SRX906LA Line Array | Did It Live Up To The Hype?

[@michaeljeremiah9221]

Michael, I’m glad you got a chance to work with JBL SRX906LA. We just had these installed in our 1000 seat high school auditorium. Because of budget the installation is a 5 box center hang and a JBL SRX928S in center below floor front of stage. The 120 degree horizontal coverage from the 906 is awesome. The system has minimal tuning and sounds fantastic. Midas M32 is front of house.

[@lookedup]

I flew a 12 box (6 per side) SRX910LA array in a music venue in January. It's about 5,000 sq ft almost square dimensionally with a 22 foot ceiling. The array met expectation in every way. The design software made it simple to set the splay angles. The system required little adjustment other than 80 Hz high pass and attenuating the bottom boxes. Every guest engineer has loved the system. The house budget did not allow for purchasing new subs so the currently installed subs work for some events. We augment the array with floor stacked LAB subs for touring acts which have been lauded by every engineer working the room. We had a reggae act recently that put the system to the test. The amplifiers remained slightly above room temperature throughout the event, well within an acceptable range. So far nothing but compliments from engineers, patrons and the purchaser. I augment the system with front fills to seamlessly cover the first twenty feet centered in front of the stage.

[@soundboyinc_]

I installed the SRX906LA in a church and they sounds great out the box, once I tuned them they sounded even better 👌🏾

[@Churchfront]

Great work, can't wait to hear it! (Adam)

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Pumped for you to come hear it, Adam!

[@stewartscreekaudio8105]

We just took delivery of 12 of the 906la's and 6 of the 918s subs. We haven't had them out in the wild too much yet, but they seem like a good middle of the road array. I have also had them set up in smaller chunks like 2 over 1 sub, 4 stacked on 2 subs, etc. The presets seem helpful based on if you are doing a full array, 3-4 boxes or 1 as a front fill. I do wish that LAC was more 3 dimensional.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Yes, would like to hear them in the application you described.

[@IEStudios147]

1000 times yes on LAC!!

[@stewartscreekaudio8105]

Let me know if you're ever in Nashville and have time. I'll set it up.@@MichaelCurtisAudio

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Will do! @@stewartscreekaudio8105

[@DallasSoundGuys]

I'm mostly corporate and I recently sold my 12 yr old VRX rig for the SRX 906LA. It's been recent and haven't used them much yet so I appreciate your covering them!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

You're very welcome!

[@iamdjmus]

How do you compare these with the VRX line up ?

[@ScottieParr]

@@iamdjmus A recent annual event is very informal and I was able to set up 2 SRX906 per side next to 2 VRX932LAP per side. Listen to each one for a while and they each sound perfectly fine. But compare them back and forth and they were soooo different. The VRX sound really 'bright' compared to the 906. But get used to the VRX for a while and the 906 sound a little muffled. There's a lot of 'air' / 'bright' / 'crisp' in the VRX. I couldn't say one was better than the other, but they are really different than each other.

[@iamdjmus]

@ScottieParr and did you tested the subs too ? I'm wondering how my vrx918sp hold against these new boxes.

[@ScottieParr]

@@iamdjmus I've used the new subs have have not compared them side by side with the VRX918SP. I wouldn't guess because I wouldn't have thought the tops would have been that different. I just read though all the comments again and see people saying the 906 are bright. They sounded dull next to the VRX (to me). That's not a complaint at all, I think they sound great. But the VRX sound really bright once you're used to the 906, and the 906 sound really dull when you're ears are adjusted to the VRX (to me and 2 other production friends that were comparing them). Has anyone else had these side by side to compare? (PS, I'm Dallas Sound Guys, not sure how I'm logged in by my name now, haha).

[@IEStudios147]

We own 4 906's and 2 918's and absolutely love their performance! The 906's are a little bright out of the box, but with a little tuning they can really shine. We have been getting nothing but great audience reviews after every show this season. If you are ever out in the Phoenix, AZ area, let us know!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

So glad to hear that! Like you said, a hair bright out the gate but nothing a little EQ can't fix. I'm curious to get my hands on some 918's soon (since this project had VTX B18's).

[@mitas3484]

Honestly happy to see you lowered the top frequency. I can’t tell how many times I’ve been in an audience and the HF is just ear drum killers

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks!

