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Harry McGee to Spearhead Operations at HARMAN’s Soundcraft, Studer and AKG

POTTERS BAR, United Kingdom — Experienced international production and operations executive Harry McGee has joined HARMAN’s Mixer, Microphones and Headphones business unit based in Potters Bar, UK.

McGee, who holds a BSc in Business and Management from the University of Maryland, started his career in the US Air Force heading up Operations and later moved on to US Defense Contract Management Command, as Group Operations Director, Northern Europe before taking on civilian roles running Operations for DeLaRue as General Manager, Dione Plc as Senior VP Operations and Vados Systems Ltd. as Chief Operating Officer.

During this time McGee gained his Six Sigma Green Belt and implemented LEAN and Continuous Improvement programmes in each of these previous positions. Passionate about quality and execution excellence, McGee said, “This is a great time to join HARMAN with such intense focus on production and quality across all the brands. I’m keen to bring many of the lessons learned from my military and civilian roles to bear on our business and to accelerate further still, the continuous improvements we have already made. Ours is a fascinating business spanning high-end custom, hand-built consoles, through to high-volume products, all of which must meet the highest quality standards and performance levels. I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

Andy Trott, Vice President and General Manager of the Mixer, Microphones and Headphones business added, “Harry is the ideal leader to take our operations function to the next level. We have so many new products to introduce over the coming months that we need to ensure we are able to increase capacity whilst not only maintaining our excellent quality levels, but more importantly, taking them to the next level.”

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.

TC Furlong Helps Parkview’s Christian Church Transition to Digital with HARMAN’s Soundcraft Vi6™ Console

ORLAND PARK, Illinois — In order to upgrade the Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Illinois, with a full digital sound system, TC Furlong, Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois, recently supplied the church with a HARMAN Soundcraft Vi6 digital console.

Jeff Cech, General Manager at TC Furlong, assisted the church in the research process and believed the Vi6 would provide an easy transition to a digital console. “The learning curve is easy, and one of the best options for the budget,” stated Cech.

Barry Luchene, Director of Audio at the church, confirmed, “I don’t have much experience with different brands, but the network of people I travel and work with love Soundcraft, and suggested I check them out. After extensive research and thought, I agreed with Cech that the Vi6 would fit our needs the best.”

The console is used at front-of-house in the worship center, which seats around 2,000 people, and is used for four services per weekend. The services feature a modern worship style, including a full band.

The Vi6 allows the church to send mixes to external systems and to record feeds for online and off-location viewers. “Ninety percent of the work day to day is consistent, using about 40 inputs between the band and speakers. We just needed a console that would be reliable and easy to use, especially for our volunteers that are operating it,” Luchene said. “I love the larger surface space and how you don’t need to scroll through many layers to change settings. Everything is accessible and extremely easy to use. The sound quality is excellent and our expectations have been met perfectly.”

The install of the Vi6 is part of a million-dollar project to renovate the entire Parkview Christian Church facility. “We moved the FOH mix position from the balcony to the main floor. This presented challenges that were fixed easily with the Soundcraft stage boxes. We would not have been able to run the system as previously set up with all the wires and connections,” Luchene explained. “The Vi6 has given us many options and we look forward to completing the full renovation. Overall, everyone who has used the console is extremely happy and able to pick it up with little experience.”

For more information on TC Furlong, please visit: http://www.tcfurlong.com/

For more information on the Parkview Church, please visit: http://parkviewchurch.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.

Advanced Communication Equipment Presents HARMAN Sound Solutions During CA001’s Bi-Annual Audio Training Course

GUANGZHOU, China – Invited to guest lecture at CA001’s bi-annual audio training course, Advanced Communication Equipment (ACE), the largest distributor of HARMAN Professional equipment in China, brought an arsenal of HARMAN gear to help train participants on the latest in sound management. Coming from all around China, participants traveled from Hangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Zhuhai, among other cities, to train and learn more about the advancements in digital audio, from theory to practical usage.

Focusing on mixing as the theory sessions took place, ACE introduced the physical structure and composition of HARMAN’s Soundcraft GB8 and MH2 analog mixers, explained the structure, function and development of Soundcraft’s Vi, Si and Si Compact digital audio mixers and explained, in great detail, the dynamics of processing equipment – EQ, filters, crossovers, noise gate, compressing, limiting expanding and levels – through BSS Audio BLU-160 digital processors.

