Vitel S.A. Brings Futuristic Presentation To Historic Wine Museum With JBL Loudspeakers

In a unique application of JBL loudspeakers, Vitel S.A. recently installed a sophisticated A/V system at the Atalaya Museum in Jerez de la Frontera in Spain. Within the Museum is an old winery surrounded by gardens and ancient trees, which has been renovated to house the “Jerez’s Mystery” exhibit, which documents the discovery of Jerez’s prized jerezano wine.

Video projectors are used to shoot images onto the video screens on the perimeter of the room, treating museum-goers to an educational experience on winemaking and the distinctive qualities of jerezano wine. The Museum contracted Vitel S.A., a systems integration firm with extensive experience in museum installs, to design and implement the audio/video system at Jerez’s Mystery. The audio that accompanies the dynamic visual display comprises 32 audio channels to create a surround effect, generating a virtual scene throughout Jerez’s wine history. JBL Control® Contractor Series and SRX Series loudspeakers comprise the pre-show and show systems.

Vitel S.A. was required to implement the loudspeakers behind four projection screens, measuring more than 56 meters long. Drawing on its extensive experience in museum installations, Vitel S.A. installed 22 JBL SP212 loudspeakers in combination with 14 JBL SRX715 portable loudspeakers, 24 JBL Control 25AV surface mount speakers, four Control 29AV surface mount speakers and four JBL SRX718S subwoofers. For the pre-show, Vitel installed several JBL Control 25 speakers, relying on the product’s flexibility, high performance and wide frequency bandwidth.

Since the space was designed to hold other events such as conferences and presentations, Vital S.A. installed a BSS Soundweb 3088 signal processor to enable easy scalability and configuration of the audio system. The 3088 is designed and suitable for applications where up to eight inputs and outputs are required, making it ideal for conference rooms and smaller installations.

Dr. Alexander Voishvillo Of JBL Awarded AES Fellowship

JBL Professional is proud to announce that Dr. Alexander Voishvillo was recently awarded AES (Audio Engineering Society) Fellowship for his research in modeling and assessing the nonlinearities of horn drivers and other audio equipment. Dr. Voishvillo’s work at JBL is in the area of design and development of all new high-frequency professional transducers, several of which are patent pending. While at JBL, Dr. Voishvillo has also published and presented several research works on complex relationships between the subjective perception of nonlinear distortion by the human auditory system and various methods of objective assessment of nonlinearity in audio equipment.

“It is an honor and privilege to receive the AES Fellowship, a once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Alexander.

Dr. Voishvillo has been granted several U.S. patents on new types of transducers. He is the author and co-author of numerous publications on loudspeakers, including the engineering book on loudspeaker theory and design, High Quality Loudspeaker Systems and Transducers, published in Russia in 1985, as well as papers published in the Journal of the Audio Engineering Society on assessment of nonlinearity in audio equipment. He has also presented several papers on the subject of nonlinear effects in horn drivers.

Alexander was born and raised in the family of a radio-electronic engineer and educator in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. He received a Ph.D. degree in 1987 for work centered on computer optimization of loudspeaker crossover systems, and worked at the Laboratory of Prospective Research and Development, Popov Research Institute for Radio and Acoustics, Saint Petersburg.

Dr. Voishvillo is a member of the Audio Engineering Society and participates in an AES Standards Committee working group on loudspeaker measurements and modeling. For the last several years he has been an active member of the JAES Review Board.

Other JBL AES Fellows include Doug Button, Mark Gander and the late John Eargle.

Phoenix College Utilizes Widescreen And HD Capabilities Of Hitachi CP-WX625 3LCD Projectors

-- The Projectors Are Used For Visually Oriented Classroom Instruction Including Biology And Histology Labs --

Demonstrating the widescreen and HD capabilities of Hitachi CP-WX625 3LCD projectors, the Phoenix College campus of Maricopa Community Colleges recently upgraded to CP-WX625 projectors for several of its classrooms. The projectors were sold through Troxell Communications.

Installed this past summer, the Hitachi CP-WX625 projectors are currently being utilized for classroom applications such as biology, where detailed display is crucial to the learning experience. “We needed improved quality projection capability in order to provide students with crisp detail necessary for visually oriented instruction,” said Dr. Robin Cotter, an instructor in the biology department at Phoenix College. “We are currently using two projectors in my combined classroom, which accommodates more than 70 students.“

Prior to the upgrade to the Hitachi projectors, the school relied on a variety of technologies for their presentation needs, which were less than convenient. “We had a projector on a cart that we had to share, which often created scheduling conflicts, so convenience was an important factor for acquiring the Hitachi projectors,” said Dr. Patricia Finkenstadt, who teaches anatomy and physiology at Phoenix College.

Dr. Finkenstadt uses a CP-WX625 projector connected to a camera system to project dissections in her lab. “Being able to display these dissections in fine detail requires a projector that can display high-resolution images,” Dr. Finkenstadt said. “I also use a lot of slides in my histology classes, which requires high-resolution projection as well.”

The CP-WX625 LCD projector is specially designed for use with widescreen-format laptops and imaging applications that use 16:10 aspect ratios. Additionally, the CP-WX625 features an HDMI terminal, allowing digital signals such as DVD players/recorders and HD to be transmitted digitally to the projector. A 16-watt speaker output provides sufficient audio coverage, while a hybrid filter is side-mounted, allowing for easier maintenance. Further simplifying maintenance, the CP-WX625 also features a top-door lamp, making replacement much easier.

Despite the CP-WX625’s sophisticated display technology, Dr. Finkenstadt has found the projectors very easy to use. “Learning to operate the projectors required a minimal amount of training and I can walk into the classroom, turn the projector on and be ready to go,” she said.

“The adoption of the CP-WX625 projector by Phoenix College speaks to the product’s ability to display images in applications where very high image quality is critical,” said Ray Soltys, Director of Sales, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group.

For more information on Troxell Communications, please visit www.trox.com

Hitachi Offers Widescreen Capability And Full Connectivity With New CP-WX410 3LCD Projector

--New CP-WX410 3LCD Projector Offers a 16:10 Aspect Ratio, Optical Zoom and HDMI Input --

Offering widescreen capability and full connectivity, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group, has introduced the new CP-WX410 3LCD projector. The CP-WX410 offers a 16:10 aspect ratio, 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness and optical zoom.

The CP-WX410 projector includes a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI input. Additionally, automatic vertical keystone, input source naming, and Quick Start and Instant Off functions ensure easy setup and installation. The CP-WX410 also provides a closed captioning feature, allowing audience members to read text or dialogue for video fed from a DVD player or television.

The CP-WX410 also features a side-mounted hybrid filter that offers extended filter life with a 2,000-hour filter cleaning cycle. The CP-WX410 also offers anti-theft features such as PIN lock, MyScreen lock and a transition detector.

“Hitachi continues to lead the way in providing state-of-the-art performance, reliability, intuitive use and easy maintenance, all of which contributes to the lowest cost of ownership in the industry,” said John Glad, product manager, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group. “The CP-WX410 raises the standard for projector performance while simultaneously simplifying installation and maintenance.”

