Audio Analysts Provides JBL VERTEC® Line Array System As Conan’s Comedy Tour Provides The Laughs

JBL VERTEC® line arrays are heading up the PA system on Conan O’Brien’s current “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour,” with Audio Analysts providing live sound reinforcement for the production. The 30-city tour kicked off on April 12 in Eugene, Oregon and will culminate June 14 in Atlanta, Georgia.  

The live stage production is similar to a television variety show, with many elements from “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” including sidekick Andy Richter and members of the show’s band. The tour also includes video bits, musical and comic performances and cameo appearances by celebrities, while O’Brien himself performs music throughout the production.

Before shipping out the VERTEC line arrays to Los Angeles for initial rehearsals, Audio Analysts fine-tuned the entire system at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  “The reliable performance of the VERTEC line arrays enabled us to pre-design Conan’s touring system with confidence,” said Mario Leccese, VP of Operations for Audio Analysts. “As a longtime VERTEC owner, we are confident that we can achieve even coverage and controllable sound in any environment.”

The main PA system consists of 24 JBL VT4889 fullsize line array loudspeakers flown in left and right columns, 12 ground-stacked JBL VT4880 fullsize, arrayable subwoofers and four JBL VT4887 compact line array elements placed as front fills. Seventeen Crown I-Tech 4000 and 11 I-Tech 8000 amplifiers power the system, which is configured via Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software for remote control and monitoring.
 
The tour is playing mostly in soft-seat, proscenium environments, with capacity crowd levels ranging from 1,500 to 6,500 seats.  “The VERTEC system is easy to set up and configure in different types of venues, which also makes traveling across the nation and setting up each show a much easier task,” Leccese said. “To date, we have received only positive feedback on the system and the tour has been a tremendous success.”

For more information on Audio Analysts, please visit http://www.audioanalysts.com.
For information and dates for The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour, visit http://www.teamcoco.com. 

Canada’s Axe Productions Puts New JBL VERTEC® Line Array System To The Test At K-97 Classic Rock Riot

Canadian-based A/V service provider Axe Productions recently deployed a complete JBL VERTEC® line array system in the Edmonton, Canada Shaw Conference Center to support the 2nd Annual K-97 Classic Rock Riot.  The production, which featured a performance by former Bad Company front man Paul Rodgers, marked the first implementation of the company’s new VERTEC system.

Axe Owner, Jon Beckett, supplied 16 VERTEC VT4889-1 fullsize line array loudspeakers (eight per side) powered by 16 Crown I-Tech 8000 amplifiers, which were configured with Harman’s HiQnet™ System Architect™ software for remote control and monitoring of the system.  “Our company’s business is rider-driven, so adding VERTEC to our inventory was an easy choice,” stated Beckett.  “These are the first large-format line array loudspeakers we have ever purchased, and after getting the system put together and into use, I would say that the quality of the sound is outstanding.”

To ensure that the brand-new line array system was perfectly configured for the show Beckett utilized the vocal talents of one of his company’s own sound engineers to test the system.  “It’s one thing to set up a rig and play a CD through the system, but it’s another to plug in and hear that same clarity with a familiar live voice,” continued Beckett.  “When our engineer, who is actually quite a talented vocalist in his own right, started to sing, the sound filled the entire hall with absolutely no feedback. The VERTEC system sounded great right out of the box, using JBL’s factory-supplied V4 DSP settings.”

As a full turnkey entertainment services company, Axe Productions offers total production for all events from concerts to theatrical events to speaking opportunities.  The company provides lighting, sound and cameras, allowing for a one-stop-shop opportunity for live productions. As such, Axe Productions has enjoyed considerable growth in recent years, even through challenging economic times. “I think a key to our success has been our ability to provide all production for any event, from staging to lighting to sound to projectors and cameras,” Beckett said. “The growth of our company was a big reason why we needed a large-format line array system.”

"Professional, regional event companies like Axe Productions are a strong part of JBL's worldwide VERTEC owners' network," noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional. "Having a top-tier line array system in-house and ready to serve the rider requirements for major touring acts is a significant asset for any qualified regional production company."

For more information on Axe Productions, visit http://www.axeproductions.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems.  HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010.  The Company’s shares are 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 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.

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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.

UnUsUal Productions Fields New JBL VERTEC® System In Singapore’s Indoor Stadium for A-Mei’s 2010 World Tour

UnUsUal Productions, one of the leading event and concert production companies serving China and the broader Asian region, filled Singapore’s Indoor Stadium with its newly-acquired JBL VERTEC® line arrays, powered by Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers, for a performance by Taiwanese superstar Chang Huimei, aka A-mei, and her 2010 Amit Live First World Tour, named after her latest album. The performer’s highly anticipated tour packed nearly 12,000 people each night for back-to-back sold-out shows on January 29 and 30, 2010.

Born Gulilai Amit, Huimei has been a number-one recording artist since her first album, Sisters, in 1996, developing a huge fan base for her pop star character, “A-Mei.”  She has since released 17 albums throughout the past 12 years.  Her current tour is astonishing fans throughout Southeast Asia with a lavish stage production and planned showcases in Malaysia, Hong Kong and other major Asian centers.

Responsible to fulfill the audience’s high expectations for the artist, UnUsUal elected to use the high-profile A-Mei concerts as one of the first major events to showcase its new JBL rental sound inventory, deploying VERTEC line arrays and Crown amplifiers as the main sound reinforcement system for the Singapore arena shows. VERTEC line arrays were suspended from a height of 18 meters (59 feet) above the ground for optimal sound dispersion and audience coverage.  Thirty-six JBL VT4888 midsize line array elements were used as the main concert speakers, with 20 JBL VT4888 cabinets assigned as side fill arrays.  Twenty-four JBL VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers were used for extra low-frequency support, with 16 hung and eight stacked at the front of the stage. Crown I-T5000 HD amplifiers powered the VT4888 line arrays, while the VT4880 subs were powered by I-T12000 HDs. The system was configured using Harman‘s HiQnet™ System Architect™ software platform for remote control and monitoring.

