May 29, 2008 —Showcasing the newest additions in JBL’s VERTEC® line array series, local rental company Meeting Services, Inc. provided sound reinforcement for the La Fiesta Del Pueblo Cinco de Mayo music festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ outdoor grandstand in San Diego with a powered, full-size system. Featured entertainers for the multi-act festival included popular Latin artists La Arrolladora Banda El Limon, Vilma Diaz y La Sonora, and Los Moonlights, among many others.
Meeting Services deployed JBL’s new VERTEC DP Series powered full-size models for La Fiesta Del Pueblo, which drew a crowd of more than 10,000 people and was broadcast by Univision, the leading Spanish-language television company in the United States and Puerto Rico. The system included four stage-stacked arrays. Onstage arrays each featured five VT4889ADP-AN Full Range High Directivity Line Array Elements. Additionally, six VT4880ADP-AN Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofers were positioned in a center array in front of the stage. Networking capabilities of the VERTEC DP Series systems with DPAN input modules allowed for CAT-5 cabling to harness the system, enabling the sound technicians to address each enclosure individually with Harman Pro’s HiQnet™ System Architect™ software for remote control and monitoring.
The JBL VERTEC VT4889ADP Full Range High Directivity Line Array Element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer 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 couple seamlessly with VERTEC loudspeakers.
“The new powered full-size VERTEC line arrays really do justice for this type of music,” noted Gilardo Magallon-Rico, sound engineer for La Arrolladoa Banda El Limon. “Banda-style music has lots of impact and is really heavy on the horns. We need to get a much fuller sound than other types of pop or even rock music, as the tuba really carries the bass part. JBL’s new powered full-size VERTEC rig handled it with ease.”
Meeting Services, Inc. can be reached at (858) 348-0100 and at http://www.msiprod.com/
About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.
About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.
About HiQnet:
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 the Harman Pro Group System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
New JBL VerTec Powered Full Size Line Arrays With Drivepack Technology Are Life Of The Party At San Diego's Cinco De Mayo Festival
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Hitachi Expands Capabilities of Educational Technology Outside the Classroom With Hitachi StarBoard Viewer for Interactive Whiteboards and Panels
— Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd. today announced the release of its StarBoard Viewer software for interactive whiteboards and panels. Hitachi StarBoard Viewer is a free download that not only allows users to open any file formatted with Hitachi’s industry-leading StarBoard software, but also to make edits and save work—even while disconnected from Hitachi StarBoard presentation products. StarBoard Viewer is the only software of its kind that allows users to save their changes for later use on interactive whiteboards panels and tablets.
The Hitachi StarBoard Viewer allows users to view, modify and save StarBoard Software files on any computer and present the material using any brand of interactive whiteboard. The software is an open license application with features similar to Hitachi’s StarBoard 3.0 Light Edition software. It offers core interactive whiteboard tools including virtual whiteboard space, digital inks, the ability to manipulate objects, and the StarBoard toolbar. StarBoard Viewer differs from competitive viewers in its ability to save changes to files, enabling it to help build and deliver lessons outside of regular class time.
“Often times, there’s a divide between what students and teachers can do with learning technology in the classroom and what can be taken home. Our goal with StarBoard Viewer is to close that gap,” said John Glad, Product Manager for Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Business Group.. “With a free download of StarBoard Viewer, educators and students can view and work with classroom presentations even when they’re away from the presentation products they use at school.”
Hitachi StarBoard Viewer allows new flexibility for teachers using tablets and interactive whiteboards in their classrooms. They can use the viewer to perfect their plans and presentations outside of the classroom, enabling smoother transitions between lessons when class is in session. For educators who switch schools or boards regularly, the viewer allows teachers to continue to use StarBoard files as they go from class to class.
