BUENA PARK, Calif.─Yamaha Corporation Japan has announced that its Board of Directors, at their meeting held on June 19, 2008, has decided to make an offer to the founders of NEXO S.A. (Headquarters: Parc du Pré de la Dame Jeanne, 60128 Plailly, France; Registered with the Senlis Trade and Companies Registry [“Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés”] under number 317 272 540; President: Michael Johnson; Hereinafter, NEXO) to acquire all of their shares of NEXO.

Yamaha has 40 years of experience in the development of professional audio systems, and was one of the first companies to commercialize digital mixing consoles. Products such as the Yamaha PM1D and PM5D have become global standards in the industry. Yamaha has worked to drive steady growth of its Professional/Commercial Audio business segment with their digital mixing consoles, signal processors, and power amplifiers.

In June 2005, Yamaha purchased a 10.22% interest in NEXO, a leading brand in the field of high-output speaker systems for professional use in large concert venues, halls, and theaters, and entered into a strategic alliance with the company. NEXO and Yamaha combined their know-how to develop the NXAMP Powered Digital TD controller and joined forces to strengthen their capabilities for providing better system solutions for their clients.

“The offer to purchase NEXO by our parent company Yamaha Corporation Japan, is a very positive move for both companies,” states Larry Italia, Vice President/General Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “Right now, it is business as usual for us, our dealers and our customers.”

Yamaha came to the conclusion that its joint activities with NEXO would generate results at a substantially accelerated pace if the two companies could work in closer cooperation. Accordingly, Yamaha decided to take steps toward making NEXO a wholly owned subsidiary of the Yamaha Group by offering to acquire the shares of the founders and, thereafter, launching a tender offer to acquire the remainder of NEXO’s shares on the market.

After NEXO becomes a subsidiary, Yamaha will continue and further develop the NEXO brand as well as its know-how, and strengthen capabilities for creating system solutions by advancing the position of NEXO and Yamaha in speaker technology. Yamaha will also work to enhance its development capabilities in existing product lines and strengthen its production capacity through the use of NEXO’s production facilities.

If agreed upon, the sale would be concluded later this year.

For more information on this intent to purchase, please contact Larry Italia, Vice President/General Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. directly.

(714) 522-9011.

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. offers a complete line of integrated professional audio products for the commercial recording, production, broadcast, live sound, and sound reinforcement markets. The company has a dedicated dealer network, intensive field training, and 24-7 tech support in the U.S. and Canada.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 24, 2008 … There’s been no shortage of talking points so far: arguments with the fourth official, German coach Joachim Löw’s touchline ban, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s red card and his tremendous comeback in the quarter final against Portugal; and then, of course, the usual transfer gossip… And when the journalists assemble just after 12 o’clock for the German Football Federation (DFB)’s daily press conference, it’s the SWR (Südwestrundfunk, “Southwest Broadcasting”) that’s responsible for transmitting the sound and images from its HDTV OB truck FÜ2HD – in which an mc²66 console from Lawo resides at the nerve center of operations. more

Underscoring the consistent, widespread adoption of Harman HiQnet™ system configuration and control protocol among audio professionals in the contracting and touring communities, the Harman Pro Group System Development & Integration Group (SDIG) today announced that the total HiQnet-enabled product count now stands at 90, including the new Crown Macro-Tech i Series. In making the announcement, SDIG Vice President Rick Kreifeldt announced the release of HiQnet System Architect™ Version 1.70.1 and also pointed to the fact that the worldwide user base of System Arcihtect now exceeds 16,000 registered users.

“The HiQnet platform is becoming one of choice for successful audio professionals because the protocol and System Architect provide real value in designing, integrating, automating and operating an audio system,” Kreifeldt explained. “The success that we are experiencing is down to our customer’s feedback and input and can also be attributed to the reality that HiQnet is as much a business acceleration tool as it is an audio system management tool. HiQnet makes audio professionals more efficient, more consistent, higher performing and it cuts costs in setup, programming, training and labor.”