For practical applications, participants were divided into five groups, all trained by an ACE technician with a Soundcraft Si Compact 24, BSS BLU-160 processor and AKG microphones. Audio was played through a CD player, which distributed the signal through the BLU-LINK network and an four additional processors to achieve full signal control.

During operation training courses, participants were introduced to the Si Compact’s digital mixing DSP processing functions, input and output interfaces, distribution and other machine characteristics and capabilities. With the analog mixer available in contrast, participants were able to pick up on the similarities and differences between digital and analog.

ACE also addressed concerns about the effects of interface wiring, offering in-depth explanations and hands-on demonstrations to enable participants to master basic operations.

Participants were thrilled with the event as there was a feeling of benefit and comfort surrounding the venue as the day progressed. Members of the CA001 are now fully capable of selecting the correct digital mixer for any small to midsize situation, how to distinguish between DSP processing and utilizing the Si Compact audio mixer in live sound situations. Enforcing the usability and simple-to-learn characteristics of the Si Compact, attendees were able to quickly learn the ins and outs of digital audio and are prepared to succeed in the live sound industry.

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.

Studio Berar Deploys HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays and Soundcraft Vi6™ Console for Belgrade Jazz Festival

BELGRADE, Serbia – The annual Belgrade Jazz Festival brings together some of the world's best jazz musicians, and this year’s season kicked off in the Great Hall of Belgrade's Sava Center, with a performance by legendary jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny. Once again with the 27th edition, sound and lighting specialists Studio Berar were entrusted with providing full technical support and they turned to HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® VT4888 midsize line array elements and a Soundcraft Vi6 digital FOH console as their main sound reinforcement components.

With ovations greeting each one of Metheny’s classic tracks, the two VERTEC hangs (10 elements per side) also provided crystal clear sound reinforcement for performances by other legends such as Charles Lloyd and Joachim Kühn, Bollanija Stefano, Marc Ribot, Cristina Branco and Elliot Sharp, as well as rising stars such as Tigran Hamasyan and Anat Fort.

Studio Berar, the HARMAN Professional distributors for Serbia, were contracted by production company and festival organizers, Dom Omladine Beograda, a long-standing business partner, for whom they have provided HARMAN solutions on many occasions in the past. With Momcilo Berar and Emil Berar managing for the supply company, the JBL system—complete with ground-stacked VT4880 fullsize arrayable subwoofers and JBL VRX932LA Constant Curvature loudspeakers—was optimized for 3,700 seats. The entire system was powered by a combination of Crown I-Tech IT4000 and IT8000 amplifiers.

With Studio Berar sound technician Ivan Paplacko at front-of-house, the Soundcraft Vi6, with Vistonics™ II interface, was set up with a generic ‘house patch’, which the individual technicians were able to personalize. The company’s marketing manager, Lazar Josanov, explained that, “Ivan was able to provide a very simple introduction to visiting sound engineers, although most were already familiar with the platform. The Vi6 was the perfect selection for a multi-act show—largely because of its simplicity of use, combined with the Vistonics interface. This allowed the technicians to have all the data right before their eyes [and at their fingertips], with simple logical shortcuts.”

He concluded by saying that everyone—from the visiting engineers to the production company—had expressed their satisfaction with the knowledge, experience and professionalism demonstrated by the Studio Berar team.
Finally, this year's festival was dedicated to Serbian artist, Dusko Gojkovic, in recognition of one of the country’s most successful jazz artists, who was celebrating his 80th birthday.

Photo Caption: Studio Berar provided JBL VERTEC line arrays and a Soundcraft Vi6 console for the annual Belgrade Jazz Festival in Serbia.

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.

Advanced Audio Video Technologies Adds HARMAN’s JBL Loudspeakers to Bible Baptist Church Gymnasium

NORTHRIDGE, California – Providing pristine sound to the brand-new gymnasium that serves as a multi-purpose space at the Bible Baptist Church in DeQuincy, Louisiana, systems integrator Advanced Audio Video Technologies recently installed an audio system featuring HARMAN’s JBL VP Series loudspeakers. The Church was looking for concert-quality sound within the gymnasium, which hosts sporting events as well as concerts and community functions, and for top-level audio in its surrounding classrooms.

The 75-year-old Bible Baptist Church began renovations in 2007 and now contains a main sanctuary, multiple classrooms, a workout room and an upstairs café, which overlooks the new state-of-the-art gymnasium.

