Jump to content

JBL Vertec 4889


danascherl

Recommended Posts

How long is a piece of string?

 

How big is the venue you're holding your event in, and how many boxes of 4889 are you intending to use to cover it? You'll need subs in addition to just 4889 – what are you going to use there? Bear in mind 4889 is very large and very heavy, and you need a lot of them to cover a decent area.

 

Personally I think that on the whole VerTec is fine – a bit old now, but with the V5 presets it can sound alright. It's not as nice out of the box as (say) L-Acoustics or d&b, but as long as you've got someone competent setting it up and operating it, it can work.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi, And thanks for your reply.

 

They are 14 x 4889 and 8 x 4880 subs in total.

I am looking to purchase the system, but the main use is festival work or mainly dance music orientated events.

They are large shows, But I would like the option to split the system in half for 2 smaller shows/stages if that will work.

That is why I wanted to get some advise from people that have used or know this system.

 

I know its chalk and cheese, But up until now I have only run my Backline system which is 8 218 subs and H3 & H2's so this is all a bit new to me.

 

Any advise would be much appreciated.

 

Dan

 

How long is a piece of string?

 

How big is the venue you're holding your event in, and how many boxes of 4889 are you intending to use to cover it? You'll need subs in addition to just 4889 – what are you going to use there? Bear in mind 4889 is very large and very heavy, and you need a lot of them to cover a decent area.

 

Personally I think that on the whole VerTec is fine – a bit old now, but with the V5 presets it can sound alright. It's not as nice out of the box as (say) L-Acoustics or d&b, but as long as you've got someone competent setting it up and operating it, it can work.

 

No looking to purchase my self.

I want it for larger shows, as I have a Backline that looks after the smaller events.

 

Dan

You may well be better off with more of a smaller box, than a handful per side of larger boxes.

 

Is the system being suggested by a hire company, or is it something that you're looking to buy yourself?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They are 14 x 4889 and 8 x 4880 subs in total.

I am looking to purchase the system, but the main use is festival work or mainly dance music orientated events.

They are large shows, But I would like the option to split the system in half for 2 smaller shows/stages if that will work.

That is why I wanted to get some advise from people that have used or know this system.

 

That's definitely enough of the system to be useful! (I'm always wary of people who say they have a "line array" when there's only two or three cabinets a side)

 

It's a significant purchase, and unless you are getting it for a stupid low price you do need to consider carefully. Whilst, as others have said, this is a perfectly acceptable system, it is relatively old, and JBL seems to be a little less established at this level. (Vertec is more common in the USA)

 

Are any of the events that you are going to be covering rider-driven? In my neck of the woods, it tends to be D&B or l'Acoustic that is the established choice for gigs at this kind of level, and you'd have a hard time persuading promoters and engineers to go with something else, unless there's significant cost savings. If your business model can support being the "low cost alternative" then great, but many have tried that path and failed in the past.

 

If there's money burning a hole in your pocket, then great, but if you are taking on any kind of finance to fund the purchase then beware!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The logistics behind successfully and SAFELY deploying a line array are a significant step change from setting up a big pile of point source.

Do you have an established client base?, by that I mean a healthy amount of regular festivals and dance events that you are supplying each year?

If you do, you're probably already doing a lot right with the MA kit you have...

14 mid/high elements is seven a side, so doesn't really offer the option to split for smaller shows, as one show is going to end up with just three elements per side, offering no 'line array' benefits... instead just use a loud 70x40 deg. box, wind it up high, point it down & you've done the job with 1/10th of the weight of 3*4889s.

Stuart is bang on the money regarding rider friendliness - across the pond, they love everything JBL, especially Vertec. Over here, the dance events tend to favour F1, whilst live events' first choices are d&b or L'Acoustics.

If your business plan stacks up, meaning buying speakers is going to yield you more money in five years time than leaving the money in the bank, or buying property or other investments, whilst HIRING the optimum system for each festival/dance event you undertake, I would suggest buying a similar number of Q boxes would be much, much more useful... more scalable, usable as point source, ground stacked line array or indeed a flown line array, loud, rider friendly.. and in comparison extremely light. Plus a lot cheaper than it was & easier to come by on the s/h market, as renatl houses have moved / are moving over to Y and V. The D12s you'll need to run it can be picked up for keen prices too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The logistics behind successfully and SAFELY deploying a line array are a significant step change from setting up a big pile of point source.

 

That's a very good point. Seven 4889 per side is not a sensible proposition for a ground-stack, motors or lifts are going to be expensive and take up a lot of space. Meanwhile your competition has already bought these items and may have largely paid them off. It's this sort of detail that makes it difficult to make money when you jump up a level.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.