“We needed a system that would accommodate one of China’s most adored talents, making sure every beautiful note played and vocalized was fully enjoyed,” said Johnny Ong, Owner of UnUsUal Productions.  “The sound quality that JBL VERTEC can produce not only allowed us to construct such a successful hit production, but will also help us continue growing our events and business throughout Southeast Asia.”

With operations and staff located throughout Southeast Asia, UnUsUal Productions provides a broad range of live-event production services.  “As one of Asia’s leading concert sound and production companies, with multiple service facilities, Johnny Ong and his team are uniquely positioned with this significant new audio equipment investment to leverage the increasing demand for high-quality live shows in the region,” noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “JBL is pleased to welcome this veteran, top-tier rental sound service provider to the worldwide VERTEC owners’ group.”

More information on UnUsUal Productions can be found at http://unusual.com.sg. 

JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays And Grupo Zonico Rock Venezuela’s Solid Fest

In one of Venezuela’s largest annual live music events, rental sound company Grupo Zonico provided an extensive audio system for Coca-Cola Solid Fest 2010 at Hipdromo La Rinconada in Caracas. JBL VERTEC® line arrays comprised the main PA system for the 4-day event, which included performances by leading international and local artists for crowds averaging 20,000 persons per day. With separate themed event days presenting rock, urban and Latin artists, performers at the festival included Korn, OscarD Leon and Luis Fonsi.

Grupo Zonico deployed a main PA system featuring two array hangs, each comprising 15 VERTEC VT4889-1 full-size line array elements and three VT4887ADP compact powered line array elements with DrivePack® technology. The system also included 26 VT4880A full-size arrayable subwoofers, with an additional 12 VT4887ADP loudspeakers provided for front fill. Crown I-Tech HD12000 and HD9000 amplifiers powered the main suspended arrays, while I-Tech 8000 amplifiers powered the subwoofers. Grupo Zonico also set up a supplemental tower featuring 12 VERTEC VT4888DP midsize powered line array elements. The overall system was configured and remotely controlled and monitored with Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software.

According to Jose Vallenotti, System Engineer for Grupo Zonico, the system performed beyond the company’s expectations. “The level of total system control we achieve through System Architect makes the job easier as no other manufacturer in the audio industry can provide anything similar.”

“I feel very proud and satisfied to provide a sound system so efficient that it meets and exceeds the expectations of the different engineers that have used it in terms of high SPL, sound quality and effectiveness,” said Hugo Morillo, Director of Operations, Grupo Zonico. “Harman Pro’s support, along with local support from Harman’s distributor Media CA, is a key element in our success as leaders in the production industry.”

The compliments on the audio system were not limited to Grupo Zonico, as noted by a variety of front-of-house engineers who mixed the live sound for different artists. “This was the best VERTEC system I’ve ever used in my 15 years in the audio industry,” observed Juan Luis Pedor, FOH Sound Engineer for Wsisin and Yandel, Franco El Gorila, and Joel and Randy. “The high and low sections of the VT4889-1 were very impressive due to the OmnidriveHD signal processing, and the system didn’t seem to have a limit to its performance capabilities.”

“The system sounded amazing and JBL’s V4 signal processing was incredible,” offered Jose Lehardy, FOH Sound Engineer for Gilberto Santarrosa.

“The system sounded very clear with crisp vocals and lots of headroom,” said Pedro Collado, FOH Sound Engineer for Lusi Fonsi.

Guillermo Sanchez, Business Development Manager, Latin America, Crown Audio, noted that the system’s performance and reliability allowed Grupo Zonico to focus on its main task: pleasing the artists and engineers. “The power and vocal clarity outperforms any other system available in the market and the benefit that Grupo Zonico is receiving from JBL VERTEC line arrays with Crown I-Tech HD amplification is priceless,” he said.

“As Solid Fest is a festival with so many international performers in such a short time, it is usually difficult to please everybody as there are so many different music styles, but as a high-profile company, we strive to provide the highest standard in the audio Industry in Venezuela. That is ultimately why we have chosen Harman as our equipment supplier,” said Sheila Perestrelo, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Grupo Zonico.

JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays And Syntonic Design Group Help New York Yankees Celebrate 27th World Series Championship

Celebrating their 27th World Series championship, the New York Yankees held a ticker-tape parade and ceremony before an estimated crowd of two million people on the front steps of City Hall in Manhattan, supported by Red Hook, New York-based Syntonic Design, and featuring JBL VERTEC® line arrays. The group of presenters included Yankee legends of past and present, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and hip-hop artist Jay-Z.

Immediately after the Yankees won game six of the World Series to secure their 27th world title, the planning for the parade began. Syntonic Design provided equipment and a crew for the entertainment portion of the celebration, with the load-in beginning just nine hours later. In the scramble to assemble the equipment and gather the crew, co-project managers John Petrafesa and Tom Clark turned to the loudspeakers they have counted on for years to reliably provide full, even sound, selecting 12 JBL VERTEC VT4889 full-size line array loudspeakers used for the main left/right arrays and front fill, supplemented with 12 JBL VERTEC VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers, all powered by Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers.

“Because of all the different presenters, we knew that we were going to need a versatile system that was powerful enough to reach the whole crowd, and we needed it fast,” said Jon Simonetta, assistant project manager for Syntonic Design. “We used the VERTEC loudspeakers because our past experience has validated their reputation as the most reliable and even speakers available.

