HARMAN Now Offers Public Beta Version of Its JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ Sound Reinforcement System Design Software

NORTHRIDGE, California – HARMAN Professional today announced that its JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ sound reinforcement system design software is now available to users as a public beta version. JBL HiQnet Performance Manager had been previously available to a closed group of 60 worldwide beta testers.

JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is a highly refined user interface that facilitates the design of touring and live performance venue sound reinforcement systems. Created especially for touring and theatrical sound engineering, Performance Manager is an application-specific iteration of the category-leading HARMAN HiQnet System Architect™ configuration and control software application for professional-grade audio system integration.

“JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is a powerful tool that makes the design, setup and tuning of a JBL VERTEC loudspeaker system a lot faster and more efficient,” noted Adam Holladay, Market Manager, HARMAN System Development and Integration Group.

“The response from our beta testers has been extremely positive,” continued Holladay. “In venue after venue, JBL VERTEC system engineers have been able to achieve consistently higher levels of performance than before. They note that they are also able to set up a system more quickly, saving time and money. Now that we are making it available in a public beta version, many more users will have the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of Performance Manager as a free download.”

The public beta version of Performance Manager is available at http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com. The beta version is functional except that users will need to apply for a license key in order to go online and access the online operate modes of certain system devices. An in-depth series of training videos can be viewed at http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com/training/. The full version of JBL HiQnet Performance Manager will be available in early 2012 at a suggested retail price of $399.

Winner of a 2011 PLASA Innovation Award and a finalist for the upcoming EMEA 2012 InAVation awards for which voting is currently open, JBL HiQnet Performance Manager provides a comprehensive, step-by-step workflow that directly corresponds to real-world system configuration, taking the workflow paradigm introduced in System Architect 2 to a higher level of functionality for any live performance audio application. It is fully integrated with JBL’s Line Array Calculator II loudspeaker configuration and acoustic modeling software.

The user begins by loading templates of the speaker arrays used in the system, and then runs Line Array Calculator II for each array as part of the initial sound design task of determining how many and which type of loudspeakers are required to cover a given venue. For each array, Performance Manager automatically loads the passive VERTEC or powered VERTEC DrivePack DPDA line array configuration into the main application workspace – the first of many automated design processes native to the software application. Loudspeakers can also be manually loaded into the templates if desired.

Once the user defines the required amplifier parameters for the passive loudspeakers within the arrays, Performance Manager automatically loads the correct number of Crown Audio VRACK or other user-determined amplifier racks into the audio system. The software then associates the amplifier outputs with the bandpass crossover inputs for the selected array and programs the amplifiers with the correct JBL preset data, as well as gain shading and JBL Line Array Control Panel equalization parameters that are determined in JBL’s Line Array Calculator II as part of the modeling process to optimize sound pressure level and frequency response over the defined audience geometry.

Representations of the bandpass inputs for each loudspeaker section are overlaid onto the arrays, enabling the user to easily visualize the array configuration, whether JBL DrivePack-powered or driven by external Crown power amplifiers. Performance Manager software also significantly simplifies system-networking configuration – the user can simply drag and drop devices discovered on the network onto the pre-configured devices within the Performance Manager workspace to synchronize all addressing and parameter values.

In addition, the Performance Manager graphical interface provides embedded control panels for array calibration, time alignment and system EQ which utilize input section digital signal processing resources available in either Crown I-Tech HD power amplifiers or JBL DrivePack-powered loudspeakers with DPDA digital audio input modules. Input attenuation, equalization, delay settings and bandpass controls are all readily accessible directly within the main application workspace along with flexible grouping and comprehensive solo/mute functionality for system testing.

Once system tuning is complete, Performance Manager’s Show Mode display is optimized for the actual live performance, offering appropriate adjustment control ballistics for equalization and dedicated monitoring interfaces for levels, speaker loads, thermal conditions and AC power requirements. The workspace for all stages of Performance Manager’s workflow has a common design motif, with monitoring functions overlaid on top of the same loudspeaker bandpass representations within the workspace, making visualization easier and more consistent across various workflow screens.

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Pick Of The Hits - Lexicon in Pro Sound News, November 2011

HARMAN’s Soundcraft® Si Compact 32 Console Allows Students To Take Control At Fort Zumwalt West High School

O’FALLON, Missouri — In order to accommodate the musicals, concerts, dance recitals, talent shows and much more that it holds throughout the academic year, Fort Zumwalt West High School in Missouri recently purchased a HARMAN Soundcraft Si Compact 32 audio mixing console.

Tim Croghan, Auditorium Manager for the school, has been working with the Fort Zumwalt School District for 20 years and helped design and build the auditorium and sound system, and was looking to upgrade from the original analog sound board the school was using. Based on his positive experience with previous Soundcraft products, Croghan decided the Si Compact 32 was an ideal fit.

Croghan chose the Si Compact 32 for many reasons, including the console’s flexibility for the variety of school events. “We like to do production work, mix our own sound effects and record the chorus and bands for live CD’s. Another great use is to mix songs together for football games and sporting events. We simply have an endless amount of options,” he said.

Most of the time, however, the students are the ones operating the console. “It’s the perfect machine to teach to the students. When we got it, the kids were learning faster than I could and ended up teaching me a few things,” Croghan said with a laugh. The students, usually around 15 or 16 years old, enjoy working directly with the console and immediately seeing the results of their work. “It’s great because you don’t need a real in-depth concept of audio production; for a student, to be able to move the fader up and down, gives them the feeling of control we want them to have.”

When working on production for different events, Croghan mentioned that they use the Si Compact as a creative tool as well. “We can have sound effects called by the director just like a lighting effect. Everything that we do can be tied into the script, and we can create actual cues and microphone levels based on what the director wants,” he said.

“Everything about the board is perfect for what we need,” Croghan added. “It allows the kids to have the freedom to operate, and Soundcraft gives us the security of having a reliable console that doesn’t wear or break down. There are so many more outputs than we’re used to, and we are still exploring the ways that we can do more. Overall the board is so much cleaner and crisper.”

Croghan is thrilled the students have the chance to use such a high-end product in a school setting. During a recent Battle of the Bands event, Croghan was shocked to see the ability of the groups to manipulate the settings to find the sound they wanted to achieve, and how they were able to make it happen with very little help.

“Having the Si Compact allows our program to keep growing and expanding not only physically but through music education as well. The console gives us so much opportunity and we are all excited to see the students continue to explore and continue to thrive through the opportunities we give them,” Croghan summed up.

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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

HARMAN’s Studer Announces More Studer Broadcast Academy Training for Freelance and In-House Engineers

POTTERS BAR, United Kingdom — Building on its overwhelmingly successful Broadcast Academy program, HARMAN’s Studer has announced additional free half-day Studer Broadcast Academy introductory training sessions on its Vista and OnAir digital consoles. The sessions will be held at the Soundcraft Studer premises in Hertfordshire, and will include instruction on the new Vista 9, Vista 5 M2, OnAir 1500 and OnAir 3000 desks.

