PRG Audio And JBL Vertec® Line Arrays Power Toyota Concert Series On NBC’s Today Show

In a demonstration of the power and versatility of JBL VERTEC® line arrays before a national audience, PRG Audio has provided the live sound reinforcement for NBC’s “Toyota Concert Series On TODAY,” airing throughout the summer on the network’s TODAY Show. This year, the Concert Series has featured performances by Alicia Keys, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus and many more. The most recent Concert Series segment on August 29 featured performances by the Pussycat Dolls (“When I Grow Up”) and Katy Perry (“I Kissed A Girl”).

The performances have been staged outdoors at Rockefeller Center in New York City, drawing thousands of fans in the early mornings. Two stages facing each other, separated approximately 200 feet apart, allow for consecutive performances by different artists. The south stage features a sound reinforcement system consisting of two ground-stacked line arrays, one per side, each containing seven JBL VERTEC VT4887ADP-AN powered compact line array loudspeakers. The north stage features two arrays of five VT4887ADP-AN loudspeakers per side. Each array is accompanied by a VT4881ADP-AN powered compact arrayable subwoofer.

As the rental system provider for the Concert Series, PRG Audio drew on its extensive experience with VERTEC products when deciding on the audio components. “We have used VERTEC for numerous projects in the past, in a range of sizes and configurations, and we felt VERTEC was a natural fit for this project as well,” said Bob Rendon of PRG Audio. “Since the staging area is tightly situated between two buildings, we chose VERTEC because we needed a highly controllable line array system that would keep unwanted reflections to a minimum.”

The powered compact speaker systems feature JBL’s DrivePack® technology, a fully integrated power and DSP electronics package designed in cooperation with sister Harman companies Crown and dbx. The VT4881ADP subwoofer houses JBL’s new 2269G Ultra-Long-Excursion 460mm (18-inch) woofer. All loudspeakers include optional DPAN (DrivePack Analog) input modules that add remote control and monitoring capabilities with Harman’s HiQnet™ System Architect software. “Having the Crown power built into each speaker in the line arrays gives us more control over the system and eliminates one more step in the signal chain,” Rendon said.

Since deploying the VERTEC system for the Toyota Concert Series On TODAY, PRG Audio has enjoyed four months of reliable sound on a live stage where there is no margin for error. “These performances are aired live across the country, so we can’t afford a mistake of any kind,” Rendon said. “The VERTEC line arrays have helped us maintain the necessary consistency for this type of application.”

For more information on PRG Audio, please visit www.prg.com

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

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

JBL Professional Offers Added Flexibility And Performance With New Control® Contractor 40 Series Premium In-Ceiling Specialty Loudspeakers

The Control Contractor 40 Series adds five premium models to JBL’s industry-leading lineup of in-ceiling loudspeakers.

At PLASA08, JBL Professional is extending its category-leading Control® Contractor Series loudspeakers to an even wider variety of applications with the new Control Contractor 40 Series premium in-ceiling specialty loudspeakers. Several of the models incorporate JBL’s breakthrough conical Radiation Boundary Integrator® (RBI™) technology, providing exceptionally broad and consistent pattern control with superior sonic performance.

“As customer expectations for audio quality continue to increase, we are pleased to introduce a new ceiling speaker line that not only provides extended bandwidth and improved fidelity, but also saves the customers money by covering their space more evenly with fewer speakers,” said Rick Kamlet, Senior Market Director, Commercial Sound, JBL Professional. “With the introduction of the Control Contractor 40 Series, JBL’s lineup of high-performance ceiling speakers is even more versatile for our dealers, while remaining affordable and easy to install.”

Designed to be the systems integrator’s go-to speaker line for a wide variety of everyday applications, the Control Contractor 40 Series encompasses five new models, with three of the models—the Control 47C/T, Control 47LP and Control 47HC—incorporating JBL’s proprietary Conical Radiation Boundary Integrator (RBI), adapted from JBL’s groundbreaking VERTEC® series line array loudspeakers. This unique innovation combines a large-diameter, high-frequency waveguide and low-frequency projection apertures that work together to provide extremely consistent pattern control and coverage. Rounding out the new Control Contractor 40 Series lineup are the Control 40CS/T, a subwoofer with built-in passive crossover, and the Control 42C, an ultra-compact, in-ceiling satellite speaker.

