Pick Of The Hits: JBLs All New EON 500 Series - BPM Magazine

JBLs All New EON 500 Series

By Dave Mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifac

BPM Magazine

If youre a seasoned sound guy youll know the JBL EON series of speakers. JBL have all but owned the portable PA market having dominated with this range for some 14 years as the best selling powered speakers in professional audio history.
Needless to say, this next generation is bound to be a big talking point amongst enthusiasts and professionals alike, specifically in terms of affordability and whether they have managed to maintain that competitive edge that has made them the number one choice for so many applications. I asked a few sound pros what they had thought made the EON series so dominant for so many years and notwithstanding a host of varied opinions (as sound pros will always have when talking about their biggest passion), the general consensus was that these speakers have always been genuine work-horses and very versatile.

There are three speakers in the new range, namely the EON 510, 515 and 518S. As is the standard these days, the model number denotes the woofer size as in 10 inch, 15 inch and 18 inch for the sub. This is portable PA and JBL certainly deliver with the 510 weighing in at a light 7.7 kilograms and the 515 under 15 kilos.
I spent a weekend with a pair of 515s and had a fine time putting them through their paces. The first thing that struck me was that they are incredibly light. On paper 15 kilos may or may not sound like anything but when the substantial box was standing in front of me and I picked it up for the first time, I was genuinely taken aback at how nice and light they actually are. They also come with dual soft-gripped handles on each side as well as one on top so the bane of all portable PA has been eased somewhat with these easy to carry, lightweight units.

It's amazing to think that theyre also fully powered with Crown Class D amplifiers too. This lightness can be attributed to JBLs 15-inch Differential Drive woofer, a compact high-performance compression driver with a 1-inch exit and neodymium motor on a 100 x 60 wave guide. Make sense? Basically its advanced technology speakers use the high performance neodymium material instead of the older ferrite magnets to give you the same if not better delivery in a way more compact, lighter design.

Aesthetically the new 515s are pretty smart too. The deep-welled full size handles integrate beautifully into the moulded composite enclosures, with an austere full metal front grill that has a protective backing fitted intent on handling the rigours of life on the road. Below the front grill is the familiar JBL logo which illuminates when powered on, although thoughtfully this illumination can be switched off at the back of the speaker with a nifty indented button. Its subtle things like these that best illustrate the thoughtfulness that has gone into this next generation EON series. Underneath you will find a 36 mm pole socket with stabilizing screw for mounting although the design allows them to be placed on their sides for floor monitoring too.

Other features include a sort of on-board mini-mixer with loop-thru or mix-out capability and selectable EQ in the form of a loudness type control with the ability to roll off the low frequency for maximum performance with a subwoofer or when used as a floor monitor. Likewise this EQ knob can also be used to boost the bass for low volume applications such as small bars or restaurants etc. Line-in comes in the form of an XLR/ quarter-inch combo connector and two additional quarter-inch jacks providing input flexibility and the ability to mix multiple sources. Each loudspeaker features one XLR output where the output signal is selectable, either the whole mix may be looped to another speaker (or sent to a mixing console), or simply the primary input for traditional daisy-chaining. Interestingly the Mic/Line, Mix/Loop and Logo On/off buttons are all indented requiring a pen point or something similar to press them in, assumingly to avoid these being bumped into the wrong position. Powered by a Crown Class-D the 515 will deliver 450 watts of continuous power with a peak at 900 and the cabinet boasts frequency range of 39 Hz - 20 kHz with the EQ in 'Flat' position. The crossover frequency is at 2.2 KHz.

And so; features aside, portability aside, versatility aside, lets get to the million dollar question... How do they sound? For my money these must be the most well-rounded, pleasantly sounding loudspeakers JBL have made to date. Putting them through their paces of techno, loud rock, acoustic and vocal music, as well as for voice-over PA, I would be hard pressed to find fault with them. With hardly a hint of top end harshness or bottom end rumble, it seems that JBL will continue their dominance in the portable powered PA category with this next generation of the EON series.