Planned for December 9, January 26 and March 15, 2012, the courses are conducted by independent ex-BBC sound engineer Micky Curling in Studer’s purpose-built studios providing the perfect opportunity for freelance and in-house engineers to get hands-on experience with Studer consoles.

All attendees will be offered lunch, as well as morning and afternoon refreshments, and will also be given a tour of the impressive Soundcraft and Studer manufacturing facility. In the adjoining museum attendees are able to view consoles and tape machines from both Studer and Soundcraft’s past, dating back to the 1950’s.

For those interested in detailed training and factory certification, Studer also offers full-day courses on the Vista series: “Vista Foundation” includes product overview, Vistonics™ U/I and general operation, connection with third-party networks including Optocore and Aviom, and integration with Riedel’s RockNet and MediaNet. “Vista Intermediate” includes more advanced topics such as detailed presentation of the DSP, I/O formats, Virtual Vista remote control and system redundancy.

To apply for a place on the course or register for interest in future courses, please visit our training registration page, http://www.studer.ch/support/training_UK_intro.aspx

For US training visit http://usa.studer.ch/support/us_truck_tour.aspx, where you can enroll on the mobile Studer Broadcast Academy in the custom-built 73-foot truck.

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Kordis Sound & Lighting Pumps up the Volume With HARMAN’s JBL Loudspeakers at Bijou Nightclub

NORTHRIDGE, California – Kordis Sound & Lighting recently upgraded the audio system at Bijou, a high-end club in Boston, Massachusetts, with a variety of HARMAN’s JBL loudspeakers, immediately transforming it into one of the most state-of-the-art clubs in the city. With two main floors of entertainment, Bijou wanted to create two different atmospheres for its customers. The top floor is a dance area with open spaces around the bar, drawing large crowds and partiers, while the bottom floor is a more relaxed, upscale lounge area, with various tables and couches for its guests.

The top floor system contains four HARMAN JBL Dance5 loudspeakers, two CBT4 loudspeakers, eight ASB7128 subwoofers, while the back room features four AC28/95 compact 2-way loudspeakers with two SRX718S subwoofers, with four Control 26C ceiling speakers in each of the two restrooms on the floor. The DJ booth includes JBL’s EON515XT portable PA speakers with a PRX718S powered subwoofer.

Powering the top floor system are two Crown CTs 1200 amplifiers, two CTs 3000, two MA-9000i, four MA-12000i, two XTi 2000 and XTi 1000 amplifiers, plus one Crown 180A amplifier. The whole system was processed with a BSS BLU-160 signal processor.

The bottom floor features six JBL AC28/26 compact 2-way loudspeakers, 12 AC18/26 compact 2-way loudspeakers, two AC28/95 compact 2-way loudspeakers, as well as four Control 26C loudspeakers for each of the two restrooms on the floor. There are also 16 JBL ASB6112 subwoofers distributed around the floor and ground area with an AC28/95 loudspeaker used for the DJ booth with a PRX718S subwoofer.

Powering the system on the lower level are six Crown XTi 2000, four XTi 6000, and an XTi 1000 amplifiers, and a 180A amplifier for the restroom.

When deciding on which loudspeakers would fit the environment, Greg Kordis of Kordis Sound & Lighting cited JBL’s ease of installation, sound quality and affordability. “The Dance5’s have the nightclub levels that Bijou was looking for to turn it into a premier club,” Kordis said. “The ASB7128’s were chosen because they fit perfectly into the size of the cabinets that hide them, while still delivering quality sound. The horsepower on this system is like no other, it had the room bumping without even breaking a sweat.”

There were many challenges that arose during the installation. At first, there were difficulties with acoustics and having the sound trapped between walls and furniture. “We dealt with this by using an assortment of smaller, AC Series speakers rather than using a few larger ones. With low ceilings in a small space, this ended up working perfectly to create the atmosphere and feeling that Bijou wanted,” Kordis said.

“Bijou is very pleased with the new system, and they’re looking forward to a great future with JBL,” Kordis concluded. “The sound is excellent and keeps people dancing and partying all night long.”

For more information on Kordis Sound & Lighting, please visit: http://www.kordissound.com/

For more information on Bijou Boston, please visit: http://www.bijouboston.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

London’s Soho Theatre Adds HARMAN Soundcraft Vi1™ Digital Live Sound Console to Its Cast of Performers

LONDON, United Kingdom – Located in the creative heart of London, the Soho Theatre is a showcase for drama, comedy and cabaret and encourages the efforts of new and developing writers. The Theatre has hosted British and international performers including Demetri Martin, John Leguizamo, Eugene Mirman, Stuart Silver, Richard Herring, and others and offers a wide range of new productions. Recently, the Soho Theatre upgraded its audio facilities with the installation of a HARMAN Soundcraft Vi1 digital live sound console—an improvement that has made life easier for the performers as well as the audio staff.

“We have been using the Soundcraft Vi1 for a couple of months now and personally I could not be more satisfied with it,” said Paolo Melis, Soho Theatre technician. “The large number of inputs and outputs on the desk has made it much easier to mix big projects. The Vistonics II™ illuminated color touchscreen interface is straightforward and simple to use, which is a big advantage when mixing a show and you need to have everything readily at hand in an instant.”

The Vi1 offers a host of features that are specifically designed for live sound use. “As a theatre technician, the Snapshot feature that lets you quickly create cue lists is the one I enjoy the most,” Melis noted. “It allows you to take instant ‘snapshots’ of all the console settings and compile cue lists for later recall just by pressing a single button. This one function alone is a tremendous time saver.

“We are also pleased by the high quality of the console’s built-in Lexicon® effects. They are much better than the effects that were available in our previous desk.”

The Vi1’s versatility allows Melis to deal flawlessly with live bands and does double duty as both a front of house and a monitor console. “It also works wonderfully in theatre sound design projects, where you need to be able to re-create a surround sound sonic environment, or simply route multiple outputs to speakers that are placed in various locations throughout a set,” Melis said. “The available matrix and aux busses make that easy to achieve.”

“The Vi1 has made operating our audio system a lot easier for us,” concluded Melis. “The performers can hear themselves better and perhaps most importantly it gives us the ability to deliver exceptional sound to the audience, night after night.”

For more information about the Soho Theatre please visit www.sohotheatre.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Summit Integrated Systems Installs HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays and Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers at Flatirons Community Church in Colorado

LAFAYETTE, Colorado — A new mega-church in Lafayette, Colorado has revitalized the downtown area and the Christian community. Located in a remodeled former Walmart and large grocery store, Flatirons Community Church is a 4,100-person capacity house of worship, occupying 160,000 square feet of space. The main sanctuary has as much in common with a theater as a church, including a sound system of epic proportions featuring more than 30 HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® line array and PD Series loudspeakers, powered by more than 50 Crown® Audio I-Tech Series amplifiers.