“The Yankees parade celebration presented a real challenge for us because of the time frame we had to work with and the size of the crowd,” Simonetta added. “However, we were able to overcome those challenges and exceed expectations with help from JBL’s VERTEC system.”

Syntonic Design Group is a national provider of audio equipment and design services to all facets of the live entertainment industry. Syntonic operates equipment depots in New York, Orlando and Las Vegas, as well as a sales office in New York City. The company strives to offer its clients sophisticated designs that consistently exceed expectations and reduce their costs by eliminating unnecessary labor, equipment and time.

For more information on Syntonic Design Group, please visit www.syntonic.us

Moonlight Amphitheatre Shines With JBL Loudspeakers

In conjunction with a major facility upgrade, the administration at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, California opted to end years of renting audio systems every summer by purchasing its own permanent system complete with JBL PD5000, VERTEC® and VRX Series loudspeakers. The system was designed by Acoustic Dimensions and installed by Sound Image and provided the amphitheatre with the flexibility to host one-off concerts and events ranging from classical music to high-volume rock and roll, in addition to its primary summer use for Broadway musicals.

According to Acoustic Dimensions senior consultant Jeff Miller, the system presented many challenges due to the amphitheatre’s proximity to its neighbors. With houses close by on both sides and behind the amphitheatre, there was a need to control where the sound ended up as much as possible; there was also a need to complete the project installation in a short time frame. Acoustic Dimensions ultimately chose JBL loudspeakers for their ability to deliver even coverage throughout various seating areas with good intelligibility and natural tonal response.

“The Moonlight staff was concerned that the loudspeaker manufacturer be someone who could meet the customization needs of the project on the short delivery schedule available,” said Miller. They also wanted it to be someone that the various guest sound designers that work in the facility would be happy with. JBL fit the bill perfectly on both accounts.”

The installation features PD5322/64-WRX and PD5322/43-WRX weatherized loudspeakers that are arranged in an exploded mono cluster for vocal reinforcement. AE Compact Series loudspeakers are used for front fills and down fills. The music system is comprised of VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements and VT4882 arrayable subwoofers, configured under the overhang of the stage house, while VRX932LA-1 compact line array speakers cover the upper lawn area on delay towers. For theater use, the orchestra comes through the VERTEC rig while the actors are mixed through the PD rig. The delay system gets a mix of both signals, and some additional AE Compact boxes are used as monitor and effects speakers.

“The client is very happy with the final product,” Miller continued. “The sound is very even and controlled, the system is extremely versatile, and the speakers just sound great. This is a unique venue and the new JBL speaker system has them perfectly positioned to move to the next level.”

For more information on Acoustic Dimensions, please visit www.acousticdimensions.com.

For more information on Sound Image, please visit www.sound-image.com.

Meeting Services, Inc. And JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays Take The Stage At AARP’s Vegas@50+ Convention

In a high-profile event showcasing the versatility of JBL VERTEC® line arrays, Meeting Services, Inc. of San Diego, CA handled live sound reinforcement for the AARP’s Vegas@50+ convention. Held at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas on October 22-24, the event featured appearances by celebrities such as Magic Johnson, Jane Seymour, Penny Marshall, Maya Angelou and Martina Navratilova, and included live concert performances by Faith Hill, Kool and the Gang and Gloria Estefan.

With extensive prior experience deploying VERTEC line arrays, Meeting Services, Inc. found them to be a perfect fit for this event. “When we’re providing live sound for high-energy performances, there’s nothing better than VERTEC,” said Ken Freeman, Technical Director for Meeting Services, Inc. “The combination of great sound, reliable performance, and easy array configurability make them an ideal choice.”

The system featured four arrays containing eight VT4889 large-format line array elements each, along with two arrays of six VT4889 elements each, with two of the arrays each also including a pair of VT4887A compact line array elements used for downfills. Additionally, two arrays of eight VT4887A elements each were employed as signal-delayed arrays. An additional four arrays of eight VT4880 arrayable subwoofers each supplemented the system’s low frequency capabilities.

A large number of JBL’s VRX compact constant curvature array speakers were also in use. Twelve arrays of three VRX932 elements were provided as delays in the massive exhibition center, while another five VRX932’s were placed on top of five VRX918S subwoofers for front fills. For side fills, Meeting Services deployed two arrays of three VRX928 elements. Other JBL loudspeakers in use included EON10 portable loudspeakers for backstage monitoring in the common areas, and Control 2P monitors backstage for the technical crew. Two pairs of LSR28 studio monitors were used for front-of-house monitoring.

Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers powered the primary VT4889 line arrays, with Crown I-Tech amplifiers in use for the rest of the system. The entire sound reinforcement package relied upon Harman’s HiQnet System Architect™ software for remote control and monitoring functions.

“The system performed flawlessly, as usual,” Freeman added. “It’s impossible to place a value on being able to know in advance precisely how the system will sound before you’ve even hung the first box. But with our JBL VERTEC and VRX loudspeaker arrays, we always know our clients will be happy.”

Meeting Services can be reached at http://www.msiprod.com/

No Doubt About JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays And Sound Image

In one of the highest-profile North American concert events of the season, the 2009 No Doubt Summer Tour culminated August 11 with a show at the Neal S. Blaisdel Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. Building on its successful working relationship with No Doubt lead singer Gwen Stefani from her solo tours, rental firm Sound Image of Escondido, California supplied a JBL VERTEC® line array system for the tour, which was produced by Live Nation and featured special-guest Paramore and either The Sounds, Janelle Monae or Bedouin Soundclash as the opening act.

Commencing on May 3 at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the 2009 No Doubt Summer Tour reunited one of the most successful rock groups from the 1990s, whose 1995 release Tragic Kingdom has sold more than 16 million copies to date. In recent years, Stefani has enjoyed tremendous success as a solo artist. Sound Image supported Stefani’s previous tours with a VERTEC system, and once again specified VERTEC for this summer’s No Doubt tour.

