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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

JBL Professional Launches Nine New AE Series 2-way Full-range Permanent Installation Loudspeaker Models

Two new horn designs, 60° x 60° and 120° x 60°, raise the total count of models in the AE Series to 50.

LONDON, England – Providing unprecedented versatility for sound integrators, JBL Professional is adding nine 2-way full-range loudspeaker models to its revolutionary AE (Application Engineered) Series: the AM5212/64, AM5212/66, AM5212/95, AN5212/00, AM5212/26, AM5215/64, AM5215/66, AM5215/95 and AM5215/26. The nine new models, including two new horn coverage patterns, bring the total model count in the AE Series to 50. All AE Series loudspeakers are designed specifically for fixed installation sound reinforcement applications.

These nine new medium-power, lightweight models include five 12-inch, 2-way full-range systems and four 15- inch, 2-way full-range systems. All nine models utilize JBL’s patented Differential Drive® dual voice coil and dual gap, neodymium magnet, low-frequency drivers and the 2408H-1 high-frequency 38mm (1.5 in) exit, 38mm (1.5 in) voice-coil compression driver. The large-format Progressive Transition@trade; waveguides provide excellent coverage control and are rotatable, so the loudspeaker system can be used in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. All nine models utilize a sophisticated high-slope passive crossover network designed to provide seamless transitions from low to high frequency and minimize band overlap. Well-controlled off-axis response enhances arrayability. Each model is shipped in its passive configuration and is user-configurable for bi-amplification.

The enclosures are constructed of multiply birch and are finished in JBL’s rugged DuraFlex@trade; coating. Each trapezoid enclosure is heavily braced to maximize low-frequency performance, is fitted with 15 M10 threaded attachment points, and utilizes a 14-gauge steel grille internally lined with acoustically transparent foam to provide additional driver protection and give a very professional appearance. Input cups are fitted with screw terminals and a Neutrik® NL4 connector.

As with previous AE Series models, the nine new models are ideal for applications including theatrical sound design, auditoriums, worship facilities, live clubs, dance clubs, sports facilities, and themed entertainment venues.

“Throughout JBL’s history, our success has hinged on the ability to provide the most diverse loudspeaker range in the industry,” said Jon Sager, Director of Market Development, Installed Sound, JBL Professional. “These nine new additions to the AE Series further support JBL’s commitment to sound system designers worldwide.”

JBL is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International Industries, Incorporated designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sound Pressure Levels - How much is too much?


Experts agree that continued exposure to sounds pressure levels (SPL) above 85 dBA over time, will cause hearing loss. To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your hearing, it is important to know both the SPL (measured in decibels, dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before hearing loss will occur.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1998), the maximum exposure time before hearing damage at 85 dBA is 8 hours. At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time is one minute and 29 seconds. If you must be exposed to noise, it is recommended that you limit the exposure time and/or wear hearing protection.

The following are decibel levels of common noise sources around us. These are typical levels, however, actual noise levels may vary depending on the particular item. Remember noise levels above 85 dBA will harm hearing over time. Noise levels above 140dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure.

Points of Reference measured in dBA or decibels:
  • 0 - The softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing
  • 10 - normal breathing
  • 20 - whispering at 5 feet
  • 30 - soft whisper
  • 50 - rainfall
  • 60 - normal conversation
  • 110 - shouting in ear
  • 120 - thunder
Home
  • 50 - refrigerator
  • 50 to 60 - electric toothbrush
  • 50 to 75 - washing machine
  • 50 to 75 - air conditioner
  • 50 to 80 - electric shaver
  • 55 - coffeemaker
  • 55 to 70 - dishwasher
  • 60 - sewing machine
  • 60 to 85 - vacuum cleaner
  • 60 to 95 - hair dryer
  • 65 to 80 - alarm clock
  • 70 - TV audio
  • 70 to 80 - coffee grinder
  • 70 to 95 - garbage disposal
  • 75 to 85 - toilet flush
  • 80 - toaster
  • 80 - doorbell
  • 80 - ringing telephone
  • 80 - whistling kettle
  • 80 to 90 - food processor
  • 80 to 90 - blender
  • 80 to 95 - garbage disposal
  • 110 - baby crying
Work
  • 40 - quiet office or library
  • 50 - large office
  • 65 to 95 - power lawn mower
  • 80 - manual machine, tools
  • 85 - handsaw
  • 90 - tractor
  • 90 to 115 - subway
  • 95 - electric drill
  • 100 - factory machinery
  • 100 - woodworking class
  • 105 - snow blower
  • 110 - power saw
  • 110 - leafblower
  • 120 - chain saw, hammer on nail
  • 120 - pneumatic drills, heavy machine
  • 120 - jet plane (at gate)
  • 120 - ambulance siren
  • 125 - chain saw
  • 130 - jackhammer, power drill
  • 130 - civil defense siren
  • 130 - percussion section at symphony
  • 140 to 150 - airplane taking off
  • 150 - artillery fire at 500 feet
  • 180 - rocket launching from pad
Recreation
  • 40 - quiet residential area
  • 70 - freeway traffic
  • 85 - heavy traffic, noisy restaurant
  • 90 - truck, shouted conversation
  • 95 to 110 - motorcycle
  • 100 - snowmobile
  • 100 - school dance
  • 110 - bar or club music
  • 110 - busy video arcade
  • 110 - symphony concert
  • 110 - car horn
  • 110 to 130 - rock concert
  • 112 - personal audio player, with headphones, on high
  • 117 - football game
  • 120 - band concert
  • 125 - auto stereo (factory installed)
  • 130 - stock car races
  • 150 - firecracker
  • 156 - capgun
  • 157 - balloon pop
  • 162 - fireworks (at 3 feet)
  • 163 - rifle
  • 166 - handgun
  • 170 - shotgun

Remember that the decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit, meaning that you cannot add and subtract dB like ordinary numbers. For example, an increase of 3 dB is a doubling of the "strength" of the sound, and an increase of 10 dB means that the sound is 10 times as loud; i.e., 70 dB is 10 times as loud as 60 dB.

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