The Control 47C/T two-way ceiling speaker provides exceptionally consistent 120-degree coverage, making it ideal for customers who want to save money by covering the floor space with fewer speakers while simultaneously achieving better coverage of the listening space. The Control 47C/T produces bass to 50 Hz, making it perfect also for applications where extended bass is needed. The 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch soft-dome tweeter provide a wide and smooth
frequency response.

The Control 47LP low-profile model provides the same great sound character and 120-degree coverage, but in a package that is only 134 mm (5.3 inches) deep, for locations with minimal ceiling clearance. The Control 47LP can be intermixed with the Control 47C/T for use in areas where ceiling access is shallow, or it can be used as the primary speaker in applications that either do not require the extended bass of the Control 47C/T or where a separate subwoofer will be utilized.

The Control 47HC narrow-coverage, high-ceiling model is designed for use in applications requiring narrow, focused coverage, such as venues with highly reflective surfaces or in high-ceiling applications. The narrow coverage is well-controlled over a wide bandwidth, resulting in clearer sound and improved intelligibility in spaces with high reverberation by directing the sound more precisely to a specified listening area while minimizing “over-splash” into adjacent areas or walls that could otherwise overexcite the space’s reverberation.

The Control 42C ultra-compact, satellite speaker utilizes a 60 mm (2.5 inch) driver that produces a smooth frequency response in a very small, visually unobtrusive size. Intended for use with the Control 40CS/T subwoofer to form a full-bandwidth system, the Control 42C speaker allows coverage of an extremely large floor space from a small “sub-sat” system.

The Control 40CS/T compact subwoofer, incorporating a powerful 200 mm (8 inch) driver, can add substantial low-frequency reinforcement to any in-ceiling sound system. The integral passive crossover network is optimized for use with two or four Control 42C satellite speakers, forming an extremely high-fidelity “sub-sat” system. The Control 40CS/T can be driven either from a low-impedance amplifier or from a 70V/100V distributed speaker line, and the multi-tap transformer allows separate volume adjustment of multiple sub-sat systems driven from the same 70V/100V line.

The Control Contractor 40 Series adds five new premium in-ceiling loudspeakers to JBL Professional’s lineup of in-ceiling speakers, which also includes a broad selection of in-ceiling small-format models, Control 200 Series medium-format models, and Control 300 Series large-format in-ceiling speakers.

Harman Professional Brands Brew Perfect Sound For Oktoberfest 2008

In another example of the worldwide movement by audio professionals towards complete sound systems comprised exclusively of Harman Professional components, Oktoberfest 2008, which takes place in Munich later this month, features four major tents equipped with audio technologies from Crown Audio, Soundcraft, JBL Professional, AKG and BSS Audio. The systems for the Hacker, Weinzelt, Armbrustschützen and Löwenbräu tents are provided by Max Ihm and Andreas Wallisch of LUTV (www.lutv.de) of Forstinning on the outskirts of Munich.

At the Löwenbräu tent 12 JBL Professional VERTEC® VT4887 compact line array elements and eight JBL Professional P744 1x18" subwoofers will be powered by eight Crown I-Tech IT4000 Series amplifiers with mixing by a 48-channel Soundcraft Series 4 console and processing by BSS Soundweb 9088 networked signal processor. Four JBL Professional SRX712M monitor wedges will be joined onstage with a battery of AKG microphones.

At the neighboring Armbrustschützen tent, a similar loudspeaker lineup of 12 JBL Professional VT4887 compact line array elements, eight JBL P744 subwoofers and four JBL SRX712M monitor wedges are powered by eight Crown CTs3000 amplifiers equipped with eight Crown PIP USP3 cards. In this instance, longtime-Oktoberfest sound system suppliers, LUTV, elected to use a 40 channel Soundcraft GB8 mixing board and again reverted to the BSS Soundweb 9088 for processing. Here also, AKG microphones will be used for instrument and vocal use.

The system employed at the Hacker tent comprises 18 JBL Professional VERTEC VT4887 line array elements at its core with six JBL P744 subwoofers providing the low end. Ihm and Wallisch deployed 12 Crown MacroTech MA5002Vz outfitted with 12 Crown PIP USP3 cards communicating with a BSS Soundweb 9088 networked signal processor. AKG microphones will also be featured onstage for instruments and singers of the traditional Bavarian folk performers that, together with the beer and the crowds, have made Oktoberfest such a unique and fun event. The Weinzelt tent will also feature components from JBL Professional, Crown, BSS Audio and AKG, though details are being finalized.

