HARMAN’s JBL Professional Unveils JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ Version 1.8.4 at Prolight & Sound 2015


FRANKFURT, Germany – At Prolight & Sound 2015, HARMAN’s JBL Professional is announcing the availability of JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ version 1.8.4, providing complete support for the recently-launched VTX V25-II and V25-II-CS line array loudspeakers as well as full integration of JBL VERTEC® DrivePack® DP-DA (DrivePack Digital Audio) V5 processing.

Designed to efficiently and effectively configure networked audio systems within live sound applications, the patented, award-winning Performance Manager software interface dramatically reduces design time, simplifies networking and automates control interface configuration. Performance Manager is a true workflow-based user experience for designing, deploying and controlling any configuration of a HiQnet live performance system since all design and control is truly achieved at the system level.

Performance Manager 1.8.4 complements the launch of VTX V25-II (fixed angle tension suspension system) and V25-II-CS (compression suspension system) by providing JBL Line Array Calculator simulation and preset support for both models and their companion VTX S28 or G28 subwoofers. Both versions of V25-II feature a brand-new waveguide for improved long-throw performance, improved wavefront control and improved power matching with its companion Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD 4-channel amplifier. VTX V25-II maintains the same outstanding horizontal coverage performance of the original V25 and current V25 cabinets can be upgraded to the new V25-II performance standard in a matter of 10 minutes with the VTX-V25-WG-UK Waveguide Upgrade Kit.

Comprehensive V5 support for all JBL VERTEC® DrivePack® DP-DA models is also introduced in Performance Manager 1.8.4, bringing proven, road-tested V5 DSP technology that was initially developed for passive VERTEC® models to the DrivePack DP-DA input module. Powered VERTEC® DrivePack® DP-DA systems can now benefit from the same level of V5 performance improvements with the added convenience of Performance Manager support.

“Performance Manager is an integral part of Harman Professional’s turnkey system solution for the recently-released JBL Professional VTX Series and all passive/powered VERTEC models that provides an ideal simulation and control environment for system engineers to fully leverage the power of VTX, VERTEC and Crown VRACK while taking sound reinforcement to another level”, commented Paul Bauman, Sr Manager - Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “The workflow approach is consistent with what has been taught throughout VERTEC and VTX training for the past 8 years and there is an exciting roadmap ahead for additional product and optimization integration into Performance Manager”.

For more information on JBL HiQnet Performance Manager and an in-depth series of online training videos please visit http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com.

The Performance Manager workflow forms the very foundation of the software with an appropriately- tailored user interface for each and every stage.  The user begins by loading templates of the speaker arrays used in the system, and then runs JBL 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 VTX, 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 graphic 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 DP-DA 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 premier audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® , Mark Levinson ® and Revel®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment 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 approximately 17,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.9 billion during the last 12 months ended December 31, 2014.
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