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The new S4800 employs a 3-way,
three-driver design, incorporating
an ultrahigh-
frequency (UHF) com-
p
ression driver
a
nd horn to repro-
duce high frequencies up to 40kHz.
With the UHF handling the ultrahigh
frequencies, the high-frequency
(HF) transducer could then be
upgraded to a new design using a
3-inch diaphragm for better repro-
duction of lower frequencies and
better blend with the woofer than
the older generations’ 2-inch
diaphragm. Both compression
drivers are mounted
in a unique
combination Bi-Radial
®
horn struc-
ture, precision-molded from JBL’s
p
roprietary SonoGlass
™
m
aterial, an
extremely dense and mechanically
inert substance that is easily
molded into the unusual shapes
required for superior acoustic
performance.
In order to re-create the extremely
high dynamic range provided by
today’s audio sources, a new low-
f
requency transducer was used,
incorporating a ferrite magnet, 3-
inch edge-wound voice coil, and
an Aquaplas-coated 15-inch cone
made of Kevlar
®
composite, a mix-
ture of Kevlar fiber and pulp mate-
rial that provides increased rigidity.
An EPDM rubber surround was
chosen for both its flexibility and
long life. The Symmetrical Field
Geometry
™
(SFG
™
) magnetic struc-
ture minimizes second harmonic
distortion by providing a uniform
flux field that prevents uneven
cone movement. The rigid cast-
aluminum frame is also designed
to minimize distortion, as alu-
minum has no effect on the mag-
netic field. Extensive computer-
aided engineering and design effort
made to develop the optimized port
tuning employed in the S4800 has
resulted in a significant advance in
the concept of state-of-the-art bass
reproduction. This proprietary align-
ment method offers the best damp-
ing characteristics and provides
extremely fast alignment, eliminat-
ing the typical “bass-reflex” sound
of a ported system.
All three transducers are built using
the most advanced materials and
precision manufacturing techniques
refined from renowned JBL
profes-
sional sound systems.
High power
-handling capability
results in no limitations on the types
of source material.
The S4800
has
very high input sensitivity;
even a
relatively small high-end amplifier
can provide full dynamic range
without compression.
Despite its power and sophistica-
tion, the S4800 embodies both tradi
-
tion and technology
. It reflects the
design, engineering and manufac-
turing expertise derived and refined
through nearly six decades of
experience that are the exclusive
province of one loudspeaker
builder – JBL.
4
SonoGlass
Bi-Radial Horn
1
00˚ Horizontal
6
0˚ Vertical
Curved
Dress
Panel
Spiked Feet
Foot Base
1" MDF
Construction
1500FE
15" LF
Driver
Port
Tube
435AL
3" HF
C
ompression
Driver
045Ti 1" UHF
C
ompression
Driver
Figure 1. Cutaway view of S4800 speaker system.
C
HAPTER 1 – THE S4800 LOUDSPEAKER:
A TRIUMPH IN ACOUSTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
S4800 OM 10/11/05 1:51 PM Page 4