - Delta Plate.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	13
5	- SOFTWARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. .	. . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		14
	5.1	Line Array Calculator 3 TM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	14
	5.2	Array Link TM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	14
	5.3	Performance Manager TM . .	.	. . .	. . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		14
6	- INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	. . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		15
	6.1	VTX A8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					. 15
	6.2	VTX B18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	16
7	- CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. . .	. . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .	17
	7.1	A8 Internal Wiring.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					.	18
	7.2	B18 Internal Wiring.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .						18
8	- SYSTEM AMPLIFICATION & WIRING.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .							19
	8.1	Using A8 With Crown I-Tech 4X3500HD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					. 19
	8.2	Using A8 With Crown I-Tech HD (2-CH). . . . . . .				. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		20
	8.3	Using A8 and B18 With I-Tech 4X3500HD.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .						21

VTX A8 | User Manual

	8.4	Using A8 and B28 With I-Tech 4X3500HD.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			22
	8.5	Crown V-Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 22
9 - VTX A8 PRESET LIBRARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		23
	9.1	VTX A8 Preset Modes and Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 23
	9.2	VTX B18/B28 Preset Modes and Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	23
10	- SUBWOOFER OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. 24
	10.1	SUB / LF Preset Options.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	24
	10.2	Time Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		25
11	- CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. 26
	11.1	Small A8 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	26
	11.2	Medium A8 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	26
	11.3	Large A8 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	27
	11.4	Large A8 and A12 System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 27
12	- FREQUENCY RESPONSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. 28
13	- LINE ARRAY CONTROL PANEL . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. 29
	13.1	Accessing LACP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		29
	13.2	Filter 1 - Array Size Compensation . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	30
	13.3	Filter 2 - Atmospheric Absorption Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 30
	13.4	Filter 3 - HF Throw Distance Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 30
	13.5	Filters 4 & 5 - User PEQ 1 & 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	30
	13.6	Example using LACP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 31
14	- TESTING THE VTX A8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. 32
	14.1	Using a DMM (Digital Multi Meter). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 32
	14.2	Testing Individual components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 33
	14.3	Using Performance Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 34
	13.4	Performance Manager Readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	34
15	- SPECIFICATIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		35
16	- ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. 36
17	- DIMENSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. 36
18	- CONTACT INFORMATION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		37

VTX A8 | User Manual

1 - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

BRAND: JBL Professional

FAMILY NAME: VTX A8 loudspeaker and suspension accessories

MODEL NAMES:
•	VTX A8	•	VTX RC500
•	VTX A8 AF	•	VTX A8 VT

•VTX A8 AF EB

•VTX A8 MF

•VTX A8 SB

•VTX A8 BP

We, HARMAN International, declare under our sole responsibility that the product, to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following standards:

	STANDARD	DESCRIPTION	TEST AGENCY
	2006/42/EC	Applies to machinery and lays down essential
		health and safety requirements	Tested at JBL Professional
	MACHINERY DIRECTIVE
		ISO12100
	2014/35/EC	Applies to loudspeaker and lays down essential
		health and safety requirements.	Tested at JBL Professional
	LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE
		EN60065

Frank Lacelle

Compliance Manager - Harman International

VTX A8 | User Manual

2 - SAFETY

2.1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1.Read these instructions.

2.Keep these instructions.

3.Heed all warnings.

4.Follow all instructions.

5.Do not expose the product to direct rain or sea spray.

6.Clean only with a dry cloth.

7.Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

8.Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

9.Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

10.Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, or if the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

11.Contact JBL Professional for advanced servicing issues.

12.CAUTION - DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO.

13.Prolonged exposure to excessive SPL can cause hearing damage. The loudspeaker is easily capable of generating sound pressure levels (SPL) sufficient to cause permanent hearing damage to performers, production crew, and audience members. Caution should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to SPL in excess of 90 dB.

14.Read the System Rigging Manual before installation and use of the product.

2.2 GENERAL HARDWARE INFORMATION

Any hardware used in an overhead suspension application must be load rated for the intended use. Generally, this type of hardware is available from rigging supply houses, industrial supply catalogs, and specialized rigging distributors. Local hardware stores do not usually stock these products. Compliant hardware will be referenced with a working load limit (WLL) and a traceability code.

2.3 ATTACHMENT TO STRUCTURES

A licensed Professional Engineer must approve the placement and method of attachment to the structure prior to the installation of any overhead object. The following performance standards should be provided to the Professional Engineer for design purposes: Uniform Building Code as applicable, Municipal Building Code as applicable, and Seismic Code as applicable. The installation of the hardware and method of attachment must be carried out in the manner specified by the Professional Engineer. Improper installation may result in damage, injury, or death.

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VTX A8 | User Manual

2.4 IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

The information in this section has been assembled from recognized engineering data and is intended for informational purposes only. None of the information in this section should be used without first obtaining competent advice with respect to applicability to a given circumstance. None of the information presented herein is intended as a representation or warranty on the part of JBL. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.

All information presented herein is based upon materials and practices common to North America and may not directly apply to other countries because of differing material dimensions, specifications, and/or local regulations. Users in other countries should consult with appropriate engineering and regulatory authorities for specific guidelines.

Correct use of all included hardware is required for secure system suspension. Careful calculations should always be performed to ensure that all components are used within their working load limits before the array is suspended. Never exceed the maximum recommended load ratings.

