JBL Launches New Flagship CBT Series Column Loudspeaker and Expands Intellivox HP Series Column Loudspeakers at InfoComm 2016

June 14 2016, 03:00
In 2010, JBL Professional introduced its CBT series of vertical columns, trying to address the successful concept with a passive and more affordable approach. In 2013, Harman acquired the world market leader in vertical array loudspeakers, the Dutch company Duran Audio, and gained access to its sophisticated Digital Directivity Synthesis technology and Axys Intellivox range of products. At InfoComm 2016, JBL now introduced its flagship JBL CBT1000 column array, together with the JBL Intellivox HP-DS170 loudspeaker.
 

Now rebranded JBL Intellivox, Harman’s professional division is leveraging its combined know-how to expand on both fronts, with the new JBL Intellivox HP-DS170 creating a self-powered, outdoor-rated compact column array speaker option with built-in DSP for more challenging installations, and the new JBL CBT1000 forming the next generation of adjustable coverage passive column array loudspeakers featuring patented Constant Beamwidth Technology, based on years of extensive research conducted by Harman engineers.

While the first JBL CBT Series line array columns were designed for venues that would typically use larger point-and-shoot speakers, the new CBT1000 series adjustable coverage column array loudspeaker is an extension of JBL’s CBT (Constant Beamwidth Technology) concept, offering substantially greater output, deeper bass response and more advanced adjustability of the coverage pattern than was previously possible.

The CBT1000 full-range cabinet and CBT1000E extension cabinet provide versatile, adjustable vertical pattern selections for aligning the coverage to the geometry of a room. Independent selection of four “pattern up” coverage angles and four “pattern down” coverage angles combine to provide 16 different vertical coverage combinations. In its asymmetrical settings, CBT1000 sends more sound toward the far listeners, helping to counteract sound level differences between near are far listeners, while simultaneously being capable of providing smooth down-fill that doesn’t overpower those in the front.

In the horizontal plane, the system’s patent-pending horizontal gradient waveguide provides tapered coverage to reach the front and rear corners of the room while minimizing over-splash. Combined with a bass response below 40 Hz, the CBT1000 system provides clear and powerful full-bandwidth coverage of a room from a single loudspeaker. Twelve 6.5-inch high-excursion, low frequency drivers and 24 high-power tweeters give the CBT1000 line array system the capability of delivering 130 dB continuous output with 3000 watts of power handling for high output applications.

“The CBT1000 was engineered to provide versatility and high-quality sound reinforcement for applications that require performance, simplicity and compact size,” says Rick Kamlet, Senior Manager, Commercial Loudspeakers, Harman Professional Solutions. “A CBT1000 loudspeaker provides clearer music, less reverberation, a higher direct-to-reverberant ratio and better speech intelligibility. With CBT1000, integrators can now provide more consistent sound levels between near and far listeners while maintaining the same frequency response for everyone by using just a single, visually understated loudspeaker.”

New JBL Intellivox HP-DS170
At InfoComm 2016, JBL also reaffirmed its commitment to providing maximum intelligibility for any environment by expanding the popular Intellivox beam shaping loudspeaker series with the new HP-DS170 column array. The new HP-DS170 has been designed for use in even the most challenging of acoustic environments. With built-in amplification, onboard Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Digital Directivity Synthesis (DDS) technology, the high-output column array offers the same advanced features of the HP DS370 at a lower size and price point. The HP-DS170 is a rugged, IP55-rated indoor/outdoor speaker delivering excellent sound quality, intelligibility and pattern control.
 
The Intellivox DS170 is ideally suited for reverberant environments where improved speech intelligibility is required. A single Intellivox DS170 is capable of maintaining an even sound pressure level of 106dB across an audience area of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in length. The unit’s custom-designed 6.5-inch loudspeakers offer higher output than standard Intellivox systems and are powered by a built-in multichannel class D amplifier. The HP-DS170 also features a switched mode power supply and surveillance features to ensure years of reliable operation.
 
“The new HP-DS170 now joins the Intellivox family as the smaller counterpart to the HP-DS370,” says Keith Caggiano, Theater and Performance Solutions Manager for Harman Professional Solutions. “This fills out our high power segment by providing a shorter acoustic length and more affordable cost for spaces where the HP-DS370 is more than is required.” With powerful built-in DSP processing, amplification and reliable RS-485 connectivity, the DS170 integrates easily into new and existing Intellivox installations.
 
As with all DDS-based Intellivox solutions, the HP-DS170 offers advanced vertical beam shaping to control the audio in environments with complex acoustic challenges. DDS beam shaping technology allows for a room-specific coverage pattern that offers continuous near-field to far-field SPL and frequency response without the use of multiple beams. With DDS, users can have coverage tailor-made to their space, focusing the sound exactly where it is needed. Integrators can adjust the beam shape and make other setting changes for the Intellivox HP-DS170 using WinControl software, which offers user-friendly control of the beam steering parameters, audio processing and surveillance features.
 
With a slim and unobtrusive design, the Intellivox HP-DS170 integrates easily in even the most architecturally sensitive environments. An IP55 rating, superior algorithms, musicality and superb speech intelligibility make this an ideal product for challenging indoor and outdoor sound reinforcement and public address applications. The JBL Intellivox HP-DS170 is expected to ship in July 2016.
www.jblpro.com | harman.com
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