Unlocking Powerful Versatility for Hospitality Applications with JBL Pro’s AE Series Loudspeakers

Ben Todd
(Image courtesy of https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTMR)

Ensuring that installed audio clients receive a world-class audio experience, regardless of need, budget or application is the most important consideration for any installation or project. Identifying the right system design, components, manufacturer, models, and the availability of a 360-degree, next-generation support platform, are all critical steps in this process.

Download the AE Series brochure to explore the models, features and specifications.

We recently sat down with Ben Todd, JBL Pro Senior Application Engineer, to gain a better understanding of some of the questions he receives and how he advises distributors and integrators on how to select the right components for each project. Ben shared his experiences and insight into JBL Pro’s Application Engineered (AE) Series comprehensive family of permanent-installation loudspeakers and subwoofers. These powerful, versatile systems are optimized for a broad range of needs, from hospitality and theatrical sound to worship and sports facilities to live venues.

Ben, what’s a question you get asked most often with new clients?
A question we often receive is “Why does JBL make such a wide range of loudspeakers? Which one is right for my space?”  I completely understand the reason for the question. Many manufacturers make very good, but very similar products that aim to be useful for a variety of situations, but as a result are composed of a range of necessary compromises. The AE Series is different. It provides the installer with a wide variety of premium tools, each precisely designed to match a few specific requirements. Often, these requirements appear conflicting and insurmountable, until they meet the right AE series loudspeaker.

How do you ensure you have everything you need to help solve a customer’s specific challenge?
So it’s important to ask a lot of questions, visualize the space, identify the need, talk about past technical issues, understand the venue layout obstacles, and so on, but then it’s all about listening closely to understand their key challenges so that we can begin identifying the right solution.

See How AE Series Loudspeakers Were Ideal for Jack White’s London Third Man Records Store

Artist Jack White’s London Third Man Records store features JBL AE Series AM7215/95 loudspeakers, to provide audiences with powerful yet detailed sound. AE Series AC18 and AC16 loudspeakers are mounted in delayed positions around the venue to ensure the audience experiences clear and intelligible vocals.

It’s also important to clarify that JBL Pro serves many professional audio needs from installed audio to portable PA to touring audio. Within each category, different priorities must be addressed. Additionally, every application, as well as the building or venue it’s located, can be a variety of sizes and shapes, as well.

That’s when the AE Series often comes into the discussion as a great choice for addressing most if not all of the needs they have. Whether it’s a high-powered rig for a performance space, a discrete and tightly controlled system for a theatre, or a compact distributed system for premium hospitality AV, there is an AE Series model tailored to support the application.

“Live music venues are like churches, they’re sacred spaces… JBL gets that and it’s why they’re obsessed with translating sound in such a pure way.” – Artist Jack White. Check out the  Third Man Records London Store case study.

How do market conditions impact a customer’s decision to move forward with a new project?
In response to recent world economic challenges, the high-end hospitality, retail, and performing arts markets have been bouncing back with significant, steady growth. With prices increasing, clients are demanding that audio quality is consistently high, wherever they commit their constrained budgets. Audiences are still willing to buy tickets but will likely not consider return engagements without a stellar sound experience.

Many retail business owners have realised that a premium audio system vastly improves the customer experience. Research also demonstrates that this increases visitor numbers, visit duration, and consequently customer spending. This is particularly important as retail moves away from direct, in-store sales and towards creating brick-and-mortar spaces where customers embrace a brand experience.

To support these sectors, the AE Series is designed precisely as the name would suggest; loudspeakers engineered with specific, permanent and temporary installation applications in mind.

“When it comes to full-sized models, both the AM5000 and AM7000 series are optimised to deliver higher power output with better bass response.” (JBL Pro AM7315 High Power 3-Way Loudspeaker pictured)

What are the main size and aesthetic differentiators with the AE Series?
Sure. When it comes to full-sized models, both the AM7000 and the AM5000 series are optimised to deliver higher power output with better bass response. The 5000 series have extremely high performance and accuracy, with mid to high-power SPL output. The 7000 series are our Very High Output models, for larger venues and louder stages.

Small-format models in the AE Compact range are ideal for those more discrete, distributed, and immersive systems. They are also great for front-of-house duties with support from a subwoofer or as delay fills in installs featuring our full-sized AE Original loudspeakers or our reference-class VTX Series touring models.

