JBL takes its stick PA offering seriously. At the upper end, JBL’s PRX One is the ‘bells and whistles’ option. In fact, the mixer section is so well featured (with effects and processing on every channel) that it’s bit of a pain to operate without the app — which is excellent. PRX One is a serious all-in-one PA suitable for anything up to a three or four-piece band in a medium-sized space. Then there’s the EON One Mk2. One of the standout features of this system is it can be battery powered (whoever at JBL came up with the tag line: ‘bring your power chords, not your power cords’ deserves a raise). It’s a ‘desert island’ portable PA combining an array of eight two-inch tweeters and a 10-inch sub.

Now coming into the market under the EON One Mk2 is the thrifty IRX One.

The first thing you notice about IRX One is just how portable it is. The ‘stick’ part of the PA is stored into the base unit, making for a true all-in-one transport solution. And it’s lightweight – at 15.5kg, most high schoolers’ backpacks are heavier. What’s more, the industrial design is ingenious. The way the stick elements store, and how the ‘lid’ fits over the top providing a sturdy handle for transportation, is really clever. It’s a genuinely portable option for just about anyone to handle.

LET’S STICK TOGETHER

Piecing together the IRX One is a doddle. The ‘stick’ is in three pieces. Once you pull the pieces out of the enclosure, simply pop the two ‘spacers’ into the slot and place the loudspeaker portion at the top. If you don’t need the extra height, just use one spacer.

You’ll need an IEC power lead, of course, but otherwise everything is entirely self contained (hmm, wonder if a slot could be provided for the power lead? I wrapped mine in and around the handle mechanism). 

The mixer section is designed for simplicity. First thing you’ll notice is there’s no LCD – what you see is what you get. That said, the mixer has some very handy easter eggs.

There are three channels. The first two accept mic or line signal and phantom power is available. The third channel takes a mono jack for line/Hi-Z sources. There’s no stereo input, which is hardly an issue when the output is mono. Each channel has a signal present/limit LED. Each has a gain pot (55dB for mic level, 48dB for line); two-band EQ (with a centre detent on the control) and a level pot. The level pot has a pleasing degree of resistance – there’s not much chance of bumping it and wearing the consequences.

The master/main section of the mixer includes the power button and larger main level knob. A Bluetooth (BT) button allows your device to discover the IRX One. The AFS (automatic feedback suppression) button engages that particular feature, as does the Ducking button (IRX One will detect mic input activity and duck music from the Bluetooth source). 

A six-position Preset dial allows you to click between EQ presets (Flat, Speech, DJ, KTV, Cafe and Bright).

A limit LED rounds out the section, while a Mix Out jack rounds out the I/O.

VTX has rehabilitated JBL Pro’s name in the upper echelons of the pro touring market. VerTec was loud but there weren’t too many fans of its sonic signature. Meanwhile, VTX sounds good: detailed and balanced.

VTX has been around for a few years now but Australia has been somewhat of a hold-out. Being a comparatively small market, with the top end dominated by a few select PA rental names, it’s been hard for VTX to break into that exalted company and truly show its wares. 

Overseas is a different story. VTX is a popular rig, showing out at festivals, tours and top-draw installations.

MadisonAV has taken over the distribution of VTX in Australia. MadisonAV — a key player in the commercial AV/Installation market — has no real previous exposure to the concert touring market but regardless, and somewhat incredibly, staged one of the best pro audio product launches anyone in Australia has experienced. 

Taking over the Event Centre of The Star, the MadisonAV and Harman Asia Pacific team introduced VTX to over 100 Australian audio and AV heavy hitters, with listening tests and a hot live band.

HARMAN Professional Solutions has introduced the JBL PRX900 Series of loudspeakers and subwoofers, which feature advanced acoustics, comprehensive DSP, unrivalled power performance, and complete BLE control via the JBL Pro Connect app. The line, which includes three powered two-way loudspeakers and two powered subwoofers is built from the ground up to leverage JBL’s most advanced acoustic innovations. All-new proprietary driver systems — with improved dispersion and beam width, smooth low-frequency extension, and powered by ultra-efficient Class-D amplifiers — deliver clarity and definition even at maximum volume.

The PRX900 Series’ class-leading DSP package is accessible via onboard LCDs and the JBL Pro Connect app. It includes 12-band parametric EQ for system tuning and nuanced tonal control, and integrated dbx Drive Rack technology. This features live and fixed Automatic Feedback Suppression, soft system limiter with Soundcraft Overeasy option, and speaker delay settings and presets. Use the JBL Pro Connect app to control up to 10 speakers, integrate with JBL EON ONE MK2, PRX ONE, and EON700 systems, and access app-only functions including speaker snapshots and grouping.

The PRX900 Series is designed to withstand the rigours of the road. Rigid composite loudspeaker cabinets feature computer-modelled ribbing for optimal acoustic performance and durability, while subwoofers are housed in 18mm birch cabinets with optimised bracing for smooth, accurate low-frequency response. Like with every JBL product, everything is reinforced by industry-leading test and validation protocols and the series is backed by an unprecedented seven-year warranty.