Among the new features added to HiQnet System Architect is the ability to control BSS Audio Soundweb™ London devices from System Architect Custom Control Panels by importing individual parameters from a design file open in HiQnet London Architect™.

Kreifeldt explains that the Harman Pro Group will showcase HiQnet products at the upcoming InfoComm ’08 exhibition by arranging its demo room around typical real-world environments where audio professionals make use of HiQnet to design and implement unified systems for a variety of applications including education, worship, corporate AV and more. The education example will be a university system comprising of a Media Lab, a Small Classroom, a Student Cafeteria, a University Conference Center and a Performing Arts Center.

“We now are in the fortunate situation whereby our user community is sharing ideas, information and system designs among one another and this marks an important milestone in HiQnet’s evolution towards a standard,” Kreifeldt added. “We are committed to continuing to engage our customers and partner manufacturers in pro AV and adjacent industries like network computing, semiconductor design and consumer AV to advance the value HiQnet provides.”

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It goes without saying that customers’ expectations are highly dependent upon a system’s intentions. “Very often when you are selling a package, in the beginning the customer doesn’t have a full understanding of what it can do,” considers John Teer, managing partner of Teer Engineering, which recently designed and installed a comprehensive background-music system for Land Rover Orlando. “But once the staff saw the system and heard it in operation for themselves, they tended to have further ideas on how it should work.”

“We selected Harman Pro Group products, including a BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-16 Audio Processor, whose enhanced flexibility allowed us to customize pretty much anything that Land Rover Orlando wanted into user presets.” The BLU-16 offers fully configurable analog/digital inputs and outputs, programmable routing and system equalization; the unit’s open architecture is also fully configurable through Harman’s easy-to-program HiQnet London Architect software using an intuitive “drag-and-drop” interface.

Florida-based Teer Engineering developed a zone-based AV playback system that would fulfill Landover’s exacting requirements. “general manager Sam Beauchamp and his staff had identified a number of discrete areas to be covered by the background music system,” Teer explains. “They needed a flexible system capable of covering multiple zones from multiple sources within the new 25,000 square-foot building. Sam also wanted to be able to host large events with audio from a number of plasma and LCD panels tied into the main BGM system.”

JBL Control Contractor Series loudspeakers, BSS processing and Crown Audio amplifiers were specified to cover six primary zones: an Adventure Center within the main showroom, comprising an LCD screen and JBL speakers for continuous replay of videos about the Land Rover product line; a Main Lobby area, which features high, vaulted ceilings; a Customer Lounge; various sales offices; hallways and restrooms; outdoor patio areas; and a Training Area within the main conference room. Paging announcements are handled by the existing telephone system.

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As the world counts down to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Summer Games, the companies from the Harman Pro Group will consider their biggest challenges behind them with the successful sale and integration of comprehensive AV systems for 12 of the most prestigious venues for the games. Just as venues like the Beijing National Aquatics Centre, known popularly as the “Water Cube” or the remarkable Beijing National Stadium have already gained worldwide attention for their architectural design, these buildings feature Harman Pro Group components to ensure they sound as good as they look!

The Beijing National Aquatics Centre, which will host 17,000 spectators for the swimming, diving and synchronized swimming events, features JBL Professional PD Series loudspeakers and LSR Series studio monitors, a Soundcraft Vi6 console, Crown CTs amplifiers and BSS Audio Soundweb processing.

At the 10,000-seat Fengtai Softball Field, the Harman Pro Group sound system is comprised of Soundcraft GB4 consoles, JBL Professional AE Series and PD Series loudspeakers and LSR monitors, dbx DriveRack 260 EQ/Controls and Crown CTs amplifiers. Many of the same Harman companies are featured 10,000-seat Chang Ping indoor arena that will host Tae Kwon Do competitions. The arena’s audio system features JBL Professional AE Series and SRX Series loudspeakers driven by Crown CTs amplifiers, managed by dbx DriveRack 4800 processing and Soundcraft GB4/GB8 consoles.