Students will also benefit from availability of the free StarBoard Viewer download. Because all work done on Hitachi interactive whiteboards and tablets can easily be saved and shared, the StarBoard Viewer software ensures that students can open and review lessons as they were first experienced in class. Children out sick can have classroom board work sent to them and opened with the viewer, ensuring that they keep up with their classmates. Because work can be edited and saved using the viewer, students can also create presentations at home for use in class, increasing time for classroom presentation.
“At Hitachi, we realize that educators choose their classroom technology very carefully and that they want only those products capable of providing them with the most flexible, long-lasting use,” added Mr. Glad. “We’re focused on ensuring that educators get the very most from their classroom technology, and StarBoard Viewer was created to help expand usage of StarBoard products outside the classroom.”
The StarBoard Viewer is available for download on the Hitachi Software Engineering America website:
http://StarBoard.hitachi-soft.com/jsp/hitachi/hitachisoft/icg/StarBoard_viewer/dwnload_t.html
Soundcraft V16 Pair Take Up Residency At Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
by two more for upcoming Club NOKIA
Pro brands at the new NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE, which recently opened in downtown Los Angeles. A centerpiece of the L.A. LIVE entertainment, residential and retail complex, located adjacent to STAPLES Center, is the 7,100-seat venue which will be joined later this year by the 2,300 capacity Club NOKIA, which will also feature a pair of Soundcraft Vi6 consoles and various other Harman Pro products.Robert Patrick, founder, president and principle project manager of IPR Services, oversaw the design-build of the audio and other systems at the entertainment venues at L.A. LIVE, which is being heralded as “Times Square West.” “What we tried to achieve was commonality of equipment between the monitor and front-of-house consoles and, because there are so many acts or tours coming through there will be a lot of one- or two-night stands, so the idea was to provide a console that touring engineers can familiarize themselves with very quickly,” says Patrick, who managed a team that also included acoustician Chips Davis, sound specialist Larry Spurgeon and video/IT technologist Dennis Kornegay.
In addition to long-established touring industry recognition of the Soundcraft brand name and sound quality, the Vistonics™ II control surface was also a significant factor in the rider-friendly decision to install the Vi6 desks, according to Patrick, who has over 25 years of experience in designing, engineering and managing sound, video and communications projects. “By far the biggest criteria here were the ease of use and the unquestioned sound quality. The Vi6 fulfilled that admirably in that it is by far the quickest console to learn if you’ve never seen it before. Vistonics was the key to the console’s ease of use and gaining familiarity with it,” he explains.Patrick continues, “Everyone has their own favorite mixing console so trying to have some sort of commonality amongst touring engineers is difficult at best. But once you’ve seen the Vi6 you appreciate the benefits of the setup as well as the sonic quality.”
In addition to a pair of Soundcraft Vi6 consoles, the main PA system includes JBL VERTEC® line arrays, powered by nearly 400,000 watts of Crown I-Tech and CTs amplifiers. The entire system is configured and controlled via the Harman Pro Group HiQnet™ protocol.
NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE and Club NOKIA are just the latest in a growing list of major projects that Patrick has overseen, including work at STAPLES Center, Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, the WaMu Theatre in Seattle, The Mirage in Las Vegas, the NOKIA Theatre Times Square and The O2 in London. At L.A. LIVE, says Patrick, “I was responsible for the design-build of the sound system, broadcast cabling system, video production system, telecommunications, point of sale and ticketing systems, card access and security systems, and the RF distribution.”
NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE opened with six sold-out concerts featuring the Eagles and Dixie Chicks in October 2007, and has also been visited by Sugarland, Queens of the Stone Age, Neil Young, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige and John Fogerty. In addition to hosting music, family, dance and comedy acts , the venue is additionally designed for televised events, such as the American Music Awards, which was another point in favor of the Vi6, says Patrick: “The Soundcraft allows for MADI interfaces to the broadcast world. Because we have a lot of broadcasts emanating from the theater, it lends itself to accommodating those requirements.”
