JBL VLA-C SERIES User manual

VLA COMPACT
variable line array
VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
Note: While this guide refers to the VLA-C models without including a color designation, the color
suffix is part of the full model number of the product. When ordering a product, the color must be
specified via a suffix. Models with a –BK suffix (VLA-C125S-BK, VLA-C265-BK, and VLA-C2100-
BK) are black; models with a –GR suffix (VLA-C125S-GR, VLA-C265-GR, and VLA-C2100-GR)
are gray.
GENERAL INFORMATION
VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
Document Number: 1000344625A
Version: A
Distribution Date: 09/24/2019

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 - Declaration of Conformity ..............................................................................................................................................4
2 - Safety ...............................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 - Safety Instructions ...................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 - General Hardware Information .....................................................................................................................5
2.3 - Attachment To Structures ..............................................................................................................................6
2.4 - Important Safety Warning .................................................................................................................................6
2.5 - Inspection and Maintenance ............................................................................................................................7
2.6 - Symbols ..............................................................................................................................................................................7
3 - Mechanical Information ....................................................................................................................................................8
4 - System Components ........................................................................................................................................................9
5 - Software ....................................................................................................................................................................................10
6 - Array Size Cabinet Suspension Limit Guidelines ......................................................................................13
7 - Bracket Plates (ie, Angle Brackets) ....................................................................................................................13
7.1 Which Bracket Plate to Use ..............................................................................................................................14
7.2 Assembly Drawing ....................................................................................................................................................15
7.3 Example of 6-Cabinet Array .............................................................................................................................16
7.4 Side-Panel External Trim Cover Panels ..................................................................................................17
8 - Amplification ...........................................................................................................................................................................18
9 - DSP Presets ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
10 - Wiring ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Wiring for VLA-C265 & VLA-C2100 Full-Range Loudspeakers ................................................ 22
Wiring for VLA-C125S Subwoofer ...................................................................................................................... 25
Wiring Three VLA-C-125S Cabinets in a Cardioid Subwoofer Configuration ................. 26
11 - Additional VLA-C Guides ............................................................................................................................................ 26
12 - Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................... 27
12.1 Impedance Curves ...............................................................................................................................................30
13 - Contact Information .....................................................................................................................................................31

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
1 - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
BRAND: JBL Professional
FAMILY NAME: VLA Compact Loudspeakers and Accessories
MODEL NAMES:
• VLA-C265-BK
• VLA-C265-GR
• V L A- C210 0- BK
• V L A- C210 0- G R
• V L A- C125S -BK
• V L A- C125S - GR
We, HARMAN International, declare under our sole responsibility that the product, to which this declaration relates, is in
conformity with the following standards:
STANDARD DESCRIPTION TEST AGENCY
2006/42/EC MACHINE DIRECTIVE Applies to machinery and lays
down essential health and safety
requirements.
IS O12100
Tested at JBL Professional
2014/35/EC
LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE
Applies to loudspeaker and lays
down essential health and safety
requirements.
EN60065
Tested at JBL Professional
ROHS Removal of Hazardous
Substances Directive
Directive on the restriction of the use
of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment.
Self-Declared by JBL Professional
IP-55 per IEC529, IEC 60529, EN60529 International Protection Marking Intertek
Frank Lacelle
Compliance Manager - Harman International

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
2 - SAFETY
2.1 - SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions
2. Keep these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. Follow all instructions
5. Do not expose the product to sea spray or caustic environmental factors. VLA-C
loudspeakers are not outfitted for use on the deck of cruise ships
6. Clean only with a dry cloth
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus that produce heat
8. Only use attachments / accessories specified by the manufacturer
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way
10. Contact JBL Professional for advanced servicing issues
11. CAUTION - DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO
12. Prolonged exposure to excessive SPL can cause hearing damage: the loudspeaker is
easily capable of generating sound pressure levels (SPL) sufficient to cause permanent
hearing damage to performers, production crew and audience members. Caution should
be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to SPL in excess of 90 dB
13. Read the System Rigging Manual before installation and use of the product
2.2 - GENERAL HARDWARE INFORMATION
Any hardware used in an overhead suspension application must be load rated for the intended
use. Generally, this type of hardware is available from rigging supply houses, industrial supply
catalogs and specialized rigging distributors. Local hardware stores do not usually stock these
products. Hardware that is intended for overhead suspension will comply with ASME B30.20
and will be manufactured under product traceability controls. Compliant hardware will be
referenced with a working load limit (WLL) and a traceability code.

