JBL Professional Showcases Next Generation Of EON® Portable Loudspeakers

At Winter NAMM 2009, JBL is showcasing the next generation of EON® portable loudspeakers. This includes five models spanning the new EON500 and EON300 series, all of which feature the trademark portability, versatility and reliability that made the original EON series the most groundbreaking and revolutionary product of its kind.

The new EON loudspeaker models feature deep-welled, full-size handles with ergonomically designed grip points. Combined with light weight and balanced weight distribution, the portability of speakers this size is unmatched. The new EON loudspeakers are also extremely versatile, offering flexible mounting capability, making the EON500 and EON300 series ideal for performing musicians, touring bands and mobile DJ's. Lastly, the new EON loudspeakers offer a level of reliability that only JBL can provide, incorporating JBL's legendary transducers and special limiter circuitry.

“JBL has developed the new EON500 and EON300 series loudspeakers with the same dedication to performance and reliability as the original generation of EON products, while increasing portability, through an even lighter system and designed ergonomics,” said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “The addition of five new models, including a subwoofer, addresses a variety of applications and customer needs.”

The EON500 series features three new models: the EON515 and EON510 2-way powered speakers, and the EON518S subwoofer. Each of the full-range EON500 series compact, lightweight models features an on-board mini-mixer with loop-thru or mix-out capability, allowing for greater control of the loudspeaker's output. The EON500 series loudspeakers also offer selectable EQ, multiple suspension points, soft-grip handle and a full screened backed grille for extra component protection. The EON500 series loudspeakers feature a combination of JBL's patented engineered components, enabling a smaller enclosure and lighter weight than competitive models.

The EON515 and EON510 offer mic and line level inputs, as well as selectable system EQ, giving users a “loudness” type control and the ability to roll off the low frequency for maximum performance with a subwoofer or when used as a floor monitor. Both models feature one XLR/ quarter-inch combo connector and additional quarter-inch inputs providing input flexibility and the ability to mix multiple sources. Each loudspeaker features one XLR output where the output signal is selectable, either the whole mix may be looped to another speaker (or sent to a mixing console), or simply the primary input for traditional “daisy-chaining.”

The EON518S is the first true subwoofer in the EON family of products. It's comprised of a single 18-inch Differential Drive woofer in a vented enclosure and powered by a 500/1000 watts (continuous/burst) amplifier. The EON518S features a pole mount cup for sub/satellite applications, level control, dual inputs, a stereo crossover network, peak limiter and polarity reverse switch. It also has a speaker level input increasing connectivity, flexibility and system configuration options.

The new EON300 series loudspeakers are the result of cutting-edge mechanical design and expertise in materials, making them as compact as possible but at significantly lighter weight than competitive models. Each of the EON300 series 2-way loudspeakers offers a high performance-to-price ratio, with a very simple user interface, along with multiple handles and suspension utility.

The EON315 15-inch 2-way loudspeaker system offers a total of 280/560 watts (continuous/burst) power and weighs a slight 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms). The EON315 features a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60-degree wave guide. The input is mic-line switchable and offers connectivity flexibility in the form of a balanced XLR/quarter-inch combo connector. The EON315 also features one XLR output to facilitate signal loop through.

The EON305 is a 15-inch passive 2-way loudspeaker featuring 250/500/1000 watts (continuous/program/peak) power handling. It offers a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60 wave guide. The inputs include two Speakon®/quarter-inch combo jacks linked in parallel. The EON305 is the perfect powered-mixer match, delivering all the fundamental EON attributes to a pre-existing system.