Harman Professional Shows Its World-Class Capabilities At Spectacular Opening Ceremony For Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Harman brands BSS Audio, Crown Audio JBL, Soundcraft and Studer will support the theme of the world’s largest-ever world’s trade fair, “Better City – Better Life”, with the advantage that Harman Professional technology brings to everything application: “Better Sound”

SHANGHAI, China — Underscoring its leadership in audio technology design and manufacturing, Harman (NYSE: HAR), a leading provider of branded audio and infotainment electronics for the home, the car, and sound professionals, today announced that key Harman products will play a crucial role in the Opening Ceremony for Expo 2010 Shanghai China, which takes place on April 30, 2010, in Shanghai.

The ceremonies, which will inaugurate the world’s largest-ever trade fair, where an anticipated 70 to 100 million attendees will view exhibits from over 200 countries during the event’s 6-month duration, will be dramatic, including music, vocalists, dancers and pyrotechnics.   The World Expo Opening ceremony, produced by DAE, will be an ambitious, highly coordinated multi-site spectacle with synchronized indoor programs at both the Expo Center and Performance Center and outdoor programs at the Celebration Square and along the Huangpu River.  An audience of 40,000 is expected to view these magnificent presentations. To assure that the ceremony will have the absolute best sound possible, the event planners have turned to BSS Audio and Crown Audio, JBL, Soundcraft and Studer to provide the most reliable and advanced audio technology in the world.

The technical scale of World Expo 2010 Shanghai is stunning and vast: the sound will need to cover over 3.2 million square feet of event space; 440 channels of Crown amplification totaling 350,000 watts of power as well as nearly 40 miles of fiber-optic cabling will be deployed – its total length can encircle the Tiananmen Square in Beijing 23 times! To meet these enormous requirements, the highly sophisticated Studer Route 6000 audio router’s 1728x1728 I/O capability is more than sufficient to address the 536 I/Os the audio systems will require, including 24 channels of stereo upmixed to 5.1 and 5.1 surround audio downmixed to stereo for the broadcast portions of the shows. The audio will be processed using 165 BSS Audio BLU 160 signal processors, creating a matrix of 660 channels of EQ, delay and dynamics processing. The audio will be delivered to the massive crowds though a number of JBL systems which will include a large distributed system utilizing Control 29AV two-way loudspeakers.  The primary loudspeaker system for Celebration Square will include Vertec VT-4889 and VT4880A line array clusters.  VRX Series will also be used in some select areas for the ceremonies.

“The scale of these ceremonies will be truly astounding,” explained Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional executive vice president of marketing & sales, noting that it will take a small army of 80 technicians 40 days to put all of the systems in place. “The scale, performance and reliability that an event like this demands can only be provided by a family of companies that are found within Harman. We’re extremely pleased to be working with Expo 2010 Shanghai China and show producer DAE to assure that these opening ceremonies will be the most amazing ever seen.”

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 Professional Concert Sound Powers Historic HAMPI UTSAV 2010 Music Festival

Three Regional Sound Companies, V&P Sound Pvt. Ltd., Sound & Light Professionals and SoundEffects.Com Collaborate for Sound Reinforcement of Major Music Festival.

NORTHRIDGE, California — India started its new year in style, with one of January’s most exciting events being the Hampi Utsav 2010, taking place in the south of the country.  A regular annual event in Karnataka at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this year’s three-day Festival was held on a grand scale by uniting with the 500th anniversary celebration of the Vilayanagara emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya’s ascendancy to the throne.

More than 300 hundred artists performed over three days on a 200 ft. x 100 ft. stage at Hampi, with performances that included various music and Indian dance forms by such leading Indian artists as Hema Malini, Mysore, Manjunath, and Pandit Jasrat, along with international performers. The audience was estimated at between 100,000-150,000 people on each of the three days.

Three sound rental companies, V&P Sound Pvt. Ltd., Sound & Light Professionals and SoundEffects.Com, collectively provided the sound system for this major event, with JBL VERTEC® line arrays chosen for use as the sound reinforcement system for the primary concert stage.

The main left and right array hangs comprised 24 JBL VerTec VT4889s and 16 VT4880A subwoofers, all powered by Crown I-Tech 5000HD, 9000HD, and 12000HD amplifiers. The system relied on JBL’s world-standard V4 DSP presets, developed specifically to take advantage of Crown’s LevelMAX™ multi-stage limiting in the I-Tech HD amps.