The Sound Image audio crew reconfigured the large PA system for different environments, based upon architectural considerations in each building. For typical outdoor ‘shed’ venue situations, the main PA system contained up to 15 VT4889 full-size line array elements in each main L/R cluster, with an array of eight flown VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers and nine to 12 VT4889 elements per side in an auxiliary cluster. Four VT4880 subs were located in the center barricade. In arena scenarios, the system featured 15 VT4889 elements for each main cluster, along with eight flown VT4880 subwoofers, nine VT4889 elements in each auxiliary cluster and six VT4889 elements in the side-facing outfill arrays, with an additional four VT4880 ground-stacked subs per side.

Veteran concert soundmixer John Kerns handled FOH mixing duties for the tour, while Sound Image system tech John Tompkins was responsible for system setup on a daily basis. “JBL’s VERTEC system performed very well for us in all types of venues,” Tompkins said. “It’s always easy to fly, a real pleasure to work with.”

According to Tompkins, the tour’s hectic schedule offered a few challenges. “With our schedule being 3 ½ months straight without going home, and having two different opening acts each night, we really had to focus on maintenance and cable clean-up every time we had the chance, so there was not much downtime,” Tompkins said. ”Having said that, it was a pleasure working with a band full of good, professional individual musicians who went to great lengths to know not just your name, but what you did for them on tour, as well.”

For more information on Sound Image, please visit www.sound-image.com

JBL Tour Systems In The House For 50,000 At Global Gathering Freedom Festival Belarus 2009

In a high-profile international application of JBL touring systems this summer, rental sound company Touring Services supplied an expansive audio system for the Global Gathering Freedom Festival at the Borovaya Airfield in Minsk, the capital city of Belarus in northern Europe. The system included products from JBL’s VERTEC® DP Series and HLA Series loudspeaker lines.

Major internationally known DJs were featured, including Axwell, Steve Angello, Dubfire, Sebastien Leger, D. Ramirez, Menno De Jong, Micky Slim, Paul Thomas, and Eston. World-renowned performance artist D.J. Tiesto was the headline act on the festival. Touring Services, a division of ART Studio Pro, was the rental sound company responsible for audio production at the event, with Vladimir Klimenko in charge as the chief system engineer.

Due to the airfield location of the event, a very large crowd could be accommodated. Event organizers had originally planned for 15,000 people but were reportedly surprised when total pre-event ticket sales reached 36,000. Final onsite attendance was estimated at 50,000 persons.

This year’s event included two main stages and a third, separate foam dance floor. Assembly of the stages and other support fixtures started on the afternoon of June 24 and by the morning of June 27 the site construction was fully completed. Sound checks were scheduled on event day, June 27, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The gates opened at 6 PM and non-stop music lasted until the early morning hours.

The Freedom Stage featured JBL VERTEC DP Series arrays, suspended from construction cranes. A total of 24 VT4888DP-AN midsize powered line array elements, equipped with JBL DrivePack™ technology, were supported by 12 VT4880A full-size arrayable subwoofers driven by Crown I-Tech 8000 amplifiers. “It’s a real pleasure to work with JBL’s VERTEC DP systems,” noted Roman Klimenko, sound engineer in charge of the Freedom Stage. “We recently updated the entire system with JBL’s new V4 DSP presets. Everything is simple, loud and clear. Plus, Harman’s HiQnet™ is truly amazing. Any configuration that we had to do was accomplished within the networked JBL DrivePack units, quickly and easily.”

The Global Stage was served by a JBL HLA system, with 24 4895 full-range elements and 12 4897A bass modules driven with BSS 366 OmniDrive signal processing and Crown MA-5000 series amplifiers.

The Touring Services sound crew had several challenges to meet, including the co-location of two different competing stages, and proximity of the crowd to the loudspeakers at the Freedom Stage site. “The task was to set up the two sound systems so as not to interfere each other. For this, we calculated appropriate signal delay settings, using Harman’s HiQnet System Architect™ software for aligning signals in the Crown I-Tech amplifiers for both stages,” noted Vladimir Klimenko. “At the Freedom Stage, our task was to provide a comfortable listening zone for the front audience areas, and a very loud, high-quality sound for the back rows. For this we first calculated all the array settings and site characteristics using JBL’s Line Array Calculator software and we were able to achieve a nearly flat frequency response for distances from directly below the loudspeaker arrays, out to 115 meters [377 feet].”

Due to the high quality and specific character of the recorded sound material, with tracks that were well-balanced and highly compressed for maximum dance-music impact, the Touring Services crew found that they were able to give the DJ’s and visiting engineers what Vladimir Klimenko called “99.99 percent” of the total SPL capabilities of the systems, without the need to have additional, significant headroom. “The systems were operated hard like this for 12 hours straight without any problems”, he confirmed. “All in all, we were proud to be involved in such a large, significant event as the Global Gathering Freedom Festival. It was a good test for our equipment and for our personnel’s skills. And I can declare with conviction that both the equipment and our staff coped with all the challenges, achieving a great success,” vouched Vladimir Klimenko. “We wanted to make the earth tremble at this festival, and we did. VERTEC was up to the mark as it always is. The audience and performers were delighted with the high quality and sheer loudness of the sound produced by our JBL systems. What can I say? It creates a sort of magic, the magic of JBL’s sound system technology.”

For more information on Touring Services in Belarus, see www.artstudiopro.com

Popejoy Hall Continues Tradition Of Excellence With New JBL VERTEC® Powered Line Array System

In another chapter of its fabled history, Popejoy Hall at the University of New Mexico recently implemented a comprehensive upgrade to its sound reinforcement system, which now boasts JBL VERTEC® DP Series line arrays and VP Series powered monitors.

