Power Music of Denmark Takes Newly Purchased HARMAN’s JBL VTX Line Arrays and Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers to ABC Beach Party

GRENAA STRAND, Denmark — Power Music of Denmark recently added HARMAN’s JBL VTX line arrays and Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers to its inventory. A longtime HARMAN customer, Power Music is a leading regional provider of sound and lighting systems for applications of all sizes. The company recently put its new VTX system to the test at ABC Beach Party, a 12-hour event organized by Danish broadcaster ABC Radio, featuring approximately 25 artists. Held at Grenaa Strand, in Denmark, ABC Beach Party drew an audience of 10,200 people.

“As a JBL VERTEC® user for many years, the time had come for us to take the next step with VTX,” said Rune Hjort, Owner of Power Music. “The launch of the VTX V20 loudspeaker was a perfect solution for our company, providing great flexibility and fast setup with the new ASM suspension system.”

Power Music purchased a total of 16 VTX V20 loudspeakers, along with six S25 subwoofers and six G28 subwoofers. In addition, the company added six Crown I-Tech 12000HD and four I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers featuring Crown’s DriveCore™ technology (on top of the four I-Tech 4x3500HD amps the company already owns).

The PA system at ABC Beach Party featured a left-right configuration of eight V20 loudspeakers per side, topped with three S25 subwoofers per side. Six G28 subwoofers were ground-stacked as a center cluster in cardioid mode, while two VTX F12 loudspeakers were used for out fill. All monitors were JBL SRX712 and VRX915M loudspeakers, while side fill monitoring was handled with two JBL SRX725 loudspeakers and two SRX718S subwoofers. A Soundcraft Vi4 digital console was used at the FOH position, while a Vi1 console was deployed for monitors and the entire system was powered with Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers that were controlled, configured and monitored with JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™.

“The last couple of years we have used JBL VERTEC® VT4888 loudspeakers, so we were really excited to see how the VTX system would compare,” said Rune Hjort, Owner of Power Music. “Needless to say it blew everyone away.

Considering the size of the crowd and the fact that the music was very sub-heavy we had some concerns about the amount of headroom. But when you have VTX boxes with I-Tech HD amps in front, you never really run out of power—you can just keep turning up the volume. I also love the fact that we barely had to touch the EQ on the vocals to get it just right.”

For more information on Power Music, please visit www.powermusic.dk

HARMAN designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and integrated control solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson ®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a global workforce of 15,200 people and reported sales of $5.1 billion for the last 12 months ended March 31, 2014.

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Audio Analysts Continues A Tradition Of Excellence and Takes Live Sound To A Higher Level With Crown I-Tech HD

For Audio Analysts, excellence in tour sound is a tradition that began over 35 years ago. The company’s commitment to excellence and delivering the highest quality sound has made it the choice for sound reinforcement for the biggest names in music including Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Shania Twain, Sammy Hagar, Norah Jones, The OffSpring, No Doubt, and Ringo Starr. It’s with this mission in mind that Audio Analysts has chosen the new Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers to power its tour sound division.

For Audio Analysts, the quality of performance of the new I-Tech HD comes to no surprise. “We have been using Crown amplifiers since the early 1970’s. I can remember when we were utilizing the D-75, D-150, and D-300. Over the years we’ve tried other brands but we always come back to Crown as our flagship amplifier,” stated Albert Leccese, Vice President of Engineering for Audio Analysts.

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new LevelMAX limiter suite offers higher SPL out of existing loudspeakers while at the same time better protection and minimal sonic degradation. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound professionals with an interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

“We are always searching for the best possible audio products for our customers. Our world-class clients strive to play at the top of their game, which demands superior performance on our part. The Crown I-Tech HD is a testament to that attitude, which validates our continued support for our clients. Audio Analysts strives for innovative technologies that reinforce our efforts to supply our clients with the best equipment at a fair price,” stated Leccese.

“Audio Analysts reputation in the live sound industry speaks for itself. When we build a product such as I-Tech HD we go straight to customers like Audio Analysts and get their thoughts and opinions on what they need to see in an amplifier. We take pride in knowing Audio Analysts have and will continue to use Crown products such as I-Tech HD because they believe in what we are providing, stated Marc Kellom VP of Marketing for Crown.

