JBL DrivePack® Technology Evolves With New DPDA Input Module Featuring BSS OmniDrive HD™ Signal Processing

JBL Professional is introducing its new DPDA (DrivePack Digital Audio) input module with BSS Omnidrive HD signal processing onboard, for use with all JBL DrivePack®-equipped powered speaker systems. This full-featured product leverages the modular nature of JBL DrivePack technology, and can be easily installed as an upgrade to all DP Series fullsize, midsize and compact line array elements and subwoofers along with all of the premium powered system models in JBL’s Venue Performance Series.

The HiQnet™-compatible DPDA input module, remotely controlled with Harman’s System Architect software, can function as an audio and networking technology upgrade to enhance the performance of any DrivePack-equipped speaker system, regardless of model or application. BSS Omnidrive HD signal processing with F.I.R.filters and LevelMAX™ multi-stage limiting makes the advantages of BSS’ legendary signal processing algorithms available to JBL powered speaker system owners. In addition, other key features include both XLR and rugged Ethercon connectors plus a native Ethernet switch for simplified cabling and improved connectivity, AES/EBU digital audio for cleaner, clearer audio performance without the need for external converter products, and a unique loudspeaker box and array I.D. mechanism that makes the setup of complex touring systems go more smoothly.

“The DPDA module appears that it will finally give self-powered system users the missing link to a fully digital AES3 signal flow, all the way from the digital mixer to the powered speaker arrays,” observed Jim Risgin, Vice President, Onstage Audio. “No longer does the user have to rely on a network transport protocol to get digital audio to the powered speaker.  Combine this with its extensive feature set: redundant signal path, single-cable interconnect, BSS Processing as well as your choice of mechanical or software addressing, and JBL’s new DPDA module gives the system engineer both flexibility and ease of everyday use.  Gone are the days that required a computer and lots of time just to reconfigure arrays in a networked system every time it left the shop.  I believe that the ease of use and leading-edge DSP performance in a DPDA-equipped system will deliver everything a user needs.”

In addition to the availability of retrofit DPDA input modules for upgrading existing JBL DrivePack-equipped speaker system inventories worldwide, JBL will be incorporating the DPDA module into all powered speaker models in the VERTEC® DP Series and Venue Performance Series product lines.

For more information on JBL’s DrivePack technology, VERTEC DP Series and VP Series powered loudspeaker systems, please visit www.jblpro.com

JBL Professional Debuts New VERTEC® DP Series Powered Full-Size Models With JBL DrivePack® Technology

Optional network input modules ensure compliance with Harman Professional’s HiQnet™ system for remote control and monitoring.

Rounding out its VERTEC® Series line array family of powered and passive loudspeaker models for the professional tour/rental and performance-venue markets, JBL Professional today introduced the JBL VERTEC VT4889ADP powered full-size line array element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion powered full-size arrayable subwoofer. 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 couple seamlessly with VERTEC loudspeakers. These latest powered full-size models in the JBL VERTEC DP Series deliver superb audio quality with robust reserve power, using digital electronics perfectly matched to the enclosures.

The JBL DrivePack DP-3 module features Crown’s exclusive BCA (Balanced Current Amplification) technology, incorporating Class I circuitry with temperature-compensated modulation. State-of-the-art feedback circuits enable the JBL DrivePack to set a new standard for performance in digital amplification, with lower noise and distortion specifications than other high-power switching amplifiers. 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, each of which is rated at 2000W continuous, 8000W peak. 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. The unit 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

The optional networked DPCN (Cobranet™-compatible) input modules from Crown allow JBL VERTEC DP Series systems 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 a sound system.

JBL VERTEC Product Line Compatibility: User Advantages

Most passive system enclosures in the VERTEC Series, including the VT4889-1 and VT4880A upon which the new powered DP Series versions are based, are pre-engineered to be JBL DrivePack-compatible. This allows existing VERTEC system owners, as well as new customers, to leverage the distinct performance and business advantages the JBL VERTEC DrivePack technology platform can provide, with JBL DrivePack retrofit kits. These advantages include 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 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.”

Dynaco Serves Venezuela’s Festival Movistar Musica 2008 With Powered JBL VERTEC® Line Array System

Showcasing the international adoption of JBL Professional VERTEC® line arrays, Corporacion Dynaco C.A. in Venezuela provided concert sound rental services for two of the largest events held during Festival Movistar Musica 2008. Movistar, a division of the Spanish telecommunications company, Telefonica sponsored the festival. More than 25,000 people were attracted to the production sites, which each featured eight major international artists from Venezuela, Spain, Argentina, and Colombia like Los Amigos Invisibles, Caramelos de Cianuro, Chino y Nacho, Diego Torres, and David Bisbal. The May 8 event was held at the Zulia State capitol of Maracaibo’s baseball stadium, and the May 10 event took place in Caracas, at the Universidad de Venezuela’s baseball stadium.

