DIGITECH® INTRODUCES REVOLUTIONARY TIMEBENDER DELAY PEDAL

DigiTech®, a leading manufacturer of guitar, bass, and vocal processors, and a Harman International company (NYSE-HAR), is introducing the TimeBender Musical Delay Pedal. The TimeBender Musical Delay leaps ahead of all delay pedal technology currently available.

The TimeBender not only allows you to input the tempo of your delays, it also allows you to strum a pattern and it will set the repeats based on your desired rhythm. On top of the extraordinary rhythm features, the TimeBender also produces intelligent harmonies on the repeats. If that is not enough, 10 delay types are featured including two tape delays, full-time modulation and a 23 second looper. Until the TimeBender, these types of delay effects were the result of racks of gear and studio tricks. Now you can simply put it on your pedalboard.

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Crown Introduces XTI6000 Continuing A Heritage Of Leading Amplifiers For Portable PA Applications

Reprising the broad market success of its XTI Series of portable sound amplifiers for live sound and fixed applications. Crown Audio is introducing the next generation XTI6000 that features advanced power performance, improved system reliability, and a new breakthrough user interface for configuration and control in Crown’s HiQnet™ Band Manager™.

The Crown XTI Series has earned a formidable reputation in the portable sound market place, leveraging Crown’s unparalleled heritage in live sound amplification. The new XTI6000 provides audio professionals with the winning addition of a power amplifier solution to this high value, high performance product line.

“The best just got better with the XTI6000. We’ve listened carefully to the needs and suggestions of end users and retail partners before we built a compelling new amplifier that packs tremendous punch, performs consistently, and is priced to reach the broadest possible market,” stated Andy Flint, Crown marketing manager for portable PA.

The XTI6000 allows for plug and play usability with it’s integrated proprietary DSP with LCD front panel making it easy to set crossovers, delay, limiters, and EQ along with the ability to save and recall up to 20 presets.

Continuing the heritage of previous XTI-Series amplifiers the XTI6000 features an LCD screen with speaker presets for crossover frequencies, EQ, limiting, delay, and a subharmonic synthesizer. Additionally, there is switch-mode universal power supply, useful function indicators, propositional-speed fan-assisted cooling, XLR inputs, Speakon® and binding-post outputs, and short-circuit protection. The XTI6000 weighs in at 24lbs and has a MAP price of $1,999.

Power per channel:
3,000W at 2 Ohms; 2,100W at 4Ohms; 1,200W at 8 Ohms

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AKG Launches New GuitarBug – The World’s Smallest Switchable Wireless Transmitter

AKG today announced the introduction of the GuitarBug Transmitter, which provides superb audio quality and performance at a very competitive price. WMS 40 Pro is well known for it’s miniature transmitters and quality sound and the introduction of the GuitarBug is the next generation of wireless transmitters.

GB 40 FLexx operates with a single AAA battery providing more than 11 hours of operation, offering the lowest operating cost in this class. The frequency response is optimized for guitar and bass and can be used for keyboards and all instruments with a jack plug. The patented FlexxJack-Plug is an additional feature to allow for extended flexibility by matching all guitar outputs with an included long adapter jack.

The GB 40 GuitarBug offers a user-friendly interface that has the ability to turn a guitar, bass, or portable keyboard into a wireless instrument. The FlexJack swivel jack plug will co-exist with any type of output jack and is spring loaded to hold the GB 40 securely against the instrument. In addition, the diminutive size of the GB 40 makes it virtually invisible and will not interrupt the musician’s ability to effectively perform with the transmitter in place. Additionally, the GB 40 is placed on top of the instrument's output jack allowing the musician to easily control the noiseless on/mute/off switch and gain control.

The GB 40 Flexx will be available as single version and as “guitar-set” version with a stationary receiver SR 40 Flexx.