Commenting on the application, Max Ihm noted, " LUTV GmbH is providing sound systems and technical equipment since more than 25 year for various tent at the Wiesn [Oktoberfest]. From the beginning JBL loudspeakers and other Harman sound equipment were our first choice.”

Andreas Wallisch agrees: "Our customers and we have high expectations regarding the performance of PA systems. JBL speakers like VERTEC meet and surpass our sophisticated quality standards."

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

Wassmann Audio Video And JBL Loudspeakers Blend Audio With Excitement At Multiple Six Flags Theme Parks Across The U.S.

Demonstrating the unmatched performance and ease of installation of JBL Control® Contractor loudspeakers and VRX line arrays, Wassmann Audio Video has installed sound systems in 10 Six Flags theme parks across the country. While each location poses its own acoustical challenges, JBL Control 29AV surface-mount loudspeakers and VRX932LA compact line array loudspeakers are prevalent in each park.

Located in Whately, MA, Wassmann Audio Video provides design/build solutions for a variety of applications, including houses of worship, educational environments and corporate spaces. The contracts for the numerous Six Flags locations is rooted in Wassmann’s successful work at Six Flags New England, where the company provided sound systems for all the new rides, 11 zones of park paging, four show systems and all the sound for the Island Kingdom water park.

“When Six Flags decided to upgrade the audio in multiple parks across the country, they toured the different locations and found that the New England park had had the best audio,” said Mark Jarrell of Wassmann Audio Video. “We worked closely with Six Flags corporate manager of park audio Brian Sherlin, who has a pro audio background, to upgrade Six Flags New England. As a result of that project, Brian was promoted and we were hired to handle the sound for the other locations.”

Jarrell collaborated with fellow Wassmann colleagues Jared Menard and Mike Tyburski to upgrade the sound systems for 10 Six Flags locations, relying predominately on the JBL Control 29AV surface-mount loudspeaker. “The Control 29AV isn’t overly large, but it has great sound, lots of bass, and is perfect for background/foreground music and announcements,” Jarrell said. “Also, the service that JBL provides is terrific and they make sure you’re getting as much quality as possible out of your investment.”

Additional, smaller areas of the Six Flags locations contain JBL Control 28 surface-mount loudspeakers, while many of the stage systems feature JBL VRX932LA compact line array loudspeakers. “We’ve had a lot of success with the JBL loudspeakers for these 10 parks, and now we’re concentrating on putting in systems for new rides and filling in some other areas,” Jarrell added. “Next year we’ll be looking at providing sound for many more rides and upgrading some other parks.”

For more information on Wassmann Audio Video, please visit www.wassmannav.com

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.”

AVI-SPL And JBL Professional VLA Line Arrays Blaze Audio Trails At The Rose Garden

Demonstrating the ease of installation and even dispersion of JBL VLA line arrays, leading audio video products and services provider AVI-SPL oversaw the redesign of the audio system at the Rose Garden, home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. The new system features six line array clusters of VLA loudspeakers.

The redesign of the audio system at the Rose Garden was a part of a major capital improvements project that included a new video scoreboard, powered by a state-of-the-art HD control room. The improvements also included a facelift of the Rose Garden’s main concourses, restaurants, party suites, as well as upgraded LED stats boards and auxiliary scoreboards.

To meet these heightened entertainment standards, AVI-SPL needed a loudspeaker system that would provide powerful, controlled sound while retaining a visually discrete appearance. “If we had gone with a central cluster approach, the scoreboard would not have been able to recess all the way into the ceiling,” said Nathan Thomas of AVI-SPL. “We needed the scoreboard and loudspeakers to be located completely above the rigging points on the low steel frame so they could hold different kinds of events that used other rigging points.”

Because of their combination of power and flexibility, AVI-SPL opted for JBL VLA line arrays, installing six line array clusters. The two side arrays are each comprised of eight VLA901 loudspeakers, while the four corner arrays each include six VLA601 and two VLA901 array modules. “We chose the VLA loudspeakers knowing that we would need a highly controllable system,” Thomas said. “The VLA’s offer that controllability, and the horizontal splay angles drove us to ultimately go with that product.”

