The new JBL PRX ONE meets the needs of a broad range of portable and installed applications, delivering power, acoustic performance and functionality in a sleek, compact package weighing just 56 pounds. The column design - with no traces of the leading Axys Intellivox technology from Duran Audio that Harman acquired in 2013 - is combined with an 12-inch bass-reflex woofer, and a built-in 2,000-watt (peak) Class D amplifier.
The system delivers strong SPL with consistent front-to-back throw, thanks to its custom-engineered, 12-tweeter column array, featuring what the company calls A.I.M. (Array Inumbration Mechanics) acoustic design. This uses twelve custom-engineered tweeters in a geometrically optimized array-shading approach, that provides a controlled and even response.
The high-frequency transducers feature copper-capped pole pieces and exhibit less power compression, offering a more natural performance without the need for heavy DSP. High-frequency performance is optimized down to 500Hz, allowing the dedicated base woofer to deliver a more natural, accurate bass sound, down to 35Hz.
This arrangement follows the now familiar design of column and subwoofer base that was pioneered by German pro audio manufacturers (and Bose, but that's a more complicated story), allowing a series of use cases, from hotel performers who need a convenient all-in-one PA solution, to the hotel's themselves who need a sound reinforcement house solutions for mobile events, and certainly for rental companies, who can easily redeem the investment in these systems for corporate applications.
Performers or house-technicians at any experience level will be able to dial in decent sound, fast, using PRX ONE’s comprehensive suite of professional-grade Lexicon and dbx processors (remember those?) and eight customizable presets. Built-in effects include reverb, 8-band EQ, delay, compression, limiting, ducking, echo, sub synth and dbx DriveRack Inside technology, featuring AFS Pro Automatic Feedback Suppression; Triple Tier DSP control offers multi-level user experiences based on knowledge level.
Built-in to add value for performers is a Soundcraft-designed (remember the legendary British brand Soundcraft?) 7-channel, dual-mode digital mixer that can be set to control either general mix functions or channel-strip functions, all manageable via a full-color LCD or the new JBL Pro Connect universal app. A full-color LCD screen in the PRX ONE control section provides complete access to all functions, and a convenient Setup Saver saves snapshots for easy recall. Simple dynamic LED metering gives users a fast, easy way to verify levels and channel functions such as mute and clipping.
Connectivity includes microphone, instrument, and line level inputs, plus Bluetooth for mobile devices and wireless rigs. The JBL PRX ONE features four Neutrik XLR Combo jacks, with two channels of dedicated phantom power, dedicated Hi-Z input and two USB 2.0 ports, which can be used to power external devices and AKG wireless systems.
“Whether you’re a singer/songwriter, DJ, corporate presenter or educator, sounding great is critical,” says Brandon Knudsen, JBL Product Manager, Loudspeaker Professional Solutions. “So, when we set out to design a new compact column PA, acoustic performance was top of our list. But at the same time, we know that every scenario is unique. We’ve outfitted the PRX ONE with an incredibly versatile feature set that we believe will appeal to a broad range of performers: Singer/songwriters will appreciate its robust DSP and I/O set, while DJs will love the ability to push the system hard, with that deep bass they crave. And, presenters and educators will appreciate the system’s slim, discreet profile and presets that will have them sounding their best instantly. Everyone will be thrilled to leave the outboard gear behind and lighten their load-in, no matter where they play.”
Available for Android and iOS phones and tablets, the new JBL Pro Connect app opens up a world of possibilities for hands-on control over a full-suite of PRX ONE mixer, DSP, and Bluetooth features. The interface was designed to make it easy to adjust and control every feature on multiple speakers from anywhere in the room, including adjusting volume levels and EQ, activating Lexicon reverb and effects and much more.
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity allows remote control of up to 10 units using the JBL Pro Connect app, and an XLR Thru output offers analog expansion with the ability to time-align multiple speakers, with up to 100 ms of delay per speaker. An optional bracket and adapter allow the array to be wall or truss-mounted independently of subwoofer for permanent installations.
And transport is one of the strongest benefits of the system, thanks to a computer-modeled ComfortGrip handle and nylon carry bag. JBL says that every PRX ONE undergoes 100 hours of rigorous stress testing to ensure that it’ll perform flawlessly in real-world conditions. The system is housed in a durable shell that’s rugged enough for the most demanding gigs yet discreet enough to complement any presentation scenario.
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