[@robbiestarkey9144]

Thanks for the wonderful review. As you know I have used all the SRX900 products in just about every way possible. Your review was spot on with what I have experienced. Price rise nothing can compete with SRX900 IMHO. Keep up the good work....

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

You got it, Robbie! Glad it was a fair and useful look at the product. I'm looking forward to hopefully taking the SRX910 boxes as well as the subs for a spin this year.

[@terrynahirny6616]

Great review Michael...thx. Curious what your approach would be if the venue requested a stereo hang? Love mixing on SRX906 rigs! and the SRX928 subs hit good as well.

[@AaronAvinash-x3q]

Amazing review! Thanks Michael

[@lukejackson1116]

Awesome to see the walk through of this project! Next time I’m in Chicago I’m gonna need to hear it!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks a ton, Luke! I appreciate Churchfront sending Shiloh SDA my way.

[@pmarlyoung]

❤ I’ll take you up on that @lukejackson1116

[@DanielReed-e5j]

Great video Michael! If you ever want to demo the 910's let me know and I can help facilitate that.

[@unfree.radical]

Perfect timing. I've watched and studied the various choices you've made several times. As well as your "toolkit". Followed you for awhile now. I was just asked to consult for a restaurant/venue install. My first instinct was that a center array may be ideal given space constraints (60x 30z 22y)..and while the dimensions are different, the spirit of the thing matches this video you posted the day after my initial meeting. Great info on a new system. Appreciate all you do!

[@PROTIDHWANISOUND]

Which one is best for the live event JBL SRX 910la vs RCF HDL 30

[@psipyro]

Love your channel. How would you say the SRX906 compares to the HDL6/HDL26 from RCF?

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

I've only used the HDL6-A's (the the 26-A's, which I feel would be a more apples to apples comparison) from RCF, but I'd say the SRX906's feel a bit brighter and sharper on the transients from a tonal perspective. The design feature that has me most excited about them is the granularity in choosing array angles - being able to have 0.5, 1 and then all the way up to 12 in 1° increments is really, really nice. The HDL series has 1,2,3,4,5,7,10. The HDL series is no slouch though, for sure.

[@handyfm]

Our sales rep mentioned the hdl is the main competitor product jbl are targeting with this product, fyi

[@TylerMarletteNY]

906 side by side with hdl-6, what’s the winner based on sound quality and output?

[@toddjirikowic4077]

Wondering if, did you use the array compensation and throw compensation on the JBL software? I know you can do this per box I think and per array. Wondering if that is why the high frequency was brighter compared to your measurements?

[@bradleyhenady2032]

I've been using a 16 box SRX906 rig (8 per side) with a 4 box SRX928 sub rig for the last few months. I have been VERY impressed with their performance, SPL, and punch. For their price point, I think they are going to be hard to beat, even compared to an RCF HDL6 rig.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Glad to hear that! Are you using a separate processor or doing everything within the built-in DSP?

[@bradleyhenady2032]

@@MichaelCurtisAudio we are a larger church in Joplin, MO called 'Hope City' so I didn't personally install anything. Our integrators, Strata AVL, did everything when we built our new building and they did all the processing each box where needed. No externtal processors. I know you're based in Arkansas not to awfully far away, if you would ever like to come out and take a look, we would love to have you!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Ok, awesome! Yes, Joplin's only about an our away from me.@@bradleyhenady2032

[@jesseojo]

Would it be worth upgrading from the hdl6 to this?

[@jakenuno9900]

I had the chance to use these last month finally, I enjoyed them very much and so did my other buddy who is also quite picky.

[@bobkidd7075]

Hi Michael, Makes sense coverage wise to go with Center configuration but is there any drawback to going mono and not stereo config?

[@FVDaudio]

For me, this segment is the most interesting. Double 6", double 8" and some even double 10" boxes (always depending on cost), represent the entry for many rental companies into the professional market. For facilities (for example churches, houses of worship), they represent the entry or the possibility of making more effective installations that due to economic issues were poorly resolved with point sources for many years, sometimes even with boxes from the cheap portable segment. RCF, DAS and some other brands have quite interesting systems under $2000 each. We have to weigh the virtues, advantages and disadvantages to be able to compare and choose when it comes to acquiring a new system.