The sound system design and installation was contracted to Summit Integrated Systems of Lafayette, Colorado, a full-service audio, video and lighting company with expertise across all large project disciplines. Summit provides a variety of services locally and nationally, from turnkey installations to large specialty subcontracting.

“Our challenge was to provide clear, large-scale sound with full coverage in a room that measures 50,000 square feet, yet still maintain an intimate feel,” noted Tyson Wiens, Vice President of Operations for Summit. “The bands at some of the services absolutely rock the house, and we needed to deliver levels of 98 to 100 db at the mix position.”

Summit went with a system that includes 10 JBL VERTEC VT4889 fullsize line array elements per side, complemented by four VERTEC VT4880 fullsize arrayable subwoofers. Two JBL PD743 loudspeakers are used for side fills and seven PD743 speakers are employed for down fills, along with two PD764 loudspeakers used as delays.

“We knew we wanted line arrays for the new church,” stated Wiens. “In the old facility, we were blowing smaller speakers all the time. We demo’d several brands of loudspeakers and worked hand in hand with the church in the process, which was easy as they’re right down the street from us and we’ve done projects with them before. The new sanctuary is a totally renovated space, which was advantageous as we could integrate the audio/video and lighting design with the rest of the new construction.”

“We chose the VERTEC VT4889 for a number of reasons. The punch of the dual 15-inch speakers and the four 2250H 8-inch midrange drivers was unlike anything else we’d heard. The VT4889 has plenty of headroom—it’s a real rock and roll box—and can ‘breathe’ without compressing the mids and vocals. Also, they fit within our budget.”

“The room is basically a big square box with the stage located in a corner, and the seating fanning out from the base of it,” continued Wiens. “Providing adequate coverage was definitely a challenge—and we found that we needed additional speakers to augment the VERTEC arrays in order to completely fill the room. We consulted with JBL engineers and came upon the solution of using the PD743 speakers to extend the left and right coverage beyond the VERTEC arrays, and maintain the stereo image. It’s a novel application that works perfectly.”

“Another important consideration is that we chose Crown I-Tech amplifiers because they’re specifically designed to integrate with the VERTEC speakers and the BSS® Audio Soundweb™ London BLU-800 signal processor we used,” said Wiens. “Although there are other good amplifiers out there, the fact that the VERTEC speakers and Crown amps are designed to work in synergy made setting up and tuning the system a lot easier and faster.” The system employs 10 I-T12000HD, 23 I-T9000HD and 19 I-T5000HD power amps.

“The Flatirons Community Church is one of our most successful installations,” concluded Wiens. “You can’t come out of there without feeling moved and inspired.”

Photo Caption: Summit Integrated Systems installed a Crown-powered JBL VERTEC line array system at the new Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, Colorado.

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Pick Of The Hits - JBL in Tech & Learning, November 2011

Pick Of The Hits - JBL in Lodging & Hospitality, October 2011

HARMAN’s Soundcraft® Si Compact 16 Helps Diana Robson Find Big Sound in Small Venues

CORVALLIS, Oregon — Diana Robson of Eugene, Oregon-based Robson Sound LLC, specializes in providing high-quality audio for a variety of intimate settings, and uses HARMAN’s Soundcraft® Si Compact 16 to meet the needs of her clients. Robson, who added the console after a great experience with a Soundcraft Vi6™, has created a strong business working with small venues throughout Oregon, including the First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis that featured a recent performance by the Ferintosh Trio.

Robson needed a console to replace her old analog model, and immediately looked to Soundcraft after remembering her positive experience with the Vi6. “The Si Compact 16 is perfect for small venues where it’s a tight space, and there’s not much room to work with,” she said. “It’s also easy to transport, which is actually really important in places with stairs and confined areas.”

“I like the feeling of the large digital consoles such as the Vi6, but the Si Compact made the adjustment so easy,” Robson added. “It is a huge advantage for small events to have a smaller desk and setup, and to have one that sounds this fabulous is amazing.”

Robson noted how the Si Compact 16 still has all the functions of a larger board without the footprint. “The flexibility and number of functions on such a compact board is unbelievable,” she said. “I am able to have gates and/or comps on every channel, adjust the EQ on every channel, and the many inputs and outputs make it easy to run subwoofers and a variety of other outputs when needed.”

The ease of use and operation were big selling points in purchasing the new board for Robson. “I took it to a show without even using it before. Since it had the Soundcraft feeling, I was able to play around with it for a bit and have it going quickly. The layout is extremely easy and anybody who has used any other console can pick it up within minutes. The Soundcraft digital desks are the best-sounding digital consoles I’ve used, and I cannot think of a better product to fit the needs of my system and clients.”

For more information on Robson Sound LLC, please contact: drobsonsound@gmail.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

HARMAN’s Studer Adopts Axia Livewire™ AoIP Standard

REGENSDORF, Switzerland – HARMAN’S Studer today announced that it has adopted the Axia Livewire™ AoIP standard. Livewire is the broadcast networking system which utilizes Ethernet to provide an easy way to route and share audio and logic throughout the broadcast plant. Under the Livewire Limitless License (L3) introduced this year, Studer is licensed to build a Livewire interface into any or all of its products, allowing instant one-cable connection to Axia networks and products from more than 30 other Livewire hardware and software partners.

“We decided to adopt the Livewire standard from Axia following consultation with many customers on our new product strategy,” says Andy Trott, HARMAN’s Vice President and General Manager of Mixers, Microphones and Headphones (Soundcraft, Studer and AKG). “Studer is embracing a very ‘open standards’ philosophy as we launch more and more broadcast systems and this is the first of many new partnership initiatives that we will be announcing over the next 18 months to provide our customers with increasing flexibility.”

“Axia clients realize that the value of the network isn’t the network itself—it’s the variety of devices the network can connect to,” says Axia President Michael “Catfish” Dosch. “The addition of Studer products to the already-impressive list of broadcast equipment that connects to Livewire underscores just how strongly broadcasters value standards-based networking.”

Studer recently launched the OnAir 1500 small footprint broadcast and production console, and the Vista 5M2-22, the smallest Vista ever produced. Both products can be seen as part of the Studer Broadcast Academy (SBA); a free training and broadcast engineer certification facility housed in a custom built, 73 foot long truck currently touring the USA, Similar training is offered at the Soundcraft Studer Customer Experience Centre and factory near London, England.

For more details or if you would like the SBA to visit your location visit www.studer.ch or USA.studer.ch.

Axia, a Telos company, builds Ethernet-based professional IP-Audio products for broadcast, sound-reinforcement and commercial audio applications. Along with the popular Element 2.0 modular console for on-air, commercial production, audio workstations and personal studios, Axia products include the PowerStation integrated console engine, intercom systems, digital audio routers, DSP mixers and processors, and software for configuring, managing and interfacing networked audio systems.