For sound, Advanced Audio Video Technologies installed a combination of three JBL VPSB7118DP-CN, two VP7212/64DP-CN, and one VP7315/64DP-CN powered loudspeakers in the gymnasium. Four JBL MRX512M loudspeakers were added for stage monitors. Two Crown XTi 1000 amplifiers power the stage monitors.

To provide sound in the new classrooms, seven pairs of JBL Control 2PS stereo speakers are used for AV presentations and lessons.

“The JBL VP series loudspeakers were chosen because they are self-powered, and provided an easy-to-install solution while providing great coverage,” stated Ethan Miller, Owner of Advanced Audio Video Technologies. “Early on in the design phase, it was requested that the audio system take up as little space as possible. Considering the price range and how much a non-powered speaker would be with the addition of amplifiers and cables, it just made sense. It also allowed everything to be hung, out of the way so it did not take up any space.”

Miller continued, “With the ability to use a digital snake with one CAT5 cable, it made the whole system digital and allowed for multiple inputs in different ways. The ability of the VP series and included DSP settings to set delays, limiters and crossovers the way the church wanted was a big selling point. We programmed the system and locked it so they would not have any issues.”

A variety of members with little to no audio background use the sound system on a daily basis for music, video, and learning. “Everything connects well to the audio system in the gym and nobody has any problems using it for their own needs,” said Miller. “It’s great to see everybody excited to use the system in different ways, and to expand the learning and involvement that is taking place at the church.”

The installation went smoothly according to Miller, due in large part to the system being approached from a design aspect instead of merely sales. “We understood the needs of the Church and were able to communicate with the customer to ensure that the system would be perfect for the Church,” Miller said. “HARMAN is easy to deal with and they have excellent support, and we only sell products that we trust with good support. The Church hired us with a clean slate and no requirements except to provide high-quality audio. With all the support of JBL and the Church I believe we accomplished the goal.”

For more information on Advanced Audio Video Technologies, please visit: http://www.advancedav.biz/main.htm

For more information on the Bible Baptist Church, please visit: http://www.bbcdq.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.

Pick Of The Hits - JBL in Pro Sound News Europe, December 2011

Mt. San Antonio College Prepares For Full HARMAN Upgrade With Addition of Soundcraft Vi1™ Consoles

WALNUT, California — Mt. San Antonio College, located in the city of Walnut, California, needed a console that could satisfy all of its audio needs around campus. In order to do so, Chris Rodriguez, Head Audio Engineer at the College, advised the school to purchase a pair of HARMAN’s Soundcraft Vi1 consoles and large stage boxes for respective uses in broadcast mixing and in the new Design Technology building, which is home to a 400-seat theater.

The first console, purchased for permanent use within the broadcast truck located on campus, is ideal for broadcast mixing and with the optical MADI card, can be synced in order to do splits with the other Vi1 console. The second console, housed in the new theater, is used for many of the performances in the theater, arts, music, and dance departments, along with graduations both on and off campus.

“I am aware that Studer is the broadcasting standard, however, with that being out of our price range, I looked for the next best thing,” stated Rodriguez. “The ‘bang for the buck’ was perfect with the Vi1. The console easily supports MADI, which is huge because it allows us to do everything using fiber, and connect the consoles. Other consoles I’ve seen in this price range do not have an easy solution for this.”

Sound quality also led Rodriguez to the Vi1. ”The first time I heard the console, I liked the way it sounded,” he said. “To sound as good as it does at that price is simply amazing. It responds well and works well with the large stage boxes, and all the functions are smooth and easy to manage. I can’t get everything I need while fitting in the budget with any other machine.”

The Soundcraft Vi1 consoles are the first step in what Rodriguez hopes will become a major upgrade to all HARMAN products for the College. “We hope to get everything together in order to integrate the system with HiQnet System Architect™. It will be a major upgrade to our whole system and we look forward to that in the future,” Rodriguez explained.

While using the consoles, especially in an education atmosphere where there are constantly events and performances taking place, Rodriguez explained how nice the digital aspect of the console helps on a day-to-day basis. “The ISO feature is also extremely helpful as it loads every time with the certain aspects pre-routed, always the same way. Whoever is using the system doesn’t have to worry about patching even when loading a new show, which is nice to know that it’s always ready to go.”