Once it is completed, the four million-sq.-ft., $2.5 billion L.A. LIVE complex, controlled by AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group), will also include a 54-story, 1,000-room convention "headquarters" hotel (combining JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brands and 224 luxury condominiums), a 14-screen Regal Cineplex, broadcast facilities for ESPN plus entertainment, restaurant and office space, in addition to the two NOKIA venues.
About Soundcraft:
Headquartered at the Harman International Industries complex in Potters Bar, England, Soundcraft has built its global reputation over 35 years as a preeminent manufacturer of professional mixing consoles serving live, broadcast, theatre, recording and DJ markets. Worldwide sales and marketing for the brand is handled by the Soundcraft Studer Group, also of Potters Bar. In the United States, Soundcraft and Studer’s products are distributed by Harman Pro North America, a subsidiary of Harman International Industries.
About HiQnet:
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 the Harman Pro Group System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world’s largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Nokia Theatre Goes Live in L.A. With JBL VerTec Line Arrays
Demonstrating the rider-friendly characteristics of JBL Professional VERTEC® line arrays, IPR Services recently sold and installed the new permanent sound reinforcement system at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The 7,100-seat performance venue features a massive VERTEC line array system, based around VT4889 large-format line array elements.
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Nokia Theatre is part of L.A. Live, a 4 million-square-foot, $2.5 billion sports, residential and entertainment district adjacent to the Staples Center and Los Angeles Convention Center. The venue offers guests the intimacy of a mid-sized performance venue, with no seat further than 220 feet from the stage. Since opening, the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live has hosted performances by The Eagles, The Dixie Chicks, Neil Young, John Fogerty and Mary J. Blige, among others. This week the venue featured two scheduled nights of performances by rock power-trio Rush, with veteran soundmixer Brad Madix at front-of-house. “I am really liking the way Brad has the system sounding,” noted Keith Evans, in charge of the house sound system for the venue. “Very powerful, detailed and dynamic.”
With the goal of providing an audio system that would fully meet the demands of such accomplished artists as Rush who have a keen focus on sound quality, IPR Services installed a left/right line array configuration featuring 12 VT4889 large-format line array elements per side, four VT4889 line array elements per side for out fill, and two center arrays of three VT4889 line array elements each for down fill. Two flown center arrays of 11 VT4880A arrayable subwoofers (22 total) combine with left/right onstage stacks of eight VT4880A arrayable subwoofer per side to form an overall LCR subwoofer configuration with individual subwoofer arrays configured in forward/reverse firing cardioid mode. Coverage is complemented by two VT4889 line array elements integrated with the left/right subwoofer ground stacks and stage lip front fills consisting of six VT4887A compact line array loudspeakers. Crown amplifiers power the system, which also includes two Soundcraft Vi6 digital consoles.
According to Bob Patrick, owner of IPR Services, the decision to install VERTEC line arrays hinged on the product’s sonic qualities and rider-friendly attributes. “It’s important to have a rider-friendly system and VERTEC is one of the most rider-friendly line arrays in the industry,” he said. “Additionally, we have had tremendous success with VERTEC in past projects, such as the WaMu Theater in Seattle. So we installed the system at the Nokia Theatre with the highest level of confidence.”
“As a result of VERTEC’s popularity in the tour sound market, a growing number of performance venues are using VERTEC to provide rider-friendly, permanent sound reinforcement systems,” said David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “We are pleased to see the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live already receiving benefit from their investment. The venue is being well-served by the fidelity, output capabilities and precision coverage of VERTEC line arrays, as well as the system-integration expertise of IPR Services.”
For more information on IPR Services, please visit www.iprservices.com or call 626-893-4042.
About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.
About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.
Eventide Eclipse Provides We Are Scientists With Big Sound In Small Package For The Road
Eventide’s Eclipse™, single rack space effects processor, is providing renowned Front-of-House engineer, Titus, with a wide range of classic Eventide effects in the smallest possible footprint. Currently on tour in Europe, the band, We Are Scientists, relies on Titus to form the contour of sounds for its eclectic shows. Titus turns to the Eclipse for that power.
