JBL VLA-C265 – 2-Way Horn-Loaded Line Array, 65° Coverage

Product Overview

The JBL VLA-C265 is a two-way, horn-loaded full-range line array speaker module engineered for permanent installation in stadiums, arenas, performing arts centers, and large-venue commercial sound reinforcement applications that demand long-throw coverage and controlled directivity. Its 65° horizontal coverage pattern focuses output into deeper audience zones where a wider module would over-spray into adjacent surfaces, reducing intelligibility. Dual 10-inch 2261FF Differential Drive woofers and three D2415 compression drivers deliver 131 dB continuous and 137 dB peak SPL in an IP55-rated fiberglass enclosure. The VLA-C265 is the focused-coverage module in the JBL VLA Compact Series and is the standard specification choice for system designers requiring a JBL 65-degree horn-loaded line array speaker for demanding permanent installations.

Product Description

The VLA-C265 uses dual 10-inch 2261FF Differential Drive woofers, each with dual 3-inch voice coils and Direct Cooled technology. The Direct Cooled design reduces driver weight compared with traditional neodymium woofer assemblies while maintaining high power handling — a significant consideration in large-format permanent arrays where enclosure weight affects rigging loads and hardware selection. Continuous power handling is rated at 800 W (full-range passive) with 3,200 W peak; in bi-amp configuration the HF section accepts 150 W continuous and 600 W peak independently.

The high-frequency section employs three D2415 compression drivers per enclosure, using 1.5-inch annular (ring-radiator) diaphragms and neodymium motors. The annular geometry improves high-frequency extension and dispersion consistency across the 65° pattern, which is particularly important in long-throw applications where the difference between on-axis and off-axis response determines intelligibility at the rear of the audience. Frequency response spans 85 Hz to 19 kHz (–10 dB) with a usable range of 108 Hz to 16.5 kHz (±3 dB), providing full-range reproduction when crossed over above a subwoofer module.

The VLA-C265 supports passive or bi-amp operation, giving system designers the choice between reduced amplifier channel count or maximum headroom and independent section processing via Crown DCi amplifiers with onboard DSP. The IP55-rated enclosure — reinforced fiberglass with internal birch plywood bracing and a weatherized grille system — is designed for outdoor rigged installations as well as indoor arenas and covered venues. An integrated rigging system with multiple inter-enclosure angle options enables precise array geometry configuration. Within the VLA Compact Series, the VLA-C265 combines with the 100° VLA-C2100 in mixed-coverage arrays and with the VLA-C125S dual 15-inch subwoofer for complete system designs.

Key Features

• 65° Horizontal Coverage Pattern — Controlled, focused dispersion for long-throw coverage zones; reduces over-spray into side walls, ceilings, and adjacent sections in complex seating geometry.
• Dual 10-Inch 2261FF Differential Drive Woofers — Direct Cooled technology reduces weight without sacrificing power handling; dual 3-inch voice coils per driver minimize thermal compression under sustained drive.
• Triple D2415 Compression Drivers — Three 1.5-inch annular-diaphragm HF drivers per enclosure deliver high-sensitivity, consistent high-frequency output across the full 65° pattern.
• 131 dB Continuous / 137 dB Peak SPL — Output headroom for large reverberant spaces, outdoor venues, and high-ambient-noise environments.
• Passive or Bi-Amp Operation — Bi-amp mode via Crown DCi DSP enables independent LF/HF processing and alignment; passive mode reduces amplifier channel requirements.
• 800 W RMS / 3,200 W Peak Power Handling — Full-range passive power handling rated for high-output permanent installations with Crown DCi amplification.
• IP55-Rated Weatherized Enclosure — Reinforced fiberglass with birch plywood bracing and weatherized grille for outdoor and semi-exposed permanent installations.
• Integrated Rigging Hardware — Multiple inter-enclosure angle options for configuring array geometry to venue-specific coverage requirements.
• VLA Compact Series Compatibility — Arrays with VLA-C2100 (100°) and VLA-C125S subwoofer for scalable, complete permanent-install systems.
• Gray Finish (–GR) — Lighter enclosure finish suited to architectural environments where black hardware would be visually prominent.

Typical Applications

• Stadiums and arenas requiring long-throw, focused line array coverage
• Performing arts centers and large auditoriums with deep seating areas
• Outdoor sports facilities and amphitheaters with permanent rigged sound systems
• Houses of worship with large, narrow sanctuaries requiring controlled directivity
• Mixed VLA Compact Series arrays combining 65° and 100° coverage modules

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What horizontal coverage angle does the VLA-C265 provide, and when should I choose it over the VLA-C2100?
The VLA-C265 provides a 65° horizontal pattern suited to deep seating areas and longer-throw coverage zones. The VLA-C2100 provides 100° for wider, shallower audience areas. Both are available at creationnetworks.net, and they can be mixed in the same flown array.

What is the maximum SPL output of the VLA-C265?
131 dB continuous and 137 dB peak SPL at 1 meter, providing substantial headroom for large reverberant venues, outdoor environments, and high-ambient-noise applications.

Does the VLA-C265 support passive operation, or does it require bi-amplification?
It supports both. Passive operation (800 W continuous, 3,200 W peak) reduces amplifier channel count. Bi-amp operation enables independent LF/HF processing through Crown DCi DSP for more precise alignment and higher effective headroom on the HF section.

Which subwoofer pairs with the VLA-C265?
The JBL VLA-C125S dual 15-inch subwoofer is the VLA Compact Series companion low-frequency module. It carries IP55 rating and integrates using the same rigging hardware. Available at creationnetworks.net.

Can VLA-C265 and VLA-C2100 modules be combined in one array?
Yes. Both are VLA Compact Series modules with compatible rigging, enclosure depth, and electrical design. Mixing 65° and 100° modules in a single array is a standard practice for covering venues with variable seating depth or mixed section geometries.

Is the VLA-C265 suitable for outdoor permanent installation?
Yes. The IP55-rated reinforced fiberglass enclosure with weatherized grille is designed for outdoor rigged applications including stadiums, sports facilities, and outdoor performance venues.

What does the gray (–GR) finish designation mean?
The –GR variant has a gray enclosure finish. It is acoustically and mechanically identical to the –BK (black) variant. Gray is typically specified in lighter architectural environments where black hardware would be visually prominent.

What amplifier and DSP system is recommended for the VLA-C265?
JBL specifies Crown DCi Series amplifiers with onboard DSP. The DCi platform provides crossover filtering, parametric EQ, limiting, and VLA Compact Series-specific processing presets. Contact Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net for amplifier matching and system design support.