“I am extremely excited to explore all the options that are now available with both the Vi1 consoles. It is a small step in a long process of a complete upgrade which will help to benefit all departments of the college,” Rodriguez summed up.

For more information on Mt. San Antonio College, please visit: http://www.mtsac.edu/

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.

Frutigen Free Church Upgrades With HARMAN’s Soundcraft Vi1™

FRUTIGEN, Switzerland – The FMG ‘Ekklesia Movement’ free church in Frutigen, Switzerland has updated its technical infrastructure with the purchase of a Soundcraft Vi1 digital desk.

With a strong emphasis on youth work, the church is no stranger to Soundcraft’s signature sound and design ergonomic, as head technician Micha Grimm explains.

“In the year 2000, we bought some new equipment, largely for modern youth services, including a Soundcraft Ghost 32,” he said. “I purchased this because having worked with a Ghost as sound engineer on different youth choir tours, I was completely satisfied with the EQ’s and the possibilities offered by the Mix B input path.”

More than a decade later, it was time for an upgrade. After contacting Soundcraft’s Swiss distributor, Dr. W.A. Günther, they were persuaded that the time was right to step into the digital age. But first they wanted to evaluate a number of different market-leading brands, including Soundcraft’s new Si1 and Si Compact 32 platforms (alongside the Vi1).

After considering several key factors such as size, usability, price and flexibility, they constructed a short list and arranged an assessment day with all their engineers present.

“There were merits in all three desks that we reviewed,” admitted Grimm, “but all our engineers were excited by the easy way of working on Soundcraft’s Vistonics™ surface. Even our most critical analogue technicians were happy with the Vi1. There was never an instance in which anyone was unclear about the actual layer or function of the desk and almost every function could be carried out without reading a manual. After just an explanation of the overall concept, everybody was pushing to get on it.”

By the evening they had reached a unanimous decision. “It was the surface and Vistonics interface—along with the Soundcraft FaderGlow™ concept [which illuminates the fader slots, according to function, with clearly-defined colours]—that won it for us,” said Grimm.

Grimm added that technical issues were also taken into consideration. “We have read comments in many trade magazines and on forums about the quality of the sound, which enhanced our preference for the Vi1.” But the main attribute was the analogue way of working since their sound engineers, in most cases, are non-professional.

The activity takes place in two halls—the larger, used for special events, generally accommodating between 700-1000 people, and the smaller regularly packing in 500. Every second weekend, the volunteer mixing engineers take charge of a major event in the larger hall, integrating service, worship and concerts with popular bands. “Confronted with this, the last thing they needed was a super-complicated desk,” said Grimm.

Supplied by local Frutigen-based dealer, tonwerkstatt GmbH the Vi1 was installed on a Saturday and immediately went ‘live’ with it for the Sunday morning church service.

“It was a complete success,” Grimm reported. “A quick soundcheck, a perfect and smooth mixing job during the service – and people were coming up to me with a glow in their eyes, asking, “What have you done with the sound? It was outstanding!”

And all this without the technicians at FMG Frutigen opening the handbook!

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 Soundcraft Releases “The Soundcraft Guide to Mixing” App for iPad

POTTERS BAR, United Kingdom – HARMAN’s Soundcraft today announced that it is releasing its popular tutorial, “The Soundcraft Guide to Mixing,” as an iPad app. Derived from the popular “Guide to Mixing” booklet. The booklet provides an introduction and explanation about what an audio mixer is, what its functions are, and the basics of setting up and using a PA system.

“Since its introduction, ‘The Soundcraft Guide to Mixing’ has become a popular reference for learning about what a mixer does and how to use it, and there are more than a million copies in use worldwide,” said Keith Watson, Marketing Director, HARMAN Mixing Group. “From its original booklet form it has evolved to become available as a web page, as a downloadable PDF, on DVD and online video formats. Making this industry-standard reference available on the iPad was the inevitable next step.”

“The Soundcraft Guide to Mixing” is tailor-made for the iPad. It uses the same now-classic video clips that have drawn more than 350,000 views on YouTube alone. The Guide takes users through all aspects of setting up and using an audio mixer including: explaining the various controls and functions, connecting microphones, instruments and outboard effects, basic and advanced mixing techniques, using mixers for live sound and for studio recording, and many additional topics.

The full version of “The Soundcraft Guide to Mixing” is available for $2.99 from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundcraft-guide-to-mixing/id481298869?mt=8 or search iTunes for “Soundcraft.” A lite version will soon be available free of charge that contains one full chapter and excerpts from the other chapters.

