Wanda International Cinema To Install Harman Professional Equipment In 20 New Chinese Cinemas

Wanda International Cinema, the largest cinema company in China, has secured a partnership with Harman Professional’s Chinese distributor Advanced Communications Equipment (ACE) to equip 20 new cinemas with JBL speakers and Crown amplifiers. The audience expects the ultimate viewing experience at all Wanda cinemas and the partnership with audio industry leader Harman underscores Wanda’s commitment to providing the highest quality experience to dedicated guests.

In total, 183 cinemas will be completed with JBL 4732/3732 3-way line arrays, JBL 8340 cinema surround speakers and JBL 4642A/4645C subwoofers, all powered by Crown DSi 1000, 2000, and 4000 series amplifiers by the end of 2010.

“With the blooming development in Chinese cinema, this is a great opportunity for Wanda and Harman,” stated Thomas Marcher, North Asia sales director, Harman Professional.  “We know in the near future, with the increasing demand for premium sound and video, high-end cinema will expand into all cities throughout China.  With this partnership, we are further establishing Harman as the standard for Chinese cinema.”

Owning more than 400 screens in most Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities throughout China, Wanda International Cinema earned nearly one billion RMB at the box office in 2009 – the highest among cinematic companies in China.  The company has expanded at a rate of nearly 100 screens per year and hopes to double the rate in 2010 and beyond.

For more information about JBL speakers, please visit http://www.jblpro.com.  For more information about Crown, visit http://www.crownaudio.com.

World-Famous Wiener Konzerthaus Goes Digital With Soundcraft Vi6™ and Vi4™ Consoles

The Wiener Konzerthaus, one of Austria’s most famous and prominent concert halls, recently installed two Soundcraft Vi digital consoles as part of an equipment upgrade. The consoles were sold through Kain Audio Teknik, Soundcraft’s Austrian distributor.

The Konzerthaus dates back to the beginning of the 20th Century and is one of the largest and most artistically progressive institutions in international music. During the course of a season, which extends from September to June, approximately 750 wide-ranging events take place and more than 600,000 visitors can listen to around 2,500 different compositions. With this comprehensive and varied selection, the Wiener Konzerthaus—together with the Vienna State Opera House and the Musikverein—is central to Vienna’s reputation as one of the world’s leading music capitals.

When it was obvious that the existing front-of-house mixing console needed to be replaced, Markus Aubrecht and Gerald Barwig took their time making the right decision. They considered all the digital consoles on the market and conducted major testing over two years. The Soundcraft Vi6 easily convinced the technical crew because of its ease of use, combined with perfect sound quality. The Vi6 is used as the FOH console in the Grand Concert Hall, while a Soundcraft Vi4 serves as a monitor console or can be used in one of the many other halls in the building. The Konzerthaus also upgraded to LWL cabling, making it very easy to connect one or both consoles depending on the venue’s needs.

The unique atmosphere of the Wiener Konzerthaus not only attracts artists from the international music scene, but also forms the setting for numerous other social events such as balls, conferences, dinners, company presentations and festivities. The Konzerthaus's experience of hosting a wide variety of events extends back to the Twenties. With its most recent major renovation (1998–2001), the historic building is now well-equipped to meet the challenges of the third millennium.

For more information on the Wiener Konzerthaus, please visit http://konzerthaus.at/home_e/

For more information on Kain Audio Teknik, please visit www.kainaudio.at

AKG Microphones Deliver Clear and Powerful Audio Reproductions For Europe’s Largest Charity Event, Vienna’s 2010 Life Ball

Helping to raise awareness for treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS around the world, AKG donated nearly 100 wireless microphone systems and handheld microphones in support of the 2010 Life Ball, held in Vienna, Austria. The event, which is one of the largest charity events in the world, is held annually to help raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with the proceeds from ticket sales and donations going to various non-profit organizations for people suffering from HIV or AIDS.

AKG has provided the equipment supporting the Life Ball’s various concerts, speeches discussions and banquets for 10 consecutive years. This year’s microphone donation included numerous frequency-agile DMS 700’s, WMS 4500’s,IVM 4 in-ear monitoring systems and premium handheld microphones including D7’s, D5’s, C414’s and D40’s. AKG equipment was used in every presentation and on every stage throughout the entire night, providing clear and uninterrupted audio for some of the most popular celebrities and superstars in the world.

“The motto of this year’s Life Ball was ‘sow the seeds of solidarity,’ and that is exactly what we wanted to do with the donation of these microphones,” said Alfred Reinprecht, Marketing Manager, AKG. “Social responsibility is one of the mainstays of our corporate philosophy. Supporting the Life Ball has become a moral obligation for us and we are truly honoured and humbled to be a part of it all.”

Some of the attendees at this year’s event, which ultimately raised $1.9 million for the cause, included actress Whoopi Goldberg, fashion designer Calvin Klein and former US President Bill Clinton. There were presentations focusing on the fight against and prevention of HIV/AIDS throughout the night.

“This year’s Life Ball broke all of the previous records for attendees and for donations,” continued Reinprecht. “As a direct result of the donations made and money raised, those who are infected will have more opportunity for treatment and lives will be saved. For AKG to be a part of that on any level is tremendously rewarding.”

StagePro Deploys JBL VerTec Line Arrays For Colorado’s Country Jam and Rock Jam Festivals

Responsible for the production of two highly anticipated concerts in one of the country’s most difficult audio environments, festival production specialist StagePro successfully conquered high elevation, harsh winds and zero humidity with a complete JBL VerTec line array solution for this year’s Rock Jam and Country Jam festivals, staged in Grand Junction, Colorado. With artists ranging from Alice Cooper and Cinderella to Keith Urban and Sawyer Brown, the events presented many of the nation’s top current touring acts.

Utilizing 48 JBL VT4889 fullsize line array elements and 32 VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers, Ottawa, Kansas-based StagePro president Jay Waller and system tech Nick Mourn overcame the environmental obstacles plaguing the country and rock festivals for nearly 20 years.

“We originally purchased the JBL VerTec rig to help solve the sound issues related to the stage’s environmental surroundings and to provide a system that could withstand the harsh weather conditions in Grand Junction,” stated Waller.  “There is so much inconsistency with the atmosphere, hour to hour, that our sound check in the morning would not provide us with the levels we required for afternoon or night performances. Before we had the VerTec line arrays, the mix engineers weren’t able to get the sound to travel as well through the thin, high-altitude air, which didn’t please the artists, fans or organizers.”

The VerTec rig now used by StagePro is well known by the engineers and artists who grace the stages of Country and Rock Jam, in their 18th and seventh years, respectively. Waller confirms that his company’s VerTec rig is consistent with the rider demands of many top-tier touring groups, so there is no need to re-adjust the system for each artist. “They use the same rigs in stadiums and arenas that we use for our festival stages, so bands can just leave their touring sound equipment in the truck, making everyone’s hectic schedules a little less complicated,” Waller said.

“The VerTec VT4880A subs are unbelievable,” continued Waller. “Every time we set up a rig for these events, the engineers always walk in thinking we need more subs, but the 4880A truly offers more punch per pound, taking up less room and cutting costs. After listening, they all agree that it is an incredible loudspeaker.”

For more information on StagePro, please visit http://www.stagepro.com.

Audio Pro Interntational - Studer Vista 9

Studer Vista 5 Digital Console Powers MTV.com’s Live VMA All Access Webcast Coverage

Ensuring all of the music world’s biggest stars were seen and heard backstage and on the Red Carpet during one of the most celebrated nights in music, veteran audio engineer Ira Malek relied on a Studer Vista 5 digital console to broadcast eight live audio channels with eight VMA show feeds directly to the Video Music Awards’ live Webcast via the TriCaster System on MTV.com. Malek manned the Vista 5 during the VMAs at the AEG Digital Media Studio in Los Angeles, California.

“When I learned I would be working on the Vista 5, I was very excited because I didn’t have much hands-on experience with it, but had heard nothing but great reviews,” stated Malek.  “The console’s usability, combined with my mixing experience, great audio team and a little coaching from Tom Der at Harman, resulted in a nearly perfect Webcast during the VMAs.”

With 12 years of freelance experience with MTV, Malek mixed the live visual and sound inputs into eight channels, each without any delay. He also relied on the JBL LSR4300 Series for monitoring.

“The Vista 5 was amazing,” he continued.  “I was able to listen to the board delayed or in real time, while also listening to my personal computer to get a feel for what the fans were hearing.”

The Studer Vista 5 Compact Digital Broadcast and Live Console control surface is the ideal board in the broadcast production industry. Its small size and connectivity abilities make it one of the most versatile desks on the market.

For more information on MTV’s online Webcasts, please visit http://www.mtv.com.