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New York City Superclub, Santos Party House, Equipped With Harman Professional Sound System By TimbreTech Audio Services

Demonstrating how creatively-designed sound systems featuring highly-configurable, great sounding components can make a club’s reputation and also enable business models that optimize the venue’s real-estate investment, NYC IT-Club, Santos Party House, features advanced sound systems designed and integrated by TimbreTech Audio Services that support DJ/club and live performance and multiple events and ‘showtimes’ in
one evening. Club sound icon, Jim Toth, designed a live system around a Soundcraft Vi6 console at Front Of House that is easily locked off and run remotely via a laptop in the DJ Booth when one of a host of top DJs is performing in the house. Toth credits the Vi6 with the versatility to transform the club from a top-notch live sound venue into a premium club with unprecedented ease — and with the console’s category-leading Vistonics user-interface, Toth explains that visiting engineers typically require just
five minutes to become comfortable and proficient with the board.

“The Soundcraft Vi6 is a remarkable console because it systematically addresses the hierarchy of engineer needs: first and foremost, it sounds great; secondly, it’s extremely intuitive and sensibly designed; thirdly, it’s eminently configurable and lastly, it’s bulletproof,” Toth said today. “I feel extremely comfortable putting this console at the core of my system!” Underscoring this confidence, Toth placed a Soundcraft Vi4 at the monitor position running 6 JBL SRX 712M 12” monitor wedges powered by Crown XTI 6000 Series amplifiers. The live system features JBL VerTec VT4887DP Series line array elements, with JBL VerTec VT4880 subwoofers. Featuring integrated power and DSP, Toth’s use of the VerTec VT4887DP loudspeakers allowed him to set the level and EQ of each cabinet individually — a key advantage in configuring the array for the room requirements and also a welcome advantage among visiting engineers.

The dance system is where Toth — a self-admitted compulsive audiophile — has his most fun and extracts his greatest satisfaction! He returned to his roots as the system designer of Eighties club-land icons like Peppermint Lounge and Mars and built a 24-foot horizontal array of custom designed 5-speakers that spans the length of the room and delivers an amazingly even coverage. Each 5-way featuring 24” and 15” drivers in a line spaced with minimal interference or cone filtering because they’re spaced apart very carefully. Bass is supplied by the same JBL VerTec VT4888 subwoofers.

“The coverage of this system is amazing. It has power, consistency and control that helps set the personality of the club,” says Ron Castellano, owner of the club. “There is nothing raw about it. Instead, it’s very HiFi and sophisticated but there’s massive power there if the DJ needs to accelerate!”

The power that Castellano refers to is delivered by a battery of Crown I-Tech 4000 and 8000 amplifiers with built-in DSP, which Toth believes saved the owners considerably in terms of outboard gear that was not required and the simple cost of housing and maintaining racks of processing equipment.”

“The DSP functionality of the I-tech is amazing not just from a control perspective but also from a cost perspective,” Toth notes. “There is no way we could have gotten this sound or this control without spending a fortune on outboard processors. What’s more, to have this level of programming and control integration helped determine how creative I could be with the system design — and ultimately how good the place sounds! For 30 years, I have only used Crown amplifiers — I have looked at alternatives when new amps come along but I’ve never been given a strong enough reason to switch — now
with the DSP technology that Crown is putting in the amps, I have even more reasons to use them!”

Santos Party House has a smaller, second room downstairs for which Toth designed a system comprising custom cabinets and VT4880 subwoofers with two monitor arrays hanging conventionally with eight cabinets on each side of the DJ booth. Toth observes with no small amount of satisfaction how some visiting DJs matrix between the monitor and dance systems, and mix straight from the line arrays.

Toth has built a successful business with remarkable built-in resistance to the booms of troughs of 30 years of the entertainment business and Castellano is quick to offer a reason. “Stubborn is not a word one would use. Uncompromising is a better description of Jim’s commitment to perfection when it comes to audio design,” Castellano says. “He understands that managing the details is critical in every business, but especially the entertainment business and he provides concierge-level attention to detail and considerable style to boot!”