Building on the proven success of the legendary JBL VERTEC® line array series and Precision Directivity® series, VLA (Variable Line Array) series loudspeakers are designed for permanent installations requiring high-impact sound reinforcement at throw distances beyond the reach of traditional loudspeaker designs. The VLA Series includes six large format horn-loaded modules with three horizontal horn coverage patterns (30, 60 and 90 degrees). This modular horn-loaded concept incorporating JBL’s Precision Directivity series technology provides system designers additional flexibility to vary the horizontal pattern within a vertical array. This can be achieved by incorporating different modules with wider or narrower coverage patterns while still maintaining consistent vertical directivity.

According to Thomas, the system has performed beyond expectations since being installed. “The coverage is spectacular and the clarity is very good. With the current setting, we can get the system up to 115 dB with another 10 dB of headroom,” he said. “The main operator at the arena said it’s one of the clearest systems he’s ever heard, and I tend to agree.”


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

C.V. Lloyde Music Center And JBL Professional Loudspeakers Kick Off At University Of Illinois Memorial Stadium

Demonstrating the weather durability and output capability of JBL Professional’s Precision Directivity (PD) Series and Application Engineered (AE) Series loudspeakers, systems integrator C.V. Lloyde Music Center utilized WRX weather resistant versions of these speakers in a new scoreboard loudspeaker system at the University of Illinois Memorial Stadium. Home to the University of Illinois football team, Memorial Stadium now holds more than 65,000 fans after renovations over the past few years.

With the goal of providing a high-impact loudspeaker system to augment the existing sound system, C.V. Lloyde Music Center chose JBL loudspeakers for their weather-resistant durability and sonic accuracy. “We have used JBL loudspeakers for more than 12 years and have always been impressed with their weatherproofing,” said C.V. Lloyde. “The loudspeakers also needed to be aesthetically discreet and not visually interfere with the scoreboard itself. Plus, I felt comfortable installing JBL speakers above the main scoreboard at Memorial Stadium, which is such a vulnerable position because of the weather.”

To that end, C.V. Lloyde Music Center installed two JBL PD5200/43-WRX loudspeakers (one on each side of the scoreboard), two PD5200/95-WRX loudspeakers, and three AM6212/64-WRX loudspeakers across the front of the scoreboard, mounted to the roof. All loudspeakers are located above the new scoreboard, which measures 60 x 10 feet in size.

“I have been a JBL dealer since 1969, and JBL is like family to me,” Lloyde said. “I always have a lot of confidence in their loudspeakers, whether it’s a church, a sports facility or a performance space. Our installation of JBL PD Series and AE Series loudspeakers at Memorial Stadium is a great example of JBL’s ability to provide loudspeakers that work harmoniously across product lines.”

“As more stadiums are undergoing renovations and upgrades to their physical structures as well as their communication technology, system integrators are adopting a JBL solution,” said Jon Sager, Director of Market Development, Installed Sound for JBL Professional. “The installation of JBL PD and AE Series loudspeakers at the University of Illinois not only demonstrates C.V. Lloyde’s professional expertise, but also exemplifies the worldwide recognition of JBL’s ability to provide clear, powerful and easy-to-install loudspeaker systems for these applications. Whether it be a complete loudspeaker system or a few additional loudspeakers to improve coverage in newly renovated or added spaces JBL has a solution.”

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

JBL Professional Offers Added Flexibility And Performance With New Control® Contractor 40 Series Premium In-Ceiling Specialty Loudspeakers

The Control Contractor 40 Series adds five premium models to JBL’s industry-leading lineup of in-ceiling loudspeakers.

At InfoComm 08, JBL Professional is extending its category-leading Control® Contractor Series loudspeakers to an even wider variety of applications with the new Control Contractor 40 Series premium in-ceiling specialty loudspeakers. Several of the models incorporate JBL’s breakthrough conical Radiation Boundary Integrator® (RBI™) technology, providing exceptionally broad and consistent pattern control with superior sonic performance.

“As customer expectations for audio quality continue to increase, we are pleased to introduce a new ceiling speaker line that not only provides extended bandwidth and improved fidelity, but also saves the customers money by covering their space more evenly with fewer speakers,” said Rick Kamlet, Senior Market Director, Commercial Sound, JBL Professional. “With the introduction of the Control Contractor 40 Series, JBL’s lineup of high-performance ceiling speakers is even more versatile for our dealers, while remaining affordable and easy to install.”