About Hitachi
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group, subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., markets LCD projectors, interactive panels and whiteboards and security and observation system products through value added resellers, system integrators, distributors and OEM.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories. For Business products go to www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia. For consumer products, please visit www.hitachi.us/tv.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 390,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 (ended March 31, 2008) consolidated revenues totaled 11,226 billion yen ($112.2 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials, logistics and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

Ten Day Navratri Music Festival Features India’s First Soundcraft Vi6™ Mixing Console

Showcasing Soundcraft’s growing influence in the burgeoning India pro audio market, SOUND.COM coordinated efforts with Reliance Big Music for a 10-day concert series that relied on an extensive Harman audio system featuring a Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing console. The 96-channel Vi6 exceeded expectations, assuring further installations in the future.

The versatility of the Vi6 allowed the engineers to simply slot the additional DSP (Mix engine) card into the console, upgrade the software to V3.0 and start mixing immediately. There was no threat of sacrificing I/O on the desk as it is fully loaded to accept audio signals from all the input and output channels from the local rack as well as the stage box, simultaneously. The individual channels are managed in a small footprint while the fiber optic lines protect users from any disruptive interference.

Sunil Karanjikar, Systems/Mix Engineer for the Navratri Festival stated, “I’m extremely happy with the sound of the console, which is the most important aspect of providing the audience with a great experience. The Vistonics and Fiber Optics provided a full and sensational sound that resembled an analog desk. Overall, I felt completely at home with the Vi6 and I didn’t even reference the user manual,” Karanjikar added. “At SOUND.COM, we’re generally fanatical about loudspeaker engineering, and we gravitated towards the Vi6 console because it offers the pedigree of those ‘great-sounding British consoles’ that we could never afford in the past.”

Warren D’Souza, Founder and Owner of SOUND.COM, proudly mentions, “The decision to feature the Vi6 is a classic example of the team providing exemplary audio services to our customers, and instead of skimping on technical prowess and equipment, we exceeded our customer’s expectations.” D’Souza continues, “I also appreciate the efforts of the backstage team, including Ashok Giri and Ranjit Singh. The quality of the crew on stage is of the utmost importance, and we have to appreciate the contribution Ashok Giri has made to SOUND.COM. He’s toured a million miles, representing us all across the country, and it was only fitting that when we were recognized for our efforts, it was him who went up on stage to accept the laurels.”

The install consisted of 18 VERTEC® VT4889 full-size line array elements (nine per side), left-center-right hangs of four VT4880 arrayable subwoofers each, plus two VT4887 compact line array elements for front fill, all powered by Crown IT8000 amplification. The key focus was to not compromise on the trim lengths for good coverage and headroom to provide unprecedented power in the venue. The specific genre of music contains a lot of mid-frequency energy produced from the instruments as well as the vocals, and the R.B.I. (Radiation Boundary Integrator) of the VerTec mids produced a clear and full sound.

More information and a free download of the Virtual Vi software is available at www.soundcraftdigital.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

Harman Professional Audio Technologies Support Entertainment, Commerce At AEG’s Stunning O2 World Arena In Berlin

With the remarkable new O2 World Arena that opened recently in Berlin, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) has set the template for ultra-versatile, high-performing sports and entertainment facilities in a manner that can be replicated effectively in other major cities to provide artists and producers with standardized technologies, improved flexibility and lower costs and provides consumers with consistently great sound and better access to a host of new acts and experiences. Now, artists and
productions can play long or limited engagements with confidence that the house technologies reflect the riders of the most successful tours; costs are cut significantly; programming time is minimized and high-quality sound is assured every time.

Central to this new business model are the audio technologies of Harman nternational’s Professional Division that were integrated and commissioned by German market distribution partner, AudioPro Heillbronn Elektro Akustik Gmbh, JBL loudspeakers, Crown Audio amplifiers, Soundcraft and Studer mixing consoles, AKG microphones, BSS Audio networking and dbx signal processing are common to the O2 World in Berlin, the O2 Dome in London, the Nokia Theaters in Los Angeles and New York City and a host of new and planned venues across the Americas, Europe and Asia. These are many of the same technologies deployed on some of the highest grossing tours, the world’s
most prestigious performing arts centers and the best-loved sporting venues.

At Berlin’s O2 World the house audio system comprises over 70 JBL Venue Performance Series VP7215 powered loudspeakers and 12 JBL Application Engineered AE6128 loudspeakers powered by 6 Crown Audio I-Tech 8000 amplifiers. At the core of the system is a Soundcraft Vi4 console with various JBL LSR4300 monitors and a BSS BLU 80 networked signal processor. The entire system including an AKG HUB4000Q microphone system is configured and controlled with Harman HiQnet™ protocol, which automates and simplifies complex audio system set-up and programming. O2 World also boasts an
impressive battery of over two dozen AKG performance microphones including WMS 4000 wireless systems with C568B and C1000 microphones. Ensuring consistently great sound at the appropriate amplitude throughout the facility, the luxury suites and lounges at O2 World feature 300 JBL Control 24CT/26CT ceiling loudspeakers, Crown CTs 600 amplifiers and dbx ZonePRO processors. A combination of 30 JBL 2446H, 30 2509A, 15 JBL 2382A and 15 JBL 2385 loudspeakers comprise the discrete emergency paging system.

With the world championship fight between Samuel Peter and Vitali Klitschko the multifunction arena O2 World in Berlin has its first month of operation completed. The first 11 events drew more than 155,000 visitors in the new arena.

"More important than the bare numbers, however, is that we kept our key promise," says Detlef Kornett CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, Europe. "With all the problems that a first month in operation entails, each time we brought our visitors a special experience – thanks to good visibility, excellent sound and friendly and courteous staff. The arena has already shown how versatile it is and has events with world-wide beam forced to move to Berlin."

Commenting on the installation, Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Harman’s Professional Division noted, “Harman technologies have facilitated great performances and long may we continue to do so, but this system also demonstrates how a high quality audio system with standardized technologies, interfaces and operating systems can support an innovative and impressive business model as well. We applaud AEG on this remarkable venue and we look forward to working with them to advance audio, art and business in all of the markets in which they operate.”

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

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

On Stage Audio Elects JBL Loudspeakers For Audio Platform At 2008 Presidential Debates

With the United States presidential race heading into the home stretch, audio rental systems provider On Stage Audio has supplied JBL loudspeakers for use in all three presidential debates and the vice presidential debate. The presidential debates took place at the University of Mississippi in Oxford on September 26, Belmont University in Nashville on October 7, and Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on October 15. Additionally, the vice presidential debate took place October 2 at Washington University in St. Louis.

With the exception of the “Town Hall”-style debate in Nashville, the audio system for each event remained relatively consistent across the different locations, with VRX932LA portable line arrays arranged in clusters of two each in left-center-right configurations, with two additional delay fills of two VRX932LA loudspeakers each. Larry Estrin served as Audio and Production Communications Director for the Commission on Presidential Debates, overseeing the audio/video systems for each event.

