JBL Professional Debuts PRX400 Series Portable PA Loudspeakers at NAMM

Harman's JBL Professional has introduced its PRX400 Series of passive portable loudspeakers, at the NAMM Show in Anaheim.. The series includes the 15" PRX415M, 12" PRX412M, and dual 15" PRX425 loudspeakers, as well as the 18" PRX418 subwoofer.

The PRX415M and PRX412M can be used as either mains or monitors, and, when used with the PRX418 subwoofer, provide a sat/subwoofer system capable of delivering 135dB. The PRX425 is designed for DJs and bands that require powerful low-frequency extension from the convenience of a stand-alone cabinet.

"Since their introduction, our PRX600 Series portable PA loudspeakers have been tremendously popular with touring musicians, DJs and in a variety of live performance venues," said Richard Ruse, senior director of worldwide sales, JBL Professional. "Our new PRX400 Series models offer the same exceptional sound and rugged reliability in a passive loudspeaker format, at pricing that offers outstanding value in its category."

JBL PRX400 loudspeakers are designed to work hand-in-hand with Crown Audio's XTi2 Series amplifiers. Crown XTi2 amplifiers incorporate enhanced pre-set performance tunings for PRX400 Series loudspeakers, including crossover points for a sat/subwoofer setup, and optimized parametric filter that bring out the full potential of PRX400 Series loudspeakers. JBL PRX400 tunings will also be available in the dbx DriveRack PA+ signal processor/complete loudspeaker management system.

The series's features include Neutrik SpeakON combination connectors and construction using lightweight, yet extremely tough 18mm birch/poplar multi-laminate hardwood covered in JBL's DuraFlex covering. All PRX400 Series models feature 16 gauge steel grilles.

All full-range models incorporate twelve M-10 suspension points and hardened steel eyebolts for safe hanging in light-duty installations. Built-in dual-angle pole-mount sockets enable the PRX415M and PRX412M to be mounted either straight out or at a 10-degree downward angle, allowing the speakers to be aimed down at the audience, keeping sonic reflections off the back wall for better clarity and more efficient coverage. In addition, all PRX400 models feature ergonomic handles made from road-tough, lightweight glass-filled nylon.

In common with all JBL Professional products, PRX400 Series loudspeakers have survived JBL's 100-hour power test, in which they are submitted to 100 hours of continuous, high-level input. The speakers also go through a barrage of unforgiving environmental and strength tests including harsh temperatures and humidity, ensuring they will perform perfectly anywhere. All PRX400 models incorporate JBL's Sonic Guard speaker protection circuit that automatically attenuates the signal going into the high-frequency section of the speaker if too much input signal is detected, and restores normal operation when the overload condition passes.