Designed to be the systems integrator’s go-to speaker line for a wide variety of everyday applications, the Control Contractor 40 Series encompasses five new models, with three of the models—the Control 47C/T, Control 47LP and Control 47HC—incorporating JBL’s proprietary Conical Radiation Boundary Integrator (RBI), adapted from JBL’s groundbreaking VERTEC® series line array loudspeakers. This unique innovation combines a large-diameter, high-frequency waveguide and low-frequency projection apertures that work together to provide extremely consistent pattern control and coverage. Rounding out the new Control Contractor 40 Series lineup are the Control 40CS/T, a subwoofer with built-in passive crossover, and the Control 42C, an ultra-compact, in-ceiling satellite speaker.

The Control 47C/T two-way ceiling speaker provides exceptionally consistent 120-degree coverage, making it ideal for customers who want to save money by covering the floor space with fewer speakers while simultaneously achieving better coverage of the listening space. The Control 47C/T produces bass to 50 Hz, making it perfect also for applications where extended bass is needed. The 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch soft-dome tweeter provide a wide and smooth
frequency response.

The Control 47LP low-profile model provides the same great sound character and 120-degree coverage, but in a package that is only 134 mm (5.3 inches) deep, for locations with minimal ceiling clearance. The Control 47LP can be intermixed with the Control 47C/T for use in areas where ceiling access is shallow, or it can be used as the primary speaker in applications that either do not require the extended bass of the Control 47C/T or where a separate subwoofer will be utilized.

The Control 47HC narrow-coverage, high-ceiling model is designed for use in applications requiring narrow, focused coverage, such as venues with highly reflective surfaces or in high-ceiling applications. The narrow coverage is well-controlled over a wide bandwidth, resulting in clearer sound and improved intelligibility in spaces with high reverberation by directing the sound more precisely to a specified listening area while minimizing “over-splash” into adjacent areas or walls that could otherwise overexcite the space’s reverberation.

The Control 42C ultra-compact, satellite speaker utilizes a 60 mm (2.5 inch) driver that produces a smooth frequency response in a very small, visually unobtrusive size. Intended for use with the Control 40CS/T subwoofer to form a full-bandwidth system, the Control 42C speaker allows coverage of an extremely large floor space from a small “sub-sat” system.

The Control 40CS/T compact subwoofer, incorporating a powerful 200 mm (8 inch) driver, can add substantial low-frequency reinforcement to any in-ceiling sound system. The integral passive crossover network is optimized for use with two or four Control 42C satellite speakers, forming an extremely high-fidelity “sub-sat” system. The Control 40CS/T can be driven either from a low-impedance amplifier or from a 70V/100V distributed speaker line, and the multi-tap transformer allows separate volume adjustment of multiple sub-sat systems driven from the same 70V/100V line.

The Control Contractor 40 Series adds five new premium in-ceiling loudspeakers to JBL Professional’s lineup of in-ceiling speakers, which also includes a broad selection of in-ceiling small-format models, Control 200 Series medium-format models, and Control 300 Series large-format in-ceiling speakers.

JBL Professional Builds On Success Of AE Series With New AE Compact Loudspeaker Family

The AE Compact series features eight new loudspeaker models, providing greater flexibility for system designers and integrators.

Expanding on its immensely popular Application Engineered (AE) Series loudspeakers, JBL Professional today introduced eight new compact AE Series loudspeaker models at InfoComm 08. The new AE Compact loudspeaker series provides even more options for system designers and integrators in a variety of applications.

“The demand for loudspeaker systems that provide added flexibility and even greater sonic clarity continues to grow with the evolution of the systems integration industry,” said Jon Sager, Director of Market Development, Installed Sound, JBL Professional. “The new AE Compact loudspeaker series addresses these demands, enabling sound designers and installers to best meet the needs of any given environment, including performing arts venues, houses of worship, sports facilities, corporate board rooms, and dance clubs.”

The new AE Compact loudspeaker family consists of eight high-output, 2-way loudspeaker models incorporating either single or dual woofers, including 5.25-inch, 6.5-inch, and 8-inch transducers. The high-frequency sections include a one-inch dome tweeter for two models (AC15 and AC25), while the remaining six models incorporate one-inch exit compression drivers.