Photo Credit: www.chicagofabulousblog.com

Total Eclypze Soundz Finds Inspiration With Soundcraft Si2 Digital Console

From a demo of a Soundcraft Si3 digital console one year ago, to purchasing an Si2 console for events across the Midwest, Victor Harris of Total Eclypze Soundz is living his dream by providing superior live sound for a variety of events. Since bolstering his company’s inventory with the Si2, Harris has supported hundreds of successful live events in Illinois and surrounding areas. 

After a successful mixing gig following an Si3 demonstration, Harris knew a Soundcraft board would be the ultimate accessory in his live sound inventory. As a guitar player, Harris used to mix his own sound while playing local gigs. Soon enough, his fans became clients and he began providing sound services at local events such as conferences, concerts, church events and recording sessions.  Ultimately, the volume of service led Harris to establish Total Eclypze Soundz in 1991.

Harris’ first experience with a Soundcraft console took place at a Buster Woods and G3 gospel concert at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, where he mixed on an Si3. After the event, Harris snapped a photo of the board for inspiration--a token to remind him that a Soundcraft console would bring his company’s reputation and client satisfaction rate to an entirely new level. He eventually purchased the Si2, giving him the same features and benefits of an Si3 with a smaller footprint.

“I took that picture on July 31, 2009 and a year later, I’m the proud owner of a Soundcraft console,” said Harris.  “The Si2 allows me to bring my A-game to every gig, exceeding clients’ expectations.  If I didn’t bring my best, my business would be crushed.”

The major selling point of the Si2, according to Harris, was its ability to ease an engineer’s transition from analog to digital--providing all the advantages of digital technology, while offering the ease of use and intuitive functionality of an analog board. “If you give me five minutes with an engineer who hasn’t worked on the Si2, I could make him an expert. It’s that simple,” continued Harris.

Total Eclypze Soundz has an extensive array of Harman equipment in its live sound inventory including products from BSS, Crown, dbx, JBL and Lexicon.

“My clients trust I won’t embarrass them or myself in the process,” continued Harris.  “In this business, you build your reputation of trust through the quality of your work. I trust the Si2 and the complete line of Harman products, and my clients trust me to deploy them.”

For more information on Total Eclypze Soundz, please visit www.totaleclypze.com.

Caption: Musician Brian Culbertson (left) with Victor Harris of Total Eclypze Soundz.

CCS Presentation Systems Brings Gaming To Life At Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort With JBL Control Contractor Loudspeakers

Utilizing an extensive assortment of JBL Control Contractor loudspeakers, leading A/V integration firm CCS Presentation Systems recently completed the audio system installation at Talking Stick Resort, located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

CCS was tasked with ensuring each sound “zone” of the 240,000 square feet of gaming, 50,000-square-foot, 22-room conference center and 13,000-square-foot spa, was perfectly equipped and able to overcome multiple surface types, ceiling heights and the noise of more than 800 slot machines and eager customers filling the areas.  Concentrating mainly on the casino floor, conference center and other common areas, CSS concluded JBL offered the ideal solutions for the variety of challenging audio environments. 

“When we initially examined the different rooms and surfaces, we thought we would have to go with several vendors to make it all come alive,” said Rod Andrewson, Manager of Engineering, CCS Presentation Systems.  “However, during the design process, we realized JBL had a speaker for each of the necessary casino applications, which were all more economical and allowed us to meet the Sound Pressure Level requirements.  We were able to produce the SPL more efficiently with less equipment.”

In more than 100 zones, CCS installed a total of 1,131 JBL Control Contractor speakers. The gaming zone boasts 222 Control 47CT’s, which are premium-grade small-format ceiling speakers that incorporate JBL’s proprietary RBI Radiation Boundary Integration™ for extremely consistent cover of the listening space. The conference center combines 154 of the 47CT’s with four Control 26CT small-format speakers and 24 Control 322CT large-format speakers. The hotel area contains 197 of the Control 47CT’s, plus six Control 25 AV’s in those locations that required surface-mount speakers, and 52 Control 26CT’s for lower-SPL and fill locations.

“JBL has great sound quality right out the box, so making the three areas sound perfect was simple,” continued Andrewson. “We measure the success of all of our projects in client satisfaction and Casino Arizona was very pleased with the end result.  With that, across the board, our project managers, installers and engineering team are very proud of the hard work and are excited to see the casino functioning successfully.”

For more information regarding CCS Presentation Systems, please visit http://www.ccsprojects.com.

VIcom Corporation and JBL Loudspeakers Help The Navy SEAL Heritage Center Open In Style

Virginia Integrated Communications (VIcom), a leading systems integration corporation based in Virginia Beach, installed an expansive system of JBL loudspeakers in the newly constructed UDT-SEAL Association’s SEAL Heritage Center on the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, Virginia. The Center, which was financed through donations to the UDT-SEAL Association, is designed to honor those who have served in the elite naval organization with memorials and educational facilities, while serving as a retreat for soldiers and their families before, during and after deployments.

VIcom was tasked with installing a flexible and high-quality sound system in several rooms that would cater to multiple scenarios, ranging from movies to presentations and guest speakers. “We wanted to ensure everyone in the room would be able to sit down, relax and enjoy any event going on in the area,” said Avery Prindall, Manager of Audio/Visual Engineering, VIcom.  “The JBL products work extremely well and people like them. The quality of the system allows us to install once and not worry about coming back to make any major changes.”

VIcom installed three arrays of three JBL VRX928LA loudspeakers each, as well as four JBL Control 30 surface-mount speakers and two JBL VRX915S subwoofers in the auditorium, along with BSS BLU-160 and BLU-120 processors and Crown DSI 2000 and DSI 4000 amplifiers. The system was configured with Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™. Additionally, VIcom installed JBL Control 26CT 2-way ceiling speakers in the conference room and JBL Control 28WH 2-way surface speakers in the activity room, with additional Crown 280A and DSI1000 amplifiers powering each room, respectively.

The UDT-SEAL Association’s new home includes a wide variety of room shapes and sizes, challenging Prindall to balance the sound equally throughout the 18,000-square-foot building. The VIcom team installed the JBL equipment to provide the ultimate sound experience, providing a strong support and entertainment center for those who protect the United States.   

“JBL is a well-established name with a good reputation, so it was easy to choose the Control line for this installation,” stated Prindall. “We had good faith that this system would turn out well.  It was one of those installations that you turn on and immediately enjoy.”

For more information of VIcom, please visit www.vicom-corp.com.

AKG Introduces Recording Artists Tan Weiwei As First Chinese Endorsee For AKG Microphones

Presenting Tan Weiwei with a personalized AKG DMS700 digital microphone and AKG K430 headphone, AKG officially welcomed the pop singer as the first Chinese endorsee for the leading international microphone brand.  Tan Weiwei’s band will be completely outfitted with AKG in concert while she entertains her massive, international fan base.   Her yet-to-be-named new album will also be recorded through AKG in her state-of-the-art studio.

“Tan Wei Wei’s voice is synonymous with beautiful tone, which the AKG line of microphones continues to provide musicians around the world,” stated James Liang, Marketing Director of Harman China.  “We are proud to have Tan Weiwei as a sponsored artist for AKG as she will help bring more positive attention to our industry-leading microphone technology.” 

The white mic, carved with the singer’s English name, Sitar Tan, included a DPT700 bodypack transmitter and HC577L mini microphone. The one-of-a-kind microphone and its support system debuted at Shanghai Expo in August, where, during the concert, Shanghai-based sound engineering firm Acton managed the sound through additional AKG D7-LTD, D5, C5 and Elle C microphones.

“It is a complete honor to work with and represent AKG,” stated Tan Weiwei.  “The band works tirelessly to entertain our fans and with AKG microphones, they will truly get the best sounding show and album possible.”

Ideal for wireless broadcast systems and installed and live sound applications, the AKG DMS700 is designed to deliver the very best audio quality and channel quantity with quick and easy operation.   With two frequency versions, each up to 155MHZ, the frequency range of the transmitter and the receiver give users the necessary flexibility, even in a crowded environment.

James continued, “Tan Weiwei continues to grow her passion for music in multiple performance and style aspects, just as AKG has spent the past 60 years focusing on the innovation and creation of microphone technology for all audio industries.”

During the official unveiling and presentation of the singer’s custom microphone, Tan Weiwei presented AKG with a commemorative plaque of her latest album, Tan Moumou.

For more information about Tan Weiwei and her endorsement with AKG, please visit http://www.akg.com.

AKG is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).

Crown Introduces VRACK: A Tour Optimized Amplifier and Power Speaker Management Rack For JBL Loudspeakers

In an introduction that provides touring professionals with a complete turnkey, out-of-the-box amplifier management solution, Crown today introduced VRACK, a complete amplifier management rack system solution.   The VRACK features three built-in Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers, immediately providing an easy-to-configure, plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need to build amplifier racks.   Designed to work in conjunction with JBL VerTec, VRX, and AE series loudspeakers, the system’s modular design is highly scalable and is designed to meet the needs of both small and large sound systems. 