The 33,572-seat Beijing Foreign Language University Stadium, host to the games’ football competitions, is a recipient of a comprehensive Harman Pro Group sound system comprising BSS Soundweb processing, Crown CTs amplifiers, dbx DriveRack patchbays, Lexicon MX400 processors and Soundcraft GB4 consoles. In Shanghai, the impressive 80,000-capacity Shanghai Stadium will host some preliminary group-stage football matches. It features an arsenal of JBL AE Series, Control Series, PD Series, VERTEC Series loudspeakers and LSR studio monitors. The system here also features BSS Audio BLU-16 signal processing, Crown PZM Series microphones, Lexicon MX300 processor and Soundcraft MH2/FX/FX16 consoles.

Basketball competitions will be held at 18,000-seat Wukesong Indoor Stadium, home to an AV system that features Crown CTs amplifiers and JBL Professional LSR studio monitors and Control Series loudspeakers.

In Hong Kong, the remarkable Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue, complete with JBL Professional EON Series loudspeakers and Soundcraft Compact4/Compact10 mixers, will welcome 18,000 spectators to view the world’s best equestrian competitors and their mounts. Shifting from four-leg to two-wheeled events, the 9,000-seat Laoshoan Velodrome will host cycling events at the 2008 Summer Games. The velodrome sound system features JBL AE Series loudspeakers, Crown CTs amplifiers, BSS Soundweb processing and dbx DriveRack 260 Control.

In addition to hosting the fencing events and elements of the modern pentathlon, the Olympic Green Convention Centre will also serve as the International Broadcast Centre and the Main Press Centre. It features Soundcraft Vi4 consoles, Crown CTs amplifiers, BSS BLU-80 processors and JBL AE Series, SRX Series, VRX Series and VERTEC Series loudspeakers.

Serving as the stage for the opening and closing ceremonies and for the main track and field competitions, the 90,000-seating Beijing National Stadium became one of the world’s most recognizable buildings even before its completion. Now, Crown I-Tech amplifiers will ensure that the 90,000 spectators enjoy every word and note from the ceremonies and hear and cheer every announcement from the competitions!

Commenting on the array of facilities in which the Harman Pro Group is helping ensure great sound accompanies great spectacle, Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales noted, “Just as athletes and spectators from around the world will travel to the games, the products and IP from the Harman Pro Group shipped from Los Angeles, London, Indiana, Mexico, Salt Lake City, Regensdorf and Vienna. It is a tribute to the global community of Harman employees that whenever the world gathers to celebrate and compete, that our audio technologies are the systems of choice. The people that comprise our companies literally equip the world stage!”

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AKG’s legendary C 414 microphone needs no introduction. It’s a tool found in most recording studios and has been used on thousands of hit records; it has been onstage with artists across every musical genre and is also used by leading broadcast facilities the world over. Today, AKG announced an important addition to the C 414 family: the new C 214 Recording Microphone.

The new C 214 offers a single-capsule, cardioid-only design that delivers class-leading performance with the same dual-capsule as the C 414, but using only one diaphragm instead of two. Thanks to its 20-dB attenuation pad and AKG’s ultra-low noise electronic design, the C 214 can be used in sound fields as high as 156 dB SPL. The C 214 features an integrated capsule suspension system that minimizes chassis-borne noise and resonances for even greater sonic accuracy.

“The AKG C 414 has been successful for more than 30 years due to continuous improvement of technical specifications, useful features, and ease-of-use. The evolution of the C 414 has been accepted by recording studios, broadcast stations, and live sound engineers,” explains Thomas Stubics, Product Manager at AKG. “Our new C 214 was designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the leading-edge C 414 family. Because the C 214 uses the same one-inch diaphragm as the C 414, the essence of that heralded C 414 sound has been captured in this newest model.”

