The JBL CBT Series with Constant Beamwidth Technology
Ushering in a new era for passive column speaker technology based on years of extensive research conducted by Harman engineers, the JBL CBT Series line array columns with Constant Beamwidth Technology break new ground in performance, versatility, and affordability. Designed for venues that would typically use larger point-and-shoot speakers, the CBT models incorporate technical advancements that allow them to vastly outperform competitive systems, with a level of user- friendliness that virtually eliminates the challenges of delivering great sound.
Constant Beamwidth Technology
At the core of the CBT Series is a forward thinking conceptual design that shatters the notion of passive column speakers as performance-limited solutions to sound reinforcement. The CBT Series raises the bar far beyond the competition with patent pending technology that draws upon and adds to the long history of JBL innovation, delivering new capabilities, many of which are firsts in the industry.
The Challange:
With traditional passive columns, the coverage continually narrows at higher frequencies, resulting in much of the listening area being covered by only part of the sound spectrum. Driver interactions cause the frequency response to change at every point off-axis and at every distance away from the speaker. Each listener hears a different balance of sound. In addition, lobes of sound projecting outside the listening area increase the reverberation, reducing intelligibility and interfering with musical quality.
The Solution:
Constant Beam widthTechnology solves these problems by locking in and maintaining a specific coverage over a very wide bandwidth. The CBT models deliver smooth, consistent coverage that is similar to complex and far more expensive line arrays. The CBT Series’ constant directivity coverage delivers consistent frequency response at every distance as well as off-axis. With the CBT Series, every seat in the house experiences the same quality of sound regardless of position.
Advantages of Asymmetrical Vertical Coverage
The J-shape of the array works in conjunction with the Constant Beamwidth Technology circuitry to provide asymmetrical coverage similar to that of expensive line arrays commonly used in concert systems. The J column sends highly concentrated sound toward the back of the venue, while down-filling a broader, less concentrated sound to the front of the venue. This results in more consistent sound levels from front to back.
The Two-Way CBT 70J (shown below) produces high sound levels, rivaling larger Two- Way loudspeakers in output sound level as well as providing wide, smooth frequency response throughout its coverage area.
The CBT 70J-1 (shown below)
With Constant Beamwidth Technology™, represents a breakthrough in pattern control consistency, utilizing complex analog delay beam-forming and amplitude tapering to accomplish superior, consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beaming and out-of-coverage lobing that are typical of straight form-factor column speakers. (shown with included grille removed)
It is ideal for applications such as performance auditoriums, lecture halls, classrooms, A/V, transit centers, school stadiums, multipurpose spaces, racetracks, theme parks, and fill applications, among many others.
SBT70JE Extension Cabinet:
When connected to a CBT 70J-1 line array column speaker, the CBT 70JE-1 Extension (shown below) provides extended bass response, extended pattern control, and increased sound output levels. The combined array system provides Constant Beamwidth Technology™, which represents a breakthrough in pattern control consistency, utilizing complex analog beamforming and amplitude tapering to accomplish superior, consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beaming and out-of-coverage lobing that are typical of passive column speakers.
The CBT 50LA-1, (shown below)
With Constant Beamwidth Technology™, represents a breakthrough in pattern control, utilizing analog delay beam-forming and amplitude tapering to accomplish consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beaming and out-of-coverage lobing that are typical of straight form-factor passive column speakers.
- Patent-pending Constant Beamwidth Technology™ provides constant directivity up to the highest frequencies and reduces out-of-coverage lobing.
- Switchable voicing provides flat response in music mode or mid-range presence peak in speech mode
- Dynamic SonicGuard™ overload protection
- Built-in 70V/100V transformer, plus 8 ohm direct capability.
- Swivel (pan) / tilt wall bracket included.
The CBT 100LA-1 (shown below)
With Constant Beamwidth Technology™, represents a breakthrough in pattern control consistency, utilizing complex analog delay beam-forming and amplitude tapering to accomplish superior, consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beaming and out-of-coverage lobing that are typical of straight form-factor column speakers.
- Patent-pending Constant Beamwidth Technology™ provides constant directivity up to the highest frequencies and reduces out-of-coverage lobing.
- Vertical pattern coverage switchable between 40° for medium-throw coverage and 15° for long-throw applications
- Switchable voicing provides flat response in music mode or mid-range presence peak in speech mode.
- Dynamic SonicGuard™ overload protection
- Wall bracket included.
- Built-in 70V/100V transformer, plus 8 ohm direct capability.