“’The Soundcraft Guide to Mixing’ has become an invaluable educational tool for students, small bands, musicians, novice sound engineers and people who are starting their careers in pro audio,” Watson said. “The iPad is the perfect portable and interactive format for the Guide.”

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.

Gabriel The Gun and HARMAN’s JBL EON515XT Portable PA Loudspeakers Communicate Life Through Music

NORTHRIDGE, California – For some, music is an escape from reality. For others, it provides a road back to reality. For Gabriel The Gun, it’s been both. Co-founder of the ska-pop band No Doubt with star Gwen Stefani, Gabriel has been through his share of adventures. To tell his story, Gabriel relies on HARMAN’s JBL EON515XT portable PA loudspeakers while traveling to Los Angeles school districts with the hopes of steering students from the dangers of a lifestyle he was lucky to survive.

”We started touring with No Doubt in 1986 and I got into substance abuse in a big way,” Gabriel said. “It wasn’t until I was flat on my back in an ICU hooked up to all types of monitors and machines, that I knew I had to change my life. I thought of my own kids and how my actions reflected on them and vowed to get clean. I took a 3-year sabbatical and straightened out my life. At that point I started to think of young musicians and how I could turn my mistakes into their success. I knew my destiny was to make a change in the world—maybe just one kid at a time.”

Eventually, Gabriel founded a 10-piece reggae/ska band with a jazz and soul influence called the BackBeat Brawlers. Gabriel said, “I believe that music heals and my epiphany was to serve society as an artist. And let's face it, we as humans are challenged daily by a multitude of bad situations and music helps people through hard times. The BackBeat Brawlers perform at inner city schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. We play for the kids and then we get down to the business of the truth. At most clinics, artists discuss music theory, what scale to play within certain chords, but we talk about life on the road. And while we discuss substance abuse and the pitfalls of the addicted lifestyle, our main focus of discussion is on all the great things that music and the arts provide.”

Gabriel explained the need to have an audio system that is self-reliant and easy to travel with. “When looking for speakers that would fit our needs, I went right to JBL knowing their reputation for being the best,” he said. “The message we want to convey is one of positivity, creativity and the soul-enriching power of music. We needed speakers that were equal in sound to the strength of that message. The choice was a no-brainer. The logistics behind traveling with a 10-piece band are difficult, and the JBL EON515XT speakers make our new road life less complicated. They’re awesome sounding, easy to transport and the setup is a breeze.”

”I’m so excited by the change that we have created in schools and communities,” Gabriel concluded. “If we can inspire even one child’s dreams or goals, then we know we have done our job. It’s such a rewarding experience.”

For more information on Gabriel The Gun and BackBeat Brawlers, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BackBeat-Brawlers/136879976352802 and http://www.backbeatbrawlers.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 Professional Appoints Nick Owen As Senior Director of Worldwide Sales, Signal Processing Business Unit

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – HARMAN Professional today announced the appointment of Nick Owen as Senior Director, Worldwide Sales for the HARMAN Professional Signal Processing Business Unit. Owen will be responsible for global brand strategies throughout the company’s regional sales offices and driving sales globally for the dbx, Lexicon, BSS and DigiTech brands. Owen is based in HARMAN’s Sandy, Utah facility and reports to Rob Urry, HARMAN Professional Vice President and GM, of Signal Processing and Amplifier Business Units.

“HARMAN’s aggressive growth strategy worldwide, especially in emerging markets, is built on a qualified sales network who can meet the unique needs and challenges of our clients in their respective countries,” stated Urry. “Nick’s deep understanding of the markets we serve and strong established relationships with dealers and customers makes him the perfect fit for this role.”

Owen joined HARMAN in 2002 as Director of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East for Crown Amplifiers and most recently held the position of Vice President, Sales For HARMAN Professional in North America for AKG, Soundcraft and Studer. Prior to joining HARMAN Owen was Commercial Managing Director for Soundscape Digital Technology, a company he co-founded which manufacturers hard disc recording and editing systems and related I/O products.

Commenting on his appointment, Owen stated, “I’m exited to lead the worldwide sales team during a period of strong growth for HARMAN. We will continue to provide our customers with the most innovative products combined with the highest level of support and service to meet the specific challenges they face in their specific markets.”

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.

