For more than 70 years, JBL has been at the forefront of audio technology. Its design goal is “create the best tools for better, more accurate sound,”, a motto that has proven the test of time, resulting in numerous audio achievements, groundbreaking technologies, and revolutionary advances in the art and science of professional audio. It’s no wonder that JBL is still popular today and with this JBL portable PA buying guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at their the brand's latest offerings, including the EON, IRX, PRX, SRX, and VRX-series speaker systems.
EON Series
The smallest of the EON series, the EON ONE Compact is an all-in-one rechargeable personal PA system, well suited for singer-songwriters, fitness instructors, corporate speaking engagements, and educational presentations. The self-powered speaker sports an 8" woofer and 1" tweeter that combine for an impressive frequency response of 37.5 Hz to 20 kHz at a remarkable 112 dB maximum SPL. Using the free JBL Compact Connect app, you can quickly set up the speaker by selecting and controlling effects and presets from a phone or tablet. Broadcast Bluetooth provides the ability to sync and control up to four EON ONE Compact units from a single source for music playback.
For a higher output option, the EON ONE MK2 is a compact, all-in-one battery powered linear-array PA system well suited for singer/songwriters, small live events, bars, clubs, meetings, conference rooms, and other spaces. The EON ONE MK2 consists of a powered subwoofer module with an integrated five-channel mixer with wireless Bluetooth streaming. The integrated 1500W amplifier drives the 10" subwoofer and the line array module (eight 2" drivers), which combine for a frequency response of 45 Hz to 20 kHz with a total of 119 dB peak SPL output (124 dB when using AC power). The EON One MK2 includes two spacers, allowing for three positions of deployment for sound that suits the space. The line-array element and a column spacer conveniently pack away into the base unit, which can be carried with one hand. Additionally, an optional EON ONE Transporter MKII is available, which offers wheels for ease in transport and provides protection from on-the-road wear and tear.
The EON710 utilizes a 10" woofer and offers a frequency response of 65 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 125 dB, while the EON712 uses a 12" driver and provides a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 127 dB. The EON715 utilizes a 15" driver and offers a frequency response of 55 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 128 dB. The EON718S is a self-powered subwoofer with an integrated Class-D amplifier that delivers 1500W to the 18" driver and offers a frequency response of 40 to 120 Hz with a maximum SPL of 131 dB. All the EON 700 Series speakers work with the free EON Connect app, which provides Bluetooth control over DSP parameters, including 3-band parametric EQ, Hi and Lo shelf EQ, delay, output mixing, and preset creation.
The EON 700 Series features three full-range powered speaker models and a subwoofer. The rear panel of each full-range speaker offers two XLR-1/4" combo inputs (switchable between mic/line), four application presets, and an XLR loop-thru for connecting additional speakers. The integrated Class-D amplifier delivers 1300W to drive the woofer and high-frequency drivers.
The EON710 utilizes a 10" woofer and offers a frequency response of 65 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 125 dB, while the EON712 uses a 12" driver and provides a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 127 dB. The EON715 utilizes a 15" driver and offers a frequency response of 55 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 128 dB. The EON718S is a self-powered subwoofer with an integrated Class-D amplifier that delivers 1500W to the 18" driver and offers a frequency response of 40 to 120 Hz with a maximum SPL of 131 dB. All the EON 700 Series speakers work with the free EON Connect app, which provides Bluetooth control over DSP parameters, including 3-band parametric EQ, Hi and Lo shelf EQ, delay, output mixing, and preset creation.
IRX Series
The IRX Series delivers high output and clarity, offering total ease of use at an affordable price. With powered PA units available in 8" and 12" models, the IRX offers application-specific EQ presets for optimal tone at the press of a button, while the dbx AFS Automatic Feedback Suppression circuit provides plenty of gain without dreaded feedback from microphones. Play music, soundtracks, and backing tracks with Bluetooth audio streaming, while one-touch ducking ensures your voice will be heard over the music.
The IRX108BT utilizes a 1300W amplifier to power the 8" woofer and high-frequency driver to provide a frequency response of 54 Hz to 20 kHz with a peak SPL of 124 dB. The IRX112BT uses a 1300W amplifier to power the 12" woofer and high-frequency driver, delivering a frequency response of 53 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 127 dB. The newest addition to the IRX series is the IRX ONE, an all-in-one system with an integrated 3-channel mixer, 8-inch subwoofer, and features such as 5 EQ pre-sets, Bluetooth 5.0 streaming, and audio ducking. A modular speaker array column features six 2” high-frequency drives and packs into the system’s base unit for easy portability. While it is not rechargeable like the EON One Compact or MKII, the IRX ONE offers a good blend of performance and value in a compact form factor that weighs just over 34 pounds.
PRX Series
Designed to deliver powerful, professional sound to a variety of live-sound applications, including bands, DJs, and houses of worship, the JBL PRX900 series is JBL’s loudest PA of the portable PA category. With an efficient 2000W Class-D amplifier and patented JBL Differential Drive technology, the PRX900 series offers best-in-class power handling while staying lightweight for easy load-in and load-out. The built-in Bluetooth technology provides sophisticated DSP via the PRX Connect mobile app for total control, wirelessly, from anywhere in the venue. The two-way PRX912W utilizes a 12" low-frequency driver to provide a frequency response of 65 Hz to 17 kHz with a maximum SPL of 132 dB, while the PRX915W uses a 15" driver to provide a frequency response of 60 Hz to 16 kHz with a maximum SPL of 133 dB.