“Given the high viewership of these events—not to mention the significant role they play in the presidential election—reliable, clear and robust audio was obviously of the utmost importance,” Estrin noted. “The JBL loudspeakers performed to our expectations and enabled us to deliver high-quality sound to the live audience and to viewers across the country.”

While On Stage Audio’s Chicago-based facility provided similar audio system packages for each of these three locations, JBL’s ability to provide a variety of loudspeakers for different needs helped overcome any acoustical challenges that may have arose in each venue. “I’m very thankful for the variety of components that JBL provides for different applications,” said Michael Abbott, Audio Mixer for the Commission on Presidential Debates. “We were able to approach different environments with the same variety of componentry that allowed us to maintain a high level of consistency for each event.”

At the Nashville debate, the audience was seated approximately 50 yards from the candidates in a “horseshoe”-style arrangement. In this instance, On Stage Audio supplied numerous Control 25AV surface-mount loudspeakers for use as floor monitors (as seen in several live camera shots during the nationally televised broadcast), along with six VRX932LA loudspeakers distributed evenly to match the horseshoe-style seating.

“I like to use JBL speakers for both the on-air mix and the house mix,” said Michael Abbott, Audio Mixer for the Commission on Presidential Debates. “The tonality and linearity of JBL loudspeakers translate easily between the broadcast and PA mixes, so JBL is always my first choice and preference for these critical live-audience applications.”

On Stage Audio’s Chicago-area rental services facility can be reached in Wood Dale, IL at (630) 227-1008 or on the web at http://www.osacorp.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

Lexicon® Introduces IONIX FW810S FireWire® Audio Interface with dbx® Mic Pre’s and Dynamics

Lexicon and dbx partner to create the ultimate FireWire Audio Interface

Lexicon®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), is proudly introducing its IONIX FW810S FireWire® Audio Interface with integrated channel strip processing. The IONIX FW810S represents a breakthrough in recording technology for the sophisticated home or project studio. This new recording interface offers the highest quality 96kHz sampling, coupled with dbx high-voltage, ultra-low noise mic pre’s and dynamics. All these powerful tools connect to your digital audio workstation through FireWire for the ultimate pro recording studio in a single rack unit. The unit also features the new Pantheon II reverb plug-in.

Featuring built in dbx Type IV™ conversion; the I·ONIX FW810S will preserve the wide dynamic range of the analog recording even when input levels get too high. This allows for more headroom, capturing the subtle details in high-level signals instead of hard-clipping them.

The IONIX FW810S’s software mixer includes a dbx compressor, limiter, gate, and EQ on each channel, and lets users adjust levels and apply dbx dynamics for mixing and fine-tuning recordings in real time with zero latency. The unit also has the ability to save and load up to five monitor mixes – one for the main mix, and up to four for individual band members. The mixer outputs can also be used to incorporate external effects gear.

The Lexicon name is synonymous with “the world’s best reverb”. Pantheon II continues this legacy and delivers that “Lexicon Sound” used on most of today’s recorded music and movies. Pantheon II provides the ability to change the parameters of six different reverbs, or use one of the 35 factory presets. Also included is a hardware monitor reverb for zero latency monitor mixing. This allows the performer to put a monitor reverb on their monitor mix without having the latency of monitoring through a reverb plug-in in the DAW.

The software suite operates on Windows® and Mac® platforms and includes Steinberg’s Cubase, Toontrack EZdrummer Lite, and Lexicon Pantheon II reverb plug-in.

The Lexicon IONIX FW810S Firewire Audio Interface feature set includes:

• dbx high-voltage, ultra-low noise mic pre’s on all eight channels
• dbx dynamics (compressor, limiter, gate, EQ) on all eight analog input channels
• Two front panel XLR + 1⁄4” combi-jacks for mic/line or instrument inputs
• Six combi-jacks on the rear panel for mic/line inputs
• Type IV conversion feature emulates tape saturation at high levels
• Zero latency mixer hardware with dbx dynamics and a hardware monitor reverb
• 44.1kHz to 96kHz sample rates, 24 bit A/D conversion, 32 bit processing
• Eight analog TRS outputs (7.1 surround capable) and stereo main (control room) outputs
• Five unique stereo monitor mixes using all 10 output channels
• Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O
• MIDI in and out
• Firewire 400 connection to host CPU
• 1/4” high output headphone connection
• Lexicon Pantheon II reverb plug-in

Lexicon 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.”

Casita Center For Science, Technology, and Math Implements Hitachi StarBoards To Take Learning To A Higher Level

-- Casita Center, A California Magnet Elementary School, Has Successfully Created A Fully Integrated Curriculum Using Interactive Whiteboards --

In an effort to provide the best possible learning experience in math and science, the Casita Center has integrated Hitachi StarBoards into classes at the elementary level. Sold through Troxell Communications, Casita has installed Hitachi FXDUO77 interactive whiteboards, as well as Hitachi 3LCD digital projectors CP-X200, CP-X201 and CP-X251 series.

The Vista Unified School District founded Casita Center for Technology, Science, and Math as a magnet school in 1992. As a magnet school, they create new and exciting ways for children to learn and for teachers to teach, in addition to offering an expanded learning experience with a special focus on technology, science and mathematics.

Casita educators have made it their goal to effectively implement the StarBoards into their everyday lessons. “It’s not enough to just have the technology, you need to seek out the content to maximize its potential as an educational tool. Hitachi’s interactive whiteboard content also provides content that I can immediately utilize as part of a lesson plan,” stated science teacher Jamie Hagen-Holt. “In fact, a key priority is to ensure that lessons being taught on the Hitachi StarBoard coincide with physical demonstration students can see, this is the most powerful way to maximize the learning experience.”

Additionally, Hitachi StarBoard’s durability have also proven to be a major selling point for the Casita School. “We knew that if this board was going to be in an elementary school classroom, it needed to be durable,” stated district technology coordinator Scott Hill. Being that the Hitachi board itself contains no electronics, we knew it would be best suited to hold up in this environment.”

Another major factor in selecting Hitachi whiteboards for Casita was due to its large screen. “When you’re dealing with a classroom full of elementary school age students, the size of the screen is crucial. They need to be able to see the detail of everything that is being displayed. While this might not be considered a significant technology feature, for educators it is extremely important,” stated math teacher Sue Ritchie.

Since implementing the Hitachi whiteboards, the teachers have embraced them and enjoyed the new creativity it allows them to bring to their teaching. Our goal is ensure that we have a StarBoard in every classroom,” said Mr. Hill. “We need to make sure we are giving all of our students the same opportunities to enhance their education using the latest in technology.”

Crown Audio Names Matt Bush To Lead Worldwide Sales

Underscoring its commitment to provide channel partners and customers in the professional audio, MI and cinema communities with the best possible sales leadership and support services, Crown Audio today named Matt Bush to the position of Vice President of Sales starting in November. Bush joins Crown Audio from sister company, Harman Music Group, where he was Vice President of Operations and takes the position previously held by Scott Robbins who was promoted to Vice President of Sales for Harman Professional last month. In his new role, Bush will direct worldwide sales operations from Crown Audio’s Elkhart, Indiana headquarters and he will report directly to Mark Graham, President, Crown Audio.