VRACK features a flexible input panel with AES, analog, and network inputs as well as rear rack lighting for multiple connection options.   A captive suspension system offers the capability for the rack to be flown in the same manner as a line array system.  The system also features a globally universal power distribution system that with the flip of a switch can be set to meet US and international power standards.

Advanced features of VRACK include built-in network and AES failover for protection of speakers in case of power loss.  Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ provides control though monitoring and adjustment on a rack-by-rack basis and the ability to make changes to all three amplifiers through a single interface.

I-Tech HD amplifiers included with VRACK feature a user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled performance. Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology makes I-Tech HD robust and easy to configure and features an industry-leading choice of input options including CobraNet and LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS).

“VRACK answers the question that tour sound professionals have consistently been asking: How can we optimize our JBL and Crown systems for the highest level of performance? VRACK is a standard solution from Crown in partnership with JBL to set the standard for VerTec systems everywhere in the world.  Given its versatility, it can be used on VerTec one day and then a monitor rack the next day,” stated Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing for Crown.

VRACK ships fully assembled, tested and ready to work right out of the box. The complete system weighs approximately 163 pounds. 

"V-Rack is an exciting step forward in the ongoing evolution of VerTec and the outcome of a close collaboration between Crown International and JBL Professional. V-Rack ensures an optimum power match for all VerTec models combined with uncompromised sound quality. V-Rack establishes a VerTec system standard to ensure consistent performance on a world-wide basis. On the software side, V-Rack offers a future-proof platform capable of implementing upcoming VerTec V5 presets and we are also working closely with the Harman Professional System Development and Integration Group on V-Rack control software that is fully-optimized for tour sound applications," stated Paul Bauman, Director, Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering for JBL Professional.

Crown I-Tech HD’s Take German Market By Storm, Providing Highest Level of Power And Reliability For Tour Sound Applications

Harman Professional’s German distributor, Audio Pro Heilbronn, is reporting unanimously positive feedback to Crown’s I-Tech HD series amplifiers from several of the country’s leading PA companies. This year, multiple German companies, such as LITT Eventprofiler, Little Vieth and B + B, have ordered large quantities of the HD’s — in many cases to drive their JBL VERTEC line array rigs.

“These are great amps, delivering a powerful and superb sounding DSP,” stated Audio Pro Heilbronn product manager, Carsten Peter. “Customers like the fact that these amps are very reliable, road proven and are perfectly matched for all professional loudspeakers. The Crown brand also enjoys global acceptance, which is vitally important for international clients.”

The advanced feature set, which includes analogue, AES/EBU, CobraNet, HiQnet™, Ethernet connectivity, LevelMax limiters and HiQnet configurability, appealed greatly to Stefan Todeskino, owner of Essen-based TDA Rental GmbH, when he purchased a total of 56 units, divided between 32 I-Tech 5000HD’s and 24 I-Tech 9000HD’s more than a year ago.

Another feature that impressed Todeskino was the flexibility of the I-Tech HD’s, enabling them to be used with all speaker types and in any application, while Harman Pro’s powerful HiQnet and System Architect™ software made programming and control a simple task.

Located east of Berlin, production company LITT Eventprofiler was another early adopter, making the decision to add 46 I-Tech 5000HD amplifiers to its Crown inventory, which over the past 10 years has included Crown MA 5002 and IT-4000 amplifiers.
 
Nottuln-based Little Vieth PA Service had more than 45 Crown vintage PSA-2’s in their inventory, stepping up first to Crown’s MA-5002VZ and then I-Techs after investing in a JBL VERTEC PA system.  “In total we were using 68 I-Tech 4000 amps, but starting this year, we are now replacing them with I-Tech HD’s,” said Günter Vieth, founder, Little Vieth.

Vieth noted the impressive performance versus price ratio and general feature set — particularly the BSS Ominidrive-related DSP processing with IIR filters and linear phase FIR filters. “This was a major selling point,” he stated.

In 2004, Dortmund-based B+B Veranstaltungstechnik also turned to Crown after purchasing a JBL VERTEC system, powering the rig with CTs-3000, equipped with DSP-based USP-3 PIP modules. Two years later, following the acquisition of a JBL VRX932LA system, it expanded its hire fleet by adding a quantity of Crown I-Tech 4000’s.

The addition of further VERTEC’s created the demand for even more amplifiers. As a result, Sebastian Müller-Eckhard of B+B, recently replaced the IT4000’s with 36 I-Tech 5000HD amplifiers as their front line devices. The new HD’s are divided into a series of 6-amp and 2-amp racks — respectively used in VERTEC configurations VRX or additional subs.

“We recognized that we were experiencing much fewer problems with damaged speakers once we started using I-Tech’s. And the HD’s have the additional benefit over the IT-4000 of an expanded DSP resolution, which provides an impressive sound quality,” stated Müller-Eckhard.

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

HARMAN (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.

BSS Audio® Adds BLU-HIF Telephone Headset Interface To Soundweb™ London Conferencing Solution

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today added the Soundweb™ London BLU-HIF Telephone Headset Interface to its conferencing portfolio. The new Soundweb London BLU-HIF complements the highly-regarded Soundweb London AEC Input Card and Telephone Hybrid Card, providing simple integration of VoIP/digital phone systems.

The BSS Audio BLU-HIF Telephone Headset Interface facilitates connection of the headset jack of a VoIP/digital phone to an AEC input and analog output of a Soundweb London device, allowing the VoIP/digital phone to be used as the dialing interface and hybrid for a conference system. This simple interface eliminates the programming requirements associated with third-party control systems, while providing a familiar dialing interface for users.

The BLU-HIF features an RJ-22 jack for connection to the headset jack of a VoIP/digital phone, a balanced input (Tx) for sending near-side audio, and a balanced output (Rx) for receiving far-side audio. An additional 2.5mm jack facilitates connection of two-way communication devices such as cellular phones to the Soundweb London device. This gives the advantage of having an alternate communication path to the outside world, which is particularly useful as a backup to the main phone system.

Rob Urry, president of Harman Music Group stated, “In order to facilitate efficient day-to-day business communication, contact directories within VoIP or digital phone systems typically receive ongoing maintenance. By using the VoIP or digital phone system as an already familiar dialing interface and hybrid, maintenance of a custom-created parallel directory is not required. The Soundweb London BLU-HIF represents a simple and robust way to integrate VoIP or digital phone systems and leverage the use of up-to-date contact information.”

BSS Audio® Adds Telephone Hybrid Card Option To Soundweb™ London Conferencing Solution

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today added the Soundweb™ London Telephone Hybrid Card to its conferencing portfolio. The new Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card complements the highly-regarded Soundweb London AEC Input Card and the two cards represent a highly-integrated, premium solution for conferencing applications.

The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Cards are designed to populate any of the four card slots on Soundweb London BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160 and BLU-120 devices. These cards enable Soundweb London devices to interface with a standard POTS (aka PSTN or Analog PBX) telephone network and feature line and parallel set connections. The members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Cards also have two analog inputs which allow each Telephone Hybrid Card to receive two microphone or line level signals. These analog inputs offer Phantom Power, configurable per channel and software controlled analog gain in 6dB steps from 0dB to 48dB.

HiQnet™ London Architect v2.08, which provides support for the Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid, offers a fully-featured integrated dialer, speed dial presets and Auto Answer control. All important buttons and feedback from the dialer are accessible from external control and third-party control systems, without the requirement of a PC on the network.

Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Music Group stated, “The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card complements the superbly-performing and already highly-regarded Soundweb London AEC Input Card perfectly. With the reach of Soundweb London extended into conferencing applications, contractors and system integrators are able to leverage existing infrastructure, reduce implementation time and provide a powerful and truly integrated audio solution, using a single platform.”

Harman Professional Links With Com-Net Software To Launch IDX Information Delivery Systems That Couple Harman Audio Networking And Performance With Com-Net Software’s Market-Proven Interface And Control

Realigning expectations for high-performance, easy to integrate communication systems, Harman Professional today announced a partnership with information display and paging specialist Com-Net Software to launch a series of new communication technologies starting with the co-branded IDX Information Delivery Systems that debuts today at PLASA. The IDX System couples Harman’s Crown CTs, BSS London and HiQnet™ technologies on the back end with Com-Net Software ECLIPSX Flight Information Display System or ECLIPSX Transit Information Display System at the front end.  The combined result is great sounding, highly reliable audio networks with application-engineered interface and control in a versatile, cost-efficient package.

According to Van Williamson, Sales & Marketing Manager Commercial Systems, Harman Professional, working with Com-Net Software made a very attractive proposition.  “Rather than build a system from the ground up and learn paging at our customers’ expense, we have the opportunity to work with the market leader in flight information display and message delivery logic.  The new IDX System hits the ground running to deliver considerable audio networking and control without impacting the end-user interface or workflow.  It’s literally the best of both worlds!”