Dynaco deployed 36 JBL Professional VT4888DP-AN midsized powered line array elements equipped with JBL DrivePack® technology for the main left/right arrays and four VT4888DP-AN elements as near fills. Each side also featured eight VT4887 compact line array elements in use for out fill arrays, and a delay tower at the back of the front-of-house area included six VT4887 loudspeakers powered by Crown I-Tech 6000 amplifiers. Other Harman products in the system at the front-of-house position included BSS 366T loudspeaker management systems, BSS Varicurve and FCS960 graphic equalizers providing options for program EQ, along with Lexicon PCM96, PCM70, PCM60 and PCM42 effects processors. Additional signal processing available to band sound mixers included dbx 903 compressors and BSS DPR-901 II dynamic equalizers.

The stage setup was comprised of several rolling risers and the four drum sets were pre-mic’ed at all times. There were also two complete percussion setups with everything available on multi-pin sub-snakes, which enabled the sound crew to roll out the exiting band and roll in the next band in 10 minutes or less.

Harman Pro's HiQnet™ System Architect™ software was used for remote control and monitoring of the powered loudspeaker system arrays, along with traditional power amplifiers used for supplemental speakers in the system. System engineer Guillermo Sanchez of Dynaco noted the highly useful characteristics of JBL VERTEC powered DP Series speaker systems by describing the ability to have direct control of the DSP in each speaker as well as load-monitoring capability for everything in the entire sound reinforcement system during the show. “Combined with the Crown amplifiers in use on the same network, this gave our audio team performance confirmation for each zone of the system, including things not in the direct listening field for the technicians, such as near fills, out fills, signal delay arrays and such," Sanchez said. “The remote control and monitoring system and internal DSP features gave the sound team a high degree of control over the entire system, including the subwoofer arrays, which provided smooth, even low frequency coverage throughout the venue.”

Throughout the festival, Dynaco’s JBL VERTEC line array system received compliments from musicians, band engineers, and promoters for the outstanding performance and versatility of the system, Sanchez noted.

“Technically, the system achieved +/- 3 dB from 100Hz to 8KHz behind the mix position, 40 meters (131 feet) from the stage, with significant amounts of low-frequency output available as required,” he explained. “The system’s H.F. response was measured to be 114 dB at the mix position, slow-response mode with C-weighted filtering.”

"With Festival Movistar Musica 2008, the audio team at Dynaco has demonstrated their ability to provide high-quality sound in demanding outdoor environments for large audiences," observed David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. "Multi-act festival events add another level of complexity to major outdoor concerts, and Guillermo Sanchez and his crew are well-positioned with both system inventory and technical procedures to succeed in this area."

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.”

New JBL VerTec Powered Full Size Line Arrays With Drivepack Technology Are Life Of The Party At San Diego's Cinco De Mayo Festival

May 29, 2008 —Showcasing the newest additions in JBL’s VERTEC® line array series, local rental company Meeting Services, Inc. provided sound reinforcement for the La Fiesta Del Pueblo Cinco de Mayo music festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ outdoor grandstand in San Diego with a powered, full-size system. Featured entertainers for the multi-act festival included popular Latin artists La Arrolladora Banda El Limon, Vilma Diaz y La Sonora, and Los Moonlights, among many others.

Meeting Services deployed JBL’s new VERTEC DP Series powered full-size models for La Fiesta Del Pueblo, which drew a crowd of more than 10,000 people and was broadcast by Univision, the leading Spanish-language television company in the United States and Puerto Rico. The system included four stage-stacked arrays. Onstage arrays each featured five VT4889ADP-AN Full Range High Directivity Line Array Elements. Additionally, six VT4880ADP-AN Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofers were positioned in a center array in front of the stage. Networking capabilities of the VERTEC DP Series systems with DPAN input modules allowed for CAT-5 cabling to harness the system, enabling the sound technicians to address each enclosure individually with Harman Pro’s HiQnet™ System Architect™ software for remote control and monitoring.

The JBL VERTEC VT4889ADP Full Range High Directivity Line Array Element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer are integrated audio systems featuring field-proven JBL DrivePack® technology. Co-developed with Harman Pro Group sister companies Crown International and dbx Professional, the high-performance JBL DrivePack electronics modules with integral digital signal processing couple seamlessly with VERTEC loudspeakers.