Today, TibreTech Audio Services provides club design services but Toth also runs a very successful audio for special events business and regularly runs projects including fashion shows, balls, store openings and concerts for Victoria Secret, UBS, PRADA, Lauder and MOMA. “It’s not that we’re selective in who we’ll design for,” Toth explains. “It’s simply that if we’re being asked to put our name on an event or club system, we need it to look and sound like one of our systems! The Harman components from Crown, JBL and Soundcraft are key elements to our systems!”

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Harman International Teams Up with Music Legend Quincy Jones

STAMFORD, Connecticut – Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR) announced today it has formed a marketing relationship with legendary musician, producer and humanitarian Quincy Jones to explore and evaluate opportunities for licensed and co-branded products in the consumer, automotive and professional audio fields. The partnership is intended both to celebrate Mr. Jones’ rich contributions to the music industry and the impact of Harman audio technologies in the recording, broadcast and entertainment fields.

Mr. Jones will also make a number of appearances at Harman-sponsored events and contribute his distinguished personage to various corporate and brand-level marketing activities. With six decades of experience as a renowned member of the music community, Mr. Jones has a deep appreciation for the technologies required for premium sound production. He has used a wide range of Harman International products, including AKG® microphones, Crown® amplifiers, Studer® and Soundcraft® mixing consoles, JBL® speakers and Lexicon® signal processors to help faithfully capture his artistry.

“Quincy’s passion for excellence in the entertainment field is a natural complement to our own respected audio brands,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “His iconic status and musical genius pair strongly with Harman’s technical leadership and legacy of innovation and provide an exciting expression of our mutual commitment to delivering superior performances.”

“Creating memorable musical experiences is both my business and my passion,” said Quincy Jones. “The value of any production is established when the performers’ true talents are expressed in the studio, the concert hall, or the homes of our shared customers through superior audio equipment. I have long respected Harman systems for meeting this requirement, and I’m pleased to join Harman in celebrating our shared commitment.”

“This new relationship brings Quincy, a recognized leader in sound production, together with Harman, a recognized leader in sound reproduction,” said Robert Thorne, CEO of Quincy Jones Enterprises.
About Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones (www.quincyjones.com) is one of the world’s most successful and admired artists in the entertainment field, earning 79 Grammy nominations and 27 Grammy Awards, 7 Academy Award nominations, the Jean Hersholdt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and an Emmy Award. During a musical career that spans six decades, he has distinguished himself as bandleader, solo artist, songwriter, producer, arranger, film composer, record label executive, film, television and Broadway producer and humanitarian. The remarkable diversity of his career is evidenced by the breadth of artists with whom Jones has worked, ranging from Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to Paul Simon and Michael Jackson.

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Harman Professional Expands Relationship With Dobbs-Stanford: Adds AKG And Florida To Manufacturer's Representative's Responsibilities

NORTHRIDGE, California — As part of its ongoing commitment to provide dealers, contractors and customers with standardized, quality sales and support services for its range of professional audio technologies, Harman Professional today announced an expanded relationship with manufacturer’s representative, Dobbs-Stanford, that sees the longtime partner add AKG microphones and headphones to its line of products supported. In doing so, Dobbs-Stanford will provide audio professionals in its territory with comprehensive sales and support for the entire range of Harman Professional brands including Soundcraft, Studer, Crown Audio, JBL, BSS Audio, dbx and now also AKG.

In addition to the added opportunity of AKG, Harman Professional also announced today that Dobbs-Stanford will assume sales responsibility for the entire Harman Professional product line in the state of Florida effective January 1, 2009.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas with six regional offices located throughout its territory, Dobbs-Stanford was founded in 1968 and covers Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and western Tennessee. The company serves the professional audio-video, consumer electronics and digital signage markets and is led by Fred Dobbs, Woody Taylor and vice president and professional division manager Larry O'Neill.

Today’s announcement was made by Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales, who pointed to Dobbs-Stanford’s comprehensive professionalism, organizational strength and sales leadership as key drivers for the decision to award AKG and the Florida sales territory to Dobbs-Stanford’s responsibilities.