Located on the main campus of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Popejoy Hall opened in 1966 and is home to both the Popejoy Presents concert series and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. It also hosts University of New Mexico music department concerts, as well as regional and local events promoted by others. In a typical year, there are as many as 170 performances held from September through June and the number of total use days typically averages over 230. On May 1, 2009, a new system began serving those events.

The new sound system complements Popejoy Hall’s earlier major renovation which included a new lighting system, a fully renovated fly system, a new orchestra shell and improved room acoustics and aesthetics. The updated interior design features a variable acoustic drapery system reflecting the needs of the varied programming of the venue. Budget limitations in 1996 dictated that the updated audio system be primarily suited for voice and music playback. In 1999, Popejoy Hall’s Director Thomas Tkach and Technical Director Billy Tubb began an initiative to upgrade the theater with modern, high-quality production systems, improve the facility’s equipment inventory and, as a result, production quality.

To date, over $1.6 million has been invested in facility improvements and equipment purchases. Over the years, Popejoy Hall has added new lighting equipment (automated and conventional), a 52x20 Soundcraft stage monitor console, Crown amplifiers, and BSS Audio processing. All of this equipment has been used extensively in-house and rented to local production companies, movie productions being shot in the area and to other venues. “The criteria for our purchases are always threefold: reduce outside rental equipment costs for our productions; increase the quality of the shows; and increase facilities rental income,” Tubb said. “I have always felt that we could serve ourselves, our patrons and the local community of production companies by leveraging the same investments.”

For the sound system upgrade, Tubb researched and auditioned different manufacturers and loudspeaker systems for the main PA over a 3-year period. “When the time came to finally improve the house sound system, I knew from my 18 years of management experience at the venue that we should invest in a true, rider-friendly, concert-level system,” Tubb said.

Particular emphasis was placed on flexibility in Tubb’s design approach. “I wanted the system to be a left-center-right configuration with distributed front fills, but also have the ability to create a 5.1 surround system in the room,” Tubb said. “I also required the system to be easily set up or broken down depending on what show we had that particular day, meaning it had to be very flexible and not permanently installed.”

The decision to purchase and install JBL VERTEC was made after extensive competitive auditions and listening tests. “I was very impressed with the new V4 DSP presets and the fidelity of the system, but also how well the compact VT4887 worked as a front fill and matched the voicing of the midsize VT4888’s,” Tubb said. “I was equally impressed with the DrivePack integration--having used Crown amplifiers for over 25 years and specifying them as a consultant, I knew how reliable they were. I was also impressed to see the capabilities of HiQnet™ System Architect™ software for configuration and control of the overall system.”

The reconfigurable system features 24 VERTEC VT4888DPAN powered, midsize powered line array elements, 10 VT4887DPAN powered, compact line array elements, and eight VT4882DPAN powered, midsize arrayable subwoofers, all equipped with JBL DrivePack technology. Two dbx DriveRack 4800TI Loudspeaker Management Systems are in place to control the system’s multiple loudspeaker output zones.

The new system at Popejoy Hall includes two identical stage racks that provide power, signal and network distribution and some additional cabling, enabling the full system to be split into two separate packages. This allows Tubb to set up (or rent out) a complete VT4888 system and a VT4887 system at the same time. “When we are not utilizing the system in Popejoy Hall, we are able to provide services to other University departments and rent to local production companies,” Tubb said. “We started receiving phone calls from other JBL VERTEC rental houses in the region even before we had the system out of the packaging. I basically designed the package to tour by specifying dolly boards, covers for all of the speakers, portable cabling and road cases.”

With the replicating power, signal and network distribution racks and cable systems, the system can also be arranged in various configurations in the theater. “We can do a left-center-right arrangement, or just left-right, or fewer boxes as required,” Tubb added. “We can just fly a center cluster or vary the subwoofer deployment. Some days we want maximum subwoofer energy for a contemporary music event, or we can set up the subs in cardioid arrays as well when we want to keep the onstage energy down to accommodate a symphony event.”

Additionally, Tubb required the stage monitors to double as surrounds for the 5.1 system. For this, Tubb added 16 JBL VP71212DP powered loudspeakers, 10 of which include custom fly points. “We were even more pleased when JBL engineers were able to add a pole mount to the box as well,” Tubb noted. “We have pole-mounted the monitors with tripods for corporate settings and we are very happy with the results.”

The state-of-the art sound system comes as a result of the continuing tradition of support for Popejoy Hall that extends back to before the Hall was built, with arts patron Mrs. Rufus Poole making the single largest personal gift to the Hall in its 41-year history. Her gift of $555,000 for the new JBL concert sound system along with acoustical upgrades to the hall in coordination with SIA Acoustics, Inc. continues a legacy of community support for the Hall that began in 1962 when her late husband, Rufus Poole, a prominent Albuquerque attorney, first led a citizens group in support of the Hall’s original construction.

At the re-opening of Popejoy Hall after its significant upgrades, Director Thomas Tkach praised Mrs. Poole for again providing leadership in funding Popejoy Hall. “Mrs. Poole’s very generous gift continues her family’s history with Popejoy Hall and their commitment to making this a place of which all New Mexicans can be proud,” Tkach said. “Her contribution allows us to fulfill another commitment we have made for upgrading our Hall. Now, because of Mrs. Poole’s generosity, we are able to modernize our audio equipment and make the Hall’s acoustics even better.”

For more information on Popejoy Hall, please visit www.popejoyhall.com

JBL VERTEC® Line Array System Selected By DSS Inc. To Upgrade The Midland by AMC

With decades of history in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, The Midland by AMC recently re-opened its doors after a renovation process that included installation of a new state-of-the-art sound system featuring JBL VERTEC® line arrays by systems integrator DSS (Digital Sound Systems) Inc. The theater, a longtime fixture on Main Street since 1927, has hosted performances by top artists like Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and Duran Duran. The newly revamped venue will continue to provide entertainment for the region with a wide variety of musical artists, comedians and family entertainers.

