Show-Concept.ch Invests in JBL’s VTX Line Arrays and Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers

The show-concept.ch team (left to right): Florian Jaeger,
ProjectManager; Cyril Schmuki, Head of Audio;
Patrick Frueh, CEO.

ELSAU, Switzerland – Swiss rental and event production company show-concept.ch has recently purchased a HARMAN JBL VTX V20 line array system and additional Crown amplifiers from HARMAN Professional distributors Dr. W.A. Guenther Audio Systems AG with the aim of broadening the range of services they offer. They are the first company in Switzerland to invest in JBL’s new generation, smaller format VTX system. Known for their work in the corporate sector, their aim now is to migrate further into concert touring with their range of sound, lighting and technical services.

After running JBL’s VERTEC® in its inventory, the company has now stepped into the future, placing an order for 16 JBL VTX V20’s and eight each of the new VTX S25 subs and have also added four Crown I-Tech 12000HD and 12 Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers to its existing Crown I-Tech HD inventory.

“The main reason for purchasing a new system was to take a step forward in tour sound—and of course to be up to date,” stated Cyril Schmuki, audio engineer for show-concept.ch —adding that its new front line PA system will be backed-up by other systems, including three complete VERTEC rigs.

VTX V20 features the advanced technology of VTX V25 in a smaller format and the high power density of this 3-way system is complemented by a new ASM suspension system that provides efficient transport, fast setup and precise configuration. Utilizing Differential Drive™ technology and a small format version of the revolutionary D2 dual compression driver, the integrated V5 presets fully realize the processing capability of the Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers.

“The handling and the rigging system were what we especially liked,” added Schmuki. “This and the new JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ software were the main advantages.”

The sale was supported by Dr. W.A. Guenther’s Director of Sales Felix Alpstaeg, and Application & Project Engineer, Jaromir Ott. Already familiar with JBL VERTEC and Performance Manager for system configuration, monitoring and control, the production company is nevertheless planning advanced training in conjunction with Dr. W.A. Guenther for next year’s festival season.

Overall Schumuki couldn’t be more pleased with his new JBL and Crown powered rig, “We are delighted with the VTX V20, it’s a pleasure to work with. I’ve never heard a system which is so precise over the whole frequency range; and what is absolutely astonishing is to stand behind the array, because it’s just so quiet.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and integrated control solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With 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 workforce of approximately 16,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.3 billion for the twelve months ended June 30, 2014.

►

HARMAN’s JBL Professional LSR6300 Series Studio Monitors and VERTEC® Line Arrays Support the Music Industry’s Best at the 56th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Photo Caption (Left to Right): Hank Neuberger, GRAMMY Awards
Telecast Sound Supervisor; Bryan Bradley, Vice President,
General Manager, JBL Professional; Michael Abbott,
GRAMMY Awards Audio Director

LOS ANGELES, California – HARMAN’s JBL loudspeakers were once again put to use at Sunday’s 56th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, with JBL VERTEC® line arrays comprising the live sound reinforcement system at the STAPLES Center and a JBL LSR6300 Series 5.1 surround sound studio monitor system used in the Television Committee Room.

The annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, known as Music’s Biggest Night®, is presented by The Recording Academy® to honor outstanding achievements in the production and performance of recorded music. The GRAMMY Awards were broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network. More 28.5 million viewers watched this year’s Awards telecast.

This year’s Awards were hosted by LL Cool J and featured performances by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Madonna, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and more. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis earned Best New Artist, Lorde won Song of the Year for “Royals,” while Daft Punk won Album of the Year for Get Lucky, plus two other GRAMMY Awards.

In addition, HARMAN’s Lexicon earned a Technical GRAMMY Award, which is presented to individuals and companies that have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.

ATK Audiotek provided the main PA system for the Awards ceremony, which featured four arrays each containing 12 VERTEC VT4889 fullsize line array elements, plus two arrays of six VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers each. An additional 12 VRX932 Constant Curvature loudspeakers were used for front fill.

The STAPLES Center also features a permanent JBL VERTEC line array system, which ATK Audiotek also utilized. The STAPLES Center system features eight arrays each containing between 11 and 13 JBL VT4889DP-DA powered line array elements, plus two fill clusters each containing four VT4889DP-DA elements, which are specially positioned to cover the end seating areas. The system also features four subwoofer arrays, each containing six VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers.