“Matt Bush is a strong business leader, an excellent organizer and an experienced pro audio veteran,” Graham said today. “We are very pleased to welcome Matt to our team and I am confident that he will grow our sales and strengthen our partnerships with reps, dealers and distributors across the globe.”

Matt Bush joined The Harman Music Group in 1987. He has served in leadership roles in engineering, manufacturing and operations and has more than 24 years of experience in the design, manufacture, service and supply chain of electronic products. Matt has served as the Vice President of Operations of HMG since 2001, is the architect of HMG’s hybrid manufacturing and global supply chain strategies and directed all supply chain functions including a US manufacturing facility, off-shore manufacturing, customer service, and distribution centers in the US, Asia and Europe. He has also led group-wide programs in European logistics and key supplier negotiations, and has presented numerous times at Harman best-practice sessions. Matt is a Six-Sigma Greenbelt and coach, has completed Executive Programs in Supply Chain Management and Factory Physics at the Kellogg School of Management and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Utah.

“Crown Audio is a proven pioneer with an unparalleled ability to provide customers with high-performing, ultra-reliable amplifiers for a wide array of applications. Between the people, the products and remarkable pedigree, I am honored and excited to join the team here and I look forward to getting out into the field to meet with partners and customers,” Bush said today. “Knowing now what I know in terms of the exciting products on the near-term horizon for Crown Audio, I couldn’t be more pleased to join this great brand!”

Robert Mattaini Joins Hitachi Software As Midwestern Education and Training Consultant

-- Mattaini An 18-year Sales Executive To Lead Hitachi Software Sales in the Midwest--

Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd. today announced the appointment of Robert Mattaini as Midwestern Educational and Training Consultant. In his new role as education and training consultant, Mattaini will serve as the primary liaison with educators and customers at various educational institutes throughout the Midwest to introduce Hitachi products and demonstrate how the StarBoard line can satisfy their education and business goals across Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

Mr. Mattaini brings a wealth of experience in sales in both the medical and education markets. Prior to joining Hitachi, he served as territory manager for Educational Technologies, Inc. an interactive whiteboard manufacturing company. Additionally, Mattaini previously served as a territory manager for Straumann USA, a surgical equipment manufacturing company and as a territory manager for Biomet/Implant Innovations.

His primary responsibilities include growing Hitachi’s customer base in the Midwest while leading training sessions and attending sales-related events and trade shows. Mr. Mattaini will also nurture current and future relationships, and assist in training for dealers and end users.

“Robert is a seasoned 18-year sales executive with a diverse background specifically in the education market. He has the skills required to oversee a rapidly growing population of clients for Hitachi in this very important Midwestern region,” said Ted Wakabayashi, president of Hitachi Software Engineering. “We are excited to have Robert join our team and educate our clients on the benefits and optimal experience Hitachi StarBoards provide.”

“Having experience in the interactive whiteboard sales market, I was always aware of Hitachi’s outstanding reputation within the industry,” stated Mattaini. “I am thrilled to join Hitachi Software and help to grow the StarBoard’s market presence, and have the opportunity to bring our Midwestern clients the highest level of support and service they expect and need.”

India’s New Praja Rajyam Political Party Rallies Around JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays From Taher And V&P Sound

On August 26, an enthusiastic crowd of more than one million persons gathered to witness and support the establishment of a new political party in India. Launched by Chiranjeevi, one of the biggest stars in the Indian film industry who has now entered into politics, the new party's name is "Praja Rajyam" (meaning "People's Rule"). The fledgling party's event organizers chose the Ava Lila Tank site in the city of Tirupati, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, to unveil its political program. Speeches, film clips and choreographed dance segments were included in the event. Sound reinforcement services for the ambitious multi-media outreach were supplied through a coordinated effort by Taher Sound & Lights of Hyderabad and V&P Sound Pvt. Ltd. of Bangalore.

"The venue selected for the huge outdoor gathering was very wide, and four main scaffold-based array hangs were designed for long-throw coverage, including a total of 44 JBL VT4889 full-size line array elements," explained Zakir Hussain of Taher Sound & Lights. "We have achieved excellent results since buying our first JBL VERTEC® system in 2004, and the system has been rider-friendly in India for some time. Now, with the new V4 DSP presets, the system sounds fantastic, we never have to do much EQ at all."

The VT4889 arrays, positioned along with large-scale video support screens to provide maximum penetration into the large audience area, were supplemented with a total of 24 VT4880/80A subwoofers. In addition, four arrays each including six VRX932LA portable line arrays were deployed for near-fill coverage. Quantities of JBL SRX725 enclosures were used as remote signal-delay arrays, and JBL VRX915M loudspeakers were in use for onstage monitors. The audio team relied on a Soundcraft MH-4 48-channel mixing console for system control, with loudspeaker management duties handled by dbx DriveRack 4800's and BSS FDS-366T's. Crown I-Tech's handled all power amplification requirements.

"Our team has been very pleased with the performance of the JBL VERTEC system for this and many other applications," advised P. Vishnu, the “P” of V & P Sound Pvt. Ltd. "The VERTEC boxes are lightweight. The rigging is fast and secure. The JBL transducers are robust. Overall, our staff engineers and clients alike find the system to be very flexible, with exceptional audio fidelity."

Taher Sound & Lights can be reached at + 91-98498-08354

V&P Sound Pvt. Ltd. can be reached at www.vpsound.com or
+91-98452-72099.

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

Harman Professional Sound Systems Score Highly At Paralympics Opening And Closing Ceremonies

Following up on the successful deployment of Harman Professional audio technologies at the Beijing Summer Olympics ceremonies and competition events, professional-grade audio components from Harman brands, JBL Professional, Crown Audio and Soundcraft formed the backbone of the AV system used at the Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies. Hosted at the 90,000-capacity Beijing National Stadium, both events were designed by artistic directors Zhang Yimou and Zhang Jigang and featured spectacular, highly evocative performances of sound and light that provided a beautiful culmination to inspiring 12 days of competition.

The main system comprised of 20 JBL Professional VERTEC® VT4888DPAN powered line array elements featuring Crown-designed DrivePack® power amplification modules complemented by four JBL VERTEC VT4880 arrayable subwoofers powered by two Crown I-Tech Series iT6000 amplifiers. This system featured Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing consoles at front of house and monitor positions and also included two Soundcraft MH4 consoles for backup applications. One hundred thirty-two Crown I-Tech Series iT4000 amplifiers were also deployed for fill applications.

Twenty-six JBL Professional MS26 loudspeakers powered by 16 Crown I-Tech Series iT4000 amplifiers provided sound at the VIP area and an additional 60 JBL Professional PRX512M portable loudspeakers were deployed throughout the stadium in special zones like at video walls, athlete entrances, media and production centers and athlete waiting areas.

