New SoundFactor Speaker Line from JBLFeature advanced topology crossover network and new waveguide design
 |
SF15, SF25, and SF12M (left to right)
(Click for a close-up) |
January 25, 2002
The 2002 Anaheim NAMM Show was the site for JBL Professional to announce the introduction of the SoundFactor series of live sound reinforcement speakers. SoundFactor offers musicians, DJs and other users of live sound reinforcement speakers the performance that goes with JBL speakers at prices that appeal to the most cost-conscious users.
"To meet these goals, SoundFactor includes only those features that contribute to sound quality, reliability, and durability," said Gerald Tschetter, Director of Music Industry Marketing. "In addition, JBL knows that the value of SoundFactor will result in substantial sales volume. So we invested in tools and created new assembly lines in our Northridge, California factory to deliver high-volume, low-cost parts and finished products."
All this was done without sacrificing JBL's legendary standards. For example, the SoundFactor designs have all passed the same 100-hour, full rated-power torture test that JBL high-end touring systems must survive.
The initial SoundFactor line-up consists of three models. The SF15 is a 15" two-way front-of-house speaker with 1000 watts peak power capacity. The SF25 dual 15" two-way model reflects the increasing market acceptance of the dual 15" configuration. In reality, this is more of a three-way system in that the lower woofer is actually rolled off at a lower frequency than the upper woofer. While this results in a more expensive network, the improvement in mid-range performance makes it worthwhile.
Rounding out the line is the SF12M 12" two-way stage monitor. The SF12M isn't just a PA speaker in a wedge-shaped box - it was designed from the ground up as a monitor. It is extremely compact, so it won't block audience sightlines or take up too much of the limited real-estate on stage. And it's voiced to let the performers hear the pitch, harmony, and rhythm cues they need for a tight sound.
The crossover is the heart and soul of a speaker system and SoundFactor uses advanced network topology designs that are far more sophisticated than the simple crossovers typically seen in competitive offerings. Heavy gauge wire is used for inductors to assure that distortion due to coil saturation is minimized and SonicGuard(r) high-frequency driver protection guards against damage caused by inadvertent overpowering of the system. All three SoundFactor models are constructed of carpet-covered, 3/4" MDF - a material that is structurally and acoustically superior to the particleboard used by many competitive products. All-metal handles and an 18 gauge, full metal grille are also used.
SoundFactor is also the first product to use JBL's Progressive Transition(tm) Waveguide design. Well-controlled coverage, low-distortion, and good frequency response - pick two. That has been the trade-off horn designers faced until JBL developed proprietary design algorithms which give our patent-pending Progressive Transition Waveguide design the best performance in all three areas.
"With SR-X as the flag-ship; the hot, new MPro series covering the mid price-points; EON G2 in a class by itself; and now the value of SoundFactor, JBL offers the most complete line of performance speaker systems in the music industry," says Tschetter.
SoundFactor models will enter production beginning in February of 2002.
For more information, visit their web site at www.jblpro.com. | 