In the Television Committee Room, Michael Abbott, Audio Director for the GRAMMY Awards, along with Recording Academy executives, relied on five JBL LSR6328P studio monitors and two LSR6312SP subwoofers to listen to the mix of the show in real time. “Attention to detail is always essential for the GRAMMY telecasts, and this year’s Awards were no different,” Abbott said. “Thanks to the LSR6300’s accuracy and RMC Technology, we were able to hear every nuance of the performances, and the 6300’s gave us exactly what we needed.”

HARMAN designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,800 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.7 billion for the last twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

►

Sonic Ritual: HARMAN Professional and Premier Production & Sound Services Cast a Spell at Voodoo Experience 2013

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — The third time’s the charm, as Baton Rouge, Louisiana sound company Premier Production & Sound Services, LLC (PSS) found out when it supplied the sound reinforcement system for the Voodoo Experience festival for the third year in a row. The 3-day festival featured a dazzling array of more than 80 artists and more than 100,000 people at New Orleans’ City Park were treated to an epic sonic and musical experience, courtesy of HARMAN’s JBL Professional VTX and VERTEC® line arrays, Soundcraft digital consoles and Crown amplifiers.

PSS equipped the festival’s Flambeau Stage with eight JBL VTX V25 fullsize line array elements per side and four stacks of three S28 subwoofers arranged in cardioid configuration. PSS also deployed 12 VERTEC VT4886 subcompact line array elements atop the subwoofers for front fill. A total of 28 Crown I-Tech 12000 HD amplifiers powered the system.

Stage sound was furnished by 16 JBL SRX712M floor wedges, plus 12 VT4886 loudspeakers and six VT4883 subcompact subwoofers. All the loudspeakers on stage were powered by nine Crown I-Tech 4x3500 HD amplifiers.

In addition, PSS supplied two Soundcraft Vi6 digital live sound consoles for front of house and monitor mixing. Brian Gordon, PSS Head Audio Engineer and Co-Owner and his staff used the JBL VTX-LZ-K Laser Accessory Kit to precisely align all the loudspeakers in the system.

“This was our third year of working on the Voodoo Experience festival and our second with the JBL VTX Series line arrays,” said Russ Bryant, PSS Director of Operations and Co-Owner. “The sound was absolutely awesome. At a large-scale outdoor rock festival like this, the demands on a loudspeaker system are tremendous in terms of the sheer SPL and coverage required—and the V25 line arrays are phenomenal in their ability to deliver clear sound even at high volume, with pristine, effortless headroom especially in the upper midrange and high frequencies.”

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500 HD amplifiers also made life easier for PSS. “Having four channels in one amp allowed us to significantly cut down on the amount of cabling we needed and save a lot of time and labor,” he pointed out. “We are very happy with the flexibility they offer and the fact that they can be optimized for use with VTX and VERTEC loudspeakers using their V5 DSP presets.”

Anyone who has mixed sound at festivals with dozens of bands can attest that smooth transitions between acts are crucial. “We wound up using the Soundcraft Vi6 consoles for 31 front of house and monitor changeovers,” said Bryant. “I can tell you that the Vi6 was much easier to use than other consoles that were at the festival,” noting that in addition to its superior sound quality, the Vi6 is laid out very much like an analog console, which made it easy for visiting engineers to step right up and start mixing. Another big advantage: “The Vi6 still passes signal while you’re loading show files into it where some other consoles will not, which is a major benefit during the hectic time constraints of a big festival.”

Bryant concluded, “There were four total stages at Voodoo Experience 2013 and we had many people coming over from the other stages telling us that our stage sounded the best.”

For more information on Premier Production & Sound Services, please visit www.psssound.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.5 billion for the last twelve months ended September 30, 2013.

►

By Request: HARMAN Professional Components Are Installed In Houston’s New Indian Pentecostal Church

HOUSTON, Texas – Indian Pentecostal Church is a newly built house of worship in Houston, Texas that opened in October. The church’s 1,079-seat auditorium features a HARMAN JBL VERTEC®, Crown and BSS Audio-based sound system that wouldn’t be out of place in a major concert venue – in fact, the church specifically requested a VERTEC line array system when planning the facility.

