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JBL Professional VTX Series Launch

JBL VTX: MadisonAV Elevates the Pro Touring Market in Australia

Covered by Chris Holder at Audio Technology

The VTX series from JBL Professional has been making waves internationally, gaining acclaim for its detailed and balanced sound, in stark contrast to the older VerTec series. While VTX has already secured a strong presence at festivals, tours, and top-tier installations worldwide, its entry into the Australian market has faced challenges. 

Australia, with its smaller market dominated by a few select PA rental names, has been somewhat of a hold-out for VTX. However, MadisonAV, a key player in the commercial AV and installation market, is changing the game. Despite having no previous exposure to the concert touring market, MadisonAV has staged one of the best pro audio product launches ever experienced in Australia. 

MadisonAV has invested heavily in demo stock and appointed Peter Kubow as the product specialist to connect with the rental market. VTX is already being specified in significant audio installation projects in the region, demonstrating its suitability for performing arts centres, exhibition centres, houses of worship, and more. 

The Harman Asia Pacific team and MadisonAV took over The Star Event Centre to introduce VTX to over 100 Australian audio and AV heavy hitters. The event featured listening tests and a live band, showcasing the impressive capabilities of the VTX series. 

The VTX Family

The VTX series comprises:

  • A Series (array loudspeakers): A12, A8, A6
  • B Series (‘bass’): B28, B18, B15
  • M Series (stage monitors)
  • F Series (fill speakers)

Supported by Crown I-Tech amps, the VTX range includes advanced software tools like Line Array Calculator, Performance Monitor, and Array Link, ensuring precise tuning, control, and configuration.

Innovative Design and Technology

VTX represents the pinnacle of JBL Pro’s latest transducer and loudspeaker design technology. A standout feature is the high-frequency (HF) drive unit, which significantly differentiates VTX from previous JBL line arrays. The HF unit, developed from scratch, includes a waveguide built into the unit and a composite diaphragm material that eliminates the harshness characteristic of metallic designs.

JBL has the luxury of being a transducer manufacturer and was able to develop a brand new HF unit from scratch. And the first thing you notice is the waveguide is built into the HF unit — it’s all one assembly. 


Differential Drive


Not a new tech (first devised for the Eon woofer back in the ’90s) but refined for VTX. Differential Drive uses two voice coils and two neodymium magnets, with all the parts inside the voice coil not outside it. JBL asserts that this results in better heat dissipation and hence lower power compression. The dual voice coil approach (with the two voice coils wound the opposite way) means the magnets are used to control the motion of the cone (pushing and pulling independently).



Crown Package

A Series ships as a complete solution. All of the VTX products are powered by Crown I-Tech amplifiers — resulting in extra predictability of performance and consistency. There’s good amplifier-to-loudspeaker density. For example, up to 16 x A6 on a single four-channel amp or 6 x A8, or 3 x A12 per amp.

The Future for VTX


The key challenge remains VTX’s appeal to mid- to larger-sized PA rental companies. While a VTX package offers excellent value and performance, it competes against established European brands. However, with MadisonAV’s solid local support and the system’s undeniable performance and versatility, VTX is poised to make a significant impact in Australia. 

"The VTX performance and versatility can't be questioned. It's a comprehensive, solid system with equally solid local support behind it"



View ProducT SPECIFICATIONS


Learn More about the JBL VTX A Series


For more information on the VTX series and its applications, contact Peter Kubow, Category & Market Specialist, Performance Audio Solutions, at proaudio@madisonav.com.au or using the form below

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