“For years, our PRX800 Series loudspeakers have been first-call systems for bands, DJs, installers and houses of worship in large part thanks to their acoustic profile, their low end extension, and their volume,” said Brandon Knudsen, HARMAN Professional Product Manager, Portable PA Loudspeakers. “With the PRX900 Series, we’re taking things to the next level with next-gen acoustic innovations and an even brawnier power package to deliver clean, clear sound at any volume. Systems take advantage of the latest BLE technology and the JBL Pro Connect app ecosystem, for unrivalled control.”

The PRX900 Series is a versatile solution for DJs and bands, music venues, rental houses, corporate A/V providers, or anyone seeking durable professional systems that deliver powerful, room-filling sound in either portable or installed scenarios.

Key Innovations Include:

All-New Acoustic Designs
From cones to cabinets, the PRX900 Series is designed for advanced acoustic performance. The patented JBL 2408H-2 1.5-inch compression drivers with poly-annular diaphragms and neodymium magnets provide clear, detailed high-frequency response; while innovative new horns with updated JBL Image Control Waveguides deliver consistent beamwidth and frequency dispersion. Next-generation woofers with ferrite magnets deliver smooth, natural bass response, and an FEA flared port design reduces air noise and distortion.

Superior Power Performance
Driven by highly efficient Class-D power amps, the PRX900 Series provides acoustic clarity and definition with minimal power compression, even at maximum volume. A bridged woofer amp keeps current spikes out of the ground, and lowers crosstalk harmonics to the tweeter. High-linearity inductors deliver superior power efficiency and low total harmonic distortion, and low-noise, low-distortion input gain staging optimises range and headroom for diverse gain requirements.

High-quality DAC and ADC provides near-lossless audio conversion. Producing up to 134 dB output down to 30 Hz, systems effortlessly support large performance spaces with high power and performance requirements, and with a full-bandwidth CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) greater than 55 dB and THD (total harmonic distortion) rating of <32 dB, noise is virtually nonexistent.

Class-Leading DSP
The PRX900 Series is fully loaded with comprehensive DSP, all accessible via the JBL Pro Connect app or onboard full-colour LCD. Processing includes 12-band parametric EQ, plus optimised presets and snapshots. Onboard dbx DriveRack technology features live and fixed Automatic Feedback Suppression, hard and soft system limiters and 180ms of speaker delay in 100-microsecond intervals for full time-aligned systems.

Versatile & Scalable
Combine PRX900 Series loudspeakers and subwoofers in a range of configurations to meet the requirements of both mobile scenarios and fixed installs. Speakers feature dual 36mm pole sockets and six M10 suspension points; subwoofers feature M20 pole cups. Full-range speakers feature a built-in gyro-sensor that automatically optimises system tuning depending on monitor or mains placement.

The Pro Connect Ecosystem
JBL’s Pro Connect app offers BLE functionality for system control of up to 10 speakers and line integration with JBL EON ONE MK2, PRX ONE, and EON700 loudspeakers. Access full DSP functions right from the app, including app-only features like speaker snapshots and speaker groupings.

Rugged & Road-Worthy
PRX900 components are housed in strong, lightweight cabinets that maximise both acoustic performance and durability. Loudspeaker cabinets are constructed from a polypropylene/talc blend that’s optimised for rigidity, with computer-modelled internal ribbing designed for maximum structural integrity and minimal cabinet noise. Subwoofer enclosures feature optimised bracing that smooths out low-frequency response.

To debut JBL’s recent additions — the SRX900 family of powered line array systems — CMI Music & Audio is hosting an exclusive event that will unveil the range to the Australia Pacific markets. The showcase will be held in Melbourne over two days, on the 3rd and 4th of November, in a world-class venue offering optimal listening conditions. This will give attendees a great opportunity to hear the system in different configurations, and to the full extent of its capabilities.

The SRX900 series includes dual 6.5-inch and dual 10-inch powered line array elements, and 18-inch and dual 18-inch powered subwoofers. These specs make it ideal for rental companies, fixed installations, and musicians seeking the ultimate combination of performance and portability.

Present across each night will be Harman International’s support teams, including the product development team, and its APAC team of professionals. HARMAN’s Global Product Team will conduct a technical overview with mix and listening sessions being staged throughout the event.

Topics Will Include:

• Intelligibility and definition
• Consistent coverage
• Versatile and scalable
• Sophisticated DSP
• LevelMax limiters
• Future-proof networking
• Seamless software control
• The power of powered systems
• Fast, safe, easy rigging
• Pro-build quality

These sessions can accomodate small groups so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience this new product first-hand in its first appearance in the APAC region.

Event Details
Victoria Pavilion
Epsom Road, Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale, VIC

Thursday, 3rd November from 9.00 am (AEDT)
Friday, 4th November from 9.00 am (AEDT)
Multiple sessions are available across these days, but slots are limited so make sure to register.

CMI are taking bookings so register your attendance now.