The IDX System delivers audio solutions integrated with signage products and provides integrators serving customers in paging and life safety for infrastructure, healthcare, transportation and government.  Featuring Com-Net software logic and interface software deployed on a database platform speaking to a BSS London and Crown CTs audio network via CobraNet and Harman HiQnet systems configuration and control protocol, the IDX System is a powerful, unified communication system.  Operators can monitor the status of every critical component of a system for status and full control over recording, playback, volume, and scheduling of audio and visual messages.

Commenting on the introduction, Chad Timms, Vice President, Product Development, Com-Net software said today, “Harman Professional deserves considerable respect for recognizing that one size does not fit all: that mission-critical paging systems require very specific feature-sets and fail-safes to the professional audio systems deployed in entertainment, sport or retail!  Because paging is a demanding market where the slightest hiccup can result in mass confusion or personal injury, customers need a proven solution developed by trusted experts — going any other route would be short-sighted and counter-intuitive.”

Underscoring Timms point, Com-Net Software and Harman have worked together closely to deploy several major transit facilities, already prompting the companies to work closer together to productize their solution: The IDX Information Delivery System.  The companies have agreed to work closely together to build upon the platform and develop a range of modular paging systems and signage solutions to make airports, train stations, healthcare institutions and other large facilities safer, friendlier and more communicative.

In doing so, Harman Professional is providing its global sales and distribution teams with a range of compelling new solutions to serve new customers in paging and life safety for infrastructure, healthcare, transportation and government markets.  Harman will immediately be providing the IDX Information Delivery System to international partners.

“Harman is committed to growth and well-positioned to meet that commitment at the corporate level, the brand level, the manufacturer-rep level and the international distributor level,” Williamson concluded.  “We believe that well-directed innovation will provide more customers with better sound and we’re pleased to have partners like Com-Net in this important, exciting mission.”

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.

Signature Technologies, Inc. dba Com-Net Software is a leading provider of Audio-Visual Customer Communication Systems for the transportation, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare industries. Com-Net is a market leader in providing sophisticated turnkey solutions that include hardware, software, installation, maintenance and support throughout North America.

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.

BSS Audio® Strengthens Soundweb™ London Line Up With Introduction of BLU-101 and BLU-102 Conferencing Processors

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today introduced the Soundweb London 100 Series with the addition of two cost-effective conferencing processors to its acclaimed Soundweb London family of digital signal processors. The new Soundweb London BLU-101 and BLU-102 devices feature Acoustic Echo Cancellation and join the recently introduced BLU-100 in the newly created 100 Series.

The BLU-101 offers a fixed configuration of 12 inputs and eight outputs while the BLU-102 offers a fixed configuration of 10 inputs, eight outputs and a telephone hybrid. Both devices offer configurable signal processing, logic processing and a fault tolerant digital audio bus. The configurable signal processing offered by the BLU-101 and BLU-102 is roughly twice that of the Soundweb London BLU-80 and BLU-16 devices.

The Acoustic Echo Cancellation algorithm within the BLU-101 and BLU-102 is the same algorithm used on the Soundweb London Acoustic Echo Cancellation Input Cards developed for the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160 and BLU-120 devices. The BLU-101 offers 12 AEC algorithms while the BLU-102 offers eight AEC algorithms.

The analog inputs of the BLU-101 and BLU-102 provide software configurable gain in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel and software selectable Phantom Power per channel. Phantom Power, Signal Present and Clip information per channel is easily accessible, without the requirement for a PC, from clear front panel LED indication.

The BLU-101 and BLU-102 feature a low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus of 48 channels, which uses standard Category 5e cabling, giving a distance of 100m between compatible devices. Fiber media converters can be used to increase the distance between devices to over 10km (6.2 miles) using single mode fiber.

The BLU-101 and BLU-102 are configured, controlled and monitored from HiQnet™ London Architect and are compatible with other members of the Soundweb London family. Their 48 channel digital audio bus represents channels 1-48 of the larger 256 channel digital audio bus when integrated with the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120 and BLU-BOB devices. Up to 60 digital audio bus compatible devices can share channels on a single bus.

As with other Soundweb London devices, 12 Control Inputs and six Logic Outputs allow the BLU-101 and BLU-102 to be integrated with GPIO compatible devices.

Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Music Group stated, “The AEC algorithms run on dedicated processors but are represented within software as Processing Objects. This means that all of the configurable DSP is available for other processing but AEC inputs can be sourced locally, from networked audio or even post-mix for budget-constrained applications.”

The BLU-101 and BLU-102 along with the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

Crown Audio Introduces ComTech DriveCore™ Series Amplifiers: New Chip Based Amplifier Technology Redefines Standard For Installation Market Applications

Providing sound integration professionals with high performance, energy efficient amplifier technology that will redefine the way amplifiers are designed and built, Crown Audio today introduced the ComTech DriveCore™ series of amplifiers. The new line – consisting of four models, are all one rack, convection cooled, ultra-energy efficient amplifiers.  

Offering up to eight channels and 150 watts per channel in a one-unit chassis without a fan, the ComTech DriveCore amplifiers are the ultimate for solution for a range of fixed installation environments, from video conferencing in boardrooms to luxury suites in stadiums.

The new line features the Integrated DriveCore technology chip that offers greater than 90 percent efficiency with no compromise in performance boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB. DriveCore also has patented feedback and protection circuits integrated into the silicon for fast and accurate response.

“The ComTech DriveCore introduction is destructive in the sense that it obsoletes everything that has come before it. Today’s introduction is a watershed event in amplifier design and manufacturing in every aspect from performance, weight, heat generation, and efficiency,” stated Marc Kellom, vice president of marketing for Crown. As part of Harman International, Crown has more research and development at its disposal than all of its competitors combined. This introduction is a clear demonstration of our determination to out innovate and outperform the competition while providing our customer base with unmatched value.”

The amplifiers feature flexible input routing and universal power supply and conform to Harman Professional’s Green Edge™ environmental initiative.  The amplifiers are convection-cooled and Crown’s new advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The amplifier’s high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for output and each of the four amplifiers in the series weighs only 10lbs.

dbx® Showcases Flagship SC 64 (System Core) and SC 32 Digital Matrix Processors

dbx® Professional Products, a Salt Lake City-based manufacturer of professional signal processing products and a division of the Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), is showcasing the SC 64 (System Core) and SC 32 Digital Matrix Processors. These flagship processors feature intuitive Wizard-driven system configuration using Harman’s proprietary HiQnet™ System Architect™, for unprecedented DSP power and routing flexibility, making it the ideal foundation for even the most demanding systems.

The SC 64 and SC 32 host a total of 64 and 32 analog I/O respectively, configurable in banks of eight. The flexibility of eight analog input cards and eight analog output cards easily facilitates many different fully loaded configurations, accommodating a wide range of standard sources via the onboard mic/line and Phantom Power switching per input. Two high-speed option slots on the SC 64 and one high-speed option slot on the SC 32 also provide an interface for adding forthcoming high bandwidth audio transport I/O cards. The units feature dedicated DSP for common processing functions as well as insert positions for specialized processing and popular audio tools including dbx Advanced Feedback Suppression™ (AFS™) Ambient Noise Compensation (ANC), priority ducking, parametric equalization (PEQ), delay and dynamics.

Additionally, the SC 64 and SC 32 devices offer a diverse range of control options including HiQnet System Architect custom control panels, as well as Ethernet, serial, contact closure control, ZC wall controllers and even automatically scheduled events. An optional media engine facilitates delayed paging and storage of audio files for scheduled playback.

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.

JBL VERTEC® VT4889 Systems Dominate European Summer Festivals

With the 2010 European summer music festival season drawing massive numbers of music lovers to meadows, air fields, sports facilities, event grounds and historic estates throughout the continent, a wide range of popular musical styles and increasingly diverse audiences of all ages have been gathering to experience their favorite live entertainers in outdoor settings. Some of the largest and most popular of these events are serviced by leading concert sound rental and production firms using JBL VERTEC® as their system of choice to meet the contract “rider” requirements of international artists.

Helping to kick off the season in the U.K., BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend took place May 22-23, drawing over 40,000 festival-goers to historic Faenol Estate Park on the banks of the Menai Straits in Bangor, North Wales. UK-based Adlib Audio supported the “In New Music We Trust” stage with a JBL VERTEC VT4889 fullsize line array system, underpinned with VT4880A arrayable subwoofers fitted with 2269H Ultra Long Excursion 18-inch woofers. Featured artists on the stage included Faithless, Vampire Weekend and Bombay Bicycle Club.

Northern Europe’s longest-running and largest music festival, this year’s legendary Roskilde Festival (Denmark) was staged July 1-4 and drew Scandinavian youth and attendees from throughout Europe. Roskilde was serviced by veteran Danish sound rental firm DPA Soundco and featured artists like Prince, Alice in Chains, Patti Smith, Muse, Jack Johnson and The Prodigy. With a 60,000-person capacity for each of four days, the legendary “Orange” (main) stage was supported with a multi-array JBL VT4889 fullsize line array system.