The C 214’s double mesh, all-metal grille protects the capsule and ensures high RF immunity without affecting acoustical performance. The C 214 has road-tough construction quality with a modern scratch-resistant finish, a dent-resistant, metal grille and a gold-plated XLR-type output. It comes complete with a spider-type shock mount, windscreen, and metal carrying case.

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Today at InfoComm 08, AKG Acoustics announced the release of the new D7 vocal microphone. Like its popular predecessor the D5, the D7 is a dynamic microphone that delivers incredibly clear sound for lead and backing vocals for live sound applications. The D7 additionally features an improved capsule design with a humbucking coil and a high-pass filter along with a sleek new look.

AKG`s newest dynamic microphone features a humbucking coil that greatly reduces electrical interference and stage feedback—ensuring that only pure vocal sounds come through. The D7 also features an integrated high-pass filter that cuts out low frequencies, eliminates handling noise, and provides better audio clarity. The result is a higher-quality microphone that offers complete control for singers and announcers and, therefore, a better audio experience for audiences.

“Our goal in creating the D7 was to build upon the success of our D5 microphone and take microphone performance and reliability to the next level,” explained Thomas Umbauer, Product Manager, AKG Acoustics. “The humbucking coil and high-pass filtering featured in the D7 design ensure that musicians and presenters alike will experience unsurpassed sound quality and lasting durability.”

The D7 delivers high-end sonic performance thanks to its new Laminated Varimotion diaphragm. This design allows the diaphragm to be fine-tuned without extra tuning resonators and represents a giant leap forward in audio performance. The D7 response evokes the subtle, open sound of a condenser microphone, while maintaining the rugged reliability of a dynamic microphone.

The D7 comes complete with a carrying case, mounting clamp, and a replacement windscreen, ensuring long life for the microphone. Two additional models are also available: the D7-S, which features an on/off switch; and the D7-WL1 microphone capsule for use with AKG wireless systems.

“We designed the D7 microphone to be the best hand-held microphone for vocals, with performance that stands on the leading edge of dynamic microphone technology,” added Umbauer. ”The D7 illustrates AKG’s commitment to innovation and our dedication to providing the very best microphones in the industry.”

To read more please click here.

When New York City’s Highline Ballroom opened its doors in April 2007, concert-goers entered what appeared to be a bare-bones, no frills venue—a departure from the high-profile, ambiance-heavy clubs that have sprung up in the city in recent years. This fresh take quickly earned the venue a reputation as one of the hottest new clubs in the city. Boasting a state-of-the-art sound system and a room completely devoid of any obstructed sightlines, it is not hard to see why.

When Amit Peleg, President of Peltrix was hired for consulting, design and installation of the Highline’s high-end sound system, he turned to AKG microphones. “I have been using AKG mics for over 30 years and love the way they perform,” explains Peleg. “The versatility of a microphone like the AKG C 414 B-XLS is perfect for this type of venue. You can use it to mic a piano at a softer show and then use it as an overhead on the drums for a rock show. I also love how the AKG microphones stand the test of time. I’m using two AKG 451 EBs for overheads and they came out almost 30 years ago!”

AKG microphones were brought in primarily for the drum setup. In addition to the C 414 B-XLS and AKG 451 B microphones used for overhead pickup, Amit Peleg uses a pair of AKG D112s and five AKG C418 MicroMics. The AKG D112s handle the kick drums while the AKG C418s capture the toms. The audio system at Highline Ballroom also includes six JBL VERTEC® VT4888DP midsize self-powered line array elements for the main PA system, two VT4888DP and two VT48882DP self-powered arrayable subwoofers for balcony delays. Outboard gear at front of house includes two dbx DriveRack 4800’s, with another DriveRack 4800 at the monitor console.