“I’ve been using the H3000 for 10 years and nothing compares to that,” said Titus. “But it got so beat up on the road I had to find something new. The Eclipse was the perfect solution because the sound is great, it’s powerful and versatile, and so slim. I can put it in a small rack along with other pieces of outboard gear and still stow it in an overhead compartment for fly dates. Now I never have to compromise my sound at a venue that does not have the quality gear that I need.”
Among the powerful capabilities in the Eclipse toolbox that Titus depends on is the dual-engine architecture, which allows two stereo effects to run at the same time, either in parallel or serial. Titus finds that the ability to use the two engines separately, or to sum the analog and digital inputs together, offers the requisite flexibility of operation needed for his application.
Eclipse offers 90 of Eventide’s best effects chosen from over 37 years of boundary-smashing effects, widely heard on hit records spanning a multitude of genres. Eclipse has 390 great presets ranging from the Eventide signature micropitch shift to shimmer effects to multi-voice diatonic pitch shifting, delays, choruses, phasing and flanging. The Eclipse offers a wide variety of interfacing options from ADAT, AES, or S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs, to balanced XLRs, or hi impedance ¼” inputs for interfacing with instruments or in the insert loop of an amplifier.
“The Eventide reverb and pitch algorithms are unparalleled,” Titus said. “Nothing compares to them. When I’m very busy and don’t have time to program, I know I can rely on the presets to deliver what I need.”
Thursday, May 15, 2008
B.A.L.S. Deploys JBL VerTec For Rod Stewart Stadium Show In Buenos Aires
Demonstrating the global acceptance, premium sound and maximum output capabilities of JBL Professional VERTEC® line arrays, Buenos Aires Live Show (B.A.L.S.) deployed a large VERTEC system for Rod Stewart’s recent concert at Velez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The show was part of Rod Stewart’s current world tour supporting his latest release, “Still The Same…Great Rock Classics of our Time.”
The April 11th concert at Velez Sarsfield Stadium drew a sell-out crowd of 40,000 people. To meet Stewart’s concert rider specifications, B.A.L.S. used a total of 52 VERTEC line array enclosures. The main left/right arrays featured 14 VT4889-1 full-size line array elements per side, with 12 VT4889-1 elements per side for out fill arrays. For additional low-frequency output, B.A.L.S. used both stacked and flown subwoofers—a total of 32 enclosures—to complement the full-range VERTEC system. JBL’s new VERTEC V4 DSP presets were used.
JBL's new VT4889-1 full-size line array loudspeaker offers all of the performance and high-output advantages of the original VT4889, in a more affordable enclosure constructed from JBL's exclusive PlyMax® engineered-wood material. It is acoustically and mechanically compatible with JBL’s VT4889 full-size line array loudspeaker.
"The system provided very clear sound, with a good, punchy presence," noted Federico Sainz, Chief Engineer for B.A.L.S. "Both of Rod Stewart's engineers, the FOH mixer and the system engineer, were very satisfied. I think the VERTEC rig gave us a great performance. We had good intelligibility all the way to the very last rows of the stadium seating [more than 100 meters from the stage]. We did have signal-delayed arrays set up in the rear as requested by the touring production, but those ended up being used at only 50 percent of the anticipated level."
David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional, notes that B.A.L.S. has proven its ability to serve the most high-profile and demanding international touring acts. "Stadium rock shows can place great demands on a concert sound team, and Buenos Aires Live Show has established both the audio system inventory and the technical processes and practices needed to succeed in this environment."
Buenos Aires Live Show is Argentina's most successful sound and lighting engineering and rental service company, and can be reached at www.baliveshow.com
About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.