The AC18 and AC28 models offer the system designer a choice of rotatable Progressive Transition™ waveguides with
coverage patterns of 90 x 50 degrees or 120 x 60 degrees. In addition to providing smooth, low-distortion sound, Progressive Transition waveguides deliver uniform off-axis frequency response to every point within the intended coverage area, not just in the horizontal and vertical planes. PT Waveguides combine outstanding pattern control with undistorted sound for natural music and intelligible speech. The AC25, AC26 and AC28 models incorporate JBL’s Filtered Array Technology (FAT™), which allows each of the low-frequency transducers to be independently controlled for magnitude and phase response, resulting in smoother power response and constant coverage.

Adding to the flexibility of the AE Compact models are the multiple attachment points strategically located on each model for ease of mounting either with an optional U-bracket or with an OmniMount® type mounting bracket. Additionally, the AC16, AC26, AC18, and AC28 models include attachment points on the bottom of each enclosure for a stand mount accessory.

Every enclosure is constructed with multi-ply hardwood and finished with JBL's proprietary DuraFlex™ paint for the utmost in strength and durability. Each loudspeaker system utilizes “best in class” components and is voiced to work with all AE Series loudspeaker systems. In addition, each transducer has been subject to JBL's grueling 100-hour torture test to ensure years of trouble-free operation.

The new eight models in the AE Compact Series include:
• AC15 ultra-compact, 2-way loudspeaker system with one 5.25-inch low-frequency transducer, weighing 4.75 kg (10.5 lb), with a power rating of 150W Continuous, 600W Peak and a coverage pattern of 90 x 90 degrees.
• AC25 ultra-compact, 2-way loudspeaker system with one 5.25-inch low-frequency transducer, weighing 7.5 kg (16.5 lb), with a power rating of 225W Continuous, 900W Peak and a coverage pattern of 90 x 90 degrees.
• AC16 ultra-compact, 2-way loudspeaker system with one 6.5-inch low-frequency transducer, weighing 7.2 kg (15.8 lb), with a power rating of 200W Continuous, 800W Peak and a coverage pattern of 90 x 90 degrees.
• AC26 ultra-compact, 2-way loudspeaker system with two 6.5-inch low-frequency transducers, weighing 11.0 kg (24.3 lb), with a power rating of 300W Continuous, 1200W Peak and a coverage pattern of 90 x 90 degrees.
• AC18/95 compact, two-way loudspeaker system with one 8-inch low-frequency transducer, weighing 12.8 kg (28.2 lb), with a power rating of 250W Continuous, 1000W Peak and a coverage pattern of 90 x 50 degrees.
• AC18/26 compact, two-way loudspeaker system with one 8-inch low-frequency transducer, weighing 12.8 kg (28.2 lb), with a power rating of 250W Continuous, 1000W Peak and a coverage pattern of 120 x 60 degrees.
• AC28/95 compact, 2-way loudspeaker system with two 8-inch low-frequency transducers, weighing 18.6 kg (40.9 lb), with a power rating of 375W Continuous, 1500 Peak and a coverage pattern of 90 x 50 degrees.
• AC28/26 compact, 2-way loudspeaker system with two 8-inch low-frequency transducers, weighing 18.6 kg (40.9 lb), with a power rating of 375W Continuous, 1500 Peak and a coverage pattern of 120 x 60 degrees.

Victory Plaza At American Airlines Center Shines With JBL Professional Loudspeakers

Showcasing the versatility of JBL Professional loudspeakers for multi-use and mixed-media environments, Victory Plaza, a commercial development located adjacent to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, installed a JBL loudspeaker system to support its wide variety of uses. This unique retail and entertainment venue not only hosts pre-game and post-game activities held at the Center, such as Dallas Mavericks basketball and Dallas Stars ice hockey games, but is also an attraction itself, drawing shoppers and diners daily throughout the year.