►

JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays Specified For High-Profile Tours And Special Events Worldwide

Highlighting the global acceptance and demand for loudspeakers from JBL Professional, rental companies servicing numerous major tours and events around the world relied upon VERTEC® line array systems in 2008. Whether it was AVPG in Texas meeting the demanding special-benefit concert sound needs of award-winning country songstress LeAnn Rimes with their new compact powered VT4887ADP/VT4881ADP rig, Sound Media Fusion deploying mid-size VT4888DP-AN powered line arrays for the 2008 Summer Olympics in
China in the Beijing National (“Bird’s Nest”) Stadium, Sound.com of India adding new VT4888 line array elements to its VERTEC inventory to service a “Bollywood” extravaganza at the world’s largest film studio complex in Hyderabad, AdLib Audio fielding VT4880A Ultra Long Excursion arrayable subwoofers for the U.K. tour by German rock legends The Scorpions, or Maryland Sound handling New York’s Times Square New Year’s Eve for a broadcast audience of one billion persons with VT4889 full-size line array elements, rental sound service providers around the globe offered their clients the precision coverage, premium fidelity, and robust output power capabilities of JBL’s industry-leading line array systems.

A unique case in point was the recent “Heaven's Rehearsal,” a large-scale multi-denominational musical event on November 1, 2008 intended to reflect the gathering of all nations, tribes, peoples and languages in Toronto, considered by many to be the most ethnically-diverse urban center in the world. The event was staged in Canada’s massive indoor/outdoor Rogers Centre, formerly known as the Skydome, and equipped with the world’s first fully retractable roof. The 55,000-seat venue is home to Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays and the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, and frequently hosts concerts from some of the world’s top performers, soccer matches, motor sports, family shows, conventions, trade shows and private events like this one.

“Heaven’s Rehearsal” featured a contemporary band on stage to support solo artists like Dominiq, Maggie Blanchard, and Raymond Anthony Fuentes plus a full orchestra and 500-member choir. The major special event was supported by Toronto’s PA Plus Productions, Inc.

“From an audio perspective, this event posed three major challenges for us, first of which was the acoustical nature of the venue space,” explained Mark Radu, Chief System Engineer for PA Plus. “A huge concrete and glass stadium with a retractable steel dome roof extends 325 feet above the field. Secondly, due to a football game the evening before our load-in, we could not get any points pre-rigged above the football field layout. This limited us to designing a point-source system emanating from the stage without using any signal-delayed array locations. Finally, as a large portion of final ticket sale would be walk-up, there could be no way of accurately predicting which areas of the stadium would require coverage.”

The PA Plus event team onsite, led by Senior Engineer John Lacina, deployed a total of 60 VT4889 full-size line array elements, 32 VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers integrated into the full-range speaker arrays, and four VT4887 compact line array elements under-hung for center down-fill. Four main arrays were flown 22.5 degrees apart on a 160-foot (49-meter) radius. In total, 636 driver elements were energized with total available power of 320,000 watts provided by 80 Crown I-Tech power amplifiers. Using Harman’s HiQnet™ System Architect™ software for remote control and monitoring allowed sections of the arrays to be turned off as required, to limit the coverage down to 30,000 people, the minimum attendance expected. The general seating was assigned in a pre-determined order, enabling the audio team to turn on sections of coverage as more distant seating zones were filled.

“JBL’s VERTEC line array systems gave us the predictability and sound-pressure level required to focus acoustic energy only where it would be needed,” summarized Radu. “The system design worked as planned and we were able to minimize spill outside the desired coverage zones. Overall, considering all of the challenges involved, everyone was pleasantly surprised with the final result."

With professional rental inventories on all continents now equipped to offer VERTEC-quality sound reinforcement to sound designers, meeting planners, and concert-industry production managers, a growing number of challenging entertainment and multimedia events like “Heaven’s Rehearsal” are being specified as JBL-equipped projects. “JBL is committed to providing leading-edge business tools that will assist qualified practitioners like Mark Radu and his team at PA Plus to achieve the results their clients expect and require for such difficult events,” explained David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional. “The VERTEC system’s key design attributes of lighter weight, easier suspension, greater output and better fidelity continue to meet the sound-reinforcement challenges that our customers encounter around the world.”

►

JBL Professional Showcases Next Generation Of EON® Portable Loudspeakers

At Winter NAMM 2009, JBL is showcasing the next generation of EON® portable loudspeakers. This includes five models spanning the new EON500 and EON300 series, all of which feature the trademark portability, versatility and reliability that made the original EON series the most groundbreaking and revolutionary product of its kind.

The new EON loudspeaker models feature deep-welled, full-size handles with ergonomically designed grip points. Combined with light weight and balanced weight distribution, the portability of speakers this size is unmatched. The new EON loudspeakers are also extremely versatile, offering flexible mounting capability, making the EON500 and EON300 series ideal for performing musicians, touring bands and mobile DJ’s. Lastly, the new EON loudspeakers offer a level of reliability that only JBL can provide, incorporating JBL’s legendary transducers and special limiter circuitry.