In southeastern Europe, the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia, was the site of this year’s Exit Festival, staged July 8-11. Regional audio, lighting, video and staging production company Studio Berar, celebrating 10 years of working with the festival, provided a total of 64 VT4889 fullsize line array elements, 80 VT4888DP midsize line array elements, and 100 VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers for the Main Stage, Fusion Stage and Dance Arena. Featured entertainers included Faith No More, The Chemical Brothers, Missy Elliott, Placebo, Mika, LCD Soundsystem, and Crystal Casteles.

Finally, Rock In Rio was once again staged in Lisbon, Portugal (May 21-30) and Madrid, Spain (June 4-14). With a 2010 promotion and production budget of 27 million Euros (32.7 million US dollars), the world’s largest music festival is an all-encompassing concert, entertainment, social action and lifestyle event. This year’s festivals drew nearly 500,000 fans with a diverse list of main-stage entertainers including Bon Jovi, Motorhead, John Mayer, Miley Cyrus, Megadeth, Jane’s Addiction, Rihanna, Elton John, and Shakira, with a grand finale in Madrid for a crowd of 48,000 by headlining act Metallica. The experienced and well-equipped concert sound firm Gabisom (Sao Paolo, Brazil) managed all audio requirements with massive hangs of JBL VT4889/VT4880 loudspeaker line arrays, transported from the Lisbon site to the Madrid site.

“To meet the critical demands of top international touring acts, outdoor music festivals require rental vendors to have and deploy superior equipment and practices,” noted Paul Bauman, Director, Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering, JBL Professional. “Each of the above JBL VERTEC system owners has demonstrated their understanding of, and ability to execute, the highest standards of live sound system design and operations for some of Europe’s most enduring and enjoyable music festivals.”

New Soundcraft Stagebox for Vi and Si Series Launches at PLASA

The new Soundcraft Compact Stagebox for Vi and Si consoles offers a high density of I/O connections in only 4U of rack space. The modular unit offers as standard 32 mic/line inputs, 8 line outputs, 8 channels of AES/EBU outputs and 2 expansion slots for standard Studer D21m I/O cards.  The D21m is the I/O architecture for Studer as well as Soundcraft digital mixing systems and allows connection to most popular digital formats, including CobraNet®, AVIOM A-Net®16 Ethersound ADAT and RockNet. A MADI recording interface can also be fitted to the expansion slots.

The Compact Stagebox is connected to the host console using either Cat-5 or Optical-fibre MADI, the same way as the larger 64 Mic/line Vi6 Stagebox is hooked up, and shares the same redundant MADI cable capability.

As well as the flexibility of the D21m option card interface, the Compact Stagebox also uses the same Mic/line I/O modules as found in the Soundcraft Vi1 console, and as a result it is possible to move or share modules between console and Stagebox, should a different configuration of I/O be required.
The unit comes complete with twin redundant power supplies, thermostatically-controlled fan cooling and full LED status monitoring. An 8ch GPIO interface is also provided.

The Compact Stagebox is ideal for existing owners of Vi consoles as a cost-effective method of expanding the input capability (for example in conjunction with the DSP upgrade available for Vi6, which adds 32 Mic/line inputs to the 64 of the basic console), or as a partner for the Vi1 and Si range of consoles providing cost-effective remote I/O capability in conjunction with the optional MADI interface cards available for those consoles. The price of the Compact Stagebox starts at £3,500 UK list.

The New Soundcraft Si Compact Digital Live Sound Mixer. Powerful. Intuitive. Flexible. Affordable.

Positioned as the digital mixing solution for all sizes of sound company or user, the new Soundcraft Si Compact Series is a power-packed range of digital consoles that brings all the experience of Soundcraft’s digital mixing platforms to a very affordable price level for tour sound, corporate event, house of worship and theatre applications, amongst others.

With full DSP functionality built-in to a small-footprint chassis, the Si Compact provides up to 40 inputs to mix in 3 frame sizes, the smallest of which is also rack-mountable. Motorized faders with patented Soundcraft FaderGlow™ operate on two layers, but the main difference from similarly priced mixers is the provision of a full encoder set for all the functions on a channel, from input gain through EQ and dynamics to bus controls.

Drawing on its bigger brothers; Soundcraft’s acclaimed Si Series, the new Si Compact packs powerful digital mixing facilities along with stunning Lexicon® effects into a trio of small footprint consoles available in 16, 24 or 32 mic/line input formats, with 4 stereo returns, the first, the Si Compact 24 is on show at PLASA, with pricing expected to be around £6000 UK list.

And for once, compact doesn’t mean compromise. No layering of the audio controls makes operation fast and simple, and with 4 separate Lexicon FX processors with dedicated FX busses in addition to the main mixes, and BSS Graphic EQ for every bus, you’ll never find yourself wishing you had more processing power.

Speaking of the launch, Andy Trott, Harman’s Vice President and General Manager for Mixing, Microphones & Headphones said, “Whilst over the past two years we’ve expanded our digital range with high- and mid-range extensions to the Vista, OnAir, Vi and Si Series’, we’ve been determined to drive our product portfolio down into the sub $10,000 price points. Our strategy has always been to integrate no-compromise audio quality together with innovative, feature-rich specifications and an easy-to-use-and-learn, highly intuitive user interface. Si Compact is the result of 18 months extremely focused and creative development and is particularly exciting as it’s so unique; it brings together so many professional features and technologies from across Harman Professional brands into a highly specified but yet super compact mixing platform at an unbelievably low price point.” 

Legendary Soundcraft audio quality comes courtesy of EMMA Lite, the same DSP platform that has helped propel the larger Si Series to industry standard status and riders on events all around the world. Features like dedicated FX busses, 16 line outputs plus AES, an option card slot for MADI or other connectivity, a Global Mode for instant access to Pan, Gain and Filters, a colour touchscreen interface and FaderGlow™ equip Si Compact to easily handle a range of live sound mixing applications including bands, theatres and houses of worship.

Key Features

• Frames with 16, 24 or 32 mono inputs and 4 stereo channels to mix
• 14 mono aux busses
• 4 FX busses
• 4 Matrix busses   
• LRC Mix busses
• 4 Stereo Lexicon Effects engines
• 4 Mute Groups
• 4 assignable insert send/returns (24 and 32 models)
• Harman HiQnet integration

Trott adds, “I’m confident that the user community will be delighted with the Si Compact and the wide choice we now provide with Soundcraft and Studer mixing consoles. We’ve now got the widest price-range of digital consoles in our history – that’s got to be good for engineers and audio companies!”

For a personal demo and overview at PLASA please visit the Harman booth (number 1-E21) or the Harman press conference at 5pm on 12th September in the Marlborough Room in Earl’s Court.

JBL Professional Expands AE Series With Five High-Output Loudspeakers

JBL Professional today announced the addition of five new loudspeakers to its AE Series (Application Engineered) lineup. The AM7315/64 and AM7315/95 are 3-way full-range models, the AM7200/64 and AM7200/95 are mid/high models, and the AL7115 is a 15-inch low-frequency model. All five models are designed to deliver high output in applications where clear, powerful sound is required over a wide coverage area. With the addition of the new models, the JBL Professional AE Series now provides more flexibility to audio professionals.

The 3-way AM7315/64 and AM7315/95 can be either bi-amplified or tri-amplified, while the 2-way AM7200/64 and AM7200/95 can either be bi-amplified or operate as a full passive system. The AL7115 low-frequency module is designed to work with the AM7200/64 and AM7200/95 in a low-profile array application where a full-range 3-way system is desired.

The AE Series 3-way and midrange/high-frequency speakers utilize a host of exclusive JBL technologies to deliver clear, accurate sound even at high volume levels. All the low-frequency drivers feature JBL’s patented Differential Drive® dual-3-inch voice coil and dual-magnetic-gap design, a configuration that provides high-power output with low distortion and extended bass response.

The AM7315/64, AM7315/95, AM7200/64 and AM7200/95 utilize JBL’s exclusive CMCD™ Cone Midrange Compression Driver technology, which combines high efficiency with extended bandwidth both up and down the frequency range to seamlessly cover the entire vocal range. The 2432H 1.5-inch exit, 3-inch exit CMCD compression driver operates in conjunction with a rotatable Progressive Transition™ waveguide, which provides precise directivity control. Because the waveguide can be rotated, the loudspeakers can be used horizontally or vertically while maintaining an optimum coverage pattern.

The AL7115 low-frequency module is designed to complement the AM7200/64 and AM7200/95 to create a full-range, extended-bass system. Using the JBL PAF-3K planar array frame kit, the AL7115 can be fitted between two AM7200 mid-high loudspeakers to form a low profile, three-wide full-range array. The AL7115 utilizes a JBL 2265H 15-inch Differential Drive transducer to deliver powerful, articulate low-frequency output, with more than 800 watts power-handling capability.