As part of the renovation, the theater’s permanent floor seating was removed to make space for standing room or optional table seating. Installers also placed a bar in the back of the main space, and removed the last 15 rows of seating in the balcony to install a second upstairs bar area. The new PA system is essentially divided into two separate systems—one for the balcony and one for the main floor area. Combined with the venue’s historical architecture, the building renovation resulted in unique system design and installation challenges. “Overall weight was an issue on this project because we had to keep our total working load under 2,500 pounds,” advised Tim Dressler, Systems Manager for DSS Inc. “We were able to come in underneath that with our system design using VERTEC, with no sacrifice in coverage or output power.”

Upper balcony coverage is achieved with a cluster of six VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements per side, supported by an additional four VT4882 midsize arrayable subwoofers for low-frequency reinforcement. In order to reach the bar in the rear of the balcony, the arrays were angled upward. “Initially, we weren’t able to get the trim height we wanted for the new loudspeaker arrays,” added Dressler. “However, with the easy suspension capabilities of the VERTEC speakers, we were able to extend the back hanging points of the VT4882 subwoofers so they are basically hanging flat, right where we wanted them.”

Similar to the system installed for the balcony, the floor level PA system features an array of six VERTEC VT4888’s per side, along with four VT4880 2x18” full-size arrayable subwoofers ground stacked on each side. Additional JBL VRX928LA compact loudspeakers are used as front fills while an additional four VRX932LA loudspeakers were installed for under-balcony reinforcement.

DSS chose JBL SRX712M’s for stage monitors, with JBL SRX728 and SRX715 loudspeakers in use as side fills. All of the loudspeaker systems are powered by Crown I-Tech 6000 amplifiers and were configured with Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software.

“An increasing number of well-established performance venues are renovating their facilities and upgrading sound systems to meet the requirements of touring concert artists,” noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional. “DSS’ choice of a modular, full-bandwidth midsize line array system for the Midland by AMC is representative of this trend. JBL is pleased to see the selection of our acclaimed VERTEC loudspeaker system products by a professional regional installer like DSS Inc. for this application.”

For more information on DSS Inc., please visit www.digitalsoundsystems.com

Acoustic Dimensions Turns To JBL Loudspeakers For New Worship System At Prestonwood Baptist Church North

Acoustic Dimensions recently completed the design and commissioning of a JBL VERTEC® line array system at a new Prestonwood Baptist Church location in Prosper, Texas. Designed to accommodate a variety of musical performers and video presentations, Prestonwood Baptist Church North seats 1,500 and complements the main Prestonwood Baptist worship facility, located 17 miles to the south in Plano.

Having previously designed the acoustics and sound systems for the main Prestonwood worship space, Acoustic Dimensions designed the entire audio/video/lighting system at Prestonwood North. According to Jim Burdette of Acoustic Dimensions, the construction of Prestonwood North marked a natural step forward in the evolution in Prestonwood’s worship style. “The main worship space in Plano was built in 2000 and they’ve gradually moved towards a more contemporary worship style without taking it too far,” said Jim Burdette of Acoustic Dimensions. “They wanted to go further with that style in this new space, to have a more intimate, more acoustically controlled room that lends itself to more contemporary worship.”

With the knowledge that the size and scope of the Prestonwood North sanctuary called for a smaller-scale line array, Acoustic Dimensions orchestrated a comparative listening test including several different options, to help the church’s audio staff choose the appropriate loudspeaker model for the space. “We held the test at the main church and simulated the seating plane to resemble Prestonwood North,” Burdette said. “The JBL VERTEC line arrays were the clear preference of the client.”

Acoustic Dimensions designed a left-right arrangement of JBL VERTEC VT4887A compact bi-amplified 3-way high directivity line array elements, designed to cover 80 percent of the center seating section. Featuring JBL’s advanced technology Differential Drive® loudspeaker components, each VT4887A includes JBL’s patented Radiation Boundary Integrator® (RBI) and a pair of annular ring radiators for smooth adjacent-bandpass integration and extended high frequency performance. “There is a noticeable clarity in the VT4887A loudspeakers, and the high-frequency response is really nice,” Burdette noted. Additionally, JBL PD (Precision Directivity™) Series loudspeakers were installed outside each of the line arrays in the wide listening space, to address outer seating area coverage.

To support the system’s low-frequency performance, Acoustic Dimensions designed custom subwoofer arrays including three JBL ASB6128 enclosures per side in a cardioid configuration next to each main line array, as well as two ASB6128 subs installed in a cavity below the stage. “We spent a good bit of time working through the placement of the cardioid sub arrays since the roof was in close proximity above, and the proscenium walls at a spaced distance behind. We did many calculations and models to figure out the right placement to achieve the correct directivity,” Burdette said. “When we’re evaluating subwoofers, we not only look at the specs and sonics, but also how well we can integrate and tune them, as well as which models best suit a particular room design. For us, these JBL subwoofers were an excellent fit for the application.”

For more information on Acoustic Dimensions, please visit www.acousticdimensions.com or call 972.239.1505.

Firehouse Uses JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays With Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers To Provide Legendary Sound For Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

In a star-studded evening showcasing some of the most accomplished artists in rock and roll history, Red Hook, New York-based Firehouse Productions provided a VERTEC® line array system with Crown I-Tech HD power amplification for live sound reinforcement at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 4. This year’s event took place in Cleveland’s Public Auditorium and commemorated the inductions of artists such as Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Bobby Womack, Run DMC and Metallica.