“JBL has developed the new EON500 and EON300 series loudspeakers with the same dedication to performance and reliability as the original generation of EON products, while increasing portability, through an even lighter system and designed ergonomics,” said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “The addition of five new models, including a subwoofer, addresses a variety of applications and customer needs.”

The EON500 series features three new models: the EON515 and EON510 2-way powered speakers, and the EON518S subwoofer. Each of the full-range EON500 series compact, lightweight models features an on-board mini-mixer with loop-thru or mix-out capability, allowing for greater control of the loudspeaker’s output. The EON500 series loudspeakers also offer selectable EQ, multiple suspension points, soft-grip handle and a full screened backed grille for extra component protection. The EON500 series loudspeakers feature a combination of JBL’s patented engineered components, enabling a smaller enclosure and lighter weight than competitive models.

The EON515 and EON510 offer mic and line level inputs, as well as selectable system EQ, giving users a “loudness” type control and the ability to roll off the low frequency for maximum performance with a subwoofer or when used as a floor monitor. Both models feature one XLR/ quarter-inch combo connector and additional quarter-inch inputs providing input flexibility and the ability to mix multiple sources. Each loudspeaker features one XLR output where the output signal is selectable, either the whole mix may be looped to another speaker (or sent to a mixing console), or simply the primary input for traditional “daisy-chaining.”

The EON518S is the first true subwoofer in the EON family of products. It’s comprised of a single 18-inch Differential Drive woofer in a vented enclosure and powered by a 500/1000 watts (continuous/burst) amplifier. The EON518S features a pole mount cup for sub/satellite applications, level control, dual inputs, a stereo crossover network, peak limiter and polarity reverse switch. It also has a speaker level input increasing connectivity, flexibility and system configuration options.

The new EON300 series loudspeakers are the result of cutting-edge mechanical design and expertise in materials, making them as compact as possible but at significantly lighter weight than competitive models. Each of the EON300 series 2-way loudspeakers offers a high performance-to-price ratio, with a very simple user interface, along with multiple handles and suspension utility.

The EON315 15-inch 2-way loudspeaker system offers a total of 280/560 watts (continuous/burst) power and weighs a slight 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms). The EON315 features a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60-degree wave guide. The input is mic-line switchable and offers connectivity flexibility in the form of a balanced XLR/quarter-inch combo connector. The EON315 also features one XLR output to facilitate signal loop through.

The EON305 is a 15-inch passive 2-way loudspeaker featuring 250/500/1000 watts (continuous/program/peak) power handling. It offers a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60 wave guide. The inputs include two Speakon®/quarter-inch combo jacks linked in parallel. The EON305 is the perfect powered-mixer match, delivering all the fundamental EON attributes to a pre-existing system.

►

JBL Professional Introduces Next Generation of EON® Portable Loudspeakers

The EON500 series features three new models, building on EON’s reputation for unmatched performance, reliability and portability.

Representing the next generation of its groundbreaking and industry-standard EON® series portable loudspeakers, today JBL is introducing the EON500 series. The unveiling of the EON500 series self-powered and lightweight speakers immediately raises the bar in the category of molded powered loudspeakers in all aspects, from industrial design to sonic performance, integrated utility and portability.

“Since its introduction in 1995, the EON series has led the way in terms of versatility, performance and value, as evidenced by the sale of nearly one million EON speakers to date,” said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “Thanks to the acute attention to detail in the design engineering of EON, the highest level of quality is delivered to the end user. JBL has developed the new EON500 series loudspeakers with this same dedication to performance and reliability, while increasing portability, through an even lighter system and designed ergonomics. It has more performance, it’s lighter and it’s even easier to move around.”

There are three models in the new EON product range. Each of the full-range EON500 series compact, lightweight models features an on-board mini-mixer with loop-thru or mix-out capability, allowing for greater control of the loudspeaker’s output. The EON500 series loudspeakers also offer selectable EQ, multiple suspension points, soft-grip handle and a full screened backed grille for extra component protection.

The EON500 series loudspeakers feature a combination of JBL’s patented engineered components, enabling a smaller enclosure and lighter weight than competitive models. When combined with the products’ ease of handling, the EON500 series loudspeakers are ideal solutions for everyone from mobile DJs and musicians to systems integrators.

The unmatched reliability of the EON500 series loudspeakers is the result of JBL’s integrated design of the woofer, amplifier, wave guide and thermal management of all components. Additionally, all electro-acoustic components have been specifically engineered for the EON system. Because the features and manufacturability of the system have also been developed in unison, the highly refined production process contributes to the reliability of the products.