Additionally, 16 VerTec VT4888s were used for outfills and center fills, with eight JBL SRX 728s in place as the center-located ground based subwoofers. A dbx DriveRack 4800 handled loudspeaker output-zone processing. A Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing console was deployed at the FOH location.

Vishnu .P, Director, V&P Sound, said, “I’ve been impressed with the Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers, and the LevelMAX processing is great. Having sophisticated three-stage limiting, including long term thermal protection, allows for higher Peak and RMS thresholds and this ultimately translates into more SPL output.”

Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers feature a user-inspired DSP engine, OMNIDRIVEHD, co-developed with BSS Audio and developed out of the heritage of one of the most storied and successful processors in tour sound. The processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings.

“It is outstanding to see that the entire range of Harman Professional products played a key role in a highly optimized sound system for this historic music event.  The festival created an opportunity for three leading sound companies in the region to come together in a collaborative manner, and the benefit of premium sound performance. We congratulate all three companies on what was a highly successful event,” stated Sushil John, Harman Regional Sales Director for Central Asia.

Crown Begins Shipping Highly Anticipated XLS Series Amplifiers

After receiving rave reviews at its Winter NAMM introduction in January, Crown today began shipping its new line of XLS Series amplifiers. The new line – consisting of four models and offering an unprecedented level of performance and configuration flexibility, will usher in a new era of power amplification at the entry level.

The XLS series amplifiers implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System.  A user can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz, allowing for precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loudspeakers. Increased control is also highlighted by the three selectable channel modes and clip limiters designed to protect loudspeakers that can be turned on and off by channel.

“Today we are extremely proud and excited that our XLS Series amplifiers are now available to our customers,” said Matt Bush, Vice President of Sales for Crown. “The development of this amplifier represents the values we feel strongest about: industry leading technology, quality, reliability, and the most competitive pricing. Since the amplifier’s introduction at Winter NAMM we have received an outstanding response and are confident it will exceed our customers expectations.”

PeakX™ limiters allow higher output levels than conventional analog limiting while providing assured driver protection, and deploy algorithms derived from the extensive research and development of the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series.

In another major advance, the new XLS series amplifiers feature Integrated DriveCore™ Technology. Regardless of AC Line sag or distortion due to other equipment such as backline or lighting gear, the user will consistently have the highest level of performance as though there is a power conditioner built directly into the amplifier.  It also provides fast recovery on peaks, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low-frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.

The new XLS Series amplifiers are housed in a new premium industrial design chassis, featuring a cast front panel for durability.  They also feature integrated rack handles and weigh under 11lbs, making the XLS Series the ultimate portable amplifier.

Massive Harman Professional Audio System Provides Fitting Platform For China’s National Day Spectacular

In a compelling demonstration of the high performance and depth of integration of Harman Professional audio components, Hong Kong-based ACE Professional Sound and Lighting, deployed an extremely large integrated audio system featuring components from JBL Professional, Soundcraft, Crown Audio and BSS Audio and configured using Harman HiQnet System Architect™ to support China’s National Day celebrations.  Held October 1– the 60th anniversary of the 1949 revolution — this year’s celebrations featured 200,000 participants, an array of large, festive floats representing cultural, sporting and national successes and culminated in a 60,000-person evening rendition of “I Love China” in Tiananmen Square accompanied by a 300,000-shell fireworks display.

Overall sound design was delegated to Radio Film and TV Design Institute of the China Media Group, with the bulk of audio-specific systems integration shouldered by Hong Kong-based ACE Professional Sound and Lighting.  Although the sheer magnitude of audio logistics outstripped the capabilities of any single supplier, ACE contributed the lion’s share – roughly 80% – of all audio gear deployed in and around Tiananmen Square, with near universal reliance on highly integrated systems from Harman Professional.  All told, equipment supplied by ACE included nearly 700 JBL loudspeakers plus more than 480 Crown amplifiers, 57 BSS Audio DSP units, and 46 Soundcraft analogue and digital mixing desks.

“We’d also supplied systems for the 50th anniversary in 1999,” says ACE Vice President Bingo Tso, “but this year’s project was perhaps ten times as large.  The size of the systems, along with newer technologies – line arrays, digital consoles and DSP amplifiers – made it extremely important to have everything working together.  Fortunately, using HiQnet System Architect™, all the Harman Professional equipment integrated perfectly.”

