JBL PROFESSIONAL EXPANDS VERTEC® SERIES WITH NEW POWERED AND PASSSIVE LINE ARRAY LOUDSPEAKERS

New compact powered three-way and subwoofer pair, along with a new dual 18" passive subwoofer, set new standards in power, performance and versatility.

Subwoofers feature new Ultra-Long Excursion transducer.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA, June 7, 2006 — Building on the worldwide success of the VERTEC® line array series, JBL Professional has expanded the product family with the introduction of the VT4887ADP, three-way line array element and the VT4881ADP powered subwoofer. These two new compact, powered models are designed to deliver high-quality sound reinforcement of music and speech in a variety of applications including concert audio, corporate A/V and theatrical presentations of all types.

The VERTEC® VT4881ADP powered subwoofer.

The VT4887ADP is a compact, powered lightweight three-way line array element housing two 8” woofers, four 4” midrange radiators, and two 1” exit high-frequency drivers. Designed in cooperation with Crown and dbx, the JBL DP2 DrivePack features 2200 watts peak (1100 watts continuous) output power and comprehensive digital signal processing, including patented high-efficiency Class-I power amplifier technology from Crown and onboard DSP functionality that communicates readiness and operational status and monitors fault detection of components and electronics.

The VERTEC® VT4887ADP three-way
line array element.

The VT4881ADP is a compact, lightweight vented subwoofer enclosure housing JBL’s exclusive new 2269G Ultra Long Excursion 18” woofer and a JBL DrivePack DP1 fully integrated power and DSP electronics package. Optimized for subwoofer applications, the DP1 provides 3,600 watts peak (1,800 watts continuous) output power. Including all onboard electronics, system weight is only 137 pounds.

The VT4887ADP and VT4881ADP both feature rigging hardware that relies on quick-release pins and end-mounted metal frames to couple adjacent units together in rigid but flexible arrays. The VT4887ADP’s suspension hardware features quick-release pins and end-mounted metal tubes to couple adjacent VT4887ADP’s together. The enclosure ships with an integral front and rear hinge bar set.

Further bolstering the VERTEC lineup, the new VT4880A is a full-size passive subwoofer system that also utilizes JBL’s model 2269 Ultra Long Excursion 18” transducer with 2000 watts continuous (AES) and 8000 watts peak power handling capacity. The VT4880A is designed to deliver high-fidelity sound reinforcement of sub-low frequencies for a wide variety of live music and A/V support applications. The versatile, centrally vented enclosure houses two 2269H 18” Ultra Long Excursion transducers. The enclosure features advanced construction techniques, replete with JBL PlyMax® engineered panels and a rugged DuraFlex™ exterior finish. The VT4880A has a frequency range of 25-160 Hz with a maximum peak output of 142 db, 1 m (2p, half-space, ground-based applications). The system weighs only 185 pounds, including supplied integral suspension hardware.

“The VERTEC DP Series, equipped with JBL DrivePack® Technology, is now providing the tour and special-events sound community with a powered option in the VT4887ADP and VT4881ADP models. Equipped with integral digital signal processing, these systems can improve performance consistency for many applications,” said David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Additionally, the VT4880A provides audio professionals with enhanced subwoofer capabilities in areas such as concert audio and multimedia presentations where extended low-frequency performance is desired.”

First field use of the VT4880A with the new Ultra Long Excursion 18” transducer was with ATK Audiotek of Burbank, CA. The world-renowned rental sound firm has already deployed a total of 48 VT4880A systems for numerous high-profile corporate productions, concerts and awards shows. Included in a diverse list of demanding special events have been Microsoft’s Global Briefing at the Georgia Dome, the 2006 Grammy Awards at Los Angeles’ Staples Center, and the 2006 Academy Awards at L.A.’s Kodak Theater.

“We’ve now deployed the new VT4880A subwoofers in a variety of circumstances. JBL’s new Ultra Long Excursion 18” component provides significant benefits for ultra low-frequency fidelity, and has proven to be 100% reliable in our professional applications,” noted Scott Harmala, CTO/VP Engineering for ATK Audiotek.

The VT4887ADP and VT4881ADP feature dbx input modules to implement crossovers, equalization, time alignment and protection for the attached speaker system. The standard DPIP input module features analog audio inputs and sophisticated onboard digital signal processing technology. Precision bandpass limiting, pre-equalization filters and automatic self-test functions ensure optimized performance.

In addition to all of the features included on the standard input module, the optional DPAN (DrivePack Analog) module adds 100 MB Ethernet networking functionality and HiQnet compatibility. Additionally, the optional DPCN (CobraNet™-compatible) input module offers the ability to direct up to 64 audio channels on one network, with digital audio and remote control and monitoring via Ethernet combined on a single cable.

These optional HiQnet™-compatible input modules enable JBL DrivePack systems to be remotely controlled and monitored using HiQnet System Architect™ software. A Windows-based application, System Architect software provides an intuitive, unified platform for system configuration and operation of not only JBL DrivePack-equipped systems, but any other HiQnet-compliant audio devices in the signal chain.

About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is the proud recipient of the 2005 Technical GRAMMY® award. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

About The Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

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