About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Yake Engineered Systems And JBL Professional PD Series Spread The Word At Lakeside Church
In a display of the versatility and pattern control capability of JBL Professional’s loudspeaker lineup, Yake Engineered Systems of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada recently chose to install JBL’s PD (Precision Directivity) Series loudspeakers into a new sound system at the Lakeside Church in Guelph. The project was part of an overall expansion to accommodate a congregation of approximately 1,200 people--three times its original size.
Lakeside Church’s new setup includes four separate worship areas, all receiving the same message from the new main sanctuary. Besides the main sanctuary, the church features a youth worship space, a smaller traditional worship space for adults, as well as a café/lounge environment. The service is delivered through JBL products in each of the spaces.
One of the primary challenges faced in the design of the main sanctuary was high reflectivity from the walls, requiring loudspeakers with excellent pattern control to minimize splash onto the side walls. PD Precision Directivity Series’ large 24” x 24” rotatable horns made them a natural choice for this project. The main sanctuary system features main and delay split clusters, each containing three JBL PD5212/64 loudspeakers. Two JBL SRX728S subwoofers provide low-frequency output, while eight JBL JRX112M loudspeakers serve as stage monitors. Additionally, Crown CTs and XTi amplifiers power the system, which also features BSS Soundweb, dbx DriveRack processing and AKG microphones.
Specializing in design and installation for houses of worship, Yake Engineered Systems has installed JBL loudspeakers in numerous churches throughout Ontario. For the Lakeside Church project, company Owner David Yake took his past experience with the PD Series loudspeakers into account when designing the system. “Before we recommended the system, we performed EASE modeling of the space to show why the JBL PD series loudspeakers would work best,” Yake said. “Because the room was mostly concrete with no acoustical treatment, we needed a highly directional box that didn’t spill onto the walls or the ceiling.”
Since the completion of the project, the system has exceeded the church’s expectations. “Everyone is really happy with the sound,” Yake said, “and the presence of JBL loudspeakers throughout the different areas of the church ensures that members of the congregation will have clear audio regardless of where they are.”
For more information on Yake Engineered Systems, please visit www.yakesystems.com or call 519-621-2300.
For more information on JBL Professional please visit www.jblpro.com.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Hitachi CPX5 LCD Projector Brightens Skyview Spheres
Looking for a projector that could provide high brightness and light weight in a compact chassis, Innovative Markets turned to the Hitachi CPX5 for use with Skyview, a brand-new media format that provides full-motion HD video and static, billboard-like advertising space at conventions, concerts, malls, sporting events and promotional advertising campaigns.
Provision Media Enlightens Shakopee School District With Installation Of Hitachi LCD Projectors
Demonstrating the ease of use and reliable performance of Hitachi LCD projectors, Provision Media has installed more than 150 projectors throughout the Shakopee School District in Minnesota. The projectors are installed in classrooms in all schools across the district, as well as in common areas and large auditoriums.
Shakopee School District serves 5,800 students in Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake and Jackson, Louisville and Sand Creek townships. On the outskirts of Minneapolis, this district has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The IT staff at Shakopee, led by Mr. Wade Phillips, is committed to selecting and deploying the latest and most cost-effective classroom technology.Provision Media installed a total of 65 Hitachi CP-X260 projectors in classrooms in the new Shakopee High School and another 45 CP-X260 projectors in classrooms at the new Eagle Creek Elementary School. A Hitachi CP-X1250 projector was also installed in the cafeteria commons at the High School, which projects video off a column to a wall so everyone in the cafeteria can view the extremely large image. Additionally, Provision Media has begun installing the new Hitachi CP-X300 projector model in classrooms at other schools throughout the district.
For the larger venues in the district, Provision Media installed Hitachi CP-X1250 projectors, in the large lecture halls, the common areas, and one in an 800-seat auditorium. “We chose the CP-X1250 both because of the brightness and the motorized zoom and lens shift features,” said John Rudie, president of Provision Media. “For example, the auditorium can use a full-screen image from the projector, or there might be times when the image needs to be shifted to the top of the screen. We installed a PC-based control system that allows teacher to control all of the audio/video technology, including the projector zoom and lens shift, with a wireless mouse.”