For extended low-frequency output, the PRX Series offers two 2000W powered subwoofers, including the 15" PRX915XLFW, which boasts a frequency response of 40 to 87 Hz with a maximum SPL of 131 dB, and the 18" PRX918XLFW, which offers a frequency response of 35 Hz to 92 Hz with a maximum SPL of 134 dB.
Similar to other JBL lines, the PRX series also offers an all-in-one option. The PRX ONE features twelve 2.5-inch tweeters in its modular column array, with an integrated 2,000 watt (peak) amplifier along with a 12-inch subwoofer and 7-channel digital mixer in its base. The trade-up to PRX ONE will also require line power and weighs in at 56.6 pounds, but delivers high performance with 130db max SPL.
SRX Series
The SRX800 series sets the standard for what fully professional powered PA systems should be. By harnessing the latest technologies, including JBL’s premium transducers and enclosures, Crown’s proprietary Front-End DriveCore technology (2000W), user-configurable DSP, and full HiQnet network control (via Ethercon port), the JBL SRX800 series speakers offer professionally tuned results for any application in the most demanding environments. The SRX812P is a two-way powered speaker with a 12" woofer that provides a frequency response of 48 Hz to 20 kHz and a peak SPL of 136 dB, while the SRX815P utilizes a 15" driver and provides a frequency response of 44 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 137 dB.
The full-range SRX835P is a 3-way, 2000W powered speaker with a frequency response of 41 Hz to 20 kHz and a peak SPL output of 137 dB. For low-frequency extension, the SRX800 series offers two subwoofer models, including the SRX818SP, which utilizes a 1000W Crown DriveCore amplifier to power the single 18" driver, with a frequency response of 35 to 120 Hz and a peak SPL output of 135 dB, while the SRX828SP utilizes a 2000W amplifier to drive two 18" drivers for a frequency response of 35 to 120 Hz with a peak SPL output of 141 dB. It is also worth mentioning that the SRX800 Passive Series provides the same basic designs without the integrated amplifier and DSP.
Building on the success of the SRX 800 series, JBL recently expanded its high-performance offerings with the addition of SRX900 Series. SRX900 is an affordable, compact line array system that borrows technology from JBL's VTX Series line array loudspeakers, utilizing a proprietary Radiation Boundary Integrator device that mounts both the high- and low-frequency transducers on a single horn, improving horizontal directivity while reducing cabinet size. The SRX906LA features dual 6.5" Differential Drive woofers and a 3" compression driver, which generate a frequency response of 63 Hz to 17 kHz at 134 peak SPL, while the larger SRX910LA sports dual 10" woofers and a 3" compression driver, which deliver a 53 Hz to 19 kHz frequency response at 135 dB. For low-end extension, the SRX900 series offers the SRX918S, a single 18" subwoofer with a 35 to 90 Hz frequency response at 134 dB peak SPL, while the dual 18" SRX928S offers a deep 31 to 100 Hz frequency response at 140 dB peak SPL. There are several accessories, mounts, and transport options available, making the SRX900 a great option for touring companies and rental houses.
VRX Series
Last, but certainly not least, the JBL VRX900 Series Constant Curvature Line Array borrows from JBL’s VerTec line array technology to ensure the same professional sound, control, and concert-proven drivers for smaller venues. The VRX932LAP utilizes 1750W of Crown amplification to drive the single 12" woofer and three high-frequency drivers, which combine to deliver a frequency response of 75 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 136 dB. Two units can be used with a pole mount, while up to five units can be arrayed for larger coverage. For low-frequency extension, the VRX918SP is a powered, suspendable subwoofer system, which utilizes a 1500W Crown amplifier to drive the 18" woofer, offering a frequency response of 34 to 220 Hz with a maximum SPL of 126 dB.
For passive deployment, the VRX900 series features two full-range speakers and two passive subwoofers. The 8" VRX928LA uses the same constant curvature array technology as the active models, offering a frequency range of 85 Hz to 19 kHz and a power rating up to 1600W, while the VRX932LA utilizes a 12" driver for a frequency response of 75 Hz to 20 kHz and a power rating of 3200W and a maximum SPL of 130 dB. The rear panel offers a bi-amp/passive selection switch, and up to six units can be arrayed together. The VRX915S and VRX918S are passive subwoofers, which offer pole-mount threaded sockets for speaker-pole deployment or integrated fly hardware, allowing them to be flown with full-range speaker arrays.
The VRX915S handles 3200W and uses a 15" woofer for a frequency response of 40 to 250 Hz with a maximum SPL of 126 dB, while the VRX918S handles 3200W and employs an 18" woofer for a frequency response of 34 to 220 Hz with a maximum SPL of 130 dB. Additionally, the VRX line includes the VRX915M, a compact, low-profile floor monitor that provides minimal obstruction of audience sightlines. The speaker handles up to 3200W of power to drive the 15" woofer and 1.5" exit compression driver for a frequency response of 70 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum SPL of 133 dB.
In Conclusion
For more information about the new JBL’s latest portable PA offerings including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page linked throughout this buying guide. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to reply to your comments and questions.