The systems were designed and deployed by ACE (Advanced Communication Equipment Co., Ltd.,) led by Terry Lo and Bingo Tso. ACE was also responsible for much of the permanent audio system installations at the various game venues and according to Terry Lo, the Paralympics marked a special conclusion to a busy-but-inspiring Olympic Games. “The scale of achievements at these games from the initial bid and organization to venue design and construction and ultimately, sporting performance is a remarkable, lasting tribute to all of those involved,” Lo said. “At ACE, we are at once humbled by the achievements of these people and also proud of our contribution to the audio video success.”

Commenting on the application, Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales, noted today, “Though our systems are used to support the most prestigious and technologically-demanding political, sporting and entertainment events around the globe, few projects can match the tremendous pride and satisfaction we draw from the fact that our products were used at the Paralympics. We applaud the designers and systems engineers at ACE and also the great athletes and artists whose spirit and achievements make the Paralympics such an important and impressive event.”

Harman Professional sound systems were featured at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Summer Games and were also featured in 12 of the most prestigious venues for the games. The Beijing National Aquatics Centre, featured JBL Professional loudspeakers, a Soundcraft console, Crown amplifiers and BSS Audio processing. The Fengtai Softball Field sound system is comprised of Soundcraft consoles, JBL Professional loudspeakers, dbx processing and Crown amplifiers. Many of the same Harman companies are featured at the Chang Ping indoor arena that hosted Tae Kwon Do competitions. The AV system at the Beijing Foreign Language University Stadium comprised BSS processing, Crown amplifiers, dbx patchbays, Lexicon processors and Soundcraft consoles. In Shanghai, the Shanghai Stadium featured an arsenal of JBL loudspeakers, BSS Audio signal processors, Crown microphones, Lexicon processor and Soundcraft consoles. Basketball competitions were held at Wukesong Indoor Stadium, home to an AV system that featured Crown amplifiers and JBL Professional loudspeakers for public address. The AV system at Hong Kong’s Olympic Equestrian Venue was complete with JBL Professional loudspeakers and Soundcraft mixers and the Laoshoan Velodrome sound system featured JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS processors and dbx Control. The Olympic Green Convention Centre which served as the International Broadcast Centre and the Main Press Centre featured Soundcraft consoles, Crown amplifiers, BSS processors and JBL loudspeakers and the sound system at the now-iconic Beijing National Stadium was powered by a battery of Crown amplifiers.

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

Hitachi Combines Large Venue Performance With Networking And Wireless Connectivity With New CP-X809 3LCD Projector

--The new CP-X809 projector offers networking capability, wireless connectivity and a hybrid filter, all of which contribute to a low cost of ownership.--

Bringing large-venue performance and superior networking connectivity to a variety of applications, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group has introduced the CP-X809 3LCD projector. The CP-X809 is designed to facilitate ceiling mounting in mid to large-size spaces and offers a number of features for easy maintenance.

Additionally, the CP-X809 projector offers a brightness of 5,000 ANSI lumens, a 1000:1 contrast ratio and XGA resolution. The CP-X809 also uses inorganic LCD panels, which feature a higher resistance to light. This translates into longer operational life for the projector, and better picture quality during the life of the projector. It is also outfitted with a bayonet lens that can support up to four optional lenses for specific application needs based on the size and environment of a room. The lens on the CP-X809 can be adjusted manually to shift the position of the image. It can be moved 3 9/16” to the left and right, and 19 11/16” up and down on a 70” screen. After ceiling mounting, fine adjustments can be done with a screwdriver.

Thanks to the CP-X809’s hybrid filter, maintenance and cleaning are much less frequent, making longer operation possible. With the lamp door on top and a side-mounted filter, maintenance and replacement of these parts can be done easily, even when the projector is ceiling-mounted.

The CP-X809 offers networking capability, while Hitachi’s proprietary PJMan software gives users the ability to control, diagnose and manage a group of projectors from a single, remote location. Images can also be transferred via LAN connection to individual or multiple projectors. These images are stored in the projector’s memory and can be displayed using Hitachi’s proprietary “My Image” feature. My Image can be recalled and displayed locally using the projector’s remote control, or remotely over the LAN connection. Additionally, email notifications are automatically sent to the system administrator for routine maintenance and error alerts. When multiple computers have access to the projector via the network, a designated user can control presentation privileges (and block unwanted access), ensuring that the current presentation is not interrupted unexpectedly. Users can schedule routine and special projector events, including power on, power off, input selection and other settings.

The CP-X809 also features wireless presentation capabilities, eliminating the need to pass around a connection cable when multiple presenters are in the room. It can also display up to four individual computer presentations simultaneously, and individual user names can be displayed for the connected computers, making it easier to keep track of the displayed presentations. Additionally, Hitachi’s new MIU LiveViewer software provides a quick and easy connection wizard for setting up a wired or wireless network presentation.

The CP-X809 features an improved security bar that provides a deeper space for heavy chains. It also has a Kensington security slot to attach a cable using a lock. These security functions prevent theft when the projector is mounted on a ceiling or used on a cart top.

Audio can be output in standby mode, allowing the audience to listen to external speakers via the projector’s audio output, which saves lamp life when you only need sound.

“Because so many churches, school auditoriums and performance spaces are increasingly utilizing projectors for their video and presentation needs, the demand for high brightness and ease of installation is higher than ever before,” said John Glad, product manager, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group. “The CP-X809 addresses these demands while going a step further with networking functionality, wireless connectivity and easy maintenance.”

ANDRE’ CHOLMONDELEY ADDS TO MULTI-FACETED GUITAR SOUND WITH EVENTIDE TIMEFACTOR STOMPBOX

“The TimeFactor lets me do things during performances that I wouldn’t be able to do unless I had both hands free, and then some.”
– Andre’ Cholmondeley, guitarist

Andre’ Cholmondeley, best known as a guitarist for Zappa-repertoire band Project/Object, has distinguished himself by his uniquely versatile approach to the instrument. As such, Cholmondeley regards technology as a very crucial extension of his guitar. This attitude led Cholmondeley to the Eventide TimeFactor stompbox, which he has incorporated into his sound for the studio and on the road. As guitar-tech for experimental guitar icon Adrian Belew, and formerly Al DiMeola, Cholmondeley has worked with most of the top delay and effects devices available.

In addition to Project/Object, Cholmondeley is involved in other projects including Delicious (a 3-piece psychedelic instrumental band) and Don Preston, Frank Zappa’s original synthesizer player. While the diversity of Cholmondeley’s numerous projects belies his experimental nature, Cholmondeley has found common technical threads between different musical styles and eras. “Echo and delay have always been major components in modern music,” he said. “All those bands in the 1960s used vintage tape delay and reverb was always a big thing. With the TimeFactor I can recreate that ‘60s, vintage tape delay sound, but I can also find delays heard in today’s music. So this little box actually takes you through the different eras of music, one delay at a time!”

Utilizing the TimeFactor’s stereo input and output, Cholmondeley runs his guitar through two amplifiers. “Since Delicious is a trio, I need to fill up a lot of space and the TimeFactor gives me a real nice wash of sound,” he said.