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

HARMAN’s Studer Vista 5 Digital Console Helps Clinton Global Initiative To Be Heard Around The World

NEW YORK, New York - Front of house audio mixer Mac Kerr recently used HARMAN’s Studer Vista 5 digital console for the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City. Founded by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative included meetings between world and private sector leaders, chief executives of companies, and directors of major nonprofits in the hopes of making a positive change in the world. During the conference, attendees heard from inspiring speakers who shared their points of view on the world, and learned about creative approaches taken by major organizations in the hopes of sharing common insights and ideas and making connections with other members.

Kerr has been mixing the audio for the Clinton Global Initiative for several years. However, the event has grown significantly since its beginning and the time was right for a new console. “We chose the Vista 5 because it seemed to have everything we needed. It has been the perfect console for us and allows us to do the things we were never able to do before, as well as making everything else we needed easier and more straightforward,” Kerr stated. “There are enough inputs and outputs for us to do whatever we need. It was great to program in the extra spots without having to rebuild the core file, which would have been difficult.”

In all, there were six different venues feeding stems from the different briefing rooms. These had to be mixed with audience involvement taken into account as well. “It was a great advantage for us running everything on fiber, as it eliminated the electrical connection with a ton of background noise. All the sound systems connected together with remote racks in the venues, making it easy to troubleshoot with only one patch point,” Kerr explained.

“The Vista 5 made everyone’s job easier with so many outputs that were able to record all the venues and give all the channels as well as different languages. The interface between each venue and the central video village was perfect. We ran four wire convertors to each venue to communicate with the different rooms. It simply solved all the problems, even ones we weren’t anticipating. Overall it was a great experience and we could not have asked for a smoother event. It went so well that we are already looking forward to next year.”

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Gabisom Delivers World-Class Sound at Rock in Rio 2011 With HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays

NORTHRIDGE, California – The Rock In Rio festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in spectacular fashion: it was the world’s biggest music festival of the year, with almost 700,000 fans attending the week-long event. Rock In Rio 2011 took place in the City of Rock, a specially built venue on the site of where Olympic Village will be located for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Dozens of rock’s biggest names performed at Rock in Rio, including Guns N’ Roses, Shakira, Katy Perry, Stevie Wonder, Ke$ha, Metallica, Rihanna, Coldplay, Elton John, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many other top artists.

The massive event required a sound system to match, which Gabisom Audio Equipment provided with a monumental assortment of HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® line arrays. The main stage PA system included no less than 120 VERTEC VT4889 line array elements and 84 VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers deployed in the main suspended arrays.

“In a festival as large as this, the system simply had to deliver, and there was no room for uncertainty or underperformance,” noted Peter Racy, Chief Engineer of Brazil-based Gabisom Audio Equipment. “We had used the VT4889 and VT4880A line arrays at previous Rock In Rio shows and they can provide the expansive high-volume sound we need over this extremely large coverage area.”

“We wanted to make sure that the people at the front of the stage weren’t blown away by excessive volume, but that the people all the way in the back could still hear everything clearly,” said Racy. “The configuration we used enabled us to achieve this.”

Installing and operating this Goliath-sized rig was only part of Gabisom’s challenge. “The festival had very little time between acts, and Gabisom had to constantly change each artist’s complete stage setup including backline, stage props and monitor wedges,” stated Jaime Albors, Senior Director, Sales – Intercontinental for HARMAN Professional. “When Katy Perry finished on opening night, Elton John went on just 20 minutes later, with a completely different stage setup, and Gabisom pulled it off without a hitch.”

“I was extremely impressed by the SPL capability of the system,” Albors continued. “When you have 100,000 people clapping and screaming, they can literally be louder than the level of the PA, but this was not the case for this event. With 120 VT4889’s and 84 VT4880A’s, the system had enough power to be heard well above the crowd.”

“The most impressive attributes of the JBL VERTEC line arrays are their effortless power and clarity,” said Racy. “This is because of their ability to deliver high output while maintaining smooth frequency response and high resolution without distortion. In addition, their predictable coverage pattern lets us optimize their placement in any outdoor – or indoor – concert sound installation.”

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Wolf Trap Modernizes Its Loudspeaker System With HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® Line Array Speakers

NORTHRIDGE, California — Located in Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is one of the nation’s most important cultural centers. The Filene Center is Wolf Trap’s main venue, a uniquely beautiful, architecturally distinctive 7,000-seat indoor/outdoor theater that is host to an average of 90 performances a year from major and local artists. Opened in 1984, the rebuilt Filene Center II recently upgraded its aging delay loudspeaker system with HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® VT4886 subcompact line array elements and VT4883 subcompact line array subwoofers.

“The older delay system was starting to show its inadequacies and required more and more maintenance, to the point where it had to be replaced,” noted Matt Snyder of Local 22 of IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the Its Territories and Canada. Snyder and the rest of the Wolf Trap audio crew were given the responsibility of designing and installing the new system although they were faced with a number of major constraints.

“First, the speakers had to fit within the existing space,” Snyder said. “Management would not allow the new speakers to intrude upon the design of the theater, meaning they could not be placed anywhere other than the alcoves for the previous speakers, which are extremely limited for a modern line array. Secondly, the lack of available power precluded the use of powered speakers and limited our amplification options. Also, we were looking to upgrade as economically as possible, which made the use of existing wiring desirable. Basically, the fewer the amplifier channels we needed to use, the better. In the end we were able to implement this system with just five circuits per bay.”

The coverage requirements of the Wolf Trap theater also presented a challenge. “We needed an array which could provide substantial vertical coverage–over 30 feet of elevation–yet also had a relatively short throw range; about 120 feet was needed for this installation,” Snyder noted. “The VT4886 line array elements proved to be ideal for this application. Their smaller size enabled us to put a large number of enclosures into each array, and we went with 9-element arrays in each of the six bays which cover the lawn area. The controlled axial shading of the VT4886 gave us the coverage pattern we needed.”

“The cardioid coverage pattern of the VT4883 subwoofer also worked to our advantage, as we had to minimize low-end spill from the delay subs into the main pavilion area,” Snyder continued. “The subwoofer’s dispersion pattern enabled them to integrate well with the mains, even though they were physically separated rather than used as extensions of the main line arrays. “The lower weight of the VT4886 and VT4883 was also a big advantage, as we could easily hang all the speakers without making any major structural modifications.”

Snyder was able to go into the project with a high degree of confidence. “JBL was good enough to send out demo units for our evaluation before the install, and we also used JBL Line Array Calculator II speaker configuration and acoustic modeling software to help predict the response of the system. Once the speakers were installed, we did final tuning with the aid of SMAART and SIM measurement and analysis software. We were extremely satisfied with the results.”

“The Filene Center is a unique space and one of the best-designed venues in the country,” Snyder concluded. “The JBL VERTEC line arrays turned out to be just what we needed for this project, and the improvement in sound quality is just what we’d hoped for.”

For more information on Wolf Trap, please visit www.wolftrap.org

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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011.