During the parade, the total street frontage requiring audio coverage measured nearly 10 km.  Coverage would have been a simple task, except that the stands adjoined a 17 m wide moat.  To cover the broad expanse, ACE configured fourteen short arrays, each with two JBL VerTec VT4888 3-way cabinets atop a VT4882 subwoofer, with each combination driven by three Crown I-Tech 4000 amplifiers.  The array produced ample power to cross the water, while the “short stack” configuration remained discreetly out of TV camera view.  Two larger but well-disguised arrays, each with eight JBL VerTec VT4888 and four VerTec VT4882, covered the gate tower structure, with augmentation on the VIP balcony from 56 JBL MS26 cabinets on the floor and additional JBL AC16 cabinets mounted overhead, again powered by Crown I-Tech 4000 amplifiers.

For broadcast sound, the discrete live sources, numerous submixes, and prerecorded material converged on a 96-input Soundcraft Vi6 digital console.  Activity at the primary live sound control room (located at the gate stands) revolved around dual Vi6 desks, one with 96 inputs and a second with 64.  A second audio control position (equipped with the same combination of Vi6 desks plus a 48-input Vi4) was set up in Tiananmen Square specifically for the mammoth orchestra and chorus.

“The snapshot memories and internal processing on the Vi6 desks proved extremely useful,” notes Tso.  “As we had so many different signal sources at various distances up to a kilometer or more away. We used the on-board processing for EQ and to time-align sources to a common zero point.”

The live mixes were either delivered directly to the BSS London loudspeaker drive processors, or, for the longer hauls, first distributed through a fiber optic matrixing and distribution network.  In most cases, analog cables paralleled the digital or fiber optic ones as a safety net.  “We had signal redundancy at nearly all levels,” notes Ben Lui, ACE’s assistant general manager for pro sound.  “For example, the new Crown I-Tech HD Series amplifiers have built-in signal sensing with automatic switching.  If the digital signal had failed for any reason – though it never did – then the amplifiers would have instantly switched to the analog inputs.”

The many other distributed main loudspeaker systems and monitoring systems spread through the expansive site would require a small book to catalogue in detail.  However, in brief, we can note that much of the street-side coverage was provided via custom-made (in China) column speakers designed specifically to blend with the ornate lampposts on which they were mounted.  Low-mid drivers were domestically manufactured, with the 4”-diaphragm HF drivers supplied by JBL. The complement of approximately 100 lamppost speakers was powered by racks of Crown I-Tech 5000HD amplifiers mounted in the Great Hall of the People, adjacent to the Square.  Hundreds of additional loudspeakers – drawn from JBL’s PRX, SRX, VRX and Control Series – were assigned duties along the avenues, in VIP rooms, at entrances and exits, around parade marshalling points, and for monitoring in performance areas.

Dozens of supplemental audio mixing points were required as well.  For the parade, 22 small analog mixers (mainly Soundcraft GB2R) were placed along the parade route to, picking up ambient sound and routing into the Nexus fiber optic snake system.  Additional compact digital consoles (Soundcraft Si2 and Si3) were at the hub of smaller indoor and outdoor systems for the various parties and meetings surrounding the main celebrations.

Multi Image Group Upgrades Audio Capabilities By Purchasing Over 100 Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers

In a move that immediately extends its sound reinforcement capabilities, Florida-based systems integration firm Multi Image Group has purchased 110 Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers. MIG, which specializes in corporate A/V projects for clients such as CitiGroup, Deutsche Bank, and Proctor and Gamble, upgraded its entire amplifier inventory from the original I-Tech amplifiers.

“MIG was not using Crown amplifiers when I joined the company. I didn’t agree with this because I had been using Crown since I started in the professional sound industry back in 1981 and they are bulletproof,” stated Andy Kakas, audio department manager for technical services at Multi Image Group.

MIG purchased its first Crown amplifiers in 2002 with Macro-Tech and soon purchased I-Tech series amps as well. “We started by building a few JBL VerTec line array systems with the Macro-Tech amps and about six months later we got the I-Techs. The sonic quality and built-in DSP of the I-Techs were major advantages when comparing Crown to other amplifiers,” added Kakas.

After purchasing the new I-Tech HD amps, Kakas immediately noticed the improvements. “The most important aspect of these new amps is the sonic detail. It has a transparent top end, which has an open and natural sound. It maintains the Crown dampening that gives you that punch in your chest. Also, the Cobranet™ integration is quite useful since we have had a need for multiple channels of AES from front of house to the stage and the amp racks,” said Kakas.