“There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to mic lines and we are really pleased that the Dobbs-Stanford team has chosen to represent AKG’s outstanding products. AKG enjoys an enviable heritage in transducer design and manufacturing and an unparalleled opportunity to leverage that pedigree into the broader, larger contracting, MI and pro sound markets,” MacDonald said today. “Couple this with the exciting range of new products that the company has planned and the opportunity for sales growth at AKG is among the strongest in the Harman Pro portfolio. I’m very pleased that Larry O’Neill and his team have seized on this opportunity and will be representing AKG across their expanded territory. Dobbs-Stanford is the model rep
organization with a strong emphasis on training and education, a proven commitment to customer and dealer care and unparalleled professionalism throughout the organization.”

Commenting on the announcement, Larry O’Neill noted, “AKG is a brand with tremendous potential and we’re very pleased to bring their excellent headphones and microphones to our dealers and their customers. We look forward to working with the distribution team here in the United States and with the headquarters in Vienna to bring the heritage, quality and innovation to the broadest customer communities within our territories. We’re eager to deliver our brand of professional, fast and friendly service to the professional audio dealers,
contractors and customers of Florida.”

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AKG Showcases C 214 MicrophoneAKG Showcases C 214 Microphone In the Tradition Of Its Legendary C 414 In the Tradition Of Its Legendary C 414

AKG's legendary C 414 microphone needs no introduction. It’s a tool found in most recording studios and has been used on thousands of hit records and has been onstage with artists across every musical genre and is also used by leading broadcast facilities the world over.

The new C 214 offers a single-capsule, cardioid-only design that delivers class-leading performance with the same dual-capsule as the C 414, but using only one diaphragm instead of two. Thanks to its 20-dB attenuation pad and AKG's ultra-low noise electronic design, the C 214 can be used in sound fields as high as 156 dB SPL. The C 214 features an integrated capsule suspension system that minimizes chassis-borne noise and resonances for even greater sonic accuracy.

"The AKG C 414 has been successful for more than 30 years due to continuous improvement of technical specifications, useful features and ease-of-use. The evolution of the C 414 has been accepted by recording studios, broadcast stations, and live sound engineers," explains Thomas Stubics, Product Manager at AKG. "Our new C 214 was designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the leading-edge C 414 family. Because the C 214 uses the same one-inch diaphragm as the C 414, the essence of that heralded C 414 sound has been captured in this newest model."

The C 214’s double mesh, all-metal grille protects the capsule and ensures high RF immunity without affecting acoustical performance. The C 214 has road-tough construction quality with a modern scratch-resistant finish, a dent-resistant, metal grille and a gold-plated XLR-type output. It comes complete with a spider-type shock mount, windscreen, and metal carrying case.

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PRG Audio And Jbl Vertec® Line Arrays Power Toyota Concert Series On NBC’s Today Show

In a demonstration of the power and versatility of JBL VERTEC® line arrays before a national audience, PRG Audio has provided the live sound reinforcement for NBC’s “Toyota Concert Series On TODAY,” airing throughout the summer on the network’s TODAY Show. This year, the Concert Series has featured performances by Alicia Keys, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus and many more. The most recent Concert Series segment on August 29 featured performances by the Pussycat Dolls (“When I Grow Up”) and Katy Perry (“I Kissed A Girl”).

The performances have been staged outdoors at Rockefeller Center in New York City, drawing thousands of fans in the early mornings. Two stages facing each other, separated approximately 200 feet apart, allow for consecutive performances by different artists. The south stage features a sound reinforcement system consisting of two ground-stacked line arrays, one per side, each containing seven JBL VERTEC VT4887ADP-AN powered compact line array loudspeakers. The north stage features two arrays of five VT4887ADP-AN loudspeakers per side. Each array is accompanied by a VT4881ADP-AN powered compact arrayable subwoofer.

As the rental system provider for the Concert Series, PRG Audio drew on its extensive experience with VERTEC products when deciding on the audio components. “We have used VERTEC for numerous projects in the past, in a range of sizes and configurations, and we felt VERTEC was a natural fit for this project as well,” said Bob Rendon of PRG Audio. “Since the staging area is tightly situated between two buildings, we chose VERTEC because we needed a highly controllable line array system that would keep unwanted reflections to a minimum.”