Andy Tyndall, Co-Owner for Whitehouse, Texas sound contractor Cross Systems Audio-Visual Services (www.crosssystems.net) noted, “The church management did a lot of research before hiring us and actually told us they wanted not just a JBL system, but a JBL VERTEC system. They knew the level of performance they wanted and were well aware of the brand’s reputation.”

Cross Systems outfitted the auditorium with nine VERTEC VT4886 subcompact line array elements per side, along with two VT4883 subcompact arrayable subwoofers per side and four VTX Series S28 subwoofers. Four JBL STX812M 2-way floor monitors and two PRX612M 2-way powered monitors are deployed as stage monitors, augmented by seven AC15 compact speakers as stage fills.

Six Crown Macro-Tech® i Series MA12000i amplifiers power the line arrays and subwoofers, with two Crown CTs Series CTs2000 amps and a CTs4200 driving the stage monitors and stage fills respectively. In addition to the main system, 14 JBL Control 26CT in-ceiling loudspeakers and a Crown CTs600 amplifier provide audio to the church’s foyer, nursery, boardroom and restrooms. Signal processing and networking for the entire system is handled by a BSS BLU-100 12 x 8 signal processor with digital audio bus and a BSS BLU-BOB2 break-out box.

Cross Systems went with the VERTEC VT4886 line arrays because in Tyndall’s experience they have “a ton of headroom” and deliver the dynamic range necessary for a church service with live music in a larger space. Tyndall chose the Crown amps because of their high power output, outstanding reliability and the fact that they work hand in glove with VERTEC line arrays. “More importantly, the Crown amplifiers ensure we’re getting the most out of the JBL VERTEC system.” The Crown DSP presets are specifically optimized for use with VERTEC (and other JBL) loudspeakers and provide optimized frequency and phase response, horizontal coverage and other sonic advantages and enabled Tyndall and his crew to more precisely tailor the performance of the speakers to the auditorium’s acoustics.

In addition to providing sound reinforcement for the pastor’s and other speakers’ voices, Indian Pentecostal Church will be using the system for amplifying a full praise band during services and special events. Tyndall was well aware the church would settle for nothing less than the best. “The clarity, power and even coverage of the system from the front to the back of the room is superb. This is a brand-new building and we wanted to make sure we got it right the first time,” he stated. “I think anyone who hears it would say we did.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.5 billion for the last twelve months ended September 30, 2013.

►

Rock Star University Delivers the Decibels With HARMAN’s JBL, Crown, Soundcraft and AKG

SANTA ROSA, California – Santa Rosa’s Rock Star University (www.rockstaruniversity.com) teaches students how to play like the pros. The “House of Rock” offers instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals and stage performance. Located in an 8,000-square-foot music and media production building, the school is equipped with a 1,000-square-foot stage complete with stacks of amplifiers, drums, audio and video recording facilities and a complete pro audio system including HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® line array loudspeakers, Crown I-Tech HD Series amps, a Soundcraft Vi1 mixing console and AKG microphones.

Rock Star University was built from the ground up – the owners purchased a warehouse, gutted it and converted it into a combination performance venue, music teaching school and rehearsal studio. The 350-seat performance area features a full stage with concert-quality lighting, video backline and sound. The audio and video system was installed by systems integrator Sound Expressions of Santa Rosa (www.soundexpressions.com) under the direction of Greg Adams.

Sound Expressions was one of the first systems contractors to ever install the VERTEC VT4886 line arrays in the US and chose the VT4886 subcompact line array element for Rock Star University, having outstanding results with the speaker in various sizes and shapes of venues. “For this space it was a home run out of the box,” said Adams. “We needed a low-profile line array system because of the low ceilings in the performance space and I knew the VT4886 would be perfect for it.” Adams and his team hung five JBL VT4886 loudspeakers on each side of the stage, with low-frequency reinforcement provided by one JBL SRX728 subwoofer per side. The system also features four JBL SRX712M stage monitors.

PA system amplification is courtesy of Crown I-Tech 12000HD power amps. “The I-Tech HD’s have tons of power and tons of headroom,” Adams noted. They’re really clean even when pushed hard and the sound tailoring and system tuning capabilities offered by their onboard DSP is unparalleled.” A Soundcraft Vi1 digital live sound console was chosen for its combination of small footprint yet large channel count, ease of use and flexibility. Rock Star University puts a big emphasis on recording its students’ performances so the students can listen to and learn from them, and the Vi1 is equipped with a MADI card that outputs multitrack digital audio from the console into a ProTools rig.

