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SAN FRANCISCO: In his 20th turn as Chair of the AES Convention Broadcast Committee, leading industry consultant David K. Bialik has shaped a far-ranging program of Workshops, Special Events and Panels for the 125th Convention scheduled for October 2-5 in SF’s Moscone Center. “One of our most resourceful and indomitable Committee Chairs, David Bialik also holds the distinction of coordinating Broadcast events for both our West and East Coast Conventions,” said AES Executive Director Roger Furness. “His sense of commitment and dedication are matched only by his ability to produce outstanding and extremely well-attended programs.”
“This Convention revisits issues which continue to impact heavily on the Broadcast sector even as they evolve through an on-going chain of permutations,” Bialik said. “Loudness, the transition to Digital Broadcasting, Internet Streaming and growing concerns over ‘Listener Fatigue’ promise to spark lively and informative discussions.”
125th AES CONVENTION BROADCAST AUDIO PROGRAM TOPICS:
MOBILE/HANDHELD BROADCASTING – DEVELOPING A NEW MEDIUM: Moderator: Jim Kutzner Public Broadcasting Service – Panelists: Mark Aitken, Sinclair Broadcast Group; Sterling Davis, Cox Broadcasting; Brett Jenkins, Ion Media Networks; Dakx Turcotte, Neural Audio. The broadcast industry, pro and consumer technology vendors, and the Advanced Television Systems Committee have been vigorously moving towards a Mobile/Handheld DTV broadcast standard. Players from various industry segments are collaborating in an unprecedented fashion. The Panel will discus the current situation and future prospects
THE HISTORY OF AUDIO PROCESSING (In association with the Historical Committee): Moderator - Emil Torick, CBS Laboratories (ret), Participants: Marvin Caesar – Aphex; Frank Foti , Omnia; Bob Orban, Orban / CRL;Glen Clark - Glen Clark & Associates; Eric Small, Modulation Sciences; Mike Dorrough - Dorrough Electronics and Dick Burden, Burden Associates. These pioneers in audio processing developed the tools we still use today. A lively discussion of the ongoing “Loudness Wars” is anticipated. This session is a must for understanding how and why audio processing is used.
LOUDNESS WORKSHOP: Moderator, John Chester - Panelists: Thomas Lund, TC Electronics; Jeffery Riedmiller, Dolby; Andrew Mason, BBC; Marvin Caesar, Aphex and James D. Johnston, Neural Audio will consider the multitude of new challenges and opportunities awaiting broadcast engineers concerned about optimum sound quality in this age of multi-channel sound and digital broadcasting. This session will explore the latest techniques in the measurement and control of loudness levels and look ahead to the next generation of technical options.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR FACILITY DESIGN (A Roundtable): Moderator- Paul McLane, editor, Radio World - Panelists: John Storyk, Walters Storyk Design Group; Bice Wilson, Meridian Design and Sam Berkow, SIA Acoustics This comprehensive overview of the myriad details associated with designing and building a facility will cover radio, television, recording studio and production environments. Wiring, acoustics, ergonomics, system integration, computer-aided design and budgeting will all be explored.
DTV AUDIO MYTHS: Moderator, Andy Butler, PBS and panelists: Ken Hunold, Dolby Laboratories, Inc.; Tim Carroll, Linear Acoustic, Inc.; Robert Bleidt, Fraunhofer USA Digital Media Technologies and David Wilson, Consumer Electronics Association will attempt to bring logic and balance to the confusion created by the multitude of audio options in DTV. What do the systems really do? What happens when they fail? Audience participation is encouraged.
THE LIP SYNC ISSUE: Moderator: Jonathan S. Abrams, Nutmeg Audio Post - Panelists: Richard Fairbanks, Pharoah Editorial, Inc.; Scott Anderson, Syntax Brillian and Kent Terry, Dolby Laboratories. There are many points in the signal path between production and post where lip sync can either be improved or further compromised. Is there an acceptable window of latency? Does one type of video display exhibit less latency than another?
LISTENER FATIGUE & LONGEVITY: Moderator, David Wilson CEA. Participants: Gary Marince, Arbitron; Sam Berkow, SIA Acoustics; Marvin Caesar, Aphex; James D. Johnston, Neural Audio, Ted Ruscitti, On-Air Research. This panel will address listener fatigue and its impact on listener retention. Clearly an issue of interest to broadcasters, listener fatigue is equally important to telecommunications service providers, consumer electronics manufacturers, and music producers. Whether audience members tune out or switch to other carriers, erosion is a critical issue.
ADDITIONAL BROADCAST PANELS INCLUDE:
• Audio & Non Audio Services & Applications for Digital Radio.
• Internet Streaming – Audio Quality, Measurement & Monitoring
• Audio Transportation
• The Art Of Sound Effects with Sue Zizza & David Shinn of Radio Works
“David Bialik has once again developed an outstanding series of Broadcast Events,” remarked AES Executive Director Roger Furness. “The 125th AES Convention Exhibition Hall will lend additional strength to this Program, as many broadcast technology manufacturers rely on our ability to attract quality attendees targeted to their meaningful new product introductions.”