KM Productions Upgrades Inventory With HARMAN’s Soundcraft Vi1™ Consoles

ALBERTSON, New York — In order to fulfill the demands of a variety of events, Kevin Mignone, President of Albertson, New York-based KM Productions, recently purchased two HARMAN Soundcraft Vi1 consoles. Mignone felt it was necessary to upgrade to more reliable, cost-effective consoles that could provide greater flexibility for his clients, which includes Vali, a high-end event band.

Vali, an exclusive performance band that typically plays at large wedding events weekly, including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding in July 2011, relies on KM Productions to provide its audio systems, and front-of-house and monitor mixing.

After using a demo model of the Vi1, Mignone was pleased with the results and purchased two consoles in order to allow one console to permanently travel with Vali.

“In venues of all sizes, it is great to have the flexibility and the option to do anything. Even lighting companies can integrate with the console easily,” explained Mignone. “There is so much capability in such a small package; it definitely is one of the more loaded consoles for the price point without sacrificing any features. The Vi1 has everything that we need and more, allowing us to be as flexible and reliable as possible.”

Some of the challenges when servicing high-end events such as weddings include providing the proper sound while being hidden from guests and viewers. It is extremely important that the technology be as discreet as possible. “The footprint is so convenient and is small enough that it can be used in a closet to be kept out of the way,” Mignone said.

“Overall the user interface is excellent,” Mignone continued. “Some venues can be unpredictable, and the Vi1 allows so much more instantaneous flexibility to do whatever is required to get the job done. It’s great that any engineer can pick it up so easily and be ready to go. Our purchase of the second desk not even a month after the first one goes to show how much we rely on it.”

For more information on KM Productions, please visit: http://www.km-productions.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.

Guitar Tech Geno Bishop Introduces Queensryche To HARMAN’s AKG WMS 4500 Wireless Microphone System

VIENNA, Austria – With decades of experience as a guitar tech, working with notable acts such as Prince, Timbaland and Edwin McCain, Geno Bishop has upgraded the progressive heavy metal sounds of Queensryche with HARMAN’s AKG WMS 4500 wireless microphone system. Working with the band’s lead guitarist Michael Wilton, Bishop integrated AKG’s wireless solution into the band’s equipment rack after numerous technical issues stemming from previous transmitters.

Utilizing two stand-alone WMS 4500 units for Queensryche shows, Bishop keeps the wireless channels busy by assigning one channel for the main feed, one for a backup, one open with a cable and one dead – always ready for anything a performance or venue throws at him.

“When we started having issues with our previous wireless system, we knew we could do better and the AKG WMS 4500 is proof,” said Bishop. “It’s a great piece of technology – perfect for guitar and vocals – and I can’t imaging using any other transmitter/receiver system after the success we’ve seen from the WMS 4500.”

Wilton and Bishop have taken the WMS 4500 all around the world, from Japan and Australia, to Russia and the Middle East and both continue to rave about the sound and reliability. “It’s the pro’s choice,” stated Wilton, who has played guitar and bass for nearly four decades. “I’ve been using AKG wireless from the early days of the 700-series and it never disappoints.”

Currently on its 30th Anniversary Tour, Queensryche continues to be one of the most notable metal bands in the industry, with 11 studio albums, totalling more than 20 million sold and a strong fan base around the world. Ensuring its sound is perfect is a crucial aspect during live shows for Bishop.

“There have been a few times where we’ve forgotten the AKG wireless in racks when we performed and had to use alternate systems,” Bishop continued. “Those nights were definitely not as happening. We have zero issues with the WMS 4500, no matter what venue or country we play. Impressing the fans is the number-one priority and AKG allows us to provide the perfect sound.”

For more information on Queensryche, please visit http://www.queensryche.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 Vista 5™ M2 Makes French Debut at Paris Hippodrome

PARIS, France – The 35,000-capacity Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes, which over the years has been as well known for hosting rock concerts as for its main purpose of horse racing, has recently upgraded its production infrastructure.

One of the steps taken by the technical department was to replace its old analogue mixing console with a Studer Vista 5 M2 digital desk, configured with 32 mic/line inputs, 72 line out and eight AES I/O. This was the first sale of the new console in France (and one of the first to be shipped anywhere in the world).

The large venue, with its 3000 sq metre Grand Hall, is a world famous venue for trotting events, with the jockeys pulling a two-wheel cart known as a ‘sulky’. The main track itself measures 2km in length (whereas it is generally only 800m or 1600m in other horse racing arenas).

