Superior Stick
JBL’s new PRX One supercharges the ‘stick PA’ category.
6 August 2021
JBL has thrown a truckload of amp power, DSP and I/O at PRX One. The aim is to dethrone Bose as the purveyor of primo stick PAs. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
The headline specs are
• 2000W of amp power, low bass (35Hz), high output (130dD), and 135° x 40° dispersion
• Seven-channel digital mixer with 4 XLR combo jacks, phantom, Hi-Z, Bluetooth audio
• Full suite of dbx and Lexicon effects
• Bluetooth 5.0 for best possible Bluetooth performance, connectivity, and range
• Versatile array section that can be wall mounted with an accessory
MIXER FEATURES
There’s no doubting the fact that the PRX One’s mixer section is best in class. It means you can legitimately mix a small combo without the need of a mixer. There’s enough useful metering, phantom power, and I/O. And there’s definitely enough EQ, dynamics processing and effects to cope with many live sound situations. And depending who’s running the PA, there are entry-level/intermediate/high-level user modes which allow you to progressively dive deeper into the parameters.
CONTROL APP
It’s now expected to have remote mixing control but again, PRX One takes things up a few notches. You can use the app for mixing and most other housekeeping, plus there are even some app-only features like entire speaker snapshots, speaker grouping and delay tap tempo.
PRX One will come in at around A$3500 in Australia. It’s a lot of PA for the money and for many applications — schools, churches, fitness classes, clubs etc — it’ll have a big appeal, especially with it’s ability to mount the array… that’s a stroke of genius.
FULL FEATURES LIST
- Vertical array of 12 x 2.5-inch drivers
- Custom-designed high-frequency drivers feature copper-capped pole pieces
- JBL A.I.M. (Array Inumbration Mechanics) geometrically optimised array-shading technology for a more consistent front-to-back coverage
- Wide 130° (H) x 30° (V) dispersion pattern
- Sophisticated crossover management and HF/LF coupling allow for more natural low-end response and smooth, uniform response across the entire frequency range
- 12-inch bass-reflex woofer extends low-end response to 35 Hz
- 2000-watt (peak), fully bridged Class D amplifier with power factor correction and high-linearity inductors provides clean, efficient system power, superior headroom, low THD and protection from voltage spikes
- Four high-efficiency, low-noise microphone preamps maintain constant bandwidth at any gain level
- 130dB max SPL
- Integrated 7-channel digital mixer with dual-operating mode gives users full control of their input faders or individual channel controls like bass, mid, treble and effects sends.
- Lexicon effects engine with delay, reverb chorus, echo and sub synth, with presets for easy setup
- Triple Tier DSP control offers multi-level user experiences based on knowledge level
- dbx DriveRack Inside technology features AFS (Automatic Feedback Suppression), 8-band master EQ, system limiter, plus gates and compressors on each channel for unrivalled dynamic control
- One-touch ducking by Soundcraft ensures speech is always heard
- Simple, intuitive full-colour LCD screen provides easy access to all PRX One functions
- 8 user presets instantly optimise system sound
- Robust audio connectivity: I/Os include 4 XLR Combo, 2 Hi-Z, 1
- 1/8-inch/BT audio and 1 XLR Pass Thru
- 2 USB 2.0 ports charge devices and power AKG wireless systems (with optional JBL adapter cable)
- Two channels of true +48V phantom power expand microphone support
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity allows remote system control of up to 10 units using the JBL Pro Connect app
- Full app control using JBL Pro Connect
- Rugged enclosure
- Optional bracket and adapter allow array to be wall or truss- mounted independently of subwoofer for permanent installations
- Computer-modelled ComfortGrip handle simplifies transport 9 Included nylon carrying bag for array
- Attractive, discreet form factor
- Weight: 55.7kg
RESPONSES