“The new powered full-size VERTEC line arrays really do justice for this type of music,” noted Gilardo Magallon-Rico, sound engineer for La Arrolladoa Banda El Limon. “Banda-style music has lots of impact and is really heavy on the horns. We need to get a much fuller sound than other types of pop or even rock music, as the tuba really carries the bass part. JBL’s new powered full-size VERTEC rig handled it with ease.”

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

About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

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

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Audio Visual Professional Group And JBL VerTec Powered Line Arrays Perform For LeAnn Rimes In Concert

Demonstrating the versatility and convenience of JBL VERTEC® DP Series powered line arrays, Audio Video Professional Group (AVPG) of The Woodlands, Texas, recently provided the audio system for The E.C.H.O. Foundation’s “Under The Moonlight” Gala, featuring award-winning country songstress LeAnn Rimes. The system included VERTEC compact powered line array elements with JBL DrivePack® technology.

With more than 25 combined years in the industry, AVPG is a leading supplier of production services for the greater Houston area, providing a wide range of services to satisfy its customers' changing media and technology needs. In February 2007, AVPG Owner Mike Rape added VERTEC powered line array loudspeakers to his company’s inventory, purchasing 16 VT4887ADP compact powered line array elements and six VT4881ADP powered subwoofers.

“We purchased the powered VERTEC models because I needed a versatile PA system,” Rape said. “We do lots of outdoor festivals and lots of indoor corporate events. The combination of compact size and large sound gives us the flexibility to hang in an outdoor system for 2-3,000 people, yet is small enough to hang in a ballroom setting without being overpowering. We have used the VERTEC line arrays on many corporate events and the loudspeakers not only sound good, but they’re visually sleek and discreet as well.”

For LeAnn Rimes’ concert at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott, AVPG deployed eight VT4887ADP line array elements per side, supplemented with three VT4881ADP subwoofers per side. Additionally, AVPG used JBL VRX932LAP portable line array loudspeakers for front fill, powered by Crown I-Tech 4000 amplifiers. The system was remotely controlled and monitored via Harman HiQnet System Architect software, with a dbx DriveRack 4800 Loudspeaker Management System for overall system gain-control and signal processing.

According to Chris Krumins, Senior Production Manager for AVPG, the VERTEC system performed flawlessly. “We used JBL’s VERTEC Line Array Calculator software and were able to predict in advance the even dispersion we achieved throughout the room,” he said. “The VERTEC system is so easy to hang and the sound is always reliable.”

Despite the event being located below another simultaneous show featuring KC and the Sunshine Band, AVPG’s new system provided enough power to eliminate the effects of any acoustical leakage through the ceiling. “I was concerned about the subwoofers on the floor upstairs being a problem, but when our sound check started, even their room upstairs started shaking!” Rape said. “So needless to say we didn’t hear a peep from them.”

For more information on AVPG, please visit www.avprogroup.com or call 832.813.0161.

New Powered VRX Portable Line Arrays From JBL Raise Standard Of Performance For Mobile DJ's And Musicians

With built-in amplification and onboard DSP, the VRX932LAP line array loudspeaker and VRX918SP subwoofer offer proven tour sound technology in a compact system.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY, 12 March 2008 — Addressing the MI market’s growing demands for loudspeaker technology that is on par with the world’s most sophisticated staging systems, JBL Professional is showcasing its new VRX932LAP 12-inch powered loudspeaker and the VRX918SP 18-inch powered subwoofer. The new powered VRX models incorporate the same innovative engineering found in JBL’s groundbreaking VERTEC® line arrays and offer built-in amplification from Crown, providing mobile DJ’s and musicians with accessibility to world-class, professional-grade technology.

Utilizing the JBL DrivePack® DPC-2 amplification system designed in cooperation with Crown, both models are fully self-contained, powered loudspeakers. Retaining all the features of the original VRX932LA and VRX918S, self-powered performance has been optimized through integrated DSP, creating the simplest professional powered line array system in the industry.

“The professional audio world has acknowledged the versatility, performance and sonic quality of the VRX900 compact, high-performance line array systems,” said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “With the introduction of the VRX932LAP and VRX918SP, the speed and simplicity of setup has now dramatically increased.”

Designed for use in arrays of up to five units, the VRX932LAP is the ideal choice when line array performance is needed but the venue size does not call for the long-throw characteristics of large line array systems. The VRX932LAP is a 12-inch, two-way powered line array loudspeaker featuring a DPC-2 amplifier module that provides 1750 Watts of peak power. A DSP-based resident input module provides system optimization and equalization.