HARMAN’s AKG DMS700 Wireless System Keeps Peter Thorn’s Guitar Rocking

VIENNA, Austria – With a nearly full schedule throughout the year, performing in his own bands, touring with GRAMMY Award-winning artists and recording in studio sessions, Peter Thorn, the self-proclaimed Guitar Nerd, relies on HARMAN’s AKG DMS700 wireless system during live performances. Working with artists such as Melissa Etheridge, Chris Cornell, Jewel, Alicia Keys and Don Henley, among others throughout his career, Thorn credits his guitar’s “true” sound to the reliability of AKG.

On the lookout for the absolute best in wireless on the market – a system offering great sound and zero dropout/interference - Thorn, who has played guitar from an early age and attended the Guitar Institute of Technology in Los Angeles, was introduced to AKG’s wireless system through friend and co-guitar star, Steve Stevens of the Billy Idol Band. With promises of the best sound he will ever hear from Stevens, Thorn immediately started working with DMS700 on tour.

“DMS700 works flawlessly and sounds amazing. It really is the best system I’ve ever used in my career,” stated Thorn. “The environment scan itself is an amazing feature that allows you to ensure you have zero RF interference, but it’s the true sound AKG provides my music that keeps my performances at their best. DMS700 is absolutely indistinguishable from an actual cable plugged into my guitar. When I use DMS700, it’s one less worry I have about my performance.”

Along with the DMS700 wireless system, Thorn boasts an AKG C214 microphone and an original Digitech Whammy pedal for studio sessions.

Thorn’s latest album Guitar Nerd, was released in 2011 and is available online at the iTunes store, on Amazon and CDbaby. For more information on Peter Thorn, please visit http://www.peterthorn.com and for AKG, visit http://www.akg.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011.

HARMAN’s Soundcraft® Si Compact 24 Console Makes Life Easy For Sound Engineer Jamin Lynch

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Jamin Lynch, who founded JL Sound Company in 1985, got hooked on Soundcraft after an opportunity to use HARMAN’s Soundcraft® Si3 digital console a few years ago. In order to fit his needs for a variety of live sound events, Jamin recently purchased a Soundcraft Si Compact 24 console.

Jamin often uses his Si Compact 24 console at the popular Brewster Street Ice House in Corpus Christi, Texas. The needs of the cozy venue fit every reason why Jamin purchased the Si Compact 24. “Unfortunately, the Si3 was out of my budget range, and quite a bit larger than what I needed. I love the high-quality audio and ease of operation of Soundcraft consoles, and the Si Compact 24 was the perfect solution,” stated Jamin.

A recent show at the Ice House on Friday, October 28, featured several bands including a group called The Middle Of The Road, and Jamin used the Si Compact 24 as his FOH monitor. The show went perfectly, according to Jamin. “It’s excellent for dealing with multiple groups,” he said. “They all had different setups and settings, which I simply saved during the sound check. When it was time to go, I uploaded the settings with a flash drive and was ready to go. I love that I don’t need a bunch of other gear to patch in, it makes life so easy.”

There are many features of the Si Compact that Lynch says continue to make his life easier every time he uses it. “There aren’t a lot of screens that you have to scroll through to fix settings,” he said. “It’s also a great console to teach to other people. After sitting down with it for about five minutes, I felt confident I could take it to the show without having to worry about any problems.”

Jamin explained his connection with Soundcraft and the reason why he likes the Si Compact 24 so much. “The highs are crisp, the lows are solid and constant, and overall it is just a perfect console,” he said. “The simplicity and ease of operation during the show make everything worth it. There are so many inputs and outputs that even the artists love it, they can hook in whatever they want and start playing.

“I am so pleased that I even plan on getting two more. For anyone who doesn’t need a large board, there is nothing better out there than the Si Compact,” Jamin summed up.

For more information on JL Sound Company, please contact: jlynch@grandecom.net

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Clair Brothers Audio Systems and HARMAN’s JBL VLA Line Arrays Raise the Roof at BC Place

NORTHRIDGE, California – Even by stadium standards, Vancouver, Canada’s BC Place stands out. The newly renovated stadium boasts the world’s largest cable-supported retractable roof and dominates the city’s False Creek waterfront like a gigantic glittering jewel set at river’s edge. The renovations include a state-of-the-art audio system, highlighted by HARMAN’s JBL VLA line arrays installed by Clair Brothers Audio Systems.

BC Place, which reopened on September 30, 2011, is home of the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer, and has hosted year-round major events including the 2010 Winter Olympics. When owners B.C. Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), decided to renovate BC Place, they knew they had to think big. Indeed, BC Place has been modernized inside and out–including a massive JBL VLA Series loudspeaker system comprising no less than 160 JBL VLA601-WRC 3-way line array loudspeakers, making this the largest VLA installation to date.

“We needed loudspeakers that could provide a lot of output and could cover that large space,” noted Jim Devenney, Senior Engineer, Clair Brothers. “The problem with the older sound system was that the stadium sounded like a cave, which would have become a much bigger problem after adding millions of cubic feet to the building!”

Clair Brothers chose the VLA601-WRC loudspeakers, which employ three 2431H 1.5-inch exit/3-inch diaphragm high-frequency horn-loaded compression drivers with a 60-degree horizontal coverage pattern, two CMCD-82H 8-inch-cone midrange compression drivers and two 2226H 15-inch woofers loaded into JBL’s WRC weatherized enclosures. Derived from JBL’s VERTEC® Series line array systems, VLA Series loudspeakers are designed to provide high-SPL sound at throw distances beyond the reach of traditional loudspeaker designs and offer a choice of 30, 60 and 90-degree horizontal horn coverage patterns.

“We use the VLA Series line arrays in a lot of stadium and arena projects because of the defined coverage they provide, and because good articulation is important in spaces like this,” Devenney said.

Installing the speakers was a challenge, according to Devenney. “We deployed 12 clusters of 11 speakers each, arranged in an oval ring to cover the seating areas, along with 28 VLA601-WRC’s under the scoreboard to cover the field,” he said. “In addition, we placed two JBL PD Series loudspeakers to fill the area underneath the scoreboard.”

BC Place previously had an inflatable dome roof, with the audio and lighting equipment hung from the roof. The new retractable roof has an open space in the middle, and all of the JBL VLA601-WRC clusters hang off winches. “We had to work closely with all the other parties involved in the renovation to coordinate the installation,” Devenney said. “We had very little time to hang the clusters because they were putting down the artificial turf at the same time. We actually built the clusters outside of the stadium and brought them in on a truck to set them up quickly.”

Despite the challenges involved, the project was completed on time and the system provides the requisite combination of power and smooth coverage. “In the end we came up with an elegant and effective solution to match the expectations of audiences that visit this impressive facility,” Devenney concluded.

For more information on Clair Brothers please visit www.clairsystems.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Sound Image and HARMAN’s JBL Loudspeakers Revitalize Sound at Historic San Diego Civic Theatre

NORTHRIDGE, California – Sound Image, one of the world’s largest and most experienced sound design engineering companies, recently completed a sound system renovation at the San Diego Civic Theatre, which in its 45-year history, has hosted some of the world’s greatest talents, shows and musicals. HARMAN’s JBL loudspeakers, along with Crown amplifiers and BSS processors, are part of the major retrofit at the city-owned, 2,967-seat performance venue.