Since installing the Hitachi projectors, the teachers and students have taken quickly to the technology. “We ordered 110 projectors in the first phase of this project and they all worked right out of the box,” Mr. Rudie said. “I have a lot of faith in Hitachi when I use them on big projects like this. They are always reliable, and the customer support is great. I’ve worked with the Shakopee District for years, and there was some initial concern about which projector was most appropriate for them and whether or not they would be used. They quickly discovered that they made the right decision, because projection is probably going to be the most cost-effective presentation solution for many years, and Hitachi is always my first ‘go-to’ projector. The teachers began using them right away and they have continued to use them with tremendous success.”
For more information on Provision Media, please visit www.provision-media.com or call 612- 216-3785.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Touring Pioneer Sound Image Powered By 5,000,000 Watts Of Crown I-Tech Amplification
In a remarkable milestone that speaks to the performance and road-proven reliability of Crown Audio’s I-Tech family of live sound amplifiers, tour sound superpower, Sound Image of Escondido, California recently passed the 5,000,000 watt mark in I-Tech inventory. In recognition of this landmark achievement, David Shadoan, President of Sound Image, will be presented with a specially-crafted award on the opening day of InfoComm 2008.
Sound Image has deployed Crown I-Tech amplifiers on some of the highest profile and most successful tours in the United States over the past few years. Gwen Stefani, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Jimmy Buffett have all traveled with an arsenal of I-Tech 8000 amplifiers in tow.
“Crown has a done a great job in evolving the I-Tech 8000 into one of the best sounding, most reliable amplifiers in the market today, “ noted Shadoan. “We have spoken with our wallet and with our reputation and we do neither lightly!”
Available in I-T4000, I-T6000 and I-T8000 iterations, the Harman HiQnet™-compatible I-Tech family has become the tour sound professional’s de-facto standard amplifier by matching unsurpassed Class-I power, light weight and ease of use. Onboard DSP provides a wide array of signal processing functionality, significantly reducing the need for rack components and rack wiring. Onboard DSP features 24- bit, 96 kHz A/D and D/A converters that reduce DSP noise for studio-quality processing and quieter overall performance. I-Tech features peak voltage and RMS power limiting for speaker protection and global power supply to deliver maximum power worldwide! The model boasts a front panel LCD for diagnostics and preset selection, ensuring fast and easy system setup but also front panel lockout for enhanced safety.
“Crown I-Tech has carved out a successful market based purely on its ability to support audio professionals like Sound Image with power performance coupled with category-leading reliability,” explained Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing, Crown Audio. “We worked very hard to advance I-Tech from its original introduction and we learned a lot in the process. As a result, I-Tech is today widely recognized as one of the most robust and useful amplifiers in its category. We congratulate Dave Shadoan and the Sound Image team on their artist commitment and commercial success and we look forward to supporting them with amplifiers that help them sound great!”
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Dynaco C.A. And Powered JBL VerTec Line Arrays Rock Caracas With Marc Anthony
Demonstrating the continued international success of JBL VERTEC® line arrays, Corporacion Dynaco C.A. recently provided sound reinforcement for an outdoor concert in Venezuela featuring Marc Anthony. The show took place at the University of Caracas Baseball Stadium and drew an audience of approximately 15,000 people.
One of the most popular salsa artists of all time, Marc Anthony has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and has been awarded 12 Latin and Standard gold and platinum certifications by the RIAA. He also earned a GRAMMY in 1998 for Best Latin/Tropical Performance (“Contra La Corriente”) and has won three Latin GRAMMY Awards.