[@sholasleek]

Hi Michael, how did you run stereo if they were all on a single center hang, can you please explain? Thank you.

[@JohnWEntertain]

Would using the VRX 918 subs be a better match to the SRX906 for flying purposes? What was the thought processes behind going with the VTX subs besides it being the step up from the SRX series?

[@kwilproduction]

How would you go about installing a stereo line array system in this room given how narrow the room is compared the horizontal coverage of these line array speakers or even line array speakers in general? I’m aware that if the speakers are closer to the walls there would be sound reflections. Additionally there would be massive sound overlap from the left and right speakers thus causing phasing issues. What could be a workable alternative for a stereo system?

[@linneypa]

Before applying the boost around 80Hz to the subs, did you try measuring the SRX906s without the 80Hz HPF you added to them? Being a self-powered box they should already have some form of built-in HPF for driver protection as part of their internal processing. From the spec sheet - this looks like about -3dB @ 70Hz. Having a little more overlap with the subs may have avoided the need for sub EQ? With the long hang of SRX906 there should be plenty of LF headroom for this to work, especially with all the low mid you EQd out.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Great question! I chose to go ahead and use the HPF instead of running them full range because this kept the phase slope throughout the crossover range between the mains and subs the most closely aligned, and since they were flown together I wanted to preserve that relationship.

[@sh1z3r63]

I wonder what you think about placing speakers around the dancefloor, for example, one in front another in the back, or 2 in front and another two in the back or even another pair in the middle? I noticed that some clubs around my place are doing this probably to focus sound on the dancefloor and get rid of loud music in the lounge zone. Is it a bad idea? Can I do it for example at the wedding? I know that the "music stage" will be fucked up couse people will not be able to localize the stage or DJ both by the ear but anyway. How high should I cut low frequencies on these extra speakers to get rid of "power dots and circles" couse that's something I see in many mid-high frequencies in Ease focus 3 when I'm trying to simulate these sound solutions? One club that I know has this solution, and they just have crossover in 120hz on every speaker but I noticed that the bass there isn't very even, also this club is bursting at the seams in peak time and they have subs stacked on the ground in the corner so maybe that's the issue (couse people are absorbing this bass). Also, I appreciate your work and I have learned frome you a lot.

[@GamingDrummer89]

It's odd that JBL doesn't have any fly-capable subs in the SRX900 series, but in this case it ended up being an excuse to go up to the VTX line, lol. I'd be curious to hear sound clips of this system in action!

[@danielurzika1369]

Thoughts on an LCR system with three hangs of these boxes?

[@bruceusven837]

Great walk through! I love it! Question.. Did you use JBL-Performance Ethernet Network Software to process the tuning? if so, can you show us what you did? Thank you Curtis. Cheers!

[@thembalamis]

Hey Michael! Thanx for this very insightful review. It's just what I needed. Can't wait for you to review the VTX A6. I've been scowering the internet hoping to find some live action reviews of these boxes since they're the younger brothers of JBL's flagship VTX series. I'd really like to hear your particular take of them. I'm looking to compare them for a client who wants to make a decision on which of the 2 to install in His church. Keep up the great work!

[@djfreesoul]

I heard VTX A6 compared to SRX906 - A6 is on other level. SRX can't compete.

[@cmschwartz103953]

Hey I love this! I have been looking into these speakers for a little and have been intrigued. Any chance you could do an event setup/tuning video with Qsc La108 or la112s?

[@timonschalkwyk1140]

How does this compare to the L-Accoustics a10’s ? 🤔

[@eflizotte]

great video micheal! Looking in the EQ still you posted, there seem to be a lot of wide Q alterations that are in very close proximity to one another. I know its about how it sounds not how it looks but could similar results have been achieved with fewer cuts? Im also surprised to see how much low shelf you needed... as the prediction didnt show that, i imaging that was a function of the acoustic parameters of the room?

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Great questions. Yes, I'm sure the same curve could have been arrived at with fewer filters. It's just what I ended up using to get to the desired target curve. Although I haven't used the SRX906's before, I need a similar amount of low shelving with the HDL6-A's, and its prediction doesn't show that either. I'm sure some of it was due to the room, but I'm not surprised it required this much shelving given my past experience with similar products.

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

Hi Michael Kurtis. Give me a Reason Why you flew the Double 18'' Subs?