The VRX932LAP features JBL Professional’s latest 2408J Annular Ring Diaphragm HF driver technology. The Constant Curvature Waveguide mounts three compression drivers on a continuous arc. When additional VRX932LAP loudspeakers are added to the array, the uninterrupted arc continues. In effect, all the drivers work together as if they were a single driver on a very long waveguide. Since there are three drivers in each VRX932LAP loudspeaker, the combined power handling and acoustic output of the system is far greater than a single driver could achieve.

The VRX932LAP uses “amplitude shading” to shape the coverage of the array. For example, switches on the input plate control the output of each high-frequency section in the array. This allows users to set the upper enclosures in an array configuration to deliver more output to reach a distant balcony, while the lower box is shaded back to reduce excessive levels at the front of the listening area. This creates a more coherent sound field.

One or two VRX932LAP loudspeakers may also be used on a tripod or over JBL VRX918SP, VRX918S or SRX718S subwoofers. The integrated rigging hardware is used to securely lock the array together while the dual-angle pole socket provides aiming flexibility. Suspended applications require the JBL VRX-AF array frame or eye bolts.

Designed specifically for use in arrays with the VRX932LAP, the VRX918SP is a powered subwoofer system containing a 2268FF neodymium magnet patented Differential Drive®, 18-inch woofer in a front-loaded, vented enclosure. The VRX918SP features a built-in JBL DrivePack DPC-2 amplifier module designed in cooperation with Crown that provides 1500 Watts of peak power. A DSP-based resident input module provides system optimization, EQ and crossover functionality.

The VRX918SP is equally at home in ground-stacked applications and is equipped with a top-mounted, threaded, 20-millimeter socket that can receive the optional SS4-BK pole. The VRX918SP’s enclosure is constructed of top quality birch plywood, coated in JBL’s rugged DuraFlex™ finish and is heavily braced to maximize low-frequency performance. The attractive CNC-machined, 16-gauge steel grille is internally lined with acoustically transparent foam to provide additional driver protection. The rear of the enclosure is fitted with T-nuts with may be used to attach the optional WK-4S caster kit.

“Since its introduction, the VRX Series has revolutionized the industry’s view of line arrays by incorporating JBL Professional’s legendary VERTEC line array technology into more compact enclosures, bringing line array performance to a greater variety of markets,” Jones added. “VRX loudspeakers have been widely adopted not only in portable applications, but fixed installation environments such as houses of worship. The addition of built-in amplification and onboard DSP will bring added benefits for all users of VRX Series loudspeakers, in all applications.”

For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

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JBL Professional Debuts New VerTec DP Deries Powered Full Size Models With JBL DrivePack Technology

Optional network input modules ensure compliance with
Harman Professional’s HiQnet™ system for remote control and monitoring.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY, 12 March 2008 — Rounding out its VERTEC® Series line array family of powered and passive loudspeaker models for the professional tour/rental and performance-venue markets, JBL Professional today introduced, at Musikmesse 2008, the JBL VERTEC VT4889ADP Full Range High Directivity Line Array Element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer. 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 couple seamlessly with VERTEC loudspeakers. These latest powered full-size models in the JBL VERTEC DP Series deliver superb audio quality with robust reserve power, with digital electronics perfectly matched to the enclosures.

The available JBL DrivePack DP-3 module features Crown’s exclusive BCA (Balanced Current Amplification) technology, incorporating Class I circuitry with temperature-compensated modulation. State-of-the-art feedback circuits enable the JBL DrivePack to set a new standard for performance in digital amplification, with lower noise and distortion specifications than other high-power switching amplifiers on the market. 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, each of which is rated at 2000W continuous, 8000W peak. 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. The unit 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

The optional networked DPCN (Cobranet™-compatible) input modules from Crown allow JBL VERTEC DP Series systems 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 a sound system.

JBL VERTEC Product Line Compatibility: User Advantages

Most passive system enclosures in the VERTEC Series, including the VT4889-1 and VT4880A upon which the new powered DP Series versions are based, are pre-engineered to be JBL DrivePack-compatible. This allows existing VERTEC system owners, as well as new customers, to leverage the distinct performance and business advantages the JBL VERTEC DrivePack technology platform can provide, with JBL DrivePack retrofit kits. These advantages include 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 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.”