Additionally, since the TimeFactor stompbox boasts a level of functionality normally only found in rackmount equipment, Cholmondeley can now take studio-quality performance to the road. “I’ve owned every kind of delay pedal, I’ve worked with tape delays in the studio, but the TimeFactor lets me do things during performances that I wouldn’t be able to do unless I had both hands free, and then some,” he said. “The ability to save different delays in patches and store so many different settings is really unique for a pedal.”

Cholmondeley also cites the TimeFactor’s modulation effects (including chorus and light flanging) as unique yet extremely beneficial features of the stompbox. “Nobody has incorporated modulation into a foot pedal to this extent,” he said. “Combine that with the ability to store the delays in so many different combinations, and my live performances have really become 3-dimensional.”

EVENTIDE E-CONTROL PROVIDES PRO TOOLS CONTROL INTEGRATION WITH H8000, H7600, AND ECLIPSE HARDWARE PROCESSORS

Underscoring its commitment to continually advance the performance and workflow integration of its audio production tools, Eventide unveiled a new TDM plug-in that provides real-time control of its award-winning Eventide H8000 series, H7600, and Eclipse™ multi-effects processors. E-Control™ provides multiple parameter control automation, and program change capability, which is saved with the session for easy recall from within ProTools. The E-Control plug-in for ProTools will be available in December for $199. E-Control will be available at no charge for a limited time with the H8000FW, H7600, and Eclipse hardware processors purchased after September 1, 2007.

According to Ray Maxwell, Eventide Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “With E-Control, we’re providing a deeper level of integration, allowing all ProTools users to more easily take advantage of the thousands of extraordinary effects found in our hardware boxes. By bridging the divide between outboard processors and desktop workflow, we’re providing Pro Tools users with a cost-effective and intuitive way to get the most from Eventide outboard processors. We are combining unfettered access to the vast universe of effects, heard on countless hit records over the past 36 years, with the convenience of control automation and instant recall from within the session.”

EVENTIDE RELEASES VERSION 5.3 UPGRADE FOR H8000FW: INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR LEOPARD AND VISTA OPERATING SYSTEMS

Further demonstrating its customer commitment by continually upgrading its range of effects processors, Eventide today introduced Version 5.3 upgrade for its H8000 series. In doing so, the company makes its H8000FW compliant with Apple Leopard, and Windows Vista, in addition to other improvements including advanced system stability with FireWire and a more intuitive driver control panel.

“In a contemporary production studio or live sound environment, efficient workflow relies upon the transparent integration of diverse hardware and software. With this in mind, we seek to maintain our emphasis on providing a diverse range of signature effects to enhance the creative process, and seamlessly integrate our products into our customer’s workflow,” said Ray Maxwell, Eventide vice president of sales and marketing. “Today’s introduction of H8000 Version 5.3 does exactly this.”

Upgrades are available immediately at no charge for registered owners at eventide.com. V5.3 also includes system improvements to the H8000 series’ sample rate converter, routings and levels set-up architecture. Customers simply download a zip file for Mac or PC and the folder will contain installation files and a comprehensive updated user manual.

Eventide’s most powerful processor ever, the H8000FW, features a stunning 1,800 programs. Users can rely on the H8000FW to deliver the entire spectrum of Eventide effects, without taxing any processing power from their CPU. The H8000FW features Monolithic Tandem™, which allows both processors to operate together, facilitating large complex algorithms, including 5.1 reverb and effects or up to eight channels of processing up to 96kHz. The H8000FW also includes 20 MIDI Virtual Rack preset-algorithms featuring up to five full-blown effects processors ganged together with real-time MIDI control, each optimized for voice, guitar, or percussion. The H8000FW features eight channels of digital audio I/O via AES/EBU, ADAT, and FireWire, all 24-bit up to 96kHz. In addition, the H8000FW incorporates four channels of pristine analog I/O with a dynamic range of >110dB. With Eventide’s exclusive Building Block Architecture, users can create their own unique preset-algorithms with the library of 230 effects blocks using the supplied PC and OS X preset development tools.

“Our goal is to make eventide.com the go-to destination for our customers to download upgrades, learn more about their products, interact with their peers and generally extract more enjoyment and productivity from the tools we make,” Maxwell continued. “Today’s upgrade is another reason to visit eventide.com and we’ll continue to make the site a place where our customers can do more and learn more!”

KORA MUSICIAN DAVID GILDEN FINDS THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS WITH EVENTIDE TIMEFACTOR STOMPBOX

“Eventide has really packed a lot of features into a small box.”
– David Gilden, musician

Drawn to the benefits of having rackmount effects processor capabilities in an affordable and upgradeable stompbox, accomplished kora musician David Gilden recently added an Eventide TimeFactor effects pedal to his touring rig. Since the 1980s, Gilden has toured extensively as a solo artist and with the band Cora Connection, and is one of the world’s most accomplished masters of the kora, a traditional African harp-lute.

After experimenting unsuccessfully with other stompboxes and processors, Gilden discovered the TimeFactor, a twin delay stompbox that includes Eventide’s 10 best delay effects integrated into a compact, upgradeable package. “I listened to the online demo, heard some of the effects and was totally blown away, because it has the sounds of bigger boxes that typically cost $2,000 or more,” Gilden said.

The TimeFactor features MIDI, USB for software upgrades, and 10 time-tested stereo or dual mono delay effects, including Digital Delay, Vintage Delay, Tape Echo, Modulated Delay, Ducked Delay, Band Delay, Filter Pong, MultiTap Delay, Reverse Delay, and a 12-second Looper. Additionally, v2.0 software is now available for the TimeFactor. The software, free to registered users, downloads and installs easily by simply plugging the USB outlet into an Internet-connected computer, and provides users with an impressive set of new features and improvements.

As a successful touring musician, Gilden was attracted to the TimeFactor’s compact size. “Eventide has really packed a lot of features into a small box,” he said. “Most comparable pedals are 20 percent bigger and I would need three of them to get all the sounds I can get from the TimeFactor. Normally at gigs, it takes me 20 minutes to set up my equipment and another 20 minutes to break down. Now I can see myself plugging in a preamp for the kora, plugging in the TimeFactor, and I’m good to go.”
Further adding to Gilden’s convenience is the TimeFactor’s versatility and ease of programmability. According to Gilden, “With the TimeFactor, you can pair up multiple presets in different banks. Now I have an infinite amount of possibilities stored and when I go to gigs, I can easily access all of them.”

However, the benefits of the TimeFactor go far beyond convenience. With so many features enabling a limitless combination of delay effects, the TimeFactor is easily customizable to suit any musician’s style. “You have to spend some time with it to make it your own,” Gilden said. “I have some really dreamy washes and have done some really cool things where I can build up a couple layers of sound, hit the infinite repeat and then solo on top of it.”

More information about David Gilden, including performance dates and music clips, can be found at www.coraconnection.com

GUITARIST KEVIN HUNTER FINDS THE TECHNOLOGY TO MATCH HIS TALENT WITH EVENTIDE STOMPBOXES

“The TimeFactor and ModFactor offer so much flexibility in a compact pedal.”
– Kevin Hunter, guitarist.