Rounding out the system is a complement of AKG vocal and instrument microphones. The drum kit is miked using D40 dynamic mics on the snare and tom toms, a C214 large-diaphragm condenser overhead mic and a C451 B condenser on the hi-hat. Several D5 handheld vocal mics are on hand and the guitar amps are miked with Perception 120 condensers. CM311 and 520L headworn mics are available for drummers who sing and WMS 470 wireless systems are used with electric guitars. In addition, three IVM4500 wireless in-ear monitoring systems are available for vocalists.

“Students who attend Rock Star University aren’t just going to some glorified rehearsal studio—thanks to the HARMAN Professional audio system and the same staging and lighting you’d find in a real music venue, the students are getting a complete learning experience that’ll have them ready to rock wherever they play,” Adams concluded.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of audio, lighting and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson®, and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with Harman audio and infotainment systems. Harman has a workforce of about 14,300 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

►

Soundcheck Rocks Philippines With JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays For R&B Sensations Rihanna And Chris Brown

Demonstrating the global reach and international rider-acceptability of JBL’s VERTEC® line arrays, Soundcheck, Inc. recently deployed a multi-array system equipped with JBL DrivePack® technology to support a massive R&B show featuring Rihanna and Chris Brown. Promoted by Globe and sponsored by MTV Philippines, the outdoor concert was staged at Manila’s Bonifactio Global City Open Field on November 16 for nearly 70,000 music fans. Having sold more than 11 million albums around the globe, Rihanna already has three No.1 Billboard hits and has amassed 12 top 40 hit singles in the U.S. The Barbadian singer, model and fashion designer was honored as Favorite Female Soul/R&B Artist and Favorite Female Pop/Rock artist at the 2008 American Music Awards. Sharing the stage with Rihanna was R&B singer-songwriter and music video director Chris Brown, who also recently achieved the No.1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

A temporary stage with overhead roof and structural scaffolding support was erected onsite to support an extensive lighting system and video projection setup. Concert sound reinforcement services were provided by Soundcheck, the primary rental system contractor for the event, with additional VERTEC inventory having been sub-hired from regional system owner FriendlyFire Sound. A total of 48 VT4888DP-CN midsize powered line array elements and 16 VT4888 enclosures were in use, along with a total of 28 VT4880 and VT4880A full size arrayable subwoofers. Main left and right line-array hangs included 18 enclosures per side, with out-fill arrays each made up of 10 enclosures. Three signal-delayed array zones were also employed to provide rear-area coverage for the massive outdoor field, and JBL VRX932 compact constant curvature line array systems were in use as front-fill support speaker locations.

For stage monitoring, 4-box arrays of VT4888DP-CN’s were used as side-fill arrays with supporting 2x18-inch subwoofer stacks, while three VRX932LA’s were positioned on the downstage front truss for Chris Brown’s specified overhead center monitor array. The rental system inventory for the event also included Soundcheck’s new Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing console.

“I have been a user of the VERTEC VT4888 since the system product was first released,” noted Jaime Godinez, Owner and Chief Engineer of Soundcheck. “As the owner of a rental company, I have always been satisfied that the midsize VT4888 is so flexible. It fits in very well with indoor corporate shows, but can still be assembled into large arrays to handle the big outdoor shows for international touring acts that we service. I have used the VERTEC system for shows here in the Philippines with acts like Incubus, Linkin Park, Beyoncé, Boyz II Men, and Christina Aguilera. The 4888 has delivered more than enough sound quality and SPL for whatever was required from these big shows. And, our recent upgrade to JBL’s new V4 DSP presets for VERTEC has given new life to the system, it is like getting a brand-new PA.”

Soundcheck, Inc. can be reached in Muntinlupa, Philippines at +(63) 2 807-1298 or by email at jmgmatoco@gmail.com.