[@mitas3484]

More linear response across the audience, usually saves the first row from getting a ton of bass

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Like @mitas3484 mentioned, to get a more even response across the audience. And to localize the bass image with the mains.

[@OmegaDerrick]

Eliminates the issues caused by subs to mains displacement to the audience. If you can fly your subs, fly them 🤘🏼

[@carlosnager4170]

Good job. You have an inv. Polarity in some cable or in the mic. It depence on witch measurement mic are you using, some of them are 2&3 pin inverted.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Good eye! I honestly wasn't sure if the native phase response of the 906's was similar to that of the HDL6-A's from RCF in that it's intentional that the polarity is inverted (so that they marry with their RCF subs out the box). I need to check with JBL and see.

[@carlosnager4170]

I work for Harman. All VTX & SRX have a compatible phase trace starting at 0 degrees in HF. The subs are xover compatible ( tops&subs ) with that phase trace. Have a nice one!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks for the clarification,@@carlosnager4170 ! That settles it, then. I did end up doing a polarity inversion on the VTX subs to get them to align with the SRX mains through crossover, so sounds like the XLR drive lines to the SRX boxes were reversed. I appreciate the clarification!

[@eflizotte]

@@MichaelCurtisAudio great note to test the work of the integrator as close as possible before jumping into any tuning activites... also worth checking for anything silly happening on the console before going on the tuning journey. There have been a few times where i got pretty far only to observe that there was delay or EQ or something happening on the desk i didnt know about and then I had to start over without the desk contributing... just cant assume its all flat, gotta check

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Yes, absolutely,@@eflizotte.

[@chrisnelson1970]

Fantastic video! Any chance we'll see one for the 910s soon?

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

I don't have any gigs or designs lined up with them (yet), but will be sure to make a video once I do!

[@blotube9354]

How do you add the target curve on smaart?

[@rumgonmei6096]

Does it sound better than QSC LA108?

[@Holden.strackbein]

I love these videos. I did have a question. Is there a shortcut you use to normalize all of your traces at 1k or do you just move them manually?

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks! You can shift + click on the magnitude graph in SMAART and it will normalize all traces to that point on the graph.

[@umitums]

Hi there. The frequency response is quite high in the low mid section. Is it okay if I do a HPF on vocal mic around 170-200hz ?

[@eflizotte]

HPF wherever you need to to get the results youre after! depending on the room, the rig, the mic and the vocalist, HPF from 100 to 250hz could be used...

[@dustinyager5752]

Shout out to Steve and Mike from Polar Focus. Best custom rigging in the biz.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Yes, rock solid stuff!

[@richardbarnett2563]

Would you be able to do a left and right hang with the 910s since the angle is 105 instead of 120?

[@Zamsky39]

Imho still much too wide for that room

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

You definitely could, but like @zamsky39 mentioned, I think there'd be a lot of overlap between arrays and a lot of HF reflected off the walls. And it'd be double the PA cost : )

[@richardbarnett2563]

Okay fair. Do you work that out using your line array software or is there like a general rule of thumb as to what width is too narrow for a left and right hang?

[@roshandigal582]

Hey sir can you suggest speakers for our church I can send the pictures of church

[@shysingh]

Have you compared to QSC LA 112

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

I have not yet, but it would be a fun comparison.

[@ricoarmbrister9567]

which processor did you use?

[@djspecialpaul]

Nice - does not this church in a video from Churchfront ??? or so.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Yup!

[@djspecialpaul]

@@MichaelCurtisAudio nice

[@CameronMagee]

Great video!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks, Cam : )

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

And I can't even get my church to upgrade their speakers! We added rear speakers as a band aid fix to their horribly designed system. We have one 12" sub, and even getting that was met with resistance!

[@TheRhettjohnson707]

I just don’t think I could ever be happy with a mono system. Nice video though!!!

[@doctersound9630]

$$$$$

[@Redrios]

gawd he's hot

[@ciekaweify]

Jbl Srx LA 906, 910 are good speakers, but it's a pity that they are based on old patents from srx800. The price of one is $2,500, the competition will win. Jbl doesn't have a good, strong Subbass, QSC KS118 destroys JBL. installing the Srx series in a church will completely destroy the architecture. hide the poles discreetly.