The EON515 and EON510 are both 2-way powered speaker systems, offering mic and line level inputs, as well as selectable system EQ, giving users a “loudness” type control and the ability to roll off the low frequency for maximum performance with a subwoofer or when used as a floor monitor. Both models feature one XLR/ quarter-inch combo connector and additional quarter-inch inputs providing input flexibility and the ability to mix multiple sources. Each loudspeaker features one XLR output where the output signal is selectable, either the whole mix may be looped to another speaker (or sent to a mixing console), or simply the primary input for traditional “daisy-chaining.”

The EON515 is a 15-inch 2-way loudspeaker system offering a total of 450/900 watts (continuous/burst) power. All power in the EON515 is derived from latest Crown® Class–D technology; it’s highly efficient, compact and incredibly lightweight—less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms). The EON515 offers a 15-inch Differential Drive® woofer, a compact high-performance compression driver with a 1-inch exit and neodymium motor on a 100° x 60° wave guide.

The ultra-compact EON510 10-inch 2-way loudspeaker system offers a total of 280/560 watts (continuous/burst) power, weighing only 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). The EON510 offers a 10-inch Differential Drive woofer, a compact high-performance compression driver with a 1-inch exit and neodymium motor on a 100- x 60-degree wave guide.

The EON518S subwoofer features a single 18-inch Differential Drive woofer in a vented enclosure, powered by a 500/1000 watts (continuous/burst) amplifier. It features a pole mount cup for sub/satellite applications, level control, dual inputs, a stereo crossover network, peak limiter and polarity reverse switch. It also has a speaker level input increasing connectivity, flexibility and system configuration options.

“Once described as ‘the ultimate workhorse, utility loudspeaker,’ the success of the EON line is based on its broad appeal, ranging from simple PA applications to professional sound reinforcement, making it extremely useful for DJs, musicians, major rental companies, schools, churches and institutions alike,” Jones added. “As with the existing EON lineup, utility will continue to drive the success of the new EON models, which truly represent the next generation in portable loudspeakers.”

►

JBL Professional Rounds Out The Latest Generation Of EON® Portable Loudspeakers With EON300 Series

The EON300 series features two new models, extending the reach of the new EON line to an even more affordable level.

Rapidly adding to its groundbreaking and industry-standard EON® series portable loudspeakers, JBL is introducing EON300 series portable PA loudspeakers at AES. The EON300 series puts the next generation of EON systems within reach of an even broader range of users, delivering the same fundamental design features, sonic performance and integrated utility as the new EON500 series, at an even more affordable price.

“Given EON’s reputation as the all-purpose solution for instant sound reinforcement, it was imperative that the new line of EON products be the most versatile portable PA loudspeaker series on the market, in terms of power, portability and price,” said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “With the introduction of the EON300 series models--making JBL EON technology even more accessible--EON truly is the ultimate do-anything PA, for everyone, everywhere.”

The EON300 series loudspeakers are the result of ground-up design and engineering integration of all the necessary components necessary for a portable system. All electro-acoustic components have been specifically designed to work together in a highly optimized manner. The efficiencies of design have also reached the construction of the systems making them more robust and reliable than ever.

Through cutting edge mechanical design and expertise in materials the EON300 series loudspeakers are not only as compact as they possibly can be but are significantly lighter than competitive models--the key to portability.

Each of the EON300 series 2-way loudspeakers offers a high performance-to-price ratio, with a very simple user interface, along with multiple handles and suspension utility.

The EON315 15-inch two-way loudspeaker system offers a total of 280/560 watts (continuous/burst) power and weighs a slight 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms). The EON315 features a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60-degree wave guide. The input is mic-line switchable and offers connectivity flexibility in the form of a balanced XLR/quarter-inch combo connector. The EON315 also features one XLR output to facilitate signal loop through.

The EON305 is a 15-inch passive two-way loudspeaker featuring 250/500/1000 watts (continuous/program/peak) power handling. It offers a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60 wave guide. The inputs include two Speakon®/quarter-inch combo jacks linked in parallel. The EON305 is the perfect powered-mixer match, delivering all the fundamental EON attributes to a pre-existing system.

“EON defined the molded speaker category over 10 years ago, now this next generation of EON has redefined it,” Jones added. “With the EON300 and EON500 series, we have a full product offering fitting the needs and financial scope of a huge number of sound reinforcement users across all markets worldwide. It’s what everyone is looking for in a portable PA system: more power, more performance, and even more portability.”

►