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harman International Audio Components Provided by Maryland Sound (MSI) For U.S. Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies

Harman International Industries (NYSE: HAR), a leading provider of branded audio and infotainment electronics for the home, the car, and sound professionals, today announced that components from its JBL Professional and Crown Audio divisions were deployed by sound company Maryland Sound (MSI) for the highly anticipated United States Presidential Inauguration Ceremony that took place in Washington D.C. yesterday. The event drew the largest civic-event audience ever served by an outdoor sound reinforcement system in the United States, with a crowd of as many as two million people jamming the National Mall and surrounding areas. The sound reinforcement system featured JBL Professional VERTEC® line array loudspeakers powered by Crown Audio I-Tech amplifiers and managed using Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software. The company’s VP7315DP, VRX932 and Control 25AV speakers projected the swearing-in ceremony, the new president’s speech and performances by a host of leading artists.

The sound system was designed by Pat Baltzell of Baltzell Audio Design and was supplied by Maryland Sound (MSI), led by Bob Goldstein, President. “JBL VERTEC simply has more total power output than the competitors. Additionally, this is the first inauguration we’ve been able to utilize Crown I-Tech amplifiers, and therefore run System Architect. Utilizing a Harman system has certainly provided us with the increased flexibility we’ve needed for this unprecedented event,” stated Baltzell.

“We are extremely pleased with the assortment of tools that Harman provides us. From the superb JBL VERTEC line arrays to Crown amplifiers and Studer and Soundcraft consoles and other products. We are able to achieve the highest fidelity sound possible and vastly superior to that which was available only a few years ago. Given the harsh environmental conditions we were working in, which has brought sub zero temperatures and lots of precipitation, the equipment worked flawlessly with no failures,” stated Bob Goldstein, President of MSI.

“The inauguration of a president is a historic watershed moment with the potential to change the world,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman International Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “President Obama’s speech and swearing-in ceremony were watched and heard around the globe, and at Harman we are very proud to have helped bring that experience to the millions attending the event in Washington D.C. This inauguration marks the continuation of a proud tradition of our company’s support of other historic moments in politics, sports and entertainment across the world.”

Following the Swearing in Ceremonies, Maryland Sound (MSI) also provided Vertec Line Arrays for the Inaugural Parade route from the Capitol to the White House. On several nights leading up to the Inauguration MSI provided a host of JBL and Crown systems for myriad events including the Finance Dinner. In addition to the inauguration, Harman Professional audio components were central at the numerous celebration concerts that took place around Washington D.C. the week preceding the swearing-in ceremony and the night of. On the eve of the inauguration, MSI provided JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, Soundcraft Vi4 and Vi6 and Studer Vista5SR consoles for several Inaugural Balls including the “Commander in Chief Ball” at the National Building Museum and the Biden Home States Ball at the Washington Convention Center. MSI provided JBL VERTEC systems for various other concerts around Washington featuring Carol King, Faith Hill, Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Ludacris and Beyonce. Firehouse Productions supplied sound for a concert to honor military families, featuring Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers at the Verizon Center. This was followed by a concert on the evening of January 20 in which audio system provider ATK/Audiotek utilized JBL VERTEC line arrays to provide sound for an all-star line-up charity concert featuring Sting and Elvis Costello at Washington's Harman Center of the Arts.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crown Audio Introduces HiQnet™ Band Manager™ As Breakthrough Software Application for Portable PA System Configuration and Control

Delivering an unprecedented sound management solution to the portable PA market, Crown Audio has introduced HiQnet™ Band Manager™ software. The free-of-charge application provides a sleek function-driven interface designed to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi series amplifiers. Band Manager unlocks all loudspeaker processing capabilities of the XTi Series. Once it automatically discovers up to eight USB-connected XTi amplifiers, represented in a virtual rack, all the setup required is to load each amplifier with the JBL-provided speaker tunings and set which amplifiers are driving front-of-house. Band Manager makes smart use of browser-style navigation and the ‘Home’ screen displays monitor strips for each amplifier in the rack and front-of-house EQ and level control. EQ for stage monitors and all other processing is accessible on an individual amplifier basis. Upon starting Band Manager, all amplifier settings are transferred from the connected devices but they can also be saved to disk for quick recall if the rack is used often in multiple venues.