“Our new AE Series models round out the line to give system designers more installation options,” stated Jon Sager, Director of Market Development for Installed Sound, JBL Professional. “All five models utilize the same JBL transducer technology as the 23 AE Series models introduced over the past 12 months. With the introduction of these five models, it’s easier than ever to create the optimum sound-reinforcement configuration for a greater variety of applications.”

Selenium by Harman Debuts at PLASA: European Distribution Partners, Dealers Have New Value, Functionality To Offer Professional Audio Community

Following up on its acquisition of Brazilian loudspeaker manufacturer Electronica Selenium in June this year, Harman today presented the European professional audio community with Selenium by Harman at the PLASA Show in London.  Selenium is now part of Harman Professional’s Loudspeaker Group led by Mark Ureda, Vice President and General Manager, and also including JBL Professional.

“Being a part of a global organization such as Harman allows Selenium to expand our distribution in a measured, strategic and well-supported manner,” says Rodrigo Rihl Kniest, Country Manager, Harman Brazil.  “In doing so, we dovetail well with other Harman Professional brand offerings and we provide European customers with greater choice, improved versatility and Selenium’s unique combination of innovation, quality and performance value. I am confident that Harman’s product portfolio coupled with Selenium’s positioning in Brazil and Latin America will facilitate new businesses opportunities in all sectors – automotive, consumer and professional.”

Harman has ambitious growth plans for the Brazilian market. Since the acquisition of Selenium, the company has invested approximately US$100 million to expand its production capacity and establish a world-class research and development center. Founded in 1958 in the south of Brazil, Selenium manufactures and sells audio solutions for the car audio aftermarket, musical and professional markets.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales noted, “The decision to acquire Selenium made perfect sense since the first visit to the meet with the people and see the facilities. Now as we debut the brand and product family to our European distribution partners I am more confident than ever that Selenium will be a great success as part of the Harman Professional portfolio of brands.  Looking forward to the upcoming Olympic Games and the World Cup, which will both be held in Brazil, I am equally excited that Selenium will be a local flagship for the Harman Professional Division from a sales, marketing and product localization perspective.”

At PLASA, European audio professionals can look forward to the following product offerings on the Harman stand.

18SWS1000
18” subwoofer loudspeaker with 1000W RMS and excellent efficiency. Its 4” voice coil helps to dissipate the heat. The Selenium 18SWS100 uses an exclusive multi cooling system that completes the voice coil cooling task and reduces the power compression. An injected aluminum basket makes the product lighter and reinforced. And the long non-pressed fibers make the cone more rigid and resistant.

D2500Ti Nd
This small sized and very lightweight compression driver, with an extremely high efficiency, is recommended for use in high performance compact, two-way, line array  and flying systems. Powered at 80W RMS its SPL at 1W – 1m is 111dB. Housing material is made in aluminum that helps dissipating the heat with light weight. With a Titanium voice coil, its response curve goes up to 22kHz.

Ribbon Line Array
Selenium’s most compact passive Line Array system is extremely light and flexible to mount. When fly-mounted the design factor for 10 cabinets is 7:1. The subwoofer cabinet uses a 15” 800W RMS Selenium transducer and the HF cabinet is composed by two 6.5” mid-bass woofers (150W RMS) and a ribbon driver (30W RMS) with a very smooth sound.

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 Professional Debuts HiQnet™ System Architect™ Version 2.2 At PLASA: Supercharges Design Capabilities And Advances System Monitoring And Control

Five years after introducing HiQnet™ as the professional audio community’s only dedicated configuration and control protocol to address the complete audio signal path, Harman Professional continues to invest in what is now the most useful and widely-used AV networking toolset of its kind.  Not only is HiQnet a highly effective control protocol to run parallel to the increasingly ubiquitous AVB 802.1 transport protocol but the HiQnet System Architect™ software went through a comprehensive user-inspired design and functionality overhaul with version 2.0.  Now, with over 500,000 HiQnet components in the field and a user community of over 35,000 AV professionals, Harman Professional’s System Development & Integration Group (SDIG) is debuting HiQnet System Architect version 2.2, representing a significant step forward in the new design paradigms introduced with version 2.0.

According to Adam Holladay, Senior Market Manager, Harman Professional System Development & Integration Group, the newest iteration of System Architect is at once evolutionary and revolutionary:  “System Architect version 2.2 is a strong, positive evolution of the design capabilities and user interface introduced in version 2.0 but also a great leap forward in its monitoring and control functionality,” Holladay noted.  “Now, with the momentum of AVB, the market readiness for advanced AV networking solutions and the highly developed state of HiQnet System Architect, I believe our Harman customers — tour sound professionals, contractors and consultants — have a distinct competitive advantage in providing their customers with innovation and value.”

The user continues to draw the graphical layout of the venue in the main workspace, physically adds the devices to the rack rooms and associate amplifiers logically with the output zones they serve, but now they can also set up comprehensive venue monitoring. Each room in the layout is automatically overlaid with an output meter, which represents the maximum output level of the amplifier channels associated with it.  Additionally, each room in the layout of the venue can be assigned alert colors to indicate the conditions of devices physically contained within rack rooms, or devices logically associated with output zones.  With this new unprecedented, automatically-generated monitoring capability and the ability to add control panels to be launched from each room, the same design workspace is able to be repurposed as an unparalleled monitoring and control interface in the new System Architect Kiosk Mode.

Kiosk Mode makes HiQnet System Architect truly unique and especially valuable for efficient operation by automatically utilizing the exact same design environment, optimized for touch screen control and system monitoring operations.  Kiosk Mode is installed as an option with the standard System Architect  installer, runs from the startup directory as a separate control application, offers a pop-up, context sensitive alpha-numeric keypad and honors all Access Control configuration so multiple user logins are possible.  Kiosk Mode simplifies operation and reduces repetitive tasks by reusing the very same venue workspace that was used for system configuration, saving design time and reducing design complexity.

In addition to Kiosk Mode, System Architect Version 2.2 offers three new ‘functional’ panels that can be generated automatically to save programming time and improve effectiveness. A Room Tuning Panel is provided automatically for each room, grouping together all the correct EQ parameters from associated amplifiers. Similarly, an Amplifier Meters Panel enables simple monitoring of all associated amplifier input and output meters, while an Amplifier Level and Monitor Panel enables more detailed monitoring of all associated amplifier input and output channels and individual level and mute control.  Each panel is directly accessible from each room within the venue representation and amplifier channels can be added to or removed from a room — and the panel will update on the fly.

“PLASA represents an excellent launch platform for System Architect Version 2.2.  The international community of audio video professionals is under increasing pressure to do much more with fewer resources,” Holladay continued.  “System Architect enables our international customers in system integration to build bigger, better systems in less time and with greater impact than ever before imaginable.”

On the stand at PLASA, the Harman Professional Division will demonstrate a working AVB system comprising a dbx SC 32, a BSS / NETGEAR AVB switch and a Crown CTs amplifier with USP4/AVB card installed, all controlled from a touch screen PC running the new System Architect Kiosk Mode.  Harman will be giving tutorials on how the very same System Architect workspace is used for system configuration and control.  Also at PLASA, the company will show the range of AVB wall-plates from BSS. 

In a compelling demonstration of interoperability, Harman will cooperate with Avid to show AVB-enabled technologies from both firms operating on a single network.  At the Avid stand a Crown CTs amplifier with USP4/AVB will be demonstrated receiving AVB audio from an Avid console over a Marvell switch in a technology preview.  Commenting, Avid Live Systems GM, David Gibbons notes “We’re pleased to show our commitment to this exciting technology by sharing something from our live sound laboratories: an AVB interface card in a VENUE stage rack transmitting audio to a Crown amplifier over AVB.”

“AVB will be a tremendous boon to the live sound industry,” Holladay continued.  “In addition to the universal aspect that enables more technologies to perform seamlessly together, AVB makes integration and setup simpler, less expensive and more efficient.  Harman recognizes the integration-level advantages of a singular (AVB-powered) AV network and we are deeply committed to cross-manufacturer cooperation to help integrators deliver on the promise.”

Harman will be represented on the AVnu Alliance panel – IEEE 802.1 Audio/Video Bridging (AVB): The Future of Standards-Based AV Networking, Monday 13 September, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm, Marlborough 1 Room, Earls Court 2.  Pre-registration required through the Education section of the PLASA website: plasashow.com  Harman will also be represented on the Manufacturers’ Panel at the AVNetworks 2010 event on Wednesday 15 September.  Pre-registration is required through the AVNetworks website: avnetworks2010.com

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®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, Selenium, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

Crown CTs Amplifiers Power IDX Information Delivery Systems For Industry Leading Audio Solutions In Transit Facilities

In an introduction that provides European audio and systems integration professionals with a turnkey, application-engineered information delivery system comprised of best-in-class components, Harman Professional's new IDX Information Delivery System — co-branded with Com-Net Software — features a Crown CTs amplifier at its core.  The CTs amplifier is a highly versatile, market-proven industry standard amplifier that is installed in some of the most demanding, mission-critical/business-critical applications in entertainment, communications and commercial sound.