►

LDI 2008 Marks North American Introduction Of JBL VERTEC® DP Series Powered Full-Size Models With JBL DrivePack® Technology

Rounding out its VERTEC® Series line array family of powered and passive loudspeaker models for the professional tour/rental and performance-venue markets, the JBL VERTEC VT4889ADP Full Range High Directivity Line Array Element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer are making their U.S. debuts today at LDI 2008 in Las Vegas. Both models are integrated audio systems featuring field-proven JBL DrivePack® technology. Co-developed with Harman Pro Group sister companies Crown International and dbx Professional, the high-performance JBL DrivePack electronics modules with integral digital signal processing are designed to couple seamlessly with VERTEC loudspeaker enclosures and deliver superb audio quality with robust reserve power.

The new powered VERTEC models have already been fielded for a variety of applications and events, ranging from the “Love, Janis” nationwide musical theatrical production, to the general session of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in Las Vegas, to the La Fiesta Del Pueblo Cinco de Mayo music festival at San Diego’s Del Mar Fairgrounds’ outdoor grandstand. Here at the LDI convention, a system including the new powered VERTEC models has been selected for use by StagePro for the Live Design Awards ceremony at the Apex mobile stage, booth #214.

“The JBL VERTEC system has already proven its worth at countless concert, corporate and civic events,” noted Jay Waller, owner of Kansas-based StagePro, whose company is responsible for all technical production equipment and staffing for audio, video, lighting and staging needs at the 2008 Live Design Awards. “Now, having optional powered versions to give system designers a choice, is a logical evolution for the line. It makes a lot of sense for applications like this one, by giving us a ‘plug and play’ solution while reducing floor requirements where space is at a premium.”

The available JBL DrivePack DP-3 module features Crown’s exclusive BCA (Balanced Current Amplification) technology, incorporating Class I circuitry with temperature-compensated modulation. The units include an auto-sensing Universal Power Supply and a fan-free, passive, cooling design. The three-channel DP-3 offers a full rated output power of 6,000 watts peak, 3,000 watts continuous (at load) for the VT4889ADP, and 6,900W peak, 3,500W continuous for the VT4880ADP subwoofer.

The standard input module from dbx features analog audio inputs, dbx’s Type IV™ analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and sophisticated onboard digital signal processing technology. Precision bandpass limiting, pre-equalization filters and automatic self-test functions ensure optimized performance. The modular input bay design allows for insertion of optional networked modules.

Powered Full-Size High Directivity Line Array Element

The VT4889ADP 3-way full-size line array element is a powerful, lightweight option for applications requiring powered loudspeaker systems. It is fitted with two 380 mm (15 in) low frequency transducers, four 203 mm (8 in) midrange components and three 76 mm (1.5 in) neodymium compression drivers with beryllium diaphragms. It weighs only 93.1 kg (205 lb), enabling the assembly of large powered arrays of multiple units, yet each unit is capable of delivering 143 dB SPL maximum output (1 m).

The VT4889ADP and its companion subwoofer, the VT4880ADP, are pre-configured from the JBL factory with JBL’s new V4 DSP preset data, developed with the aid of JBL’s exclusive LDM™ (Loudspeaker Data Manager) software, and offering optimized acoustical performance.

Powered Full-Size Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer

The VT4880ADP 2 x 18-inch arrayable subwoofer is a high output, lightweight companion subwoofer to complement VT4889ADP full-range loudspeaker systems. It is fitted with two new 457 mm (18 in) model 2269G ultra long-excursion low frequency transducers. The subwoofer is capable of delivering 137 dB SPL (1 m). This powered subwoofer weighs only 99.9 kg (220 lb), enabling the construction of extremely powerful VLF (Very Low Frequency) arrays of multiple units. It is designed to be suspended in stand-alone arrays, coupled with VT4889ADP’s in the same array, or ground-stacked as required.

Optional Network Modules: HiQnet™ Compatible

Optional networked DPAN (analog audio) and DPCN (Cobranet™-compatible digital audio) input modules from Crown allow JBL’s new powered full-size models to link seamlessly into Harman Professional’s HiQnet™ system. With optional network modules installed, users have remote control and monitoring access to system functionality and digital speaker presets, via System Architect software. HiQnet compliance ensures that VERTEC DP Series system products offer a variety of configuration and monitoring functions, through software control panels that address not only JBL DrivePack-equipped loudspeakers, but also other HiQnet-compliant audio products from Harman Professional companies that may be integrated into the same sound system.