For the concert in Caracas, Dynaco set up a total of 32 VERTEC VT4888DP-AN powered midsize line array elements equipped with JBL DrivePack® technology and optional Harman HiQnet™-compatible input modules. These were configured as two arrays of 16 boxes each. In addition, eight VT4887 compact line array elements were used as frontfills, and a 6-box array of VT4887’s was used as a signal-delayed array behind the front-of-house mix position. The VT4887’s, along with Dynaco’s proprietary subwoofers and all stage monitor speakers in use, were powered by Crown I-Tech amplifiers. BSS 366T Loudspeaker Management Systems and
BSS Varicurves were used for main system signal processing and system driver functions. Remote control and monitoring of the system, including adjustment of signal processing for the various speaker zones, was achieved with HiQnet System Architect Software, configured on a MacBook Pro running MS Windows.
“Jose Amable Frometa, FOH engineer for Marc Anthony, was very complimentary about the smooth sound of the JBL VERTEC system,” noted Guillermo Sanchez, Manager for Dynaco. “Having the ability to adjust the balance and tonal quality of the various VERTEC DP Series loudspeakers allowed our technicians to optimize the sound of the system for this show in an outdoor sports venue, and this complemented Jose’s mixing style which was very ‘pop’ with a lot of depth. He found the sound of our system to be very pleasant, and this show ended up as an example of an expert mix by a great professional.”
“As professional-grade powered loudspeaker systems become increasingly available to concert sound companies, the rental sound industry is becoming more familiar with the benefits they can offer,” noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “With this outdoor stadium deployment for a leading international artist, the crew at Dynaco has demonstrated its ability to satisfy a demanding world-class tour production, and this helps explain why Dynaco is emerging as one of Latin America’s most successful, fastest-growing concert sound companies.”
For more information on Corporacion Dynaco C.A., please visit www.corporaciondynaco.com or call 58-212-6322762
Hitachi Introduces Three New LCD Projectors For The Education Market
The CP-X201, CP-X301 and CP-X401 vary in brightness (CP-X201: 2,200 lumens; CP-X301: 2,600 lumens; CP-X401: 3,000 lumens), but all weigh a very light 7.7 pounds and are easy to install or use on a cart top. The three models feature 7 Watts of built-in audio, eliminating the need for external speakers, while the Audio Pass Through function allows audio to play while the projector is in standby mode. The projectors all maintain a low noise rating of 29 dB in Whisper Mode.
The CP-X201, CP-X301 and CP-X401 all feature a new hybrid filter, which lasts for 2,000 hours before replacement, on the side of the chassis. Additionally, the lamp door is located on the top of the projector for easy replacement if the projector is ceiling-mounted. The CP-X201 and CP-X301 also offer longer lamp life (3,000 hours in standard mode; 4,000 hours in Whisper Mode).The three new projectors bring a new level of customizability to educators, offering Hitachi’s proprietary My Buttons functionality, allowing two buttons on the projector to be programmed to executive any projector command. The projectors also offer Input Source Naming, allowing users to rename input sources to fit their needs. An improved remote control now features a My Source/Doc Camera button, allowing users to directly choose an input source, or document camera. The new remote control also features volume buttons.
The CP-X201, CP-X301 and CP-X401 feature Automatic Vertical Keystone, which detects the angle of the projector and corrects the image. The projectors also offer Whiteboard Mode, providing adequate clarity while limiting brightness for use with whiteboards. Day Time Mode allows users to clearly see the images in a bright environment, while Blackboard Mode offers better color balance when displaying an image on a colored background.
The CP-X201, CP-X301 and CP-X401 also feature a Transition Detector, which requires a password to operate the projector when it is moved from a fixed position. The CP-X201, CP-X301 and CP-X401 also offer PIN Lock and MyScreen Lock functions, as well as a security bar that enables the use of a heavy chain to prevent theft.
“The introductions of the CP-X201, CP-X301 and CP-X401 address the education market’s need for enhanced reliability, performance and security,” said Ray Soltys, Director of Sales, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group. “These three new models, which provide different levels of brightness and cost, also demonstrate Hitachi’s commitment to providing solutions to meet a variety of demands.”