Before suspending any speaker system, always inspect all components (enclosure, rigging frames, pins, eyebolts, track fittings, etc.) for cracks, deformations, corrosion, or missing/loose/damaged parts that could reduce strength and safety of the array. Do not suspend the speaker until the proper corrective action has been taken. Use only load-rated hardware when suspending JBL suspendable loudspeaker models.

2.5 ARE YOU NEW TO RIGGING?

If you are new to rigging, you should:

•Know the rules for safe rigging.

•Attend a safe rigging seminar.

•Meet and establish a relationship with a licensed mechanical or structural engineer. Get in the habit of asking them questions instead of assuming their answers. Learn from what they tell you.

•Research and understand the codes, practices and requirements of the venues where you intend to operate your sound system.

2.6INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Suspension systems are comprised of mechanical devices and, as such, require regular inspection and routine maintenance to ensure proper functionality. Before suspending or pole mounting any speaker system, always inspect all components (enclosure, suspension frames or brackets, pins, eyebolts, etc.) for cracks, deformations, corrosion, or missing/loose/damaged parts that could reduce strength and safety of the array. Do not suspend or pole mount a speaker until the proper corrective action has been taken.

Installed systems should be inspected at least once a year. The inspection must include a visual survey of all corners and load-bearing surfaces for signs of cracking, water damage, delamination, or any other condition that may decrease the strength of the loudspeaker enclosure.

Accessory suspension hardware provided with or for VTX systems must be inspected for fatigue at least once a year or as required by local ordinance. The inspection must include a visual survey of the material for signs of corrosion, bending, or any other condition that may decrease the strength of the fastener. Additionally, any eyebolts must be checked for possible spin-out of the enclosure.

For all other hardware and fittings, refer to the hardware manufacturer’s inspection and maintenance guidelines for process..

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VTX A8 | User Manual

JBL is not responsible for the application of its products for any purpose or the misuse of this information for any purpose. Furthermore, JBL is not responsible for the abuse of its products caused by avoiding compliance with inspection and maintenance procedures or any other abuse.

Prior to suspending the system, an expert, trained and experienced in suspending speaker systems, should inspect all parts and components.

2.7 SYMBOLS

The following symbols are used in this document:

CAUTION: This symbol gives notice of a potential risk of harm to the individual or the equipment. Instruction marked with this symbol must be strictly followed.

TIP: This symbol gives notice of helpful, relevant information about the topic.

INSTRUCTIONS: This symbol gives notice of instructions that must be followed for proper installation and use of the product.

TOOLS REQUIRED: This symbol gives notice of tools that must be used for proper installation and use of the product.

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VTX A8 | User Manual

3 - SYSTEM COMPONENTS

VTX A8

VTX B28

Fault				Menu/Exit
Thermal						Power
1	2	3	4
Clip				Prev		Bridge 1/2
-10						Bridge 3/4
-20					DRIVECORE SERIES	Data
Signal				Next
Ready

Fault	1			2	Fault
Thermal					Thermal	Power
	1				2	Bridge 1/2
Clip					Clip
-10					-10	Bridge 3/4
-20		Menu/Exit	Prev	Next	-20	Data
Signal					Signal
Ready					Ready

Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers

VTX B18

Crown Audio V-Rack

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VTX A8 | User Manual

4 - COMPATIBLE ACCESSORIES

All listed accessories are compatible with the VTX A8 and, in some cases, the VTX B18. For subwoofer specific accessories refer to the

B18 User Manual and Rigging Manual found at www.jblpro.com.

4.1 VTX A8 AF - ARRAY FRAME

•Compatible with VTX A8 and VTX B18

•Maximum Limit: (24) VTX A8 / (13) VTX B18

•0.5 degree pick-point resolution

•Built-in storage position for extension bar

•Includes (1) VTX A8 AF EB extension bar

•Support for third-party laser inclinometers

•Compatible shackle size: 5/8 in

4.2VTX A8 AF EB - ARRAY FRAME EXTENSION BAR

•Extension Bar for use with VTX A8 AF

•Single, front-to-back or side-by-side pick point options

•Includes (3) shackles and mounting brackets

•Compatible shackle size: 5/8 in

4.3VTX A8 MF - MINI FRAME

•Compatible with VTX A8 and VTX B18

• Maximum Limit: (10) VTX A8 / (4) VTX B18

• Single-point and side-by-side pick-point options

• Three-part collapsible design

•Compatible shackle size: 1/2 in

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VTX A8 | User Manual

4.4 VTX A8 SB - SUSPENSION BAR

•Compatible with VTX A8 and VTX B18

•Maximum Limit: (24) VTX A8 / (16) VTX B18

•Used for pull-back applications

•Shackle Size: 5/8 in

4.5VTX A8 VT - VERTICAL TRANSPORTER

•Vertical transport cart for (4) VTX A8 enclosures

•Truck-friendly dimensions

•Includes a hard top (VT-TOP)

•Built-in stacking features for easy storage

•Heavy-duty casters

4.6VTX A8 VT CVR - SOFT COVER

•Heavy-duty soft cover for VTX A8 enclosures

•Covers four VTX A8 enclosures on a VTX A8 VT

•Includes input panel flaps for testing purposes

•Clear see-through pocket for shipping labels

•Handle cutouts for easy transportation

•Folds and stores in the VTX A8 VT

4.7VTX A8 BP - BASE PLATE

•Used for ground stacking VTX A8

•Maximum Limit: (8) VTX A8 cabinets

•Connects VTX A8 cabinets to subwoofers

•Universal M20 attachment method

•Tilt range: -15 degrees to +5 degrees

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