Since the club’s April 2007 opening, the Highline has gained a stellar reputation—not only with audiences but with musicians as well. In the first month alone, it hosted performances from Lou Reed, Mos Def, Amy Winehouse, Talib Kweli, Moe, and Disco Biscuits. Since then, other high profile artists such as Paul McCartney, Carlos Santana, Queen Latifah, Moby, and the Wailers have graced its stage. And at every show, AKG microphones are there to offer the best possible sound for the Highline Ballroom’s demanding audiences.

To read more please click here.

AKG Acoustics introduced its new K 702 dynamic headphones today at InfoComm ‘08. The new K 702 headphones combine the superior sonic performance of AKG’s now-legendary K 701 with features demanded by recording and broadcast engineers in a deluxe professional package.

The K 702’s new features include a detachable input cable with a locking 3-pin mini-XLR connector. The high-performance, low-loss detachable cable makes transportation and storage easier plus makes servicing easy if necessary. The new K 702’s also feature a stage blue finish that is more rugged and professional looking than the K 701’s gloss white color.

“The K 701s are extremely successful, critically-acclaimed and much loved as personal monitors for audiophile listening” explained Sonja Malzer, Product Manager, AKG. “We’re now offering the K 702s for professional applications with features and appearance more suited for serious audio engineers who want and need the utmost in sonic detail for their work.”

The K 701 and the new K 702 are the world’s first headphones with flat-wire voice coils for unparalleled signal-tracking accuracy. Their patented Laminate Varimotion diaphragms eliminates spurious resonances and deliver an engaging listening experience with out-of-head imaging so that engineers can hear all the nuances of their sound. The K 702 is also very comfortable to wear during long studio sessions thanks to its buttery-soft, glove-leather headband and ergonomically-shaped, velour-covered ear pads.

The AKG K 701 and K 702 are hand-assembled at AKG’s facility in Vienna, Austria. Each headphone is carefully tested and serialized ensuring a product of exceptional quality. “Above all else, the new K 702 sounds exceptional!” Sonja Malzer continued. “Now studio engineers can get closer to their music thanks to these incredible, leading-edge headphones.”

To read more please click here.

When faced with the daunting task of projecting one preacher, six musicians and 87 choral singers to a congregation of over 1,500 parishioners in Memphis, TN, Sound Hill Technologies turned to AKG microphones.

Sound Hill of Holden, LA is the design and integration firm that was charged with creating an immense new sound system for Memphis-based Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church. They selected a range of 30 AKG wired mics and wireless systems for their ease-of-use, high quality and reliability. The microphones were brought in to compliment the system of JBL speakers and monitors, Crown amplifiers and Soundcraft mixing consoles, also selected for installation in the church.

One of the top priorities in upgrading the church’s AV system was ensuring that each member of the congregation would hear the same, clean tone and high level of speech clarity. It was also important to install equipment that could be run by a volunteer staff, rather than relying on experienced professionals. The AKG microphones were selected for their high quality performance and ease-of-use.

The new audio system had to reach across a room measuring 130 feet across, 115 feet deep and nearly 50 feet from floor to ceiling. To accomplish this, the system design needed to maintain a crisp, clear sound at a high decibel level from input to output.

“We met this challenge with AKG microphones,” said Tim Hill, CEO of Sound Hill Technologies. “Having worked with AKG before, I was confident that we could use a combination of their microphones to meet our specifications, and that the sound would be pristine.”

The installation utilized 30 AKG microphones, including eight AKG D5 vocal mics, and seven AKG CK80 capsules. Additionally, Sound Hill used four AKG GN 155 SET gooseneck modules, three AKG GN 50 ESP lectern mics, three WMS 40 Pro wireless handheld vocal microphones, two AKG C680BL cardioid boundary mics, one WMS Pro presenter lapel mic, one WMS 40 Pro Sports headset and DrumSet II/tour sound package.

Sound Hill Technologies selected this wide array of microphones to cover any foreseeable scenario, and enable perfect sound during performances involving upwards of 100 people including the choir, band and pastor.

To read more please click here.