It is to these meetings, which include the famous ‘Prix d’Amerique’, that the control room itself is dedicated, while the races themselves are displayed on a 100 sq. metre large external screen, one of the largest in Europe.

The venue’s management company SECF (Société d’Encouragement du Cheval Français), contacted Jean-Philippe Blanchard, Broadcast Division Director at Audiopole, the French Studer distributor, with whom they have a long association.

“They were looking for an upgrade to mix the ambient sounds and commentaries within the amphitheatre, both for live playback and broadcast purposes,” stated M. Blanchard.

“The operators were impressed by the quick and easy operation of the Vistonics screen, which gives them instant control over all the channel functions, and by the new metering, which will give them better control of all incoming signals. They also noticed that engineers are able to work for hours at a time on the console without getting tired.”

Installation of the new Vista 5 M2 took place during the month of August when the venue was closed. Its arrival marks the start of a new era of broadcast coverage for a venue that dates back to 1879 — when it was originally built.

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.

Electro Acoustics Installs HARMAN’s JBL VLA Line Arrays At University Of North Texas’ Newly Constructed APOGEE Stadium

NORTHRIDGE, California – At the epicenter of the University of North Texas’ “Mean Green Village” outside of campus, Fort Worth, Texas-based Electro Acoustics has outfitted the newly constructed APOGEE Stadium with HARMAN’s JBL VLA line arrays. Designed by Gary White of Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., it was important for the PA system to provide high output, high clarity and immense power.

The 30,850-person capacity APOGEE Stadium features a main scoreboard system comprising eight JBL VLA901 line array loudspeakers, combined with eight VLA601 loudspeakers, each split four to each side. Three additional VLA901H and four VLA601H loudspeakers round out the scoreboard sound system. Installed throughout the stadium for additional PA support are 74 Control® 26CT ceiling speakers and 18 Control 30 outdoor monitor speakers.

“JBL’s VLA line arrays provide the power and reliability the client required in such a demanding venue,” stated Chris Jordan, president of Electro-Acoustics. “The speakers are perfect for an outdoor environment. We focused on providing a loud system that could withstand any inconvenient weather. The VLA loudspeakers are performing exactly as they were designed.”

Crown amplifiers power APOGEE Stadium’s sound system, which also features BSS processing. The entire system is controlled through HARMAN’s HiQnet System Architect™.

To help make certain construction of the stadium was completed on time, Electro Acoustics designed, built, tested and tweaked the entire system in its studio–an important strategy to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the construction site.

“The speakers were easily rigged and time was the only challenge when dealing with the new construction of APOGEE,” Jordan continued. “UNT was our first major install of VLA line arrays and we are very proud of the outcome. The stadium sounds amazing. The clients received exactly what they expected, on time and on budget.”

For more information about Electro Acoustics, please visit http://www.eavi.com.

For more information on Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., please visit www.wjhw.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 Soundcraft Studer Announces Open House Session in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – HARMAN’s Soundcraft Studer has announced that it is hosting an Open House on Monday, December 5 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Open House session will take place in HARMAN’S 73-foot-long Soundcraft Studer truck at the offices of M&L Sound, with support from Vision2 Marketing, HARMAN’s regional rep.

The Open House session will feature hands-on sessions with Soundcraft and Studer digital audio consoles. Specific products include the Soundcraft Vi1 and Si Compact and Studer Vista 9 and Vista 5 M2-22 consoles, covering applications ranging from live sound in touring, theater and club installations to radio and TV broadcast.

“The Open House session is a great opportunity for anyone in the Knoxville area to learn more about Soundcraft and Studer products and spend some time with fellow audiophiles and console specialists,” said Katy Templeman-Holmes of Soundcraft Studer. “Everyone is welcome to attend!”

M&L Sound is located at 1410 East Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.

http://g.co/maps/z7brw

For more information, please call 818.920.3295.