Victory Plaza also serves as an entertainment venue, with four large, high-resolution LED screens on each side of the Plaza, which move along horizontal tracks creating a variety of configurations and motion video. The screens are also occasionally combined into sets of four to create 31 x 53-foot HD screens. Recognizing the key role in which audio/video atmospherics play in creating a shopper-friendly retail environment, systems integration firm The Whitlock Group installed a visually discreet yet acoustically pristine audio system, designed by Vantage Consulting of Los Angeles. Ten zones of audio comprise the system, with each zone containing one JBL AM6212/95-WRX loudspeaker, one AM6212/64-WRX loudspeaker and one ASB6128-WRX subwoofer. The JBL loudspeakers are flush mounted to the buildings behind a curtain wall that creates a backdrop for the LED screens.

While the large amount of glass and concrete—not to mention the curtain wall in front of loudspeakers—would seem to pose some large acoustical challenges, Steve Whittle of The Whitlock Group found the system sounded great from the start. “Because the loudspeakers are flush against the building, the building actually acts as a baffle for the whole system,” he said. “There’s so much glass and hard surfaces that you would expect a lot of echo, but the curtain wall actually softens the audio as the sound passes through it.”

According to Whittle, the AE Series loudspeakers, which were designed to order with weatherized coating, proved to be an ideal fit for the application. “From a fidelity and output power capability standpoint, that’s what these loudspeakers are made for,” he said. “They offer a lot of flexibility and are very easy to install.”

An additional large video screen is located on the side of the American Airlines Center at the end of the Plaza, which is used for 15-minute entertainment programs held every hour from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. To support the content displayed on the screen, seven stereo pairs of Control 30 loudspeakers are mounted to poles throughout the Plaza. Additionally, 10 JBL Control SB210 subwoofers are mounted in sealed stainless backboxes within the granite flowerpots around the Plaza. “We have the Control 30 speakers all pointing towards the center of the Plaza so people can hear the audio accompaniment to the video screen,” said Jeff McGinnis, Audio Engineer for the American Airlines Center.

Because a variety of events are held in the Plaza (often accompanying the events taking place inside the arena), McGinnis said versatility and performance of the system are of equal importance. “We have a lot of pre-game parties, after-parties and exhibitions, with lots of DJ’s and performers,” he said. “The system can either be run by itself or we can use a rolling rack that has a mixer, limiters and a CD player. We have BSS London processing that can be controlled via PC from the rolling rack, so we can actually configure the system from the Plaza 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.”

Yake Engineered Systems And JBL Professional PD Series Spread The Word At Lakeside Church

In a display of the versatility and pattern control capability of JBL Professional’s loudspeaker lineup, Yake Engineered Systems of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada recently chose to install JBL’s PD (Precision Directivity) Series loudspeakers into a new sound system at the Lakeside Church in Guelph. The project was part of an overall expansion to accommodate a congregation of approximately 1,200 people--three times its original size.

Lakeside Church’s new setup includes four separate worship areas, all receiving the same message from the new main sanctuary. Besides the main sanctuary, the church features a youth worship space, a smaller traditional worship space for adults, as well as a café/lounge environment. The service is delivered through JBL products in each of the spaces.

One of the primary challenges faced in the design of the main sanctuary was high reflectivity from the walls, requiring loudspeakers with excellent pattern control to minimize splash onto the side walls. PD Precision Directivity Series’ large 24” x 24” rotatable horns made them a natural choice for this project. The main sanctuary system features main and delay split clusters, each containing three JBL PD5212/64 loudspeakers. Two JBL SRX728S subwoofers provide low-frequency output, while eight JBL JRX112M loudspeakers serve as stage monitors. Additionally, Crown CTs and XTi amplifiers power the system, which also features BSS Soundweb, dbx DriveRack processing and AKG microphones.

Specializing in design and installation for houses of worship, Yake Engineered Systems has installed JBL loudspeakers in numerous churches throughout Ontario. For the Lakeside Church project, company Owner David Yake took his past experience with the PD Series loudspeakers into account when designing the system. “Before we recommended the system, we performed EASE modeling of the space to show why the JBL PD series loudspeakers would work best,” Yake said. “Because the room was mostly concrete with no acoustical treatment, we needed a highly directional box that didn’t spill onto the walls or the ceiling.”

Since the completion of the project, the system has exceeded the church’s expectations. “Everyone is really happy with the sound,” Yake said, “and the presence of JBL loudspeakers throughout the different areas of the church ensures that members of the congregation will have clear audio regardless of where they are.”

For more information on Yake Engineered Systems, please visit www.yakesystems.com or call 519-621-2300.

For more information on JBL Professional please visit www.jblpro.com.