JBL VERTEC Product Line Compatibility: User Advantages

These new models allow professional sound system users who need full-size loudspeaker array elements to leverage the distinct performance and business advantages the JBL VERTEC DrivePack technology platform can provide, including reduced system configuration costs, less concern over cooling needs in low-noise environments like performing arts centers due to the JBL DrivePack’s fan-free design, and transportation and installation savings due to lower space requirements when compared to loudspeaker systems powered by traditional amplifier racks.

“JBL’s latest powered models effectively equip the VERTEC DP Series with options in all size categories for line array elements--compact, midsize and now full-size. This provides a comprehensive set of solutions for high-end, powered loudspeaker applications,” said David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Now, in addition to the premium-quality sound available with passive models in the VERTEC Series of line array systems, we’re providing a suite of powered models with all of the improved consistency that such system products can offer to our customers in the tour sound and fixed-installation performing arts markets. These new powered full-size VT4889ADP full-range line array and VT4880ADP arrayable subwoofer systems bring all of the integrated-system advantages of our smaller and more compact powered models to the broad range of high-end system users in the concert touring and corporate/AV market segments who require high-performance, large-scale sound reinforcement solutions.”

StagePro can be reached at http://www.stagepro.com/

►

Meeting Services And JBL VERTEC Line Arrays Shine At AARP Life@50+ National Event And Expo

In a unique demonstration of the versatility and power of JBL VERTEC® line arrays, San Diego-based Meeting Services, Inc. provided the live sound reinforcement system for the recent AARP Life@50+ National Event and Expo in Washington, D.C. Staged September 4-6, the event drew more than 25,000 members to the Walter E. Washington Convention and Exhibition Center.

In addition to the general session, the national event featured performances by top-tier entertainers Paul Simon, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan and Chicago. The event also featured speeches by Maya Angelou, Regis Philbin, Cal Ripken, Jr., Quincy Jones, Shirley MacLaine, Gene Simmons and Dr. Laura Berman. “Because of the combination of speakers and musical performers, the AARP Life@50+ National Event and Expo required an audio system that could serve the needs of a wide variety of program material,” said Ken Freeman of Meeting Services. “The need for a flexible system was even more apparent when considering the diversity of musical talent scheduled to perform.”

To meet the needs of this diverse program, Meeting Services called on the easy-to-use suspension hardware and precision coverage of VERTEC line arrays. The main portion of the sound reinforcement system featured three arrays in a left-center-right configuration, each containing eight VERTEC VT4889 full-size line array elements, with six arrays each containing four VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. Additionally, four arrays each containing six VT4888 mid-size line array elements provided delay fill. The system was further supplemented by two arrays each containing five VT4887A compact line array elements.

In addition to the VERTEC system, Meeting Services deployed a total of 61 VRX932LA portable line array loudspeakers to extend localized coverage into the massive exhibition hall, including 13 delay arrays of three each. Six VRX928LA portable line array loudspeakers and six VRX915M portable monitors served as front fills. Two SRX712M monitors were used for Q&A sessions, while four EON 10 G2 portable PA loudspeakers served as backstage monitors.

Crown I-Tech, MA and XTi Series amplifiers powered the system, which included dbx DriveRack 4800 digital signal processing and was configured via the Harman HiQnet™ System Architect platform.

“As usual, the VERTEC system was very easy to set up and configure, and provided reliable output power, fidelity and accurate coverage throughout the convention,” Freeman added. “And because of the breadth of products JBL provides, we were able to draw from additional JBL product lines to meet the specific needs of our client.”

Meeting Services, Inc. can be reached at (858) 348-0100 and at http://www.msiprod.com/

►

Clair Brothers Systems Provides Fidelity and Power With JBL VLA Line Arrays At HSBC Arena

In another example of JBL’s VLA line array loudspeakers providing highly intelligible and powerful sound for sports venues, Clair Brothers Systems recently designed and installed a new audio reinforcement system for HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. The Arena features VLA line arrays arranged in a circular formation above the main scoreboard.

Located in downtown Buffalo, the HSBC Arena is home to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League. The arena, which seats 18,690 people, is also used regularly for college basketball games, WWE events and concerts.

Drawing from positive experience with JBL in previous projects, Clair Brothers Systems saw VLA and Precision Directivity® (PD) series loudspeakers as ideal fits for the upgraded audio system at HSBC Arena. “We used VLA and PD loudspeakers in previous projects and were very pleased with their articulation and power handling, so we thought this project was a perfect venue to use them again,” said Jim Devenney, Senior Audio Designer, Clair Brothers Systems.