The powered compact speaker systems feature JBL’s DrivePack® technology, a fully integrated power and DSP electronics package designed in cooperation with sister Harman companies Crown and dbx. The VT4881ADP subwoofer houses JBL’s new 2269G Ultra-Long-Excursion 460mm (18-inch) woofer. All loudspeakers include optional DPAN (DrivePack Analog) input modules that add remote control and monitoring capabilities with Harman’s HiQnet™ System Architect software. “Having the Crown power built into each speaker in the line arrays gives us more control over the system and eliminates one more step in the signal chain,” Rendon said.

Since deploying the VERTEC system for the Toyota Concert Series On TODAY, PRG Audio has enjoyed four months of reliable sound on a live stage where there is no margin for error. “These performances are aired live across the country, so we can’t afford a mistake of any kind,” Rendon said. “The VERTEC line arrays have helped us maintain the necessary consistency for this type of application.”

For more information on PRG Audio, please visit www.prg.com

JBL Professional is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).
Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Harman Pro Group Showcases HiQnet System Architect™ Version 1.8 At PLASA ’08, Opening Door For Third-Party Control

Reaffirming its commitment to advance HiQnet System Architect™ as the most progressive, versatile and user-intuitive interface for system configuration and control, Harman Professional today gives System Architect Version 1.8 its European debut at PLASA’08. New advances include the ability to copy HiQnet parameter strings directly to the Windows clipboard for pasting into third-party control interface applications enabling system-wide control from control interfaces such as those manufactured by AMX and Crestron. System-wide events can now also be triggered from device-specific error conditions, such as recalling a preset for a zone based on the conditions of individual amplifiers. A user-definable selection of controls can be automatically readdressed to different devices/parameters on a Custom Control Panel in a few simple steps, and advanced zonal control is now possible. A Fast Meter control has been added for improved meter response and device synchronization has been simplified and improved.

“With System Architect Version 1.8, we’re achieving the twin task of simplifying the operation and improving the functionality,” explained Rick Kreifeldt, Vice President, Harman System Development & Integration Group (SDIG). “In doing so, we’re making the application more useful and more accessible to a broader community of systems integrators and tour sound professionals.”

New to System Architect in Version 1.8 is the new Region Control, which enables systems integrators to draw a planagram of a building and set zone to warn of variable conditions on a Custom Control Panel. Additionally, the control acts as a button, enabling up to 10 system functions to be called – an improvement, which has also been added to the existing System Button control. An automatic login option enables the integrator to provide login-free access to a control-only instance of System Architect left behind for day-to-day operators, continuing to hide away elements of the system design as before, but removing the need for individuals to remember user-names and passwords. Version 1.8 also features improved performance to the multi-parameter fader with larger numbers of parameters capable of now being assigned.

System Architect Version 1.8 comes at a time when Harman SDIG is taking a leadership role in the IEEE Audio Video Bridge (AVB) 802.1 task force (www.ieee802.org) to develop and adopt an open universal audio/video network platform. At the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco in October SDIG’s Robert Boatright will join representatives from Apple and Broadcom Corp. to make a presentation on the development of standards-based network with the appropriate quality of service for high quality audio performance and production. (http://www.aes.org/events/125/tutorials/session.cfm?displayall)

“HiQnet has achieved critical mass in terms of customer deployment, products enabled and feature advancement,” Kreifeldt said today. “With this momentum we are expanding the control capabilities of HiQnet by enabling integration with third-party control systems from manufacturers such as Crestron and AMX.”

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

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AKG Showcases Worldwide Success Of D7 Dynamic Vocal Microphone At PLASA08

In a microphone introduction that brings stadium quality performance to smaller venues at a lower price, AKG Acoustics displays the professional qualities of the D7 vocal microphone at PLASA08 in London. Similarly to its predecessor, the D5, AKG’s D7 is a dynamic microphone that delivers incredibly clear sound for lead and backing vocals for live sound applications. The D7 additionally features an improved capsule design that contains a humbucking coil and a high-pass filter along with a sleek redesigned look.