The new audio system, designed by WRL Sound Consultants, features two JBL PD5322/95 full-range loudspeakers and four JBL PD5322/64 full-range loudspeakers comprising the center cluster, supplemented by four JBL ASB6128 subwoofers. An additional four JBL PD5212/95 loudspeakers serve as delay fills for loge and balcony coverage.

“There was an outdated system in the Civic Theatre before we came in,” said Sound Image Project Manager, Mike Martin. “As far as retrofits go, it’s always a challenge to install modern equipment with the existing structure, especially with the last update occurring more than 30 years ago. Projects like this are always a great test of an installer’s mettle.”

To swap out the older system for the new one, an intricate pulley system was used to bring each piece down and their replacements up, with care to avoid disturbing the fragile space. The pulley system was originally installed during the 1990’s to set up the previous loudspeaker system.

“The new JBL loudspeaker system offers a completely improved level of sound quality,” Martin continued. “This cutting-edge performance space required top-notch equipment to support the dramatic vocal and musical performances, and we were able to deliver that with JBL.”

For more information on Sound Image, please visit www.sound-image.com.
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

HARMAN’s DigiTech Now Shipping Guitar and Bass Combo Amplifiers

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – HARMAN’s DigiTech today began shipping its Guitar and Bass 15-watt combo amplifiers. Combining DigiTech’s sound quality and tonal flexibility, the DigiTech amplifier lineup includes a two-channel combo amp, with reverb and a combo bass amp all equipped with eight-inch speakers.

“DigiTech has the unique advantage of decades of experience in creating many of the world’s most recognizable sounds, effects pedals and products. These light-weight compact amps are perfect for in-home rehearsal, yet powerful enough to bring onto the stage.” stated, Rob Urry, VP HARMAN Professional Division and G.M. of Signal Processing and Amplifier Business Units.

DigiTech’s DG15R, DG15 and DB15 combo amps offer an outstanding combination of lightweight, easy portability and superb sound, from rich clean tones to roaring distortion and everything in between. The DG15R and DG15 include Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle and Bass controls and a Clean/Overdrive switch, and the DB15 bass amp offers Volume, Treble, Middle and Bass, making it easy for players to create their favorite sounds. The DG15R also features a Spring Reverb that adds lush, ambient reverb. All models also feature a 1/4” stereo headphone output for private listening.

The DG15 and DG15R also feature an open back cabinet design with the DB15 utilizing a fully enclosed cabinet.

Pricing for the DigiTech combo amplifiers are as follows:

DG15R 15 Watt, 2-channel combo guitar amp with reverb (8-inch speaker, MAP: $99.95)

DG15: 15 Watt, 2-channel combo guitar amp (8-inch speaker, MAP: $79.95)

DB15: 15 Watt combo bass amp (8-inch speaker, MAP: $89.95)

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Mahajak Equips New Zhulian Auditorium With HARMAN Audio Components

NONTABURI, Thailand – Consumer goods giant Zhulian (Thailand) Ltd. has developed a 2-storey mega-auditorium building on its premises in Nontaburi Province, adjacent to the regional office building. Center Stage Company, a subsidiary of Mahajak Development Co., the Bangkok-based HARMAN Professional distributor, provided audio system design, consultancy, equipment supply and installation services, centered on an integrated HARMAN audio solution.

With a capacity of 7,000 people, the technical infrastructure of the Royal Grand Ballroom, as it is known, needed to deliver high-quality music and speech reinforcement in a number of applications; these range from sales representative meetings, product presentations and themed entertainment.

Center Stage Company’s provided a JBL VERTEC® line array system, powered by Crown amplifiers, under the system management of BSS Audio and dbx digital signal processing. However, the integrators had to face a number of challenges along the way, due to the unusual dimensions of the room and difficulty of line array fixing points, the restricted control room size and necessity to add acoustic conditioning to the building. By working closely with the client, these issues were systematically resolved.

“We made every effort to set out our requirements and the client agreed to acoustically treat the building,” confirmed the system design engineering team of Nungrutai Sangsawang and Jirayu Nunium, for product information support from Mahajak Development. “As a result we have been able to provide a top-quality sound system with even dispersion to every seat in the house.”

The main auditorium PA rig features left and right hangs of 12 VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements per side, with eight JBL ASB6128 subwoofers, recessed and arrayed under the stage. To carry the sound down the auditorium, Center Stage Company installed a further four JBL AC28/95 compact 2-way speakers under the balcony.

Back onstage, the performers can use up to six SRX712M floor monitors, while out in the foyer a pair of JBL VRX932LA Constant Curvature loudspeakers have been deployed.

The entire system is powered by Crown amplification. While 24 MA5000i modules drive the main system and four MA12000i the subs, XTi 1000’s power other elements of the auditorium sound (including floor monitors) and CDi 4000 and CDi 1000 are assigned to other peripherals, including the Entrance Hall speakers.

Sound management has been placed in a BSS Audio Soundweb London environment, with a BLU-160 configured 8-in/8-out. The system is optimized via a pair of BSS Audio FDS-366T OMNIDRIVE COMPACT Plus loudspeaker management processors, with zone processing under the command of a dbx ZonePRO 640 Digital Zone Processor.

Keeping faith with other brands in the HARMAN portfolio, Center Stage Company installed a 32-channel compact Soundcraft Si1 console for main FOH auditorium mixing and EFX12 as a sub mixer support, for presenters bringing their own source players.

The full scope of the contract included providing AV integration and interior LED not only for the auditorium, but also the other peripheral areas.

From an audio perspective, the installers’ solution was to specify JBL Control 24’s in the Executive Area, Shop and Corridor, Control 26’s in the Diamond Club, Control 28’s in the Foyer, Control CRV‘s in the Canteen and CBT 70J’s in the Main Entrance.

Summing up, Ms Nungrutai said, “The client is very satisfied with our system design and quality of sound equipment, as well as our recommended improvements to the acoustics.”

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

The HARMAN DigiTech® Vocalist Live5 and HardWire HT-6 Polyphonic Tuner Are Essential Tools for Hawthorne Heights’ JT Woodruff

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Hawthorne Heights is a band that’s hard to pin down – while most bands stick to a tried and true formula, Hawthorne Heights has achieved worldwide popularity by mixing elements of rock, pop, emo, alternative, post-hardcore and more into a sound all their own. The band tours constantly, and lead vocalist and guitarist JT Woodruff uses the DigiTech Vocalist Live5 and Hardwire HT-6 Polyphonic Tuner as essential live performance tools during those long months on the road.

“We don’t usually travel with a sound engineer – we like to do everything ourselves,” notes Woodruff. “We are happy knowing how to get our own sounds, and knowing what we want. For that reason the Vocalist Live5 is one of my favorite on-stage pedals right now because I can control my onstage vocal monitor volume independently of everything else in the PA. If the vocals coming out of the monitors aren’t the best, I can always crank up the gain on the Live5 and get a great sound. It’s almost too easy.”