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
2.3 - ATTACHMENT TO STRUCTURES
A licensed Professional Engineer must approve the placement and method of attachment to the
structure prior to the installation of any overhead object. The installation of the hardware and
method of attachment must be carried out in the manner specified by the Professional Engineer.
Improper installation may result in damage, injury or death.
CAUTION: Installation must be done by
qualified persons using safe rigging standards.
The installer is responsible for proper selection and use of mounting
hardware to properly and safely suspend the speakers.
2.4 - IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
The information in this section has been assembled from recognized engineering data and is
intended for informational purposes only. None of the information in this section should be used
without first obtaining competent advice with respect to applicability to a given circumstance.
None of the information presented herein is intended as a representation or warranty on the
part of JBL. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.
All information presented herein is based upon materials and practices common to North
America and may not directly apply to other countries because of differing material dimensions,
specifications and/or local regulations. Users in other countries should consult with appropriate
engineering and regulatory authorities for specific guidelines.
Correct use of all included hardware is required for secure system suspension. Careful
calculations should always be performed to ensure that all components are used within their
working load limits before the array is suspended. Never exceed the maximum recommended
load ratings.

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
2.5 - INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Suspension systems are comprised of mechanical devices and, as such, they require regular
inspection and routine maintenance to ensure proper functionality. Before suspending any
speaker system, always inspect all components (enclosure, suspension frames or brackets,
eyebolts, etc.) for cracks, deformations, corrosion or missing/loose/damaged parts that
could reduce strength and safety of the array. Do not suspend the speaker until the proper
corrective action has been taken.
Installed systems should be inspected at least annually. The inspection shall include a visual survey
of all corners and load-bearing surfaces for signs of cracking, water damage, delamination or any
other condition that may decrease the strength of the loudspeaker enclosure.
Accessory suspension hardware provided with or for VLA-C systems must be inspected for
fatigue at least annually or as required by local ordinance. The inspection shall include a visual
survey of the material for signs of corrosion, bending or any other condition that may decrease
the strength of the fastener. Additionally, any eyebolts shall be checked for possible spin-out of
the enclosure.
For all other hardware and fittings, refer to the hardware manufacturer’s inspection and
maintenance guidelines for process .
JBL is not responsible for the application of its products for any purpose or the misuse of this
information for any purpose. Fur thermore, JBL is not responsible for the abuse of its products
caused by avoiding compliance with inspection and maintenance procedures or any other abuse.
Prior to suspending the system, an expert, trained and experienced in suspending speaker
systems, should inspect all parts and components.
2.6 - SYMBOLS
The following set of symbols are used in this document:
CAUTION: This symbol gives notice of a potential risk of harm to the individual or the
equipment. Instruction marked with this symbol must be strictly followed.
TIP: This symbol gives notice of helpful, relevant information about the topic.
INSTRUCTIONS: This symbol gives notice of instructions that must be followed for
proper installation and use of the product.
TOOLS REQUIRED: This symbol gives notice of tools that must be used for proper
installation and use of the product.

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
3 - MECHANICAL INFORMATION
VLA Compact suspension system and accessories are also in compliance with the ANSI E1.8
- 2012 Section 5.3.4 standard for a minimum safety factor of 5:1. Minimum safety factor
requirements are often set by local regulations and the VLA-C Calculator should be used to
verify the safety factor for each array configuration.
TIPS:
•While the VLA-C265 and VLA-C2100 have similar dimensions and weights, they
are not identical. Therefore, there may be small gaps between boxes in an array.
•Because of their similar sizes, VLA-C2100 & VLA-C265 are sometimes used
interchangeably throughout this document.

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
4 - SYSTEM COMPONENTS
VLA-C265 V L A- C210 0 V L A - C12 5S
VLA-C265
Bracket Plate
V L A- C 210 0
Bracket Plate
V L A - C12 5S
Bracket Plate
See later sections for additional information.
CAUTION: Always use components and accessories specified and approved by
JBL Professional.

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JBL VLA-C SERIES | USER’S GUIDE
5 - SOFTWARE
EASE GLL FILES
EASE GLL files are available for VLA-C Series loudspeakers at the JBL Professional website www.
jblpro.com on the VLA Compact Series webpage and on each of the individual model webpages.
Example of small stadium with two flanking scoreboard arrays of 8 x VLA-C265 each (ave. 500 Hz – 4 kHz).
CLF FILES
CLF Common Loudspeaker Format files are available for VLA-C Series loudspeakers at the JBL
Professional website.