“The new Crown I-Tech HD offers users an unparalleled sound quality. These amps deliver a lot of power for their small size and weight. Also, the next generation DSP allows for more precise algorithms for system EQ and tuning. Of course with Crown you have the ability to easily network your amplifiers as well as utilizing Harman HiQnet System Architect. Ultimately Crown gives you the best bang for your buck, when you look at the price and what you get in terms of performance and features,” added Leccese.

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The Boss Delivers A Big Game Performance With Audio Analysts and Crown I-Tech

In a unique and challenging live sound application, Audio Analysts of Colorado Springs, CO utilized Crown I-Tech amplifiers for the monitor system at the Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show featuring Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on February 1, 2009. This year’s Super Bowl was broadcast to 230 countries worldwide and was viewed by a total of 94.5 million people in the United States alone.

“All wedge amplifiers were Crown I-Tech, we utilized about 32 for the various mixes and they performed great during the show, stated Albert Leccese, Vice President of Engineering and Owner of Audio Analysts. “We’ve come to rely on Crown amplifiers in many of our major live sound applications, they are excellent because of the high level of control and power they offer.”

Crown I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing and a built-in LCD screen on the front panel allowing for basic features and amplifier status to be accessed from the amplifier’s location. Additionally, the reduced size and weight of the I-Tech series and low power needs make it a versatile amplifier that can be used in any live sound application.

“We’ve always utilized Crown and I-Tech is a great amplifier because it’s light weight and it gives you a lot of power. Having worked with Bruce Springsteen for the last 17 years we know how hard he works to deliver the best show possible to his audience. Our goal is always to ensure that everyone from the band to the audience is getting the best sound possible,” added Leccese.

For more information on Audio Analysts, please visit www.audioanalysts.com.

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Sound Image To Put 10 Million Watts of Crown I-Tech HD Power On The Road

The introduction of the Crown I-Tech HD series amplifier has caught the attention of the entire tour sound industry. Most notably, Southern California-based Sound Image Inc. has agreed to purchase over 800 I-Tech HD amplifiers for its tour sound business. “Our customers are extremely demanding and I-Tech HD gives Sound Image the ability to take our system performance to unprecedented levels,” stated Dave Shadoan, president of Sound Image Inc. “At Sound Image we have always prided ourselves on providing the best sound possible to the clients we serve.” Sound Image’s touring division is known as a provider of premium live sound systems, working with major artists such as Rascal Flatts, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, and Taylor Swift to name a few.

At its core, I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. The new LevelMAX™ limiter suite offers higher SPL out of existing loudspeakers while at the same time better protection and minimal sonic degradation. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

“We designed the Crown I-Tech HD with sound companies such as Sound Image in mind. Many of the new features we engineered on this amp are the result of great feedback we received from companies like Sound Image. At Crown we have an understanding of our customers and their need for powerful and rock-solid performance from their sound reinforcement equipment,” stated Marc Kellom, vice president of marketing at Crown.

“There were a lot of features that stand out in this new amplifier that are going to help us be more efficient. The new built-in DSP is a major advantage, because it makes our job easier when it comes to EQ and tuning. Additionally, the front panel USB slot is going to save a lot of time when it comes to configuring entire racks of amplifiers. Ultimately, Crown took a great amplifier and made it even better for what we do,” stated Shadoan. “I-Tech HD amplifiers offer our tour sound business a level of performance that is unmatched. I-Tech HD has the ability to raise the bar on not only amplifier performance, but system level performance as well. Combined with our JBL VerTec line arrays the I-Tech HD amplifiers allow us to achieve levels of performance that were not previously attainable.”

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Crown Audio Breaks The Power/DSP Barrier With New I-Tech HD Series

In an introduction that dramatically resets expectations of what a professional-grade touring amplifier should deliver in terms of performance, processing, integration and ease of use, amplifier pioneer Crown Audio today introduced the new I-Tech HD Series amplifiers that have been meticulously engineered to advance every criteria by which an amplifier is judged. At its core, I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled performance. Together with Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology; new software that makes I-Tech HD robust and very easy to configure; an industry-leading choice of input options including CobraNet and the all-new LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS), I-Tech HD is a stunning product of engineering R&D, more than 60 years of amplifier heritage and systematic user input from tour sound leaders in all markets.