In the past 36 days, Woodruff has had a total of three days off from touring. “The Live5 helps if I’m feeling a bit weak one night. It gives me more volume in the monitor to hear over the drums or the guitar. It also warms up my voice with its reverbs and delays, and sometimes even experimenting with distortion a little. It has plenty of control over the effects without being overly complicated, and on a bad PA night it’s a godsend.”

The HardWire HT-6 Polyphonic Tuner also makes Woodruff’s life easier onstage. “I don’t use a lot of different guitars for alternate tunings. I’d rather re-tune the guitar I’m playing. When I want to drop a note, the HT-6 locks in fast and lets me make adjustments very quickly.”

“As the lead singer you don’t have any down time during a set.” Woodruff points out. “Anyone can tune a guitar between songs, but the HT-6 lets me make adjustments while I’m playing! When I’m singing and I notice my guitar is flat, it can throw my singing off, but now that I have the HT-6, it changes everything and lets me keep playing in tune all through the show.”

Dependable performance is something Woodruff relies on from DigiTech. “I like the playability, durability and reliability of DigiTech pedals. Knowing that your gear won’t fail onstage helps reduce your stress. I’m supposed to be having fun and I don’t even want to think about the possibility of a pedal breaking.”

As a creative artist, Woodruff is always looking for new gear to inspire new sounds and musical ideas. “DigiTech always keeps us updated about new products we might be interested in, and they’re very supportive of us and other bands. In fact, I can’t wait to get my hands on the new iPB-10 programmable pedalboard with the iPad® dock. I take my iPad with me wherever I go. It has my lyrics, my e-mail and basically my life on it! Being able to have all my onstage sounds on my iPad and the iPB-10 and integrate them into my onstage guitar rig is something I’m really looking forward to.”

JT Woodruff and Hawthorne Heights pride themselves on being able to reproduce the sound of their studio albums in live performance. “It is one thing to use a bunch of guitar tones in the studio, but if you can’t replicate your sounds live, you will lose your audience. The DigiTech Live5, HT-6 and other pedals help us re-create the sound of our records when playing live – and on top of that we always push ourselves to be even better live than on our studio recordings.”

“One of the best things about DigiTech for any performer is that they are constantly pushing the limits and advancing their products. I always look forward to experimenting and seeing what I can do with a new DigiTech pedal, to see if it can help me create a new song or make an old song better.”

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

HARMAN Components Provide Appetizing Sound for Mastro’s Ocean Club Restaurant In Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Mastro’s Restaurants aspire to create the finest dining experience for their guests, in top-rated steakhouses and seafood restaurants located in Arizona, California, Illinois and Nevada. Recently, Mastro’s Ocean Club opened at City Center in Las Vegas, offering patrons a superlative selection of dishes in a choice of elegant settings, including an architecturally striking “tree house” that is suspended in the middle of the City Center mall.

To accommodate the restaurant’s multifaceted personality—and acoustic environments—Mastro’s multi-zone audio system includes a selection of HARMAN’s JBL Control® Contractor Series loudspeakers, Crown Audio amplifiers, dbx ZonePRO digital zone processors and AKG microphones and accessories. Automated Environments, electronic systems integrators based in Mesa, Arizona, designed and installed the system.

“Even by Las Vegas standards, Mastro’s presented some unique challenges,” said Mike Thompson, sales consultant of Automated Environments. “We had to coordinate with the electrician to run all the wiring which was daunting, especially with the tree house being located right in the middle of the multi-story mall. In addition, we absolutely could not intrude upon the stunning appearance of the tree house’s curved wood ‘branches’ in any way.”

“We used 11 JBL Control 226C/T in-ceiling loudspeakers for the bar ceiling area, 20 Control 26CT in-ceiling speakers and three Control 40CS/T in-ceiling subwoofers in the upstairs dining room and 12 Control 42C in-ceiling speakers in the private dining area,” Thompson noted. “We went with in-ceiling speakers all-around for these applications because they had to be invisible, but we wanted great sound quality and even coverage.

“The speakers’ coaxial designs, integral enclosures and broadband pattern control enabled us to achieve clear, evenly distributed sound in all listening areas without being too overpowering. The Control 40CS/T in-ceiling subwoofers work particularly well—they’re designed to blend sonically with the other JBL speakers and the fact that they can be mounted in the ceiling really saves installation space while keeping them hidden.” Five Crown CTs Series CTs 4200 amplifiers power the speakers.

Mastro’s multiple acoustic environments mandated the use of sophisticated multi-zone control, accomplished by a dbx ZonePRO 1261 12 x 6 processor, a ZonePRO 641 6 x 4 processor, eight dbx ZC-3 source selectors and seven dbx ZC-1 volume controls. “With a setup like this, we have precise control of all the volumes in every area of the restaurant, along with comprehensive routing for all audio sources.”

Three AKG WMS450 Presenter wireless microphone systems are on hand for when employees need to communicate via the house audio system, along with an AKG PS 4000 W mic power station, two RA 4000 B/W mic antennas and two AB 4000 antenna boosters.

For more information about Automated Environments, please contact www.aearizona.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

HARMAN’s JBL EON210P Portable Loudspeaker System Helps Deliver The Music Of Jessica Sokolove

NORTHRIDGE, California – Taking advantage of the innovative design of HARMAN’s JBL EON210P portable PA system, singer/songwriter Jessica Sokolove relies on its portability and audio quality to share her unique musical vision.

Sokolove, best known for performing throughout LA's indie club and coffeehouse circuit, hosting a popular web series on the Stickam Network, and opening for the likes of Kathryn McPhee and Sheryl Crow, has fallen in love with JBL's EON210P. "Everyone knows that JBL EONs are great sounding speakers, but the design of the 210P has completely mobilized my music career," says Sokolove, who takes the EON210P system with her wherever she performs. Since the system is so light and small Jessica can load it and out of the trunk of her small Mini Cooper.

“Brilliant design with stellar sound," said Sokolove. "The EON210P affords me incredibly quick setups and breakdowns and grants me total control of my mix through the cool powered mixer which snaps on to the back of the speaker. And, on the back of the other speaker, is a snap-off storage unit for my mic and cables. The best part is that I can power the EON210P with an AC adapter through the cigarette lighter in my car and play on the top of a mountain…and I do!"

While Sokolove admits she used to shy away from mixing boards, the EON210P’s built-in mixer is so easy to operate that it allows her the autonomy to perform virtually anywhere. On simplicity, she stated, "I’m not a sound guy but I do need to sound great when I hop from venue to venue. This system sounds great anywhere – even when I’m at home playing my iPod through it!”

Whether in a nightclub or an open-air venue, Sokolove has found the perfect audio system and travel partner in the EON210P. "All I have to do is show up with the twins [Sokolove lovingly refers to the EON210P’s as "The Twins”], plug in and sound great," she said.