Clair Brothers installed six arrays, each containing 10 VLA901 loudspeakers, hung in a circular arrangement from the top center of the arena, above the main scoreboard. Additionally, Clair Brothers installed six PD5212 loudspeakers in the scoreboard for floor and ice fill.

Designed for permanent installations requiring high-impact sound reinforcement at throw distances beyond the reach of traditional loudspeaker designs, the VLA series is based on the same advanced engineering science used in the highly successful VERTEC® line array product family, but also combines many elements of the PD Series.

“The coverage of the arena with the six arrays is excellent and the transition from one array to the next is seamless,” Devenney added. “In addition to the articulation, the system is very musical and has lots of headroom. We were very pleased with the final result and, more importantly, so was the customer.”

For more information on Clair Brothers Systems, please visit www.clairsystems.com

►

LP Unlimited Productions Serves Record-Size Crowd For South African Stadium Event With New JBL VERTEC® Line Array System

In a large-scale event that demonstrates the ability of JBL VERTEC® line arrays to provide even coverage and high output in the most acoustically challenging outdoor venues, rental sound company LP Unlimited Productions provided the sound reinforcement system for a major regional religious event, “Loftus For Jesus,” held at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. The event featured some of the world’s most prominent Christian leaders and drew a crowd of more than 70,000 people—the largest crowd ever assembled in the outdoor sporting facility.

The sound reinforcement system was required to cover the entire outdoor venue, using temporary staging and ground-support structures. Having been awarded the contract for sound reinforcement services at the upcoming major event, LP Unlimited Productions worked together with JBL's distributor for South Africa, Wild+Marr, to plan for rental-system expansion with new JBL VERTEC line array system components. The technical production team evaluated the stadium architecture and advance audience-area plans, relying upon JBL's Line Array Calculator software tool for system configuration decisions. It was decided to employ a total of 28 VT4889-1 full-size line array elements, 32 VT4888 mid-size line array elements and 34 VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers to implement the event system design.

For the event, which served as the inaugural outing for LP Unlimited's new full-size VERTEC system elements, the setup included two main left/right arrays, each made of 14 VT4889-1's. Out-fill arrays each included seven VT4888 loudspeakers and eight VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. An 18-box center ground-stacked subwoofer array was set up for ultra low-frequency support, using 18 VT4880 subs. This center VLF cluster was configured as a steered array, with a 120-degree, figure-8 polar response coverage pattern for the main audience area on the field. Side subwoofer arrays of VT4880's augmented low frequency coverage on the far side seating areas at both pavilion ends, as well as areas behind the stage.

In addition, three signal-delay towers, each comprising six VT4888 mid-size line array elements, were in use at the rear of the massive stadium. All JBL speakers were powered by Crown I-Tech amplifiers, and four dbx 4800 DriveRack loudspeaker management systems were in use with one unit dedicated as a multi-zone matrix and audio distribution device. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect Software provided remote control and monitoring of the signal processing and amplification.

"This was our first large-scale deployment of the new VERTEC system, and the loudspeaker system had to be very intelligible over extreme distances," observed Colin Loock, Technical Director for LP Unlimited. "Going into the event, we at first thought it would be a challenge to provide live-music sound reinforcement for so many people with only 60 high/mid boxes, for an official audience tally that ended up being 71,280 persons on show day. We needn’t have worried. During setup, JBL's new V4 DSP presets made it very easy for us. And we immediately discovered that our new VT4889-1's have a very detailed high/mid section that complements its rich, present low end with the two 15-inch drivers. We were also very surprised about the strong low frequency performance that we achieved with the VT4880 subwoofers in an outdoor stadium application, with headroom to spare. As things turned out, we had quite a lot of headroom left on the VT4889-1's as well, even running at concert levels when the band performed. The VERTEC rig performed exceedingly well and beyond our expectations."

LP Unlimited Productions can be reached at www.lpunlimited.co.za/

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.”