Band Manager is a cut-down version of its parent software, HiQnet System Architect™, a much larger application which provides full-system control of over 70 professional audio devices from across the entire Harman Pro group, including the XTi Series. Anyone who has already used System Architect with the XTi will instantly be familiar with the amplifier control layout since Band Manager makes use of the same software plug in. Directly tailoring Band Manager to the needs of portable PA market enables far quicker configuration of a rack of XTi amplifiers by bringing only the essential tools into direct focus. For those who need the more advanced control, any rack configurations saved within Band Manager can be opened in System Architect. By using the plug in concept, Band Manager is all ready to control other future portable PA HiQnet devices.

Commenting on the introduction of Band Manager, Andy Flint, Crown marketing manager for portable PA stated, “Band Manager provides users with a simple and intuitive interface capable of unlocking the vast array of system setup and management tools included in the XTi product line’s integrated processing. This is another excellent example of Harman’s experience and dedication to the portable PA market.”

While Band Manager is being introduced to operate in conjunction with Crown XTi amplifiers it is planned to take control of other complimentary Harman HiQnet products in the near future. “As a group, we envision Band Manager being used to manage an entire portable PA sound system all the way from microphone to speaker. When introducing software control, making the management of a potentially complex audio system as simple as possible is the most important goal. It is no longer enough to just provide the user with the highest quality equipment, you need to offer great, user-friendly tools to open its potential as well,” added Flint.

Crown Audio Appoints Vincent Tan Business Developer For Asia

ELKHART, Indiana – Crown Audio today announced the appointment of Vincent Tan to the position of Business Developer for the Asia region. In this role Tan will be responsible for supporting the sales within the region and working closely with the customer base to ensure all products are tailored to meet their needs. He will report to Director of Marketing for Installed Sound, Brian Divine.

Previously, Tan served as an Engineering Manager for Spectrum Conferencing Pte Ltd, which specializes in providing integrated conferencing and professional audio visual solutions. In this role Tan was responsible for the management and direction of the post sales department, where he led a team of four engineers in providing after-sales services.

Tan has also held the position of IT Manager for Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd, where he managed major IT networks for multiple companies in various countries. In this position he oversaw the administration of domain, email, and accounting servers, in addition to firewall and management and many other network needs.

“Vincent has an extensive and impressive background in both engineering and information technology. He also understands the importance of communicating and understanding our customer base which will ultimately make him very successful in this role,” added Divine.

Commenting on his appointment, Tan said today, “I’m extremely excited to begin my new role with Crown. Through previous positions I’ve become familiar with Crown and many of the other Harman Professional brands. Their reputation as an industry leader who produces and supports the most powerful and reliable amplifiers is something I’m proud to be a part of.”

Tan holds a Bachelor Degree with honors in Engineering from the National University of Singapore.

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!”

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.

Crown Promotes Bradford Benn to Director Of Applications Engineering

Crown Audio today announced the promotion of Bradford Benn to Director of Application Engineering. In this role Benn will be responsible for leading application engineering efforts in the U.S. and internationally. He will report to Vice President of Marketing, Marc Kellom. Previously, Benn served as Business Development Manager, where he focused on the creation of sales tools and was heavily involved in the evolution of System Architect™ and HiQnet™. He began at Crown as a Product Integration Manager, and has served in other roles including Director of Product Application Support.

Before joining Crown, Benn was with Soundelux Showorks as a Senior Design Director. He worked on the design, building, and installation process for audio, video and control systems for numerous different projects ranging from retail space, themed restaurants, multi-million dollar theme park attractions, sporting venues, museums, and boardrooms.

In addition to his responsibilities at Crown, Benn serves as a co-instructor for the Syn-Aud-Con Digital training seminars. His dual-background in IT and audio have uniquely prepared him for this role. He is an AES Member, chairing a Live Sound Panel at the AES Convention in October 2008. Benn is also the Vice President of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Foundation, which is dedicated to improving motorcycle riders’ safety, providing support for motorcycling and advancing the moto-lifestyle and its benefits.

“Brad’s wide range of experience in Crown, along with his background in sound engineering make him the ideal person for this position. We look forward to seeing him work closely with our customers and distributors, helping advance their knowledge about the best system design practices and principles” stated Mark Graham, President of Crown Audio.

Commenting on his appointment, Benn said today, “I’m honored and excited to begin my new role. Crown is a market leader in amplifier production and I welcome the opportunity to take on an even bigger challenge to help in the integration of the different areas of Crown to better serve our growing customer base.”

