JBL SRX815P 15" Two-Way Bass Reflex Self-Powered PA Speaker System, 44Hz-20kHz, 2000W Peak, Single

2018-06-16T20:00:00

About a year ago, I purchased four SRX815p self powered/processed JBL speakers followed by a purchase of four of the SRX812p. My primary use is for floor monitors, but I do use them as mains for smaller events. After getting to know them, here’s what I have to say. Pros: The speakers get loud. Key to this is that JBL uses a larger 1.5” exit high frequency compression driver with 3” diaphragm behind it relative to most if not all other speakers in this price range. It’s not the kind of output you would get from a full 2” exit driver with 4” diaphragm behind it which would raise the cost of the speaker substantially. But the output is noticeably better than any of the boxes I’ve used in this range with a 1” exit driver with a 2” or smaller diaphragm behind it. The trend seems to be going towards smaller than a 2” diaphragms. Combined with a high performance woofer and hefty amp/processor combo, the box gets loud and sounds good. So far the bands that have used them as monitors have had no complaints and the energy can cause them to wince if they’re cranked up from the grunt of the horn. They have a lot of EQ filters available if you use the built-in networking to control them with Audio Architect, or HiQnet, 20 filters to be exact. On the cons side: the first thing I noticed is how flimsy the grills are. two of the 8 boxes I purchased had dented grills in shipping without any visible damage to the box. The shipping boxes aren’t very thick or well supported, so just something bumping into the middle of the box was enough to bend the grills. They really, really need to be thicker and won’t handle musicians pressing the their shoes on them like they do sometimes. The next area of concern is the vulnerability of the controls on the amp module. The encoder knob isn’t recessed and is definitely prone to getting damaged. I’m going to figure out a way to put some type of cover plate over the control section to add some protection. This should have been better thought out in the design stage. Adding even moderate protection wouldn’t have increased cost much. Another thing I’ve noticed on several of these speakers is the lack of damping of the amp module components. A mechanical buzz/rattle when you’re behind the cabinet can be heard when they’re running at high levels. This is certainly due to inadequate damping or securing of components or parts in the amp section. It’s pretty annoying when you hit a frequency where these components vibrate and the buzz starts. You don’t really hear it out front, but it’s not something you would expect to hear standing behind a $1000+ speaker. Lastly, the software control via ethernet gives you a lot of filters to work with. But what’s lacking is a user definable high pass filter. As far as I can tell, there are only high and low shelving filters. I want to be able to set my own custom high pass as far as slope and frequency. But I can’t do that. I would gladly trade half of those 20 filters for a user definable high pass. Maybe JBL can do that in a future firmware update. I mean really, who needs 20 parametric filters on a self powered box that’s already voiced? Seems a bit overkill. Most people designing systems and installations expect to be able to control the high pass. I've also flown these from time to time with the M10 rigging points. The rigging points are ok, but due to the monitor angle and placement of the amp module, the point you would use for 'pull back' when flying them horn up is off center and can cause the box to twist a bit which is annoying. It would have been nice to have a properly centered pull back point. To conclude, the SRX815p/812p are a good ‘bang for the buck’ speaker. Lots of features for the price. They are lacking in some robustness though that seems like it could be addressed even in this price range. They’re not inexpensive, thought they’re not top shelf cost either. Stronger grills, protection for controls, lack of rattles, and fully adjustable high pass filter would make it a truly killer boxa

cameronproaudio

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