The D7 ensures pure vocal sound by reducing electrical interference and stage feedback. Also featured is an integrated high-pass filter that eliminates low frequencies, reduces handling noise, and provides superior audio clarity. The result is a higher-quality microphone that offers complete control for singers and announcers ensuring a quality audio experience for audiences.

“PLASA is a great opportunity for us to showcase the D7 along with all of its advantages and upgrades. Since the release at InfoComm, the D7 has been featured by famous recording artists and utilized in popular venues and we look forward to showcasing this great product at PLASA,” states Alfred Reinprecht, Vice President of Marketing for AKG.

AKG released the D7 to build upon the success of the D5 microphone. In doing so, the D7 microphone’s performance and reliability is one of the finest in today’s professional sound industry.

The D7’s new Laminated Varimotion diaphragm delivers high-end sonic performance by allowing the diaphragm to be fine-tuned without extra tuning resonators. This represents a competitive advancement in audio quality and performance.

“The D7 microphone is one of the greatest microphones in the industry for vocals, and we are very pleased with the amount of positive attention that it is receiving. We are dedicated to providing an industry leading microphone with superior quality and performance,” added Reinprecht.

The D7’s response evokes the subtle, open sound of a condenser microphone, while maintaining the rugged reliability of a dynamic microphone. It is equipped with a carrying case, mounting clamp, and a replacement windscreen, ensuring long life for the microphone. Two additional models are also available: the D7-S, which features an on/off switch; and the D7-WL1 microphone capsule for use with AKG wireless systems.

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Bruce Springsteen Tours World with Audio Analysts and Crown Audio I-Tech Amplifiers

Sirius Showequipment AG provided Audio Analysts with sound reinforcement system for European leg of tour.

Taking advantage of the power and flexibility of Crown’s I-Tech Series amplifiers, Sirius Showequipment AG of Niederdorfelden, Germany provided Audio Analysts with over 100 of Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers for use on the Bruce Springsteen tour throughout Europe, while Audio Analysts also provided Crown I-Tech amplifiers on the North American portion of the tour. The amplifiers powered JBL VerTec VT4889 and VT4887 line array elements and JBL VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. Springsteen’s tour began in Hartford, Connecticut on February 28, making 29 stops throughout North America before a 12-country tour in Europe. The tour returned to Springsteen’s home state of New Jersey for three performances at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford on July 27, 28 and 29, where with the help of his fans, Springsteen belted out classics including “Out In The Street”, “No Surrender”, “Thunder Road”, “Born to Run” and “Glory Days.” The final show took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 30.

Audio Analysts’ FOH Engineer for Bruce Springsteen, John Cooper said, “When Bruce performs, he wants to ensure his fans get the best audio experience possible. We turn to Crown’s I-Tech Series because we know these amps will deliver the power and performance Bruce requires and they will function again and again. My RMS to peak voltage requirements are very wide and the I-Tech amps are able to deliver that dynamic performance that I need.”

PA Tech Todd Hartman noted, “Crown and JBL are truly the best products available and I wouldn’t use anything else since I always know they will perform and sound great.”

“When Bruce performs on the edge of the stage, he likes to feel the power of the PA and wants to make sure that the fans at the barricade get the same impact that those people 10 or 20 rows back experience as well as those fans that are 650 feet away in the top seat of the stadium,” Cooper added. “By using the VerTec line array, we are able to unhinge the last one or two boxes to create downfill.”

The I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing which was used for additional adjustment of the JBL arrays. With the built-in LCD screen on the front panel, basic features and amplifier status can be accessed from the amplifier’s location. Additionally, the added convenience of HiQnet networking allows a front of house or monitor engineer to easily monitor an amplifiers status from their location.

