The JBL KX180 is a professional-grade digital processor designed specifically for karaoke applications, offering a comprehensive suite of audio processing tools to enhance and fine-tune both music and vocals.
Key Features:
- Two groups of microphone inputs.
- 15-band Parametric EQ (PEQ) and compressor for each microphone input.
- Three levels of feedback inhibition for each microphone input.
- Independent control of Echo and Reverb parameters.
- Two pairs of RCA connectors and one optical connector for music input.
- 15-band PEQ for music input.
- Three levels of Excitement for music input.
- Six output channels: Right, Left, Center, Subwoofer, Surround Right, and Surround Left.
- 10-band PEQ for Right and Left outputs.
- 7-band PEQ for Center and Surround outputs.
- 5-band PEQ for Subwoofer output.
- Compressor provided for each output channel.
- Two independent recording (REC) channels that can be paired into stereo.
- Authority control for front panel controls.
- Storage and recall of up to 10 presets.
- Switchable Dance or Sing mode for each microphone input channel (manual or automatic).
- USB 2.0 connection for computer-based configuration.
Technical Specifications:
Audio Processing Details:
- Microphone Inputs: Each of the two microphone input groups features a 15-band parametric EQ for detailed tonal shaping and a compressor to control the dynamic range of the vocal signal. Three levels of feedback inhibition help prevent unwanted squealing and howling. Independent Echo and Reverb controls allow for creating a wide range of vocal effects.
- Music Input: The music input section offers a 15-band parametric EQ to adjust the overall sound of the backing tracks and three levels of "Excitement" which likely refers to some form of sonic enhancement to add clarity or punch.
- Outputs: The KX180 provides six discrete output channels for flexible speaker configurations, including main left/right, a dedicated center channel for vocals, a subwoofer output for low-frequency reinforcement, and surround left/right channels for a more immersive experience. Each output channel has its own parametric EQ (10-band for main L/R, 7-band for center/surround, and 5-band for subwoofer) and a compressor for fine-tuning the sound and preventing clipping.
- Echo and Reverb: The unit offers independent control over echo and reverb parameters, likely including settings for delay time, feedback, level, and EQ shaping for each effect. Some sources mention five reverb effects: Room, Small Hall, Large Hall, Vocal, and Custom, with detailed parameter adjustments available in Custom mode.
- Dance and Sing Modes: These modes provide quick access to optimized settings for different performance styles. They can be selected manually or automatically, suggesting some form of intelligent detection or triggering.
- Presets: The ability to save and recall up to 10 presets allows users to store their preferred settings for different venues, singers, or song types.
Connectivity:
- Microphone Inputs: 3 x 1/4" unbalanced jacks.
- Music Inputs: 2 x RCA unbalanced (left/right), 1 x Optical.
- Main Outputs: 2 x XLR unbalanced (left/right), 2 x RCA unbalanced (left/right).
- Center Output: 1 x RCA unbalanced.
- Subwoofer Output: 1 x RCA unbalanced.
- Surround Outputs: 2 x RCA unbalanced (left/right).
- Record Output: 2 x RCA unbalanced (left/right).
- Computer Connection: 1 x USB 2.0 (Type-B) for software control and preset management.
Overall, the JBL KX180 is a versatile and feature-rich digital processor tailored for karaoke systems, offering extensive control over audio signals to deliver high-quality sound for both music and vocals.