JBL VLA901Hi VLA White Paper - Page 4

Waveguides The addition of narrower coverage waveguides to line array loudspeakers directly addresses the problems described above. The basic geometry and scale of the waveguides was borrowed from the successful JBL PD700 series. Figure 2: VLA601H (high-power version) Top Section View Developing a line array product with these characteristics has the following major benefits: Narrower pattern choices: Improves direct to reflected energy ratio in the venue. In addition it provides the designer with optional coverage patterns to optimize the system design for a given venue. JBL VLA SERIES provides the option of 90°, 60°, and 30° horizontal patterns. Steeper polar cutoff: Means less interaction between devices and the ability to more accurately balance the system sound pressure level in different sections of the venue. Lower polar cutoff frequency: Provides a greater bandwidth of effective horizontal pattern control. Improves clarity. Improved sensitivity: Projects sound energy greater distances, optimizes transducer and amplifier count. Increases maximum SPL and headroom. Driver density The JBL VLA series comes in two versions: standard power and high power (H versions). The high power versions double the number of mid- and high-frequency drivers, allowing them to better maintain spectral balance at long distances, where air loss becomes significant. 3