Crown Audio Redefines The Price/Performance Ratio In Portable PA Amplifier With 2-Ohm/Channel XLS Series

Category-Leading XLS Series Matches Price, 2-Ohm Power Rating, Sonic Integrity And Robust Construction Meaning Serious Audio Professionals Should Accept No Less!

With More Watts Per Dollar Than Any Other Amplifier In Its Class, The New
Crown XLS 5000 Eliminates Sub-2-Ohm Amplifiers As Serious Contenders For Any Audio Pro!

In a move that makes quality high power amplifiers affordable to a broad new market, Crown Audio today showcased the newly extended XLS Series amplifiers that significantly elevate the performance threshold of affordable portable PA amplifiers. Comprising the XLS 202, XLS 402, XLS 602, XLS 802 and the brand new XLS 5000, the XLS Series is ideal for musicians, DJs, rental companies and corporate and hotel AV departments.

”Providing more watts per dollar than any other amplifier in its class, the XLS5000 represents a tremendous value to end users who need a high power amplifier without the big price tag,” noted Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing, Crown Audio. “By pairing this amplifier up with JBL’s MRX, SRX, or VRX loudspeaker enclosures, our customers can now have access to a highly professional yet economical all-Harman solution.”

The XLS Series, Crown’s workhorse amplifier line, has now been extended with the addition of the new XLS 5000 ($1,399 US street price). Delivering 1,800 watts per channel in 4-ohm stereo mode, and a staggering 5,000 watts in 4-ohm bridge-mono mode, the XLS 5000 packs more than twice the punch of the next highest-powered model in the range, the XLS 802.

Housed in a rugged, 3U, all-steel chassis, the highly reliable XLS 5000 is equipped with an efficient forced-air fan to prevent excessive thermal buildup. The front panel sports dual precision-detented rotary level controls, a power switch with accompanying LED, and six additional LEDs indicating signal, clip, and fault for each channel. Rear panel connections include two electronically balanced XLR inputs as well as touch-proof binding post and Speakon® outputs.

The XLS 5000 also employs extensive protection and diagnostics capabilities, including output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker, and special thermal protection of the unit’s transformers.

Like the rest of the XLS Series, as well as all other Crown amplifiers, the new XLS 5000 is backed by the manufacturer’s industry-exclusive Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.

Harman Professional Promotes Scott Robbins To Vice President Of Sales

Harman Professional today announced the promotion of Scott Robbins from Senior Vice President of Sales, Crown Audio to group-wide Vice President of Sales with the specific mandate to work with brand-level sales executives to strengthen existing sales operations and to grow Harman Professional’s sales presence in emerging markets. Today’s announcement was made by Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales, to whom Robbins reports.

“Scott Robbins is a tremendous asset to Harman Professional and a resource to our distribution partners and customers alike,” MacDonald said today. “In his new position, his experience, energy and intelligence will benefit all of our brands and not just Crown Audio whom he has served so well and grown so effectively. I look forward to working with Scott to grow the Harman business in emerging international markets and, in doing so, to raise the threshold of expectation for performance, integration, quality and value in those markets where we have yet to gain a significant foothold.”

Commenting on his appointment, Robbins said today, “Harman Professional has operated very successfully as a constellation of independent, category-leading brands but we have systematically capitalized on the group concept by sharing manufacturing resources, R&D, marketing, accounting and market intelligence. Now, as we take a more systems-approach to sales operations, I am very pleased and honored to lead this initiative. Working with Michael MacDonald, the new regional sales offices and the sales teams at our brands, my goal is to make it easier for our distribution partners and customers around the world to do business with Harman Professional.”

Scott Robbins holds a bachelors degree in Organizational Management and joined Crown Audio’s service department in 1987. He was progressively promoted to more senior sales positions within the company. During this time, he helped grow the sales in all geographic and vertical markets and was responsible for organizing and managing sales partners across the globe.

“Scott’s career success at Crown Audio and now at Harman Professional is testament to his personality, drive and acumen,” noted Mark Graham, President, Crown Audio. “But equally it’s an affirmation of Crown Audio’s culture of promoting talented and hard working members of our team. We congratulate Scott on his new position at Harman Professional and look forward to working with him in this new capacity at the group level.”

An early initiative that Robbins will spearhead will be the successful start-up of Harman Professional’s new sales offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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.”

