The J-Series consists of the J8 and J12 full range loudspeakers and the J-SUB cardioid subwoofer which are acoustically matched and constructed to be mechanically compatible both in flown or ground stacked arrays. Using the same driver compliment, vertical directivity, size, weight and rigging fittings, the 3-way J8 and J12 loudspeakers utilize an active crossover between the low and mid frequencies and a passive crossover between the mid and high frequencies. Both the J8 and J12 loudspeakers produce a flat vertical wave front and a symmetrical horizontal constant directivity dispersion pattern of 80 degrees and 120 degrees respectively; this is maintained down to 250 Hz. The extremely high output capability of the J8 can cover a distance range of over 100 m (330 ft) while the J12's wider horizontal coverage is useful for short and medium throw applications, up to 40 m (130 ft).
The J-SUB is a bass-reflex design using three 18" high excursion drivers, one of which radiates to the rear to produce cardioid or hypercardioid subwoofer performance both in flown and ground stacked configurations. The J8, J12 and J-SUB produce maximum sound pressure levels at one meter of 145 dB, 143 dB and 138 dB respectively.
All the components required to suspend the loudspeakers within the bespoke three-point BGV C1 compliant J-Series flying system are integrated into the cabinets to ensure speedy deployment. The d&b ArrayCalc program uses a sophisticated mathematical model to predict the physical and acoustical performance of arrays, enabling simple and accurate system planning. When the appropriate two-way active configurations are selected, a d&b D12 amplifier can power a maximum of two J8 or J12, or one J-SUB. This amplifier is specially designed and manufactured by d&b utilizing digital signal processing and incorporates configurations for the d&b loudspeaker range. Extensive remote control facilities are included as are user definable 4-band parametric equalization and delay capabilities to reduce the need for external processing units.
"Control of dispersion behaviour is an obsession for all of us at d&b, as is keeping the size and weight of systems to an absolute minimum; these are both areas in which the J-Series excels," commented d&b's Werner 'Vier' Bayer. "It has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding period since we started our field tests and now we are in full production this seems like an age ago. The J-Series is absolutely amazing; during the test phase we got fantastic comments wherever we showed up. Not only that, with all the accessories and logistical considerations that have been incorporated, we are confident we have not only fulfilled, but exceeded our original exacting specifications. Without any doubt this is one of the best sounding systems we have ever built and perhaps one of the best in the market."
(Chris Henry)