Are there specific AE models that get specified more often for their versatility?
Definitely, here are some of our loudspeaker and subwoofer models that we often specify because of their incredible sound and clarity but also for their capability in solving some common but tricky customer requirements. Whether we are outfitting a theater, a worship space, a nightclub, or a sporting facility, there are so many uniquely designed venues that these models will create an unbelievable listening experience.

  • Loudspeakers
    • AE Original Series Loudspeakers
      • AM7315 High Power 3-Way Loudspeaker
        • The AM7315 is the largest and most potent loudspeaker in the range.
        • Its 3-way design features very high output compression HF AND MF sections and a large-format 15” differential drive woofer.
        • This system fits the spaces that suit traditional, high-power point source models, but elevates the experience to provide the coverage accuracy, impact and fidelity that the current premium market expects.
        • Primary Uses:
          • Front of House in high-impact venues where point source is more suitable than line array.
          • Stage-fill or side-fills in high-power venues.
          • Works well with the ASB7128 subwoofer.

In Denmark’s Palads Teatret, JBL AE Series AM5212 two-way speakers are featured in the role of front-most sidewall and ceiling surround speakers. Read more.

      • AM5212 2-Way Loudspeaker System
        • Similar SPL power output as the AE Compact Series AC28. This model also shares the same small-format ring radiator HF driver for completely clean, distortion-free treble.
        • The AM5212’s larger format allows a wider range of waveguide patterns with extended pattern control and use of a differential-drive 12″ LF transducer for tight, extended bass.
        • Offers all the sonic excellence of a high-end product but at a lower power and price point than the AM7000 series.
        • Primary Uses:
          • Front-of-house duties, small to mid-sized multi-arts and theatre venues. Benefits from support from a suitable sub such as the ASB6118
          • Surround arrays in premiere film post-production studios where full-range response and accuracy are vital, as is the coverage consistency
    • AE Compact Series Loudspeakers
      • AC28 Compact 2-way Loudspeaker
        • Slim form-factor twin 8” system with the output similar to a much bigger, and visually intrusive 12” model.
        • Highly consistent, rotatable 90°x50° and 120°x60° waveguide options offer good coverage flexibility.
        • Can mount discretely on a column, ceiling, or exposed steelwork.
        • Primary Uses:
          • Front-of-house duties in smaller venues where discrete, slim-line mounting is required
          • Requires pairing with a suitable subwoofer such as the ASB6115 or bigger.
          • Under balcony fill in high-power venues requiring tailored coverage
          • Front/lip-fill applications where an impactful built-in, high-performance system is required.
      • AC15 Ultra Compact 2-way Loudspeaker
        • The smallest speaker in the range. A super-compact 5” design, with a super-smooth fabric HF driver. It packs a surprising punch with 225W power handling (AES) in its compact hardwood ply casing.
        • Primary Uses:
          • Distributed systems in boutique retail, and discerning bars and restaurants. Partner with a suitable sub such as the ASB6112
          • Fill applications in smaller theatres and performing arts spaces
          • Immersive audio spaces
  • Subwoofers
    • AE Original Series Subwoofers – The ASB7128 is a subwoofer designed to play with the best as it shares driver technology with our reference line array products, just without the rigging, this subwoofer is a go-to for best-in-class installs.
    • AE Expansion Series Subwoofers Need a subwoofer that is affordable and sounds great? The AC115S and AC118S from the AE Expansion Series partner well with the AE Compact and AM5000 models when you might not need the extra output and performance of the ASB series subwoofer systems.

In our next JBL AE Series discussion, we’ll talk about voicing, accuracy, and coverage level, maximizing return on investment, and additional facets of the AE Series to assist you in selecting the ideal system for your application.

Explore the complete AE Series brochure to discover the key applications, features and specifications.

EXPLORE FURTHER
We invite you to dive into our AE Series product resources to get a more complete picture of how the lineup might be a great fit for your project needs and of course, we are always here when you’re ready to talk further.

  • Talk to a Solutions Expert – Ready to explore more about AE Series, just visit our WORLDWIDE LOCATOR and we will be glad to get in touch with you to answer your questions and discuss your ideas.

Ben Todd

Ben Todd is Senior Application Engineer for HARMAN Professional Solutions.

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