The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony was broadcast live on the Fuse network. In addition to performances by several of the inductees, the event included high-profile rock industry presenters like Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, Flea and Smokey Robinson. With top-tier mixing engineers on hand like Tony Blanc, Dan Gerhard, ‘Big Mick’ Hughes (Metallica) and Greg Bess (Jeff Beck), the Firehouse audio team needed to provide a system capable of delivering high-fidelity audio with predictable coverage characteristics and maximum output power capabilities, without compromise.

For the event, Firehouse deployed a PA system that consisted of 16 VERTEC VT4889 large-format line array elements and 12 VT4880A ultra long excursion arrayable subwoofers per side, with five additional VT4889’s comprising a center cluster. Firehouse set up an additional eight VT4887 compact line array elements per side for off-stage coverage, four VT4887’s for front fill, and four floor-located VT4880 subwoofers. Firehouse’s new Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers powered the system, which also relied on Crown and JBL’s new V4 DSP presets, developed specifically to take advantage of Crown’s new LevelMAX™ multi-stage limiting in the HD amps.

According to Mark Dittmar of Firehouse Productions, the Public Auditorium posed some rigging challenges. “We had to do a large number of spanner trusses to support the PA system and cabling in this venue,” he said. “As with all TV shows, designing a PA that will cover the whole room, deliver superb sound quality and not show up in any of the camera shots is a major challenge.”

With this in mind, Dittmar noted that VERTEC was an ideal solution for the event. “The light weight of the VERTEC line arrays and the ability to tightly wrap the PA and aim it down at extreme angles is very useful in designing and installing the system,” he said. “The fact that it sounds great makes its use a no-brainer.”

The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a continuation of Firehouse’s longtime reliance on VERTEC line arrays for a variety of major live sound events. “VERTEC has been our speaker of choice for all TV and special events over the past eight years,” Dittmar noted. “It is light and very flexible in its rigging options. The sound quality has always made our clients and engineers very happy. From VH-1 Storytellers with only eight VERTEC loudspeakers to Live Earth at Giants Stadium with more than 200, VERTEC has been with us the whole way.”

The new Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers feature a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS Audio called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. “This was our first major live sound event utilizing I-Tech HD,” Dittmar added. “There is a big increase in power output of the amplifiers, and coupled with the new V4 DSP presets we had approximately 6dB more volume than we had before. Ultimately, the I-Tech HD gives us more power and clarity than we thought possible. The new limiters on I-Tech HD are excellent as well. They are far more efficient than anything else we have seen.”

For more information on Firehouse Productions, please visit www.firehouseproductions.com or call 845-758-9898.

V&P Sound Rocks Bangalore Music Festival With JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays

NORTHRIDGE, California –V&P Sound Pvt. Ltd. deployed a powerful JBL VERTEC® line array system for the Rock Ethos 2009 festival, staged at the open-air Palace Grounds in Bangalore. The 2-day event, held March 14-15, featured many of India’s most popular rock and heavy metal bands, including Motherjane, Divine Connection, Bhayanak Maut, Myndsnare, Slain, and Infernal Wrath. Designed to promote original music while raising anti-piracy awareness, the event was produced by Buenos Entertainment, one of the most successful event management companies in India.

“Rock Ethos is one of the largest outdoor rock festivals in southern India,” noted Vishnu P., Owner of V&P Sound. “Over 20 of India’s best rock/metal bands were on stage for this event, giving us a real opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the system to artists in this musical genre. Our Crown-powered JBL VERTEC system proved its ability to deliver high fidelity, maximum-level output power and large-area coverage abilities, despite the dual environmental challenges of scorching sun and seasonal rains.”

V&P Sound set up two main arrays, totaling 20 JBL VERTEC full-size VT4889 line array elements, in left/right hangs with10 boxes per side. Eight JBL VERTEC VT4880A full size arrayable subwoofers were suspended in 4-per-side hangs, while an additional eight JBL subwoofers were also stacked 4-per-side below the VT4880A’s. JBL VRX932LA compact constant-curvature speakers were used as center-fills. A combination of Crown I-Tech 4000, 6000 and 8000 amplifiers powered the entire system, which was set up using Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™. Crown I-Tech amps also powered the onstage monitor system, which included VRX932LA arrays with VRX918S subwoofers for side fills. Crown I-Tech 4000 amps powered JBL VRX915M floor monitors. “The processing for the bi-amped wedges was done using the Crown I-Tech’s built-in DSP,” noted Vishnu P. “The stage monitors sounded fantastic.”

At the front-of-house mix position, V&P Sound used a Soundcraft MH3 48-channel console, while a Soundcraft MH2 handled onstage monitor mixing. Additionally, dbx 1066 and BSS DPR 402/522 noisegates and compressors were in use. Microphones for the event included AKG’s WMS 4000 wireless system for vocals, along with AKG’s Drum Set II, which includes a D112 and four C418M’s, used to mic all drum kits on the show. Two AKG C451B’s served as drum kit overhead microphones.

“Managing the comprehensive needs for high-SPL, multi-act outdoor festivals requires complete focus and real expertise in the field application of concert-quality sound systems,” noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Effective results require not only the right equipment, but the right skills. With this year’s Rock Ethos event, V&P Sound has once again demonstrated the company’s strong capabilities in this area.”

For more information on V&P Sound, please visit www.vpsound.com

Baltzell Audio Design And ATK AudioTek Utilize JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays At 2009 Academy Awards

The 81st Annual Academy Awards took place February 22, 2009 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, commemorating the film industry’s most accomplished professionals and productions of 2008. For the event, Valencia, CA-based audio system provider ATK AudioTek deployed the sound reinforcement system, which was designed by Pat Baltzell of Baltzell Audio Design and included JBL VERTEC® line arrays.