The IDX system delivers audio solutions with signage products and for infrastructure, healthcare, transportation and government applications.  Featuring Com-Net Software logic and interface software deployed on a database platform communicating to Crown CTs amplifiers and audio networking via CobraNet and Harman HiQnet™, the IDX system is a powerful, unified communication system. 

According to Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing for Crown, the CTs Series is ideally equipped to complement the BSS Soundweb London Devices and Harman HiQnet networking found in the IDX system, providing an audio back-end to the Com-Net Software information and control interface.

“There are millions of watts of Crown CTs installed across the globe.  It is widely recognized as the most consistent and cost-efficient professional-grade amplifier in the market for the past nine years," stated Kellom.  "Looking equally at that pedigree and the market opportunity for information delivery systems, we think the CTs is ideally paired with these other components to provide the most complete information delivery system in any market today."

Crown CTs Series amplifiers provide exceptional performance and flexibility for installed sound applications. CTs Series amplifiers feature independent selection of high and low impedance operation for a specific channel, plus power levels and features that were chosen to match the requirements of fixed install design applications.

Adding functionality, PIP-USP4 (programmable input processors) feature Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative suite of limiters called LevelMAX™.

Signature Technologies, Inc. dba Com-Net Software is a leading provider of Audio-Visual Customer Communication Systems for the transportation, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare industries. Com-Net is a market leader in providing sophisticated turnkey solutions that include hardware, software, installation, maintenance and support throughout North America.

BSS Audio® Introduces Cost-Effective Break-In Box To Soundweb™ London Family

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today added a cost-effective break-in box to its acclaimed Soundweb™ London family of digital signal processors. The new BLU-BIB input expander compliments the eight other members of the Soundweb London™ family and represents an inexpensive solution to increasing the number of inputs in a Harman HiQnet™ networked system.

The BLU-BIB features eight analog audio inputs on standard terminal block connectors and the 256-channel, low latency, fault tolerant digital audio bus, also found on the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-100 and BLU-BOB devices. In addition to providing a backbone for the transportation of multiple channels, this bus also facilitates the creation of large, fault-tolerant, centralized matrices containing multiple devices. The digital audio bus uses standard, inexpensive Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable, which enables a distance of 100 meters between devices. The BSS Audio MC-1 fiber optic media converter can be used to increase the distance between devices to over 10km (6.2 miles) using single mode fiber.

Simple front panel controls are provided on the BLU-BIB to configure Phantom Power per channel and input gain per channel. Signal present, clip, Phantom Power, applied input gain and power status are clearly displayed by front panel LED indicators for use with configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting.

The BLU-BIB features a front panel lockout mode for tamper-free operation and a ‘stealth’ mode for inconspicuous operation in dimly lit environments, where flickering LEDs would be distracting.

A series of DIP switches on the rear of the BLU-BIB device allow the eight input channels to be placed onto eight consecutive channels of the digital audio bus. The BLU-BIB devices are powered by an external 12VDC power supply which is included with the device.

Rob Urry, president of Harman Music Group stated, “Following the introduction of the hugely popular BLU-BOB output expander, the BLU-BIB is a natural addition to the Soundweb London family. Whether a system designer is looking to deploy microphone preamplifiers without fans, create digital snakes, augment the BLU-100 or cost-reduce larger systems, the BLU-BIB represents an important addition to the already highly-scalable Soundweb London family.”

A BSS Audio 1U Rack Mount Kit is available to accommodate up to two BLU-BIB or BLU-BOB1 devices.

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.

AKG’s New Perception Wireless Couples Legendary High-Performance With Advanced Usability

In an introduction that makes their category leading performance and unmatched versatility accessible to a wide array of users, AKG is introducing the Perception Wireless at PLASA 2010 in London this August. The new wireless microphone system comes complete with 30 MHz bandwidth, a sports headset C 544 and a professional XLR output; features that cement the Perception Wireless as one of the most comprehensive systems in its price range.

The Perception Wireless is designed to accommodate entry-level audio technicians, although it has the capabilities to handle even the most difficult audio setups. Included in the Perception Wireless Series is the Vocal Set, with one handheld transmitter HT 45 and one stationary transmitter ST 45; instrumental set, which comes with both a stationary and pocket transmitter; sports set, with a stationary and pocket receiver as well as a C 5444 microphone; and a presenter set, which comes complete with a stationary receiver 45, a pocket transmitter 45, and a CK 55 L microphone.

The pocket transmitter – which is the smallest in its class – runs on a single AA battery, and is compatible with all AKG MicroMics. The HT 45 Handheld Transmitter gives users the ability to adjust the microphone levels and comes with a rugged wiremesh cap, and the SR45 Stationary Receiver delivers AKGs diversity system with a SMPS solution.

“The Perception Wireless represents the best in entry level wireless systems” said Thomas Umbauer, AKG’s Product Manager for the wireless microphone system. “It delivers a level of versatility that is normally only accessible with much more advanced, and higher priced, wireless microphone systems, but the learning curve is minimal and the performance is unbeatable.”

New to this model of Perception Wireless is the sports headset C 544. This new microphone headset uses a capsule and acoustics from the C 555 and comes complete with a professional mini XLR connector, a cardiod polar pattern and a rugged one-size-fits-all solution. AKG also included a windscreen and four droprings to make the complete set one of the most valuable wireless microphone systems available.

AKG’s New iPhone App Delivers Freedom, Flexibility and Functionality For Mobile Monitoring Of Wireless Microphone and IEM Systems

With the introduction of its new iPhone application, AKG has brought users a new tool to browse, monitor, and control their wireless microphone and IEM systems: their iPhone®. The new application - which is available for free in Apple’s iTunes® store –effectively streamlines the workflow for wireless microphone monitoring and configuration by linking Harman’s HiQnet® protocol to the iPhone and iPod® Touch app via Wi-Fi® network.

The new application can be used to monitor wireless system parameters and radio frequency connections on stage for some of AKG’s most popular wireless microphone systems, including the DMS 700, the WMS 4000/4500, and the IVM 4 in ear monitoring system. The user can easily browse through the entire wireless system within the device list, monitor each device and it’s parameters separately within the stripe view, or use the RF monitor for checking the radio frequency connection of each wireless device.

“With the introduction of our new iPhone application, AKG has continued to build on the industry-leading versatility offered with our wireless microphone and IEM systems,” said Philipp Sonnleitner, product manager for HiQnet and system integration. “AKG users now have the ability to control and monitor every aspect of their wireless systems from the palm of their hands anywhere on the venue.”

The iPhone application is connected via Wi-Fi to a wireless router, which is connected to the AKG HUB 4000 Q. The application can be used side by side with Harman Pro System Architect® because the entire system is based on Harman’s advanced HiQnet® protocol.

Versatile, Reliable and Rugged, AKG’s New 99er Microphone Series Offers A Wide Range Of Installed Sound Solutions

In an introduction that brings high performance capsule technology and market proven reliability to the broadest fixed installation market, AKG is introducing the comprehensive line of 99er microphones today at IBC. With nine different products in the line that provide nine different applications, the 99ers are a diverse group of microphones that offer a solution for nearly any installed sound application.

The new line – which consists of the CGN99, CHM99, CBL99, CK99 and the DGN99 - incorporates components from classic AKG products such as the capsule of the C542 BL boundary layer microphone and the well-proven acoustical components of the discreet gooseneck range. All of the microphones are equipped with proper RF shielding to meet the high demands of electromagnetic compatibility in everyday installations. The family consists of nine microphones for nearly any typical installed sound application, including: conferencing, paging, surveillance, on-stage use and recording.

“The 99er line is a unique range of high class but affordable and easily specified microphones for the installed sound market,” said Mario Siokola, Product Manager for the 99ers. “The mix of superior acoustics, RF shielding and extraordinarily rugged mechanical design makes the 99ers easy to install and absolutely reliable in use.”

The condenser gooseneck range includes the CGN99 C/S, CGN99 C/L, CGN99 H/S and CGN99 H/L, which provide both cardioid or hypercardioid polar patterns and can come on a short or long gooseneck stand. This range is the perfect solution for conferencing systems, lecterns, podiums and altars, too. Also included in the 99er range is the CHM99 hanging microphone on a 10 m twist-free cable. Available in either black or white, the CHM99 is an ideal microphone for teleconferencing applications, theaters, or as a choir microphone in a house of worship.

“The 99er line is one of our most versatile lines of microphones to date,” continued Siokola. “They are designed to provide a solution for nearly any type of installed sound application and they provide a price performance that is simply unmatched by any other microphone range.”