Looking for the perfect combination of versatility, performance and portability, guitarist Kevin Hunter has added the Eventide TimeFactor and ModFactor stompboxes to his repertoire. Hunter, the former guitarist for Jive Records recording artist Lesley Roy, is currently working on a project with producer Hal Willner (Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams, Marianne Faithfull).

Hunter’s list of credits speaks to his versatility as a guitarist. He has worked with a variety of artists that includes Shania Twain, Janet Jackson, Al Jarreau and P. Diddy, to name a few. When discussing Hunter’s influences (which range from pop acts like the Beatles, Van Halen and Radiohead to less mainstream guitarists like Alan Holdsworth), the roots of this versatility become apparent, as does his need for a diverse array of effects. “I’ve gone through hundreds of different effects boxes and am always trying to stretch my boundaries,” Hunter said. “A friend of mine told me about the Eventide pedals and recommended I try them out. I have an Eventide H8000FW in my recording studio in Amsterdam, and I called up Eventide and they were able to answer all my questions.”

Hunter purchased a TimeFactor and a ModFactor—Eventide’s first two stompbox models. Small enough to fit on a pedalboard or in a gigbag, the TimeFactor and ModFactor are full-featured Eventide studio-quality stompboxes. The TimeFactor twin delay stompbox includes 10 stereo or dual mono delay effects, including Digital Delay, Vintage Delay, Tape Echo, Modulated Delay, Ducked Delay, Band Delay, Filter Pong, MultiTap Delay, Reverse Delay and Looper. The ModFactor modulation effects stompbox includes 25 of Eventide’s best modulation effects, including multiple versions of Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, PolyMod, TremoloPan, Undulator, Vibrato, Q-Wah, ModFilter and RingMod.

Since Hunter purchased the TimeFactor and ModFactor pedals, they have become a fixture in his rig, both in the studio and on the road. “I used to carry a lot of effects boxes around with me but now I just carry the two Eventide pedals with an expression pedal for each and a T Rex Dr. Swamp distortion pedal,” he said. “They offer so much flexibility in a compact pedal.”

CCP’S Soundcraft Digital Breakthrough In Portugal

Portuguese Distributors Custodio Cardos Pereira SA (CCP) Report A Huge Take-Up Of Soundcraft Vi6 Consoles Among The Country’s Leading Rental Companies

Showcasing Soundcraft’s position as a global leader in digital mixing, three premier Portuguese technical production houses, Décibel, Strong and CLS Audiovisuals, have made major investments in Soundcraft’s digital platform. The addition will lead to the expansion of Vi6™ consoles across many different applications.

João Azevedo, Custodio Cardos Pereira’s Commercial Manager believes there is more to follow. “There is a confidence now in the Soundcraft Vi6 to a point where it is starting to appear on tour riders. It has passed all the technical tests and we can provide new firmware and software updates to customers immediately as we receive it.”

The Vi6’s continuing appearance at major festivals has been a major factor. “It gives sound engineers the opportunity to get hands on for the first time and experience the ease of using the Vistonics II™ GUI,” continued Azevedo.

The first company to invest was Porto, Portugal based Décibel. Rui Soares, who set up the company in 1992, confirms that both their new Vi6’s are permanently out on duty. Aside from providing technical production for the extravagantly-designed Casa da Musica (House of Music), the company also services a number of festivals; including Festival Músicas do Mundo, Sines, where Human League was recently mixed on a Vi6.

“Because they wanted a good quality desk with a lot of channels [to mix the National Orchestra of Portugal] the Vi6 helped us close the business at House of Music,” reports Soares, who also has two Soundcraft Series 5 analog desks in his inventory. “We chose the Soundcraft because the sound was better than the others we auditioned and the price was competitive. We closed the deal with CCP as soon as we tested it.”

Rui’s appreciation is supported by Décibel technicians José Monteiro and Fernando Rodrigues. “I like the ergonomics,” said the former. “With Soundcraft desks it is impossible to touch buttons you don’t want. In fact I can operate the new Vi6 with my back to the mixer, blindfolded. The Vi6 continues to achieve the same quality as their analog boards did.”

Rodrigues also adds, “The Vi6 sounds good; the interface couldn’t be easier, the graphics are excellent — and there are no words to describe the Lexicon FX! Normally outboard processors would be expensive but here you just load up the desk and there is no problem.”

The company with the largest Soundcraft digital inventory, however, is Strong, based in Tondela. General Manager, Teixera de Matos, has a wealth of experience stretching back 27 years and he set up Strong six years ago. The company made its entry into the digital world by simultaneously purchasing a pair of Soundcraft Vi6’s and a Vi4 simultaneously, providing cover for both the FOH and monitor positions. Strong already had plenty of experience with Soundcraft’s analog Vienna’s and Series 5’s in their rental fleet over the years.

Teixera de Matos comments, “The Vi6 is not only intuitive and user-friendly, with all the functionality onboard it is also extremely fast. Everything is in front of you on the monitor, and I didn’t have to scroll though all of the pages like I would have with other brands. By the time the consoles were delivered all the technical team was able to use the virtual mixer, which had been downloaded from the Internet. It’s a very good first approach.” Teixera believes the compact form factor of the Vi4 is also important for Strong’s growing number of theatre shows where seats are at a premium and he has also found his transportation costs reducing considerably.

Strong’s technical manager, João Paulo Martins, recently piloting one of the company’s Vi6’s on the Just Girls tour, highlights further attributes. “Having the EQ on every output is useful as is the ability to link functions on the output graphics. The offline editor is very easy to use, and the ability to swap desks is fantastic. For instance, if we are working with one of CCP’s loan Vi6’s, we can simply plug our show files straight into the USB port of the CCP board.”
Not all the Vi6 purchasers are live tour sound companies, however. CLS Audiovisuals are essentially a broadcast company and although based in Lisbon, they also work in Spain, Angola, Dubai and Qatar.

A 50/50 partnership between parent company Mediapro, one of the biggest broadcast companies in Europe, and Nuno Duarte, Andre Senos and Carlos Lima, the company is equally at home in the world of OB trucks and broadcast studios as it is on a live FOH platform.

CLS first stepped up to digital for broadcast duties during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. “We had been looking for a digital solution for small and studio PA because we handle entertainment shows for TV,” said Duarte. “In the end it came down to a choice of two desks and we chose Soundcraft based on its user-friendly interface and a sound that was close to analog. Anyone can use the Vi6, and for its sheer simplicity it is a good solution.”

Providing further exposure to sound engineers in Portugal using the Soundcraft Vi6, Puro Audio’s Antonio Monteiro recently sub-hired CLS’s Vi6 for the major Super Bock Super Rock 2008 Festival in Lisbon and Porto; attended by 60,000 people.