►

JBL VERTEC® Passive and Powered Line Array Loudspeakers Offer Unprecedented Performance and Versatility

As PLASA08 gears up to showcase the latest innovations in audio technology, JBL Professional’s VERTEC® series now offers the most comprehensive set of line array solutions for tour sound and performance-venue applications. With the introduction of the VERTEC VT4889ADP Powered Fullsize Line Array Element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer earlier this year, all size categories in the VERTEC line--compact, midsize and fullsize--are now optionally available with JBL’s DrivePack® electronic modules featuring multiple combinations of Crown amplification, dbx digital signal processing and HiQnet™ remote control and monitoring.

“From the beginning, the VERTEC series was developed to meet the live sound industry’s need for reduced system size and improved usability, while also striving to provide higher standards of performance,” said David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “The wealth of options offered by the VERTEC lineup ensures that the demands of rental sound companies and their clients will be met regardless of system format requirements.”

Since its introduction, VERTEC has become established as a worldwide industry standard for line array systems, thanks to the series’ optimal combination of high output power, premium fidelity, light weight and easy setup. The VERTEC series offers a comprehensive range of models combining JBL’s legendary sound quality with the most advanced component transducers and enclosure technology available.

Further extending VERTEC’s range of options, each model is now available as an integrally-powered system, using the company’s exclusive JBL DrivePack technology. In addition to onboard amplification, these “DP” versions feature dbx input modules to implement crossovers, equalization, time alignment and protection for the speaker system. The standard DPIP input module features analog audio inputs and sophisticated onboard digital signal processing technology. Precision bandpass limiting, pre-equalization filters and automatic self-test functions ensure optimized performance.

Additionally, the optional DPAN (DrivePack Analog) modules add networking functionality and HiQnet compatibility via Harman’s System Architect software for remote control and monitoring. The optional DPCN (CobraNet™-compatible) input module offers the ability to combine digital audio and control on a single CAT5 cable.

“VERTEC has become the system of choice for the world’s most successful rental sound providers and system integrators, and for many of the most prestigious tours, special events and performance venues around the globe,” Scheirman added. “Spectacular applications like the recent Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, the world’s largest music festival (Rock In Rio), the current Democratic and Republican National Conventions, and global tours to support leading artists like Nine Inch Nails, Blue Man Group, Rascal Flatts, Bruce Springsteen, Lenny Kravitz, Seal, and Josh Groban all show the diverse range of our customers’ applications with the system. This is, in no small part, a result of JBL’s commitment to providing top-tier international system users and regionally-focused audio professionals alike with a broad range of comprehensive solutions for applications in all sizes and environments.”

►

JBL Professional Loudspeakers Power Beijing Olympics Fencing Hall, Soon To Be The National Convention Center

Demonstrating the wide variety and interoperability of JBL loudspeakers in one of the world’s largest showcases, the Fencing Hall at the National Convention Center in Beijing recently hosted the fencing and modern pentathlon events at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. This brand new space, located on the Olympic Green, was built specifically for the Olympics.

The Fencing Hall features 14 fencing strips, a warm-up room, stands for thousands of fans, a television broadcasting room, and lounge and shower facilities. With the conclusion of the games, the hall will now be converted to a convention hall. There are also numerous features aimed at lowering the environmental impact of the hall including an increase in energy savings and water conservation.

The audio system is nothing less than the state of the art, and truly showcases the breadth JBL’s lineup of world-class, industry-leading loudspeakers. The main PA system features six VERTEC® line arrays, each containing six VT4888DP midsize powered line array elements and two VT4882DP powered arrayable subwoofers. The system also includes 400 Control24CT and 300 Control26CT ceiling speakers, along with 130 Control 300 series large-format ceiling speakers. Further bolstering the system are 92 SRX712M stage monitors, 10 VRX915M stage monitors, along with 20 EON15P portable loudspeakers. Additionally, the system includes eight AM4215/64, eight AM4215/95, eight AM6215/64 and four AM6315/64 loudspeakers. Not to be overlooked are eight PD5322/64, two PD5212/64 and three PD5322/43 loudspeakers. The entire audio system will remain intact during the conversion of the hall, although the system can be reconfigured to suit different events.

Beyond the massive JBL system, the Fencing Hall is also a showcase for numerous Harman brands, includes a total of 253 Crown CTs amplifiers, two Soundcraft Vi4 consoles, and BSS Soundweb London BLU-80 processors, part of the HiQnet™-enabled London Architect™ system design and control protocol. Hong Kong-based Advanced Communications Equipment (ACE) installed the system.

►