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
JBL Professional Wins Fourth Straight MIPA Award In Portable Sound Category With VRX932LAP Powered Loudspeaker
Reinforcing JBL Professional’s leadership position in the development of portable loudspeaker technology, the JBL VRX932LAP powered portable line array loudspeaker earned a MIPA Award in the Portable Sound category at Pro Light & Sound 2008. This is the fourth consecutive year that JBL has won the MIPA Award in this category.
“Since its introduction, the VRX932LAP has provided mobile DJ’s and musicians--as well as systems integrators and live sound companies--with new standards for versatility, performance and sonic quality in portable loudspeaker technology,” said Harald Kanz, Product Manager, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “It is an honor to once again receive the MIPA Award, which underscores JBL’s continued commitment to raising the aforementioned standards.”
Designed for use in arrays of up to five units, the VRX932LAP is the ideal choice when line array performance is needed but the venue size does not call for the long-throw characteristics of large line array systems. The VRX932LAP is a 12-inch, two-way powered line array loudspeaker featuring a JBL DrivePack® DPC-2 amplification system that provides 1750 Watts of peak power. A DSP-based resident input module provides system optimization and equalization.
Friday, May 2, 2008
JBL VerTec Line Arrays Take Center Stage At Gallo Center For The Arts
Demonstrating the rider-friendly performance and ease of installation of JBL Professional VERTEC® line arrays, audio consultant Media Systems Design Group oversaw the design of the sound reinforcement system at the new Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California. The Gallo Center is a $40 million complex that includes two performance spaces: the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre (1,250 seats) and the Foster Family Theatre (444 seats).
The Gallo Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization owned by Modesto County designed to enrich the quality of life in California’s Central Valley by providing an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national and international cultural activities illuminate, educate and entertain. The Gallo Center celebrates the diversity of the Central Valley by offering an array of affordable cultural opportunities designed to appeal, and be accessible, to all.
During the design process, the decision was made to integrate a line array system in a left-right configuration at the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre. “Until a few years ago, performance halls didn’t always invest a lot of money in fixed systems,” said Timothy Hart, Principal, Media Systems Design Group. “The venues would typically rent equipment for different events, but the growth in touring circuits, combined with the desire to provide rider-friendly systems, led to many more venues installing larger, permanent audio systems. It’s also a revenue-generating stream for the venues, because money isn’t being spent on a rental system every time there’s a show.”
With these rider-friendly specifications in mind, Media Systems Design Group recommended VERTEC line arrays for the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre’s front-of-house system. “We looked at a number of different line arrays, and VERTEC has a wide acceptance in the industry, which was a primary concern,” Hart said. “Additionally, JBL’s in-house engineering support was very helpful in working with us on the design to ensure the products and configurations were ideal for the space.”
The audio system at the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre includes a left-right configuration of nine VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements per side, along with two VT4882 midsize arrayable subwoofers per side. Crown I-Tech amplifiers power the system. The Foster Family Theatre features a left-right configuration of six JBL VRX932LA portable line arrays per side, with four stage-mounted VRX918S portable line array subwoofers.
According to Henry Beaumont of PCD, Inc., the systems integrator on the project, the easy setup and reliable performance of the VERTEC line arrays helped overcome the short time frame within which the system needed to be installed. “The rigging on the VERTEC line arrays is so well engineered that we were able to set up the system and have it sounding great almost immediately,” he said. “This project clearly demonstrates JBL’s ability to meet the demands of performing artists, tour sound professionals and systems integrators alike.”
“The system at the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre is a prominent example of VERTEC’s continued emergence in the world’s most prestigious performing arts venues,” said David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Media Systems Design Group and PCD, Inc. have collaborated to create an aurally pristine listening environment that demonstrates the implementation of world-class technology by an expert team of audio professionals.”
For more information on Media Systems Design Group, please visit www.msd-group.com or call 310-398-0281.
For more information on PCD, Inc., please call 707-546-3633.
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