Crown Macro-Tech I Amplifiers Power Sounds Of Summer At Multiple Concert Events

Continuing a tradition of providing the leading amplifiers for tour sound applications, Crown’s MA-12000i amps were featured in XXXX Audio System’s live applications for a number of sold out shows this past summer. Artists such as KISS, Sammy Hagar, Jason Aldean, Frankie Valli, Daughtry, Lifehouse, Ne-Yo, John Michael Montgomery, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Sheryl Crow, Mike Ness and the Black Keys all performed with sound systems that integrated MA-12000i amps and JBL VerTec speaker systems.

Doug Pumphrey, sound integrator for XXXX Audio Systems, said, “We constantly rely on the MA-12000i amps because they are built for tour sound applications. These amplifiers are made to power the larger venues we dealt with on a consistent basis this past summer. We have and will continue to utilize Crown, specifically the MA12000i for all the artists we work with.”

Comprised of three models – the MA-5000i, MA-9000i and MA12000i – the Macro-Tech i Series builds upon its predecessor by incorporating Crown’s advanced, patented Class-I circuitry, which efficiently delivers significantly greater power while simultaneously reducing overall amplifier weight by more than half. The new lineup is also equipped with comprehensive status, fault, and load monitoring via standard Ethernet networking and Harman Professional’s HiQnet™ connectivity and control protocol and System Architect™ interface. Furthermore, a universal power-factor corrected power supply ensures that the new models can be used literally anywhere in the world, delivering full rated power regardless of where touring schedules may lead.

At 28 pounds, the Macro-Tech amps garner new appreciation because of their practicality for portable applications. “In our work, anytime you make something lighter and increase its performance at the same time you’ve done your job. We will continue to implement additional MA-12000i amps into our inventory for concert system applications,” stated Pumphrey.

AKG Acoustics Expands Product Offerings With Crown Microphones

Extending AKG’s position as a global leader in microphone technology, AKG Acoustics recently announced the acquisition of the worldwide distribution rights for the Crown family of microphones. The integration of Crown microphones into AKG Acoustics’ product portfolio adds to AKG’s global position as one of the world’s leading sources of high-quality microphones. As a result of the partnership, AKG distributors now handle the worldwide distribution for two of the industry’s leading microphone brands.

Crown is a Harman International company that specializes in manufacturing amplifiers, microphones, and system control products for audio markets worldwide. Thomas Stubics, Product Manager for Recording and Broadcast at AKG stated, " Crown microphones are among the elite and are top-of-the-line products that are very well known for their outstanding performance. The diversity of the Crown microphone line is the perfect match for AKG’s stronghold as a source of industry-leading products.”

AKG Acoustics is looking forward to its partnership with Crown International as each company has played a major role in the professional audio industry. Stubics continues, “With AKG’s expertise in the global microphone business, the new partnership of AKG and Crown is a logical next step that will benefit the customers and business partners for AKG and Crown microphones. AKG has invested a large amount of time and money into its distribution infrastructure, and the partnership with Crown will solidify our global distribution strategy.”

Harman International, the world’s largest professional audio company, acquired AKG in 1993 and then purchased Crown in 2000 in order to gain a stronger foothold in the microphone market. Both companies have made major contributions to the art and science of audio engineering and are responsible for a large number of groundbreaking products that have become milestones in microphones, headphones, amplifiers and wireless systems.

Studer Vista 5 SR Digital Consoles From CLAIR Line Up At FOH And Monitor Positions At NFL Live Kickoff Concert As Studer Vista 5 Completes Winning Tea

In an increasingly common instance of Studer Vista 5 SR live sound consoles being deployed by leading sound engineers at Front Of House and monitor position for the same event, Keith Urban’s FOH engineer Steve Law and monitor engineer Jason Spence both manned Studer Vista 5 SR consoles at the recent NFL Live Kickoff concert in New York City’s Columbus Circle as part of CLAIR’s support package for the award-winning country music artist. The event was broadcast nationally on NBC and the NFL Network with onsite broadcast support by Metrovision, whose OB truck featured a specially-configured Studer Vista 5 console with mixing by John Bates, Audio Engineer and support by Mike Christopher, Truck Technician. The concert was hosted by Deion Sanders and featured live performances by Usher and Natasha Bedingfield in addition to Keith Urban, with guest appearances by New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg and NFL greats Lawrence Taylor and Warren Sapp.

Traffic at this usually busy junction in the heart of New York City was suspended for the day as Firehouse Productions and CLAIR collaborated to transform the streetscape into an impressive temporary outdoor concert venue. New York-based Firehouse Productions, who provided stage and control electronics gear, fielded a team led by senior engineer Mark Dittmar. Firehouse supported the main stage with JBL VERTEC VT4889 full-size line array elements in towering arrays on either side of the stage, while Mike Wolf, CLAIR’s corporate services manager, led a team onsite that relied on the company’s own proprietary JBL-loaded i-3 and i-4 line array enclosures for extended audience-area coverage and delay tower positions.

According to Jason Spence the Studer Vista 5 SR couples sonic integrity and user-intuitiveness allowing him to sound great and work fast and effectively on the fly in demanding concert stage monitoring environments: “Sonically the console sounds stunning,” Spence explained. “Hands down, it is one of the best sounding consoles I’ve ever mixed on — even from my studio experience. It’s the most intuitive digital console control surface on the market. You get a very analog feel with the ‘inline’ design of the channel strips. It’s just a matter of grabbing a knob on any given channel on the control surface and adjusting. No diggings through page after page or guessing which virtual knob you need to grab to adjust a parameter.”

“We had 61 inputs for the concert, playing 8 songs over about 45 minutes,” Spence adds. “And because we brought in our tour’s preprogrammed Vista 5 SR’s, we were able to interface with the local production via analogue splits or digital splits right off the desk.”

Working at front-of-house with Keith Urban, Steve Law is equally about the sound, interface and general versatility. An early adopter of the Vista 5 SR, Law helped Studer finesse the design and featurset of the Vista 5 SR. “I have always been one for taking risks on new technology to give it a run and see what it will do,” Law said. “I was one of the very first guys to take out a DiGiCo D5 but the Vista 5 SR is something even better: it sounds great and makes my job easier. The preamps are great, the signal path is great, and there’s no latency
so that by the time the audio signal gets to the speakers, what you’re putting in is what’s coming out. There are so many consoles that don’t do that, especially lower-dollar digital consoles that host a ton of external plug-ins to try and compensate and you end up losing everything!”

Law is clearly an acolyte of analog sound coupled with digital versatility: “You have to figure that the Vista system’s digital format can support almost 1700 inputs, yet the sound is thick and full. And it’s not just the frequency response, it’s also the perceived depth and width of the sound. Digital consoles in general have suffered from sounding overly-precise, but the overall Studer sound is analog. The phase integration between input and output gives it a dimension of width that sounds amazing.”

“The Vistonics user interface is the best in the market today,” notes Law. “There’s nothing worse than hunting through a menu of operations while trying to keep up with the artists. Instead, with the Vista 5 SR, it’s so good to have real knobs right beside S each function, which makes the console more hands-on and more tactile” Law enthuses. “More fingers and ears: isn’t that how music is supposed to be?

Firehouse Productions can be reached at: www.firehouseproductions.com/index-02.html

CLAIR can be reach at: www.clairglobal.com/