Hit Theatrical Production "Love, Janis" Premieres JBL New Powered Full Size VerTec System

FRANKFURT, GERMANY, 12 March 2008 — Marking the first commercial use of JBL Professional’s new powered full-size VERTEC® VT4889ADP full-range line array element and VT4880ADP companion subwoofer with JBL DrivePack® technology, San Diego-based Meeting Services Inc. is providing audio, lighting and projection needs for the national tour of “Love, Janis.” The musical theater production is based upon the life and music of 60's rock-and-roll icon Janis Joplin. Inspired by the best-selling book, "Love, Janis" by Laura Joplin, the singer's younger sister, the show’s entire spoken text comes directly from Janis Joplin herself--from actual letters to her family and from her many press, radio and TV interviews. The show is presented by Columbia Artists Theatricals (CAT), which specializes in the distribution and production of commercial and theatrically staged live entertainment on a worldwide basis. The production features general management by Paul Rambacher, set design by Norman Schwab, tour light and projection design by Jeffrey Cady using original 1960s psychedelic lightshow images from San Francisco's legendary Bill Ham, and sound design by Eric Stahlhammer.

“Love, Janis” is playing in a wide range of venues nationwide. The current tour leg is scheduled into midsize proscenium-stage theaters, such as the 1,167-seat Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale, FL where the show was staged February 29-March 2. This classic stage house features musical performances, dramatic activities and educational programming throughout the year. Sound designer Eric Stahlhammer relied on JBL's new powered full-size system “on the boards” to give the classic-rock, period-authentic show a full-range, dynamic

sound as the production moved through classic Janis Joplin songs like "Piece of My Heart," "Down On Me," "Ball and Chain," "Mercedes Benz" and "Me and Bobby McGee."

"The brand-new VT4889ADP system is powerful and full-bodied, with its 15-inch low-frequency woofers. It has all the acoustical hallmarks of the standard VT4889 with the addition of integrated power and digital signal processing,” commented Stahlhammer, a veteran theatrical sound designer who has designed sound for tours of "Csardas" and "Gypsy Spirit" and counts numerous music-based productions like "Always...Patsy Cline," "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver" and "Hank Williams: Lost Highway" among his credits. "Having a powered speaker system for this production saves us both setup time and backstage space. Now that Meeting Services has supplied this new audio package for the tour, I can't imagine using any other system to do this show."

The JBL VERTEC VT4889ADP full-range, high directivity line array element and companion VT4880ADP Ultra-Long Excursion arrayable subwoofer are integrated audio systems featuring field-proven JBL DrivePack technology. The VT4889ADP weighs only 93.1 kg (205 lb) and each unit is capable of delivering 143 dB SPL maximum output (1 m). The VT4880ADP subwoofer is capable of delivering 137 dB SPL (1 m) and weighs only 99.9 kg (220 lb), enabling the construction of large, extremely powerful arrays of multiple units. The subwoofer is designed to be suspended in stand-alone arrays, coupled with VT4889ADP's in the same array, or ground-stacked as required.

The high-performance JBL DrivePack electronics modules include an auto-sensing Universal Power Supply and a fan-free, passive, cooling design. The standard input module 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, which offer users a choice of digital audio and remote control and monitoring access via HiQnet™ System Architect software. 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.

For front fill applications, Stahlhammer's sound design for "Love, Janis" includes JBL's compact VRX928LA two-way loudspeakers, arrayed on the stage lip to cover forward seating rows in the theatrical playhouses on the national tour. "I can see numerous applications for JBL speakers in touring theatrical-style productions," observed Stahlhammer. "My design criteria has always been to give audiences the best sound possible in coordination with a given script and stage set. This system package is giving us excellent results from both a sonic and practical point of view, and the show has been getting excellent reviews. The audience is on their feet and singing along, every night."

“Love, Janis” will be appearing for multiple nights at theater venues in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachussets, Ohio, Texas and California through June including Philadelphia’s Zellerbach Theater, Boston’s Majestic Theater, Los Angeles’ Wilshire Theater, and Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts.

"Touring musical theater productions like 'Love, Janis' can be very challenging for production crews, as setup restrictions, limited backstage space and cross-country travel put time at a premium for stagehands and traveling crews alike," noted David Scheirman, Vice President of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “These new powered full-size models provide a comprehensive set of solutions for high-end, powered loudspeaker applications. We're encouraged to see how this new system is assisting professional users in not only the traditional concert rental and corporate A/V production segments, but also those who serve theatrical and performing-arts environments."

Program and schedule details for Columbia Artists Theatricals' presentation of "Love, Janis" can be found at http://www.lovejanisthemusical.com/

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

For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

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