“I-Tech HD, our new flagship amplifier, advances the state-of-the-art on no less than seven fronts,” said Mark Graham, President of Crown Audio. “A remarkable achievement in engineering, I-Tech HD Series is a destructive technology in the sense that it obsoletes all that came before it. It’s a worthy testament to Crown’s engineering team and the tour sound professionals around the world who helped with the development.”

Developed in conjunction with sister company BSS, the next generation OmniDriveHD DSP Engine at the heart of I-Tech HD is built on a new architecture specifically optimized for fast and efficient audio processing to provide tour and contracting professionals with a new platform for signal processing. The new FIREWALL™ FIR filter technology provides significantly improved midrange clarity and dramatically improved off-axis response. The OmniDrive HD reduces latency, safeguards sonic integrity and advances system reliability. AudioCore features 24- bit, 192 kHz A/D and D/A converters.

In yet another industry first, Crown Audio links the limiters in its new family of amplifiers: Crown’s innovative LevelMax™ limiter technology links the previously independent Peak, Thermal and RMS Limiters, enabling more effective, elegant protection of connected speakers while advancing system performance. LevelMax limiter actions are better informed for more effective, efficient results and minimal sonic degradation.

Crown I-Tech HD benefits from the software R&D firepower of Harman Professional’s System Development & Integration Group (SDIG) and is easily configured via HiQnet™ System Architect™ Software. The user interface has been completely redesigned. Managing large networks of amplifiers on the road has never been easier. System Architect mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions. System Architect includes context-sensitive, alphanumeric keypads, which pop up automatically with relevant parameter units when a value or text entry box is selected with the stylus.

Further simplifying ease of use, Crown I-Tech HD Series features a road-warrior-inspired front panel USB slot for load and recall of amplifier settings. Chief engineers can simply hand pre-loaded USB keys to entry-level staff who can now quickly, cost-efficiently and accurately configure entire racks by inserting the correct key and pressing the load button. A patent-pending intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.

Crown Audio’s commitment to networking and interoperability goes beyond the USB slot. I-Tech HD boasts a category-leading arsenal of standard input options including CobraNet, AES/EBU and analog XLR inputs, allowing distribution of many channels of real-time, high quality digital audio for a vast array of touring and contracting applications.

I-Tech HD builds upon Crown Audio’s remarkable 60-year heritage of amplifier design and the category-defining legacy of the original I-Tech amplifiers. Patented Class-I Amplifier Technology featured in the new I-Tech HD delivers the highest output voltage in the industry, which provides clean transient peaks.

“Today, great power comes with great functionality,” Graham continued. “With I-Tech HD, Crown Audio has achieved the enviable balance of matching functionality with ease of integration, network scalability, intuitive operation and power performance. Just as I-Tech set the benchmark for integrated DSP and amplification — topping many millions of watts on the tour sound circuit and in fixed installation — I-Tech HD provides members of our user community with distinct audio and commercial advantages that make them better, faster, more competitive and lighter than their competition!”

Protected by a rugged 2U chassis, the I-Tech HD weighs in at a lightweight 30 lbs. (13 kg.) but its proven, Class-I output design packs a heavyweight punch to deliver massive amounts of power while generating minimal heat. Crown Audio’s patented Power Factor Correction (PFC) techniques allow I-Tech HD to draw current from the mains more efficiently, which in concert with the Class-I output enables I-Tech HD to provide the highest output voltage available and a clearly audible difference driving high-performance loudspeakers. Minimum guaranteed power ratings are as follows:

Power per channel with both channels driven:
I-T5000 HD: 2,000W at 2 Ohms; 2,500W at 4 Ohms; 1,250W at 8 Ohms
I-T9000 HD: 2,800W at 2 Ohms; 3,500W at 4 Ohms; 1,500W at 8 Ohms
I-T12000 HD: 3,750W at 2 Ohms; 4,500W at 4 Ohms; 2,100W at 8 Ohms

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