Loudness Sonorização Select Crown Amps To Power Brazilian Red Bull X-Fighters International Motocross 2008

Powering a sound system for a concert with screaming fans is never an easy task. Powering a sound system with screaming fans and dozens of motorcycle engines revving at the Red Bull X-Fighters Motocross in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is even more difficult. Showcasing the power and sound quality of Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers, Brazilian sound reinforcement company, Loudness Sonorização selected 60 Crown I-Tech amps to power a JBL line array loudspeaker system for the motocross event in Rio.

This one day event highlights riders from around the world, while they perform dare-devil stunts for cheering fans, all the while, their motorcycle engines revving and quickly throttling up to build up the speed necessary to launch themselves 30, 40 or even 50 feet in the air.

“When we selected Crown’s I-Tech line, we knew that these amps would not only be able to deliver the power necessary to overcome the incredible sound of the motorcycles, but the clarity to allow the fans to hear the announcements,” said Márcio Pilot, Director of Loudness Sonorização.

For the event Loudness Sonorização provided 48 Crown IT-8000 and 12 Crown IT-4000 amplifiers. They powered JBL VERTEC VT4889 loudspeakers. Pilot chose the Crown Amplifiers for sound quality, internal DSP, reliability, and ease of installation. “Crown is recognized worldwide as the best amplifiers you can buy for sound reinforcement, tour sound and fixed installations,” stated Pilot.

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.

For more information about Loudness Sonorização please visit: http://www.loudness.com.br

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audio Analysts Select Crown Audio I-Tech Amplifiers For Bruce Springsteen’s North American Tour

Known for its power, performance and reliability, Crown Audio’s legendary I-Tech Series of amplifiers was selected by Audio Analysts of Colorado Springs, Colorado for Bruce Springsteen’s North American tour. Crown’s I-T4000 and I-T8000 amplifiers were used to power JBL VerTec VT4889 and VT4887 line array elements and JBL VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. Springsteen’s tour began in Hartford, Connecticut on February 28, making 29 stops throughout North America before a 12-country tour in Europe. The tour returned to Springsteen’s home state of New Jersey for three performances at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford on July 27, 28 and 29, where with the help of his fans, Springsteen belted out classics including “Out In The Street”, “No Surrender”, “Thunder Road”, “Born to Run” and “Glory Days.” The final show will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 30.

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

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

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

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

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

Crown 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.”

Sirius Integrators Provide Crown Audio’s I-Tech Amplifiers For Bruce Springsteen European Tour

Taking advantage of the power and flexibility of Crown’s I-Tech Series amplifiers, Sirius Showequipment AG of Niederdorfelden, Germany provided Audio Analysts with over 100 of Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers for use on the Bruce Springsteen tour throughout Europe. The European leg of the 23-stop tour began with three shows in Dublin, Ireland on May 22nd, 23rd and 24th followed by four shows throughout the U.K. The tour continued in Dusseldorf and Hamburg, Germany with a single appearance in Amsterdam in between on June 18th. Antwerp, Belgium; Milan, Italy; Paris, France and Copenhagen, Denmark were all treated to single-night appearances of “The Boss.” The tour continued to Oslo, Norway and Helsinki, Finland before concluding with four nights in three locations in Spain: San Sebastian, Madrid and Barcelona. The tour then returned to the U.S with a 3-night stint in Springsteen’s home state of New Jersey at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford.

“We chose Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers because they sound great and are extremely easy to use and to install,” said Holger Shader, Technical Director/Senior Engineer. “They work really well with the JBL VerTec line array speakers we are using on the tour. By using HiQnet™ for setup and monitoring, we are able to get a real-time status check on the amplifiers. We were amazed at how quickly and efficiently we were able to setup the racks during each stop on the tour.”

For the tour, Sirius Showequipment AG used I-Tech 4000 amps for the FOH system to power the JBL VT4889 and VT4887 VerTec line array elements. Additionally, I-Tech 8000 amplifiers were used to power the JBL VT4880 arrayable subwoofer.

Audio Analysts’ FOH Engineer for Bruce Springsteen, John Cooper noted, “I really love using Crown’s I-Tech amps on this tour. They are easy to integrate with JBL’s VerTec speakers and the HiQnet system allows us to easily create control pages that we can quickly access.”

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

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

Crown 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 Audio Products Finish On Top At 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony

JBL VERTEC® speakers, Crown I-Tech amplifiers and Soundcraft Vi6 Digital Consoles specified for spectacular event sound system design.