One of the biggest nights in entertainment, the 81st Annual Academy Awards were broadcast live on ABC and were hosted by Hugh Jackman. The evening’s highlights included “Slumdog Millionaire” winning Best Motion Picture of the Year, Sean Penn taking home Best Leading Actor for his performance in “Milk,” and Kate Winslet earning Best Leading Actress for her role in “The Reader.”

As with numerous high-profile events in recent months, including the Presidential Inauguration, the GRAMMY Awards and the EMMY Awards, Pat Baltzell designed an audio system built around JBL VERTEC line arrays. “I have had tremendous success working with VERTEC for some of the most-watched events of the year,” Baltzell said. “The Academy Awards presented another opportunity to utilize the easy rigging and reliable performance of VERTEC line arrays.”

The main PA system included two arrays in a left-right configuration, each containing 14 JBL VERTEC VT4889 full-size line array elements. Additionally, 140 JBL Control 25T surface-mount loudspeakers were set up underneath the audience seats in critical-listening VIP areas for the nominees and special guests. These were powered by Crown I-Tech 4000 amps.

Additional JBL elements in the overall system design included MS28 low-profile loudspeakers for under-balcony fill, along with two EON 10 G2 portable loudspeakers for backstage announcements, and six EON 15 G2 portable loudspeakers for red carpet announcements.

According to Baltzell, the VERTEC line arrays once again performed to expectations. “I was able to tune the system very quickly and focus my attention on mixing for the variety of performances and presenters throughout the evening,” Baltzell said. “The VERTEC line arrays allow me to operate with confidence in the technology, which makes a huge difference.”

“Our continued collaboration with Pat Baltzell for events like the EMMY Awards, the Super Bowl, and now the Academy Awards, has proven to be very successful, and the VERTEC line arrays have played a significant role in that success,” said Scott Harmala, Vice President of Engineering, ATK AudioTek.

For more information on ATK AudioTek, please visit www.atkcorp.com

JBL Professional Control® 40 Series In-Ceiling Loudspeakers Earn UL Listing

JBL announced today that all five models in its Control® 40 Series of in-ceiling loudspeakers have earned a UL listing under UL1480 and UL2043. The increasingly vast JBL lineup of UL listed in-ceiling loudspeakers provides systems integrators with a variety of options for applications requiring UL listed products.

We introduced the Control 40 Series last year as the systems integrator's go-to speaker line for a wide variety of everyday premium applications," said Rick Kamlet, Senior Director, Commercial Installed Sound, JBL Professional. ³Now having earned its UL listing, the Control 40 Series joins the Control 24/26/19, the Control Micros, Control 200 Series and the Control 300 Series as a broad lineup of UL listed in-ceiling loudspeaker choices for designers and installers."

The Control Contractor 40 Series features JBL¹s proprietary Conical Radiation Boundary Integrator (RBI), adapted from JBL¹s groundbreaking VERTEC® series line array loudspeakers. This unique in-ceiling innovation combines a large-diameter, high-frequency waveguide and low-frequency projection apertures that work together to provide extremely consistent pattern control and coverage.

The Control 47C/T provides extended bass performance with a wide 120 degrees of coverage (consistent over a wide bandwidth) that allows fewer speakers to cover a large space. The Control 47LP is a low-profile version for areas with shallow clearance above the ceiling, or where there are obstructions is some locations. The Control 47HC is a narrow coverage model for difficult acoustic spaces and high-ceiling areas. Rounding out the lineup are the Control 40CS/T, a subwoofer with built-in passive crossover, and the Control 42C, an ultra-compact, in-ceiling satellite loudspeaker.

Meeting Services Brings State-Of-The-Art Sound To Historic Levitt Shell With New JBL VERTEC® Line Array System

Demonstrating the ease of installation and sonic accuracy of JBL VERTEC® line arrays, Meeting Services Inc. of San Diego, CA recently installed a new audio system for the renovated Levitt Shell at Overton Park in Memphis, TN. Since its dedication in 1936, The Levitt Shell has entertained Memphians with a variety of performers, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and the Grateful Dead. The Shell re-opened in the fall of 2008, once again offering free outdoor concerts, with upgraded audio, video and lighting systems.

Meeting Services was responsible for installing the audio and video systems, as well as the lighting system electrical infrastructure. With the goal of providing high-quality, consistent audio in an outdoor environment, Meeting Services turned to JBL’s VERTEC line arrays and Venue Performance Series powered loudspeaker systems. “We have had tremendous success with VERTEC line arrays in the past, including a large number of outdoor events,” said Ken Freeman, Technical Director of Meeting Services. “We installed VERTEC at the Levitt Shell with the knowledge that the system would perform to expectations and has the proven ability to deliver high-quality audio in an outdoor environment.”

Meeting Services’ installation at the venue included 10 JBL VERTEC VT4887ADP powered, compact line array elements with JBL DrivePack® technology and four VT4881ADP powered, arrayable subwoofers. The line arrays are configured in a left-right, stage-stacked arrangement. Eight JBL VP7212M’s are used as stage monitors and two VP7210 loudspeakers are used as front fills. A dbx DriveRack 4800 is the master system controller, with Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software in use for remote control and monitoring.

Three pairs of JBL Control 2P’s compact powered reference monitors are used backstage for dressing and green rooms. AKG microphones and dbx DB-10 direct boxes round out the system.

The Levitt Shell re-opened in September with a series of performances featuring Amy LaVere, Kirk Whalum and Teatro de la Rosa. Since the re-opening, Freeman notes the VERTEC loudspeakers have helped to create a dynamic and enjoyable experience for listeners. “The VERTEC line arrays have performed exceptionally, and they were very easy to install,” he said. “The Levitt Shell is truly a historic venue that is now equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system.”

For more information on Meeting Services, please visit www.msiprod.com

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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