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 AKG Partners With Los Angeles Music Awards, Micing Presenters And Performers

VIENNA, Austria – With a focus on rewarding the best unsigned performers around the world, the 21st Annual Los Angeles Music Awards ceremony – the longest running independent music awards program – was mic’d through a partnership with HARMAN’s AKG. Presenters and performers alike donned the world-class microphones and wireless systems to showcase their talents and earn the recognition they’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Held in the iconic Avalon in Hollywood, AKG supplied an arsenal of equipment to support the night filled with emotionally exciting performances and award presentations. AKG’s WMS 4500 wireless system and D7 capsules were used for all vocal performances, while wired D7’s completed the stage vocal tasks. The DMS 700 handheld units were utilized for the podium and presenters. From the Studio to the Stage, the C214’s mic’d the guitar cabs and a C4500B was used for bass. The Perception Groove Pack clipped to the main drum set was combined with C414 XLII’s for overheads. Two D112’s, D40’s and C415B’s were clipped on the Chopper drum set, which resembles a chopper-style motorcycle.

World-renowned pianist David Osborne, more commonly known as the “Pianist to the Presidents,” placed a studio pair of AKG C414 XLS’s on the grand piano during his recital at the ceremony. Osborne has played in the White House for numerous presidents, from Jimmy Carter through President Obama.

“We were very interested in AKG’s offerings to live performers and we wanted to bring that same quality to our stage for the LA Music Awards,” stated Al Bowman, founder and executive producer of the Los Angeles Music Awards. “The performers, award winners and all participants at the event have a fearless work ethic and provide their own unique style and performance, which helps reinforce AKG’s partnership with the show. We have built a great relationship with AKG and hope to continue working together as the awards continue to grow.”

With 30 categories, the Los Angeles Music Awards offer artists a free opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. Recognition from the awards ceremony propels artists through a renowned program, highlighting their music, writing and playing capabilities.

“Partnering with the LA Music Awards allows AKG to continue offering top-quality performance microphones and wireless systems to those artists looking for their big break,” stated Joseph Wagoner, product manager, wireless-tour-install for AKG. “These artists work tirelessly and we are happy to provide equipment that is used in top-selling tours and recording studios around the globe. These artists put their entire lives into their work and deserve to have their art heard at a professional-quality level.”

AKG also supplied the microphones and wireless systems for the LA Music Awards Nomination showcase in LA’s Whiskey A Go Go Club. “Simply put, AKG delivered,” continues Bowman. “We presented such a wonderful, true sound during our show and we look forward to keeping this partnership alive throughout the years.”

For more information on the Los Angeles Music Awards and AKG, please http://www.myspace.com/lamusicawards and 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 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.

Electro Acoustics Upgrades Texas Rangers Ballpark In Arlington with HARMAN’s JBL Loudspeakers

NORTHRIDGE, California – Home to the 2-time defending Major League Baseball American League Champions Texas Rangers, the Rangers Ballpark at Arlington is known for its energetic and dedicated crowds. Fort Worth, Texas-based Electro Acoustics recently upgraded the stadium’s sound system with HARMAN’s JBL PD series loudspeakers.

With a 17-year-old audio system in the venue, Electro Acoustics was called on to set a higher standard for the stadium after the Rangers’ remarkable 2010 season. With crowds becoming more and more excited about the team and their run at a championship, it was important to match that intensity with powerful sound. Replacing the original canopy-mounted loudspeaker system with a top-of-the-line JBL loudspeaker system was and easy choice for the designers, integrators and the Rangers.

Electro Acoustics swapped out 27 of the original speakers for 32 JBL PD5125-WRX low-frequency loudspeakers and 16 PD743-WRX mid/high-frequency loudspeakers, surrounding the ballpark in strategic locations. Two AM7215/95-WRX 2-way loudspeakers provide sound behind home plate.

“We’ve had a great relationship with the Rangers throughout the years and they’ve come to rely on our exemplary service and dedication, while we’ve come to understand their needs as a place for entertainment,” stated Chris Jordan, President of Electro Acoustics. “There is a clear, substantially improved difference in sound throughout the ballpark with the JBL PD Series solution. The client is very pleased with the outcome.”

Receiving the assignment in January 2011, Jordan, working along with system designer Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., had from mid-January to a week before Opening Day to design, install, test and perfect the stadium’s new audio system. Jordan quickly connected with JBL to custom-order the loudspeakers.

“JBL was very cooperative and extremely helpful with our small window and we were able to deliver a great system,” Jordan continued. “We try to maintain a reputation of completing our work on time and on budget, so finishing this large-scale installation in such a limited time frame only backed that reputation. We thank all of those involved for such a great end product.”

For more information on Electro Acoustics, please visit http://www.eavi.com.

For more information on Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., please visit www.wjhw.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.