JBL PRX-512m Review
February 1, 2010 | 1 Comments | Active Speakers, Latest News, New Gear, Speakers
The JBL PRX-512m is part of the PRX-500 Series of powered loudspeaker systems, of which there are seven models (two subwoofers and five full-range systems). All of these speakers are powered by built-in digital power amps engineered by Crown. In addition to these Crown power amplifiers, these systems contain state-of-the-art DSP (digital sound processing) that control functions like equalization, crossover accuracy, and system control/protection.
One thing that impressed me the most about the PRX-500 Series (including the smallest model, PRX-512m) is that they are NOT made in China — they were designed and engineered in the United States and then manufactured in North America in a very high-tech plant in Mexico. Then it appears they do final inspection, testing, packaging and shipping from their main plant in Northridge, CA….where my brand new PRX-512m’s were shipped from.
Upon removing from the box, I was impressed by the build quality and overall box integrity. They seem to be alot like the MRX and SRX in that regard. Nicely appointed with steel grills that have a lit up JBL & Crown logo. The weight of the PRX-512m is only 40 pounds, which is really light considering what’s inside:
In addition to the high performance and lightweight Crown amps, each PRX-512 utilizes the latest JBL loudspeaker technology. They have neodymium Differential Drive transducers with dual voice coils which are very light in weight, yet they provide high sound pressure levels with minimal harmonic distortion and power compression. When you combine highly engineered enclosures with sophisticated electronics like this, the result is supposed to be the highest performance-to-weight ratio in its class of PA equipment, a truly PORTABLE system that can really deliver the goods!
Back to the goodies: I love the Dura-Flex (TM) finish, as well as the nice build quality of the foam-backed grills. Not crazy about the handle on top, but this is a small cabinet; putting two handles in each side would have compromised the acoustics. With the matching JBL-Logo bag covers (not included), these speakers should survive the long wedding season intact, without any scratches (except on the speaker bottoms, which the bags do not cover).
One particular application for these is using them as main loudspeakers for wedding ceremonies. I could also imagine them being more than sufficient for cocktails, light jazz, and classic rock music.
The JBL PRX-512m features a dual-angle pole socket, which allows for more options in aiming the speakers toward the audience. This is really helpful because as a practical matter, you want neither tops or bottoms of the speaker visible from the listener’s perspective.
The actual components of the PRX-512m are a 12″ (JBL 262F) low frequency driver and a 1.5″ (JBL 2408H) high frequency compression driver. Even though the 512m is the smallest speaker in the PRX-500 Series, it uses the same HF Driver (2408H) as the PRX-515 as well as the PRX-525. Not only that, but the 500 watts of Crown amplification are the same as the PRX-515, both have the same 400 watt LF Crown amp, and the same 100 watt HF Crown.
What’s readily apparent, after some real world testing– these speakers are a clear step above from my previous Eon G2′s, both the 15s and 10′s. There is a sense of wider space, a bigger sound stage if you will. The highs are higher, clearer, more distinct. The midranges are clear, accurate and defined. Guitars and pianos stand out in particular, but other aspects like sibilance of high-hats and cymbals get more definition, that HF extention to 20k must be the reason!
However, this does not mean I think these loudspeakers are perfect. The lower bass is still too thin to operate by themselves in a typical mobile gig that requires playing hip hop or RnB music. Yes they work fine for funerals, ceremonies, cocktail music on a patio. Light rock and light jazz, no problem.
One song in particular, “Right Place Wrong Time” (Dr. John) stood out as a stellar example of why these speakers sound so good when they don’t get a lot of lower bass frequencies. With a true bottom end of 90 hz, these speakers are more like control monitors than full range loudspeakers. When you press the EQ button on the back control panel, the bass comes alive, extending the response down to 76 hz. Songs from the 60′s and early 70′s like this one were made for AM car radios, with little or no bass response.
However, when you play a song that is from the current era, or even a song from 20 years ago with heavy bass (for example, “The Way You Make Me Feel” by MJ), then the lack of lower bass response is more obvious. Both settings sounded thin and weak, with the “Main” setting providing barely adequate lower bass. Highs and mids were stellar though, I heard details lacking when played thru the eons.
On all songs tested, these speakers were able to make very loud sound pressure levels, despite the lack of bass. It is impossible to overdrive the mic (as I was prone to do with the Eon 15′s). Feedback is way less of a problem with the new speakers.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the PRX-512m because they were NOT purchased as a stand-alone Main Loudspeaker but rather, for using in combination with the matching PRX-718s Sub-Woofer. They not only look great, but they demonstrate to my audience that I’m constantly reinvesting in my productions with the latest technology. They’re a huge step up in quality from the Eon series they replaced, and much less worries about system failure with Crown amps!
When used with at least ONE sub, these speakers would provide the typical mobile Disc Jockey or small touring band with the ultimate portable PA loudspeaker system. Did I mention– only 40 pounds apiece? When you consider how much a typical passive amp weighs, its truly amazing what they’ve done with audio components!
Once the new PRX-718s Sub Woofer system arrives, I plan to do a follow-up on these speakers,
Meanwhile, I’ve used them in testing with Eon 518s, and B-52 ACT-18, with excellent results in both cases.
The JBL PRX-512m is available at Audiolines.com
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