Also included in the 99er range is the CBL99; a compact boundary layer microphone using technology from high-end studio mics. It has a high sensitivity and a wide frequency range, and is optimised for use as a low profile desktop microphone in conference situations as well as choir or instrument applications.

Rounding out the 99ers is the CK99 – a small lavalier microphone with a cardiod pickup pattern that makes it a feedback resistant-robust solution for speeches and house of worship applications- and the DGN99; a rugged, versatile microphone designed for all paging purposes, such as in a shopping mall or for transportation applications. The DGN99 is also available on a desk stand with a PTT switch as the DST 99 S.

AKG’s New Perception Wireless Couples Legendary High-Performance With Advanced Usability

In an introduction that makes its category-leading performance and unmatched versatility accessible to a wide array of users, AKG is introducing the Perception Wireless System at PLASA 2010 in London. The new wireless microphone system comes complete with bandwidths up to 30 MHz and excessively low-current transmitters, which are unique in its class, cementing Perception Wireless as one of the most comprehensive systems in its price range.

The Perception Wireless is designed to accommodate musicians and entry-level audio technicians, although it has the capabilities to handle even the most difficult audio setups with up to 8 channels per band. The Perception Wireless Series consists of a Vocal Set, with the handheld transmitter HT 45 featuring a dynamic cardioid capsule; the Instrumental Set, which comes with the pocket transmitter PT 45 plus instrument cable; the Sports Set with the pocket transmitter as well as a C 544 head-worn microphone; and a presenter set, complete with the PT 45 and a CK 99 L lavaliere microphone. All sets include the stationary receiver SR 45, a single AA battery and a switched mode power supply with EU/UK/US adapters.

The pocket transmitter PT 45 – which is the smallest in its class – runs on a single AA battery, and is compatible with all AKG MicroMics. The HT 45 Handheld Transmitter gives users the ability to adjust the microphone level from high gain to low gain and comes with a capsule from the Perception Live Series protected by a rugged wire mesh cap. The SR 45 Stationary Receiver delivers a diversity system, professional XLR and Jack outputs and the SMPS solution.

“Increasing ease of use with perfect audio transmission was the target for this new wireless microphone system,” said Thomas Umbauer, AKG’s Product Manager for PPA. “Perception Wireless is tailored to your needs, from single-channel applications and individual configurations to multichannel systems.  The Vocal, Instrumental, Presenter and Sports sets are the ideal plug-and-play wireless solutions for musicians and small installed sound venues.”

New to the Perception Wireless family is the sports headset C 544. The latest microphone headset uses a capsule and acoustics from the C 555 and comes complete with a professional mini XLR connector and a rugged one-size-fits-all solution. AKG also included a windscreen and four droprings to make the set one of the most valuable wireless hands-free systems available.

For more information about the AKG Perception Wireless Set, please visit http://www.akg.com.

AKG is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).

Soundcraft Si Series Gets New Feature Set, Showing at PLASA For First Time

The Soundcraft Si Series of mid-range digital consoles receives an upgrade of new customer driven features with the new version 4.0 software development.

Key features include:
•    Support for the new Soundcraft Compact Stagebox and Studer D21m I/O.
•    Si Consoles can now connect to Vi Stageboxes and control the mic amps.
•    Support for a wide range of new option and expansion cards to be announced separately.
•    Virtual Si (offline editor) allows configuration of virtual racks.

Speaking of the Si Series, Soundcraft Product Manager Richard Ayres said, “Over the past year the Si range has really established itself as a proven live sound console and is running large and small events in theatres, on tour  and in installed applications all over the world. These new features are significant as they not only enable our customers, who have already invested in Si and Vi consoles, a lot more flexibility and interoperability, but also offers connectivity to many other audio and network standards.”

New Soundcraft Stagebox for Vi and Si Series Launches at PLASA

The new Soundcraft Compact Stagebox for Vi and Si consoles offers a high density of I/O connections in only 4U of rack space. The modular unit offers as standard 32 mic/line inputs, 8 line outputs, 8 channels of AES/EBU outputs and 2 expansion slots for standard Studer D21m I/O cards.  The D21m is the I/O architecture for Studer as well as Soundcraft digital mixing systems and allows connection to most popular digital formats, including CobraNet^®, AVIOM A-Net^®16 Ethersound ADAT and RockNet. A MADI recording interface can also be fitted to the expansion slots.

The Compact Stagebox is connected to the host console using either Cat-5 or Optical-fibre MADI, the same way as the larger 64 Mic/line Vi6 Stagebox is hooked up, and shares the same redundant MADI cable capability.

As well as the flexibility of the D21m option card interface, the Compact Stagebox also uses the same Mic/line I/O modules as found in the Soundcraft Vi1 console, and as a result it is possible to move or share modules between console and Stagebox, should a different configuration of I/O be required.

The unit comes complete with twin redundant power supplies, thermostatically-controlled fan cooling and full LED status monitoring. An 8ch GPIO interface is also provided.

The Compact Stagebox is ideal for existing owners of Vi consoles as a cost-effective method of expanding the input capability (for example in conjunction with the DSP upgrade available for Vi6, which adds 32 Mic/line inputs to the 64 of the basic console), or as a partner for the Vi1 and Si range of consoles providing cost-effective remote I/O capability in conjunction with the optional MADI interface cards available for those consoles. The price of the Compact Stagebox starts at £3,500 UK list.

France Télévisions Invests In First Studer Vista 9 Consoles

France Télévisions, the state-owned broadcaster responsible for France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5 and RFO, has extended its long association with Audiopole and Studer consoles, by investing in the first two Vista 9 consoles.

Over the years, broadcast specialist Audiopole has supplied many Studer consoles to both France 3 (the regional TV station, with 30 or more TV studios spread around France) and RFO (a network of radio and television stations operating in French overseas territories around the world), including 18 Vista consoles to France 3.

Two of the France 3 studios are located in Paris inside the main France Télévision building and are currently equipped with a Studer 980 analogue console and Studer D950 digital console. Meanwhile, the France 5 facilities, currently equipped with an old analogue console, will move into a brand-new premises within the main building.

Therefore, last year France TV decided to renew some of its studios and replace the analogue consoles. They launched a tender for two digital mixing consoles to equip Regie 3 (working for the France 3 channel) and Regie 5 (supporting the France 5 channel).

“We starting the first discussions in May last year,” said Audiopole’s Broadcast Division Director, Jean-Philippe Blanchard. “France TV already had a good experience with the Vista consoles — using Vista 5, 6, and 8 within the group — but particularly required more extensive metering capabilities including multichannel signals.

“While it was clear that the Vista 8 would not fulfill their requirement, as they were starting to evaluate different competitive products we were able to show a Vista 8, illustrating the improvement they would find on a Vista 9, which was then in the pipeline.” As a result, when the official tender was launched in July 2009 Audiopole responded with two Vista 9 consoles.

France TV made their choice for the Vista 9 solution without having seen a console before the acceptance test procedure. They installed a 52-fader board in Regie 3 and 42-fader frame in Regie 5 — which are used for news and talk shows respectively.  “The confidence in Studer and Audiopole was an important factor in their decision,” said Jean-Philippe.

Building on the successful Vista platform, the Vista 9 takes the operator experience to a higher level, supplementing the popular Vistonics™ interface with radical and innovative TFT-based metering, FaderGlow™ and numerous other innovations.

The new metering gives precision feedback on signal status, displaying mono —right through to 7.1 channel - signals in the upper section of the screen, while the lower portion can show bus assignment or for surround channels an image of the surround composite, providing a clear and easily understandable display of the surround signal.

All stereo inputs and stereo masters have a correlation meter bar above the bargraph display —and this was crucial to the sale.

Lionel Durand is the sound engineer in charge of this project for France Télévisions. "It was clear that the ergonomic approach to the design of the Vista 9 was the differentiator,” he said.

“We were already convinced by the Vistonics interface but we really needed the more intelligent bargraphs and the ability to easily control the levels of all the channels of a multichannel signal.”

He also pinpointed the Vista 9’s unique HISTORY mode, which records events such as overloads in the audio path of each channel, and highlights them in red on the channel waveform “For us the HISTORY mode is fabulous and a real plus for the console. You can easily locate a strange noise or an overloaded signal and find the right fader to react.”

He adds that the two studios have also chosen to work with a number of SDI inputs. “Having the possibility to have HD-SDI inputs with 16 channels was also important,” he said. “The other great advantage of the Vista 9 is the fact that you can put every type of channel on every fader strip — all in a compact size.”

The studio technicians say they can really make use of all the faders. “It means that two-to-three people can work together on the console and with the Vistonics screen, each sound engineer has all the control in his own hands."

The France TV technical team visited the Audiopole premises at the end of June for the acceptance test of the two consoles — and certainly weren’t disappointed.

Audiopole will begin onsite training at the TV studios in early September and the consoles will be in operation a couple of weeks later.