In one of the most-watched global media events of the year,the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing was held on Friday, August 8 at the newly-constructed Beijing National Stadium (known informally as “The Bird’s Nest”). The Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of the 29th Olympic Summer Games. While the Stadium normally has a capacity of 80,000, an additional 11,000 temporary seats helped accommodate the 91,000 spectators at the ceremony, which lasted nearly four hours, and included four segments: the opening address, artistic performances, entrance of the competing athletes, and lighting of the primary Olympic torch flame inside the stadium.

Composer Tan Dun provided the musical score for the event, which featured more than 15,000 performers and was highlighted by Chinese gymnast Li Ning lighting the Olympic torch. Centered around the theme of "Civilization and Harmony," the spectacular performances, including costuming, sets and overall production effects, were designed by Zhang Yimou, the renowned film director, who aimed to convey the "conception of harmony from an international perspective." Leading-edge projection, lighting and mobile sculpture technologies and an entertainment production stage designed by Mark Fisher were an integral part of the technical production, along with extravagant fireworks displays. Sound Media Fusion facilitated the event audio system design, programming and deployment, which prominently featured JBL VERTEC® line arrays, Crown I-Tech amplifiers and Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing consoles.

Gary Hardesty (Chief Designer, Audio- Beijing Olympic Ceremonies Department; Technical Consultant, Panasonic for all Olympic Ceremonies and competition/non-competition venues) had the complex but rewarding task of specifying and implementing the massive, multi-zone, distributed sound reinforcement system approach to integrate portable and installed speaker locations.

“All FOP [field of play] speakers needed to be self-powered arrays due to highly restrictive physical space limitations,” explained Sound Media Fusion’s Gary Hardesty. “In the case of the JBL products, I needed small size and a lot of SPL, not to mention predictable coverage. The JBL VERTEC DP systems were part of a very large, distributed, multi-zone system and they performed flawlessly, exceeding my requirements and expectations. The sound quality was very good. Overall, the venue sound for the event was excellent, with an 'in-your-face' direct sound characteristic throughout the audience area. We achieved excellent acoustic isolation from zone to zone with zero intelligibility problems. Even considering the massive venue size, the result was very, very good for all concerned.”

Numerous Harman HiQnet™-compatible VT4888DP-AN powered midsize line array elements and VT4882DP-AN companion subwoofers with JBL DrivePack® technology were selected to cover various portions of the stadium, including array locations dedicated for use in critical end-zone locations.

These were configured as ground-based stacks, each containing two or three enclosures. Arrays were masked with neutral grey weather-protective covers, and many speaker units were installed behind facades and integrated into Hardesty’s overall system design underneath temporary staging platforms, including the 5 Rings Plaza and the National Flags Platform. Additionally, a total of 26 JBL MS-26 ultra-compact fill speakers were dedicated for second tribune and VIP stand fill.

Passive speaker systems were powered by Crown I-T6000 and I-T4000 power amplifiers, compatible with hundreds of other Crown amplifiers installed for the venue’s audio system infrastructure. Additionally, Soundcraft Vi6™ digital consoles were part of the event sound system. In addition to the high-profile event system for the Opening and Closing ceremonies, Harman products have been specified and installed for more than a dozen Olympic venues in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, including the National Olympics Conference Center, The National Stadium, National Aquatics Center, and Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, as well as various fencing, softball and equestrian sports facilities.

“Global multi-media spectacles such as the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games have the highest level of audio performance expectations, and require an ever-increasing amount of advance planning, with coverage and output predictions for specialized loudspeaker systems being paramount,” noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “JBL and Harman’s other professional audio brands are honored to have our products be selected for use in this demanding and high-profile application.”

Sound Media Fusion’s efforts for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games were assisted by Harman Professional’s Chinese distributor, ACE (Advanced Communication Equipment) whose staff provided JBL and other Harman brand product application information and regional technical support. Duncan Edwards was on hand as a direct assistant to Mr. Hardesty for music programming and system tuning. “The technical collaboration between Gary Hardesty, Duncan Edwards and the entire Chinese team, including Mr. Ma Xin [assistant sound designer to Mr. Hardesty] and Mr. Jin Shao Gang [FOH sound engineer for the opening ceremony], was inspirational to see,” observed ACE’s Bingo Tso. “This teamwork has resulted in a highly successful achievement, the most spectacular sound reinforcement project in the nation to date”.

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

For additional information on Sound Media Fusion, contact www.soundmediafusion.com
JBL 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.”