Alice Cooper's Too Close for Comfort Tour Relies on JBL VTX Rig Legendary singer Alice Cooper brought his theatrical shock rock show to fans worldwide, powered by a full JBL Professional VTX rig supplied by longtime production partner SLS Production Services. The Too Close for Comfort Tour just completed its second year with nearly 200 shows, and required a system that could adapt to everything from large amphitheaters to historic theatres -- all while maintaining the clarity, power, and efficiency Cooper's show demands. The touring rig featured JBL VTX A12 line array loudspeakers for mains and side hangs, VTX A8 speakers for fills, and VTX B18, B28, and G28 subwoofers to deliver chest-pounding low end. The rig also included JBL VTX M20 stage monitors, compact yet powerful wedges that provide precise monitoring for the band with minimal stage footprint. Power is supplied by Crown I-Tech HD 4x3500HD amplifiers, with JBL Performance Manager software enabling fast, intuitive deployment and tuning from city to city. Systems engineer Todd Hartman emphasizes the importance of flexibility on a tour that shifted daily between venue types, from amphitheaters to theaters with tricky balconies. "The VTX system gave us the versatility to cover every configuration without changing boxes. Add that to how compact the rig is, we fit audio, lighting, video, backline and set into just three trucks. It was a game changer for this tour." That efficiency translated into valuable time saved during load-in and load-out. Stagehands frequently commented on how quickly the rig flew and came down, with the audio team often finishing ahead of other departments. The compact footprint also meant the full PA and control package occupied just 27' of truck space, critical for keeping the tour lean while still delivering full-scale production. Recent shows have underscored the system's performance and adaptability. At Omaha's steeply tiered theater, the crew used reverse frame deployment to reach the upper balconies while maintaining coverage under the overhangs - an achievement that stood out after playing a venue with a different in-house system the night before. "The difference was huge," Hartman recalls. "The JBL VTX really shined in that room, hitting every seat with clarity and impact. It was night and day compared to what we had experienced with the other system." The tour also marked the first use of JBL VTX M20 wedges for drummer Glen Sobel, who praised the new monitors for their clarity and power alongside his in-ear mix. Combined with the trust Cooper himself places in his crew, the audio team was free to focus on delivering a consistently powerful mix show after show. With Alice Cooper's theatrical production as bold as ever, complete with guillotines, monsters, and a castle-like stage set, the JBL VTX system provided the sonic backbone. By pairing compact efficiency with arena-ready output, the system ensured fans hear every scream, riff, and roar with precision, no matter the venue. 
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