Sokolove, a Maryland native, migrated west to pursue her music dreams. Now a Los Angeles resident, she is currently finishing her debut album soon to be released. In the studio, with legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, alongside famed producer Lee Curreri, Jessica pours out diverse melodies combining indie rock with hints of jazz in an eclectic collection that has been many years in the making. The first single "Nothing Can Go Wrong," a free download available on her website, is featured on the JBL Pro promo video for the EON210P Portable Audio System starring Sokolove performing on camera. Jessica is widely recognized by the Stickam Network's eight million subscribers as an artist, a live music host, and the moderator for La Toya Jackson's "Live and Uncensored" webcasts. Sokolove has sung for Koffeehouse Music events starring Katherine McPhee and Tyler Hilton and recently opened for Sheryl Crow at William Shatner's Charity Horse Show Benefit. For more information on Jessica Sokolove, please visit: http://www.jessicasokolove.com

To view the JBL Pro/Jessica Sokolove promo videos, please visit http://www.youtube.com/jessicasokolove

For more information the JBL EON210P, please visit www.jblpro.com/EON210P

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Kenny Mixx Making History With HARMAN’s JBL LSR Studio Monitors at Patchwerk Recording Studios

NORTHRIDGE, California – “I don’t just want to make hit records. I want to make history. And there’s a big difference.” These are the words of Kenny “Mixx” Daniels, chief mastering engineer at Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. In recent months, some of the most prominent names in the hip-hop world have called on Kenny to master chart-topping hits. In his mastering room, Kenny relies on HARMAN’s JBL LSR6328P studio monitors with the LSR6312SP powered subwoofer.

“The LSR’s are my go-to monitors, I’ve been using them since I first found out about them,” Kenny said. “They let me hear the detail that I need and have helped make 2011 a very successful year.”

As a mastering engineer, Kenny’s commitment to the sonic detail of the record takes priority over all other concerns. “My approach in mastering a record is totally different than what you’re looking for in the tracking and mixing process,” he said. “I’m looking for time alignment and space as opposed to just volume. I’m looking for detail. I’m looking to provide the quality in a track that will enable it to last over time, with no distorted bass, extreme highs or those types of problems.”

Some of Kenny’s recent mastering projects include Nappy Dot Org by Nappy Roots, Amazin by Trina, T.I.’s new single “I’m Flexin’” and a project with hip-hop star Nelly.

“The Nappy Roots album stood out because so much of it was recorded with live instruments,” Kenny said. “So from my perspective, it was important to make sure that live, natural sound translated to the finished product. The JBL LSR6300 studio monitors helped me create a nice, big, ‘3D’ image that gave that real feel to the recordings.”

“The T.I. project went really well,” Kenny noted. “Elliott Carter recorded the vocals and Ray Seay mixed the track. They’re particular about sound quality and listening to the JBL’s they knew right off the bat, what sound they wanted.”

For more information on Patchwerk Studios, please visit www.patchwerk.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Calvary Spokane Sound System Upgrades to HARMAN’s Soundcraft Vi1 Console

SPOKANE, Washington - In an effort to remake the sound system at Calvary Spokane into something that could be easily managed by volunteers while maintaining outstanding quality, Darrell Smith of Kungpow Production replaced a massive analog console with HARMAN’s Soundcraft Vi1 digital console and Compact Stagebox. The Vi1 provides an intuitive mix surface, powerful routing and the ability to easily reconfigure custom fader banks for the operators and their associated worship team.

The campus of Calvary Spokane is located in northern Spokane, Washington. In a repurposed mall, the 2,500-seat sanctuary is flanked by a massive family center with a full kitchen and coffee bar, as well as youth and children's ministry rooms fully equipped to engage today's families. Calvary's aging 56-channel analog console presented a formidable challenge for training volunteers. For many years the church resorted to hiring professional engineers to operate the console on Sunday mornings.

Recently, a new generation of tech-savvy musicians have entered Calvary Spokane’s ministry internship program and are eager to engage the media ministry at Calvary. Kungpow Production was called in to design a system that would empower the musicians, who were taking turns leading the worship service, to mix for each other.

Kungpow Production integrated a Digigram Ethersound card into the Soundcraft Compact Stagebox networked to the central processing hub via an Avitran AVY-ES100. From there, Digigram ES network nodes provide multichannel audio feeds to and from the video production room and nearby family center. The Avitran AVY-ES100 also connects to a PC running ProTools at FOH via an ASIO over Ethernet connection as an affordable way to track and play back rehearsals and services via the Vi1’s second input on every input channel.

"After carefully considering a number of approaches, we decided on the Soundcraft Vi1 for two main reasons: number one, it sounds phenomenal and two, it’s so easy to train volunteers on this desk," Smith said. "We had them up and running after a couple hours of training. That's pretty remarkable considering how new they were to mixing sound."

Equipment was supplied by Bill Sage of Delicate Sales of Camarillo, California.

For more information about Kungpow Production, please visit: www.kungpowpro.com

For more information on Calvary Spokane, please visit www.calvaryspokane.com

For more information on Delicate Sales, please visit www.delicatesales.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Erykah Badu’s FOH Engineer Kenneth Williams Joins HARMAN’s Soundcraft for “Mixing With Professionals” Seminar in Miami

MIAMI, Florida – HARMAN’s Soundcraft today announced that audio engineer and production manager Kenneth H. Williams will appear at Soundcraft’s “Mixing With Professionals” seminar on December 6 in Miami. Kenneth H. Williams is the front of house engineer and production manager for Erykah Badu on her current world tour, and has worked with artists including Estelle, Raheem DeVaughn, Corbin Bleu, LL Cool J, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls and many others.

Williams is a longtime user of the Soundcraft Vi6™ digital console and will present two half-day seminars on how to get the most out of using the Vi6 for concert sound mixing, while offering advice about live sound mixing in general, and meeting the demands of being a being an audio engineer and production manager for some of the world’s top R & B, hip hop, rock and pop artists. The half-day seminars will take place at the Gibson Guitars Miami Showroom.

“We’re proud to have Kenneth H. Williams join our team for our upcoming ‘Mixing with Professionals’ sessions,” said Katy Templeman-Holmes of Soundcraft Studer. “Kenneth has received numerous accolades for the clarity and presence of his mixes and has proven himself time and again on the front line of working with some of the most successful artists in music history.”

The seminars will take place from 9:30 AM-1:30 PM for the early session and 2:00 PM-6:00 PM for the later session. The seminars are free, and attendees can sign up online at http://usa.soundcraft.com/mwp/events.aspx. The event is open to professionals wanting to learn more about the Soundcraft Vi Series digital consoles, those making the transition from analog to digital consoles, new engineers and others.

Gibson Guitars Miami Showroom is located at 2751 North Miami Avenue, Suite 2, Miami, FL 33127.

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Pick Of The Hits - Harman featured in The Music Trades, November 2011