The JBL Cinema Expansion Series will be available in Q2 of 2020.
Harman Professional Solutions has introduced the JBL Professional Cinema Expansion Series sound systems for small- to medium-size commercial theatres.
The line, which includes JBL 3153 and 4253 3-way screen-channel loudspeakers, 3181F and 4281F subwoofers and 8102 surrounds, promises to deliver the highest SPLs in its class and cover rooms up to 85 feet (26 m) deep and up to 40 feet (12 m) wide.
Harman also debuted the two-channel, 1,300-watt Crown XLC 21300 amplifier, which supports Cinema Series speakers in a range of system configurations.
JBL 3153 and 4253 screen speakers provide full-range, symmetrical 90 x 50-degree coverage. Speakers operate in passive or biamp mode and incorporate built-in crossover networks and transducer protection circuitry. It comes in two sizes: the single 15-inch, 460W-rated JBL 3153 delivers 134 dB peak SPL and covers rooms up to 45 feet deep; while the dual 15-inch, 800W-rated 4253 delivers 138 dB peak SPL and covers rooms up to 85 feet deep.
Both models operate at 4Ω impedance, allowing them to be powered by Crown XLC amplifiers, and feature enclosure-top binding-post connectors to simplify wiring and save space behind the screen.
The 10-inch, 2-way, 260W-rated 8102 surround speaker provides full-range, 110 x 90-degree coverage, with a peak SPL of 125 dB and a throw capability of 40 feet (12 m). It operates at 8Ω impedance, allowing multiple surround speakers to be wired to a single amplifier channel. The 8102’s wide coverage and high SPL output means fewer surrounds are needed in an array. The cabinet features a 20-degree down-angled front baffle for improved coverage; enclosure-top input terminals; and mounting that is compatible with JBL QuickMount, Omnimount or APC Multimount brackets.
The 3181F and 4281F subwoofers work with JBL Cinema Expansion Series screen speakers and surrounds to provide powerful, punchy low-end coverage in the 30–500 Hz range. The single 18-inch, 650W-rated 3181F delivers 132 dB peak SPL, while the double 18-inch, 1,600W-rated 4281F delivers 139 dB peak SPL and features 4-pin connectors that allow driving the two transducers separately (discrete mode) or together (parallel mode).
Subwoofers are housed in shallow, 15-inch (355mm)-deep cabinets with enclosure-top connectors that preserve minimum depth. Both subwoofers operate in 4 Ω mode, enabling them to be driven with the Crown XLC 21300 or any other Crown XLC Series amplifier. Built-in rigging points facilitate hanging for installations such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and binding-post input connectors are consistent with other JBL cinema speakers.
The two-channel XLC 21300 provides 1,300 watts of rated power per channel at 4Ω, giving it the capability to power subwoofers at both 8Ω and 4Ω loads.
The Cinema Expansion Series system also comes with the JBL CPi2000 cinema processor, which provides audio enhancement including DSP, room EQ tuning, volume control and system fault detection; settings can be configured through tailor-designed GUI software.
Commenting on the series, Sunil Karanjikar, Cinema Product Manager, Harman Professional Solutions, said: “When we created the Cinema Expansion Series, we wanted to offer flexible solutions for cost-conscious theatre owners looking to provide a premium audio experience in every seat while maximising their investment. Now, whether a theatre offers traditional 5.1 or more complex multichannel sound, it can offer the fidelity and performance synonymous with the JBL name at a competitive price. By combining Cinema Expansion Series speakers and subs with the JBL CPi2000 cinema processor and our new Crown XLC21300 amplifier, theatre owners and integrators can build fully integrated HARMAN cinema sound solutions. But above all, it’s that legendary JBL sound that will thrill theatregoers and keep them coming back.”