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ATK Audiotek Selects Harman Professional As Running Mate for Republican National Convention Sound System

In yet another example of how Harman Professional audio technologies are consistently selected by leading audio professionals for the most demanding, high-profile entertainment, sporting and political events, the company today announced that its JBL VERTEC® line array loudspeakers are being deployed by ATK Audiotek for the Republican National Convention, that took place at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota from September 1-4. The convention, which featured major speeches by party leaders and luminaries including President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, Major General Rick Goddard of the U.S. Air Force (ret) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, among others, culminated with a major speech by Republican Presidential candidate, Senator John McCain.

Sound system design and operations services for the convention was provided by Event Sound Designer and Chief Engineer Patrick Baltzell of Baltzell Audio Design. Baltzell has successfully specified JBL VERTEC line array loudspeakers for numerous high-profile events, including presidential inaugurations, political conventions and events of state, and he had no hesitation in specifying JBL once again. With a mission-critical task in hand and numerous high-profile political leaders to be heard from, Baltzell specified eight arrays of 12 JBL Professional VERTEC VT4889 large-format line array loudspeakers, with each array accompanied by one JBL VERTEC VT4880A arrayable subwoofer. The main reinforcement system is supplemented by 40 JBL VRX932LA constant-curvature line arrays and 13 VRX928LA ultra-portable line array speakers for additional VIP seating and area fill applications.

Commenting on the application, Mike Stahl, President of ATK Audiotek noted, “This is the fourth time in a row that our company has provided sound for both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions in the same year. With each election year we seek to outperform our work at previous conventions. It is this commitment to innovative production, high-quality sound and unparalleled customer service that keeps our customers coming back to ATK Audiotek. This is also a commitment that we share with Harman Professional, which explains why their audio products are such a natural fit for the events that we serve.”

“Providing sound system components to ATK Audiotek for the Republican National Convention is both a privilege and a responsibility,” noted Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President Of Marketing & Sales. “As with all of our customer projects, this is a responsibility we take very seriously because we recognize that the performance of our products impacts the success of our customers and, in this case, an event of national importance!”

ATK Audiotek can be reached at http://www.atkcorp.com

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

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Harman Professional Opens New Asia, Intercontinental Field Sales Offices To Better Serve Channel Partners In Regional And Emerging Markets

In a move to foster closer, more communicative and ultimately more successful commercial relationships with its channel partners in Asia, Latin America and Canada, Harman Professional today announced the opening of new Field Sales Offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Kuala Lumpur Field Sales Office will be led by David McKinney, who is promoted to Senior Director of Sales, Asia, Harman Professional. The San Juan Field Office will serve Latin America and Canada and will be led by Jaime Albors, who is promoted to Senior Director of Sales, Intercontinental, Harman Professional. Both offices will soon add new hires in field sales and technical support.

Today’s announcement was made by Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales, who identified the need for stronger ties with channel partners and the group’s determination to grow its business in emerging markets as key drivers for setting up the new field offices. “Harman Professional owes much of its global success to the contribution of channel partners in Asia, Latin America and Canada. In recognition of this fact and the considerable opportunity presented by emerging markets in Latin America and Asia, we are investing in these new offices in regions that have previously been on the edge of our geographic reach. In doing so we’re co-locating resources with opportunities and we’re also becoming a more global organization.”

David McKinney has proven to be an effective sales leader in his role as Director of Asia Sales for the Harman Music Group. Supporting David McKinney in the position of Director, Asian Sales, North is industry veteran Thomas Marcher. Marcher, formerly Crown Asian Sales Director, has over a decade of industry experience and will be instrumental in building territory momentum.

As Senior Director of Sales, Intercontinental, Jaime Albors will build on his successful track record in his previous role as Intercontinental Sales Director for Crown Audio. Albors will be joined by John Powell who assumes the position of Director, Latin America/Canada Sales, North. Powell was formerly Regional Sales Manager for the Harman Music Group and brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

“In David and Jaime and their teams, Harman Professional has proven performers with deep market experience, highly evolved technical expertise and strong relationships with our valued channel partners,” MacDonald continued. “I look forward to working with both to advance the service and support we provide our channel partners and also to extend our brand reach and sales performance in the emerging markets of Latin America and Asia.

The Harman Professional Asia Field Sales Office can be reached at (60) 3 7725-0331 or via email at david.mckinney@harmanpro.com. The Harman Professional InterContinental Field Sales Office can be reached at 1-574-970-2943 or via email at jalbors@crownintl.com.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

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ATK Audiotek Provides Democratic Party With Sound Platform From Harman Professional

ATK Audiotek Provides Democratic Party With Sound Platform From Harman Professional For National Convention And Barack Obama Acceptance Speech At Invesco Field

Continuing a tradition of Harman Professional sound technologies being employed at the conventions of both major U.S. political parties, the company today announced that its JBL Professional VERTEC® line array loudspeakers were deployed by leading rental sound system provider, ATK Audiotek, at the Democratic National Convention at Denver’s Pepsi Center. A JBL VERTEC system was also used for presidential candidate Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at the city’s Invesco Field football stadium, with Crown power amplifiers also in use at both facilities. The combination of JBL speakers and Crown amplifiers has also served as the sound system of choice for many of the party’s recent election rallies and assemblies around the nation.

The Pepsi Center in downtown Denver opened its doors to Democrat convention-goers on August 25 and hosted key speeches by Senator Ted Kennedy, Michelle Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton and other party stalwarts including Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Joe Biden. The convention concluded on August 28 with an acceptance speech by Senator Obama at Denver’s Invesco Field and featured live performances by Steve Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Will.i.am accompanied by John Legend, and the Agape Choir, Sheryl Crow and Michael McDonald. The stadium swelled to an 85,000-person capacity with much of the infield used for temporary seating.

Event Sound Designer and Chief Engineer Pat Baltzell of Baltzell Audio Design specified 82 JBL VERTEC VT4889 large-format line array loudspeakers, eight VT4880A arrayable subwoofers and 68 VT4887 compact line array loudspeakers set up in distributed fill arrays for the Pepsi Center sound system. ATK Audiotek deployed 22 channels of bi-amped amplification with Crown Micro-Tech 1200 on the high frequency drivers Macro-Tech 3600 for low frequency drivers. The portable system for Invesco Field comprised 76 JBL VERTEC VT4889 full-size line array elements and 12 JBL VT4880A arrayable subwoofers in sports-venue perimeter configuration along with 32 JBL VT4888 midsize line array elements for delay-tower applications powered by three racks of Crown I-Tech IT8000 amplifiers. All monitors for the Invesco Field performances were powered by 20 channels of Crown Micro-Tech 1200 and Macro-Tech 3600. An additional battery of Crown I-Tech IT4000 amplifiers powered JBL Professional VRX928 compact line array elements for fill applications throughout the stadium. According to Mike Stahl, President of ATK Audiotek, the system performance, ease of integration and proven reliability make Harman Professional components the go-to solution in such high-profile applications.

“From the Grammys to the Emmys to the Academy Awards, ATK Audiotek’s business is dedicated to providing excellent, highly reliable sound performance coupled with world-class customer service for the most prestigious events in the United States entertainment, sporting and political calendar,” Stahl said today. “For these once-in-a-lifetime special events we cannot afford to miss a spoken word, a musical note or any subtle inflection, which is why we work with the sound components and the people from Harman Professional. JBL VERTEC loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers provide my team with the sound system performance to get our job done successfully along with the ease of mind to sleep comfortably before these large events!”

Echoing this sentiment, Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Harman Professional, noted, “Working with top professionals like Mike Stahl and Scott Harmala at ATK Audiotek, along leading event sound designers such as Pat Baltzell, we are honored and pleased to have our sound system technologies deployed in the most demanding and prestigious applications like the Democratic National Convention. But just as we are encouraged and gratified by the consistent use of our products in these mission-critical events, we understand the need to earn our customers’ business with every product we build and with every project we support!”

ATK Audiotek Inc. can be reached at http://www.atkcorp.com/

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

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