The 125th AES Convention will be held in San Francisco’s Moscone Center October 2-5, 2008. For a preliminary calendar of events please visit www.aes.org
PHOTO: 125th AES Convention Broadcast Committee Chair David Bialik
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Currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, The Audio Engineering Society was formed in 1948 by a group of concerned audio engineers. The AES counts over 14,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Far East. The organization serves as the pivotal force in the exchange and dissemination of technical information for the industry. For additional information visit http://www.aes.org
Demonstrating the versatility and power of JBL EON® series loudspeakers, the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) is outfitted with an EON system for the racetrack area during the 2008 Summer Games. While the majority of the Olympic events are taking place in Beijing, the equestrian events are being held in Hong Kong.
Managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the venue is equipped with world class facilities, including a 100- x 80-meter all-weather sand area capable of supporting 18,000 spectators and a 5.7 kilometer cross-country course. All three events of the equestrian program, comprising Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing, will be organized at the venue.
Additionally, the venue includes air-conditioned stabling for up to 200 horses, an equine clinic, 13 training arenas, a cross-country training track, gallop track, and a bridle path on the Sha Tin racecourse infield. There are four equine cooling stations with misting tents to combat the extreme heat and humidity in Hong Kong.
Dispersed throughout the racetrack area are JBL EON series portable loudspeakers. In total, 14 EON10 G2 portable, powered loudspeaker systems have been installed, providing sound to the competitors, media and Olympics officials located on the field. The JBL EON10 G2 loudspeaker features a 10-inch Differential Drive® low-frequency driver, 125-Watt low-frequency and 50-Watt high-frequency (bi-amplified) amplifiers, and a 3-input mini-mixer. Other Harman components at the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue include six Soundcraft Compact4 mixers and three Compact10 mixers.
To read more or to download images, please click here.
Searcy, AR – August 2008… Located in central Arkansas, Harding University is a private Christian institution of higher education committed to the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences. Central to the school’s performing arts programs is the Reynolds Music and Communication Center, which serves as the university’s performing arts venue. In support of its varied theatrical offerings, Harding University recently made a substantial investment in wireless microphone technology so as to afford performers greater freedom of movement in addition to bolstering the facility’s sound reinforcement capabilities. After a protracted search, the university purchased MIPRO wireless systems, distributed in North America by Kansas City, MO-based Avlex Corporation. more
“One Day as a Lion” by Frontman of Rage Against the Machine
Pictured (L-R) in Ocean Way’s renowned Studio B are Zack de la Rocha, recording engineer Robert Carranza, drummer Jon Theodore (seated) and assistant engineer Scott Gutierrez. Photo by David Goggin.
One of the most anticipated new releases in the world of hard rock was the solo album that Zack de la Rocha planned after he left Rage Against the Machine in October 2000. Now, during Rage’s reunion tour, the outspoken singer and activist has delivered the first release from his duo, One Day as a Lion, recorded with ex-Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore. Engineer Robert Carranza, who’s recorded Mars Volta, Ozomatli, Beck, Los Lobos, and Jack Johnson, tracked the new five-song EP. The project was mixed by Mario C.
The new EP takes its name from a slogan in a 1970 photo by George Rodriguez: “It’s better to live one day as a lion than a thousand years as a lamb.” de la Rocha’s new tracks are a departure from Rage, with his signature rap style augmented with a surprising melodic vocal approach. The recording of the EP incorporated a large collection of aggressive analog synth sounds to create a unique barrage of musical elements.
“One Day as a Lion” sold more than 17,000 copies in the US in its first week of release to debut at position #28 in the Billboard 200 chart.
Three orders totaling seven digital audio broadcast consoles have put Studer at the heart of the ongoing program to upgrade TV facilities for the state-run SAUDI TV in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Studer has supplied seven Vista 5 consoles to the Ministry of Culture and Information, which takes responsibility for the Kingdom’s television broadcasting, and operates the four networks of Saudi TV.
These are hugely prestigious orders for Studer. Although the company has supplied numerous on-air consoles and radio automation systems to radio stations in the country, these are the first digital desks to be deployed by Saudi Arabian government-owned TV stations. The Vista consoles are being delivered by Riyadh-based systems integrators First Gulf Company (FGC), nominated by the Ministry of Culture and Information, which is collaborating with Studer for the first time.
The first three Vista 5 consoles have already been installed in the Riyadh TV Centre, which houses the facilities for the Saudi Sport and Saudi News channels, the latter known as al-Ikhbariya, with the third console going into Production Studio D. Another two Vista 5 desks are due to be installed in the new TV centre in Dammam, where they will be used in the Saudi TV Production studio and in the Saudi TV News studio. Two consoles are destined for on-site HD TV studios at the Holy Mosques of Mecca and Medina. All audio installations are taking place as part of an ongoing programme to upgrade the state-run TV facilities to high-definition capability.
Having seven digital consoles operational in the TV networks of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completes the regional picture for Studer, which has been consolidating its reputation and user base in the Middle East for the last ten years. This summer, in Abu Dhabi, the government-owned Emirates Media Inc. is taking delivery of four Outside Broadcast vehicles, equipped with Vista 8 and Vista 5 audio consoles, which have been built by Thomson in France.
Studer is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).
Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
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Teatro Regio di Torino (Turin Royal Theatre), one of Italy’s most famous and prominent opera houses, recently installed a Soundcraft Vi6™ digital console as part of an equipment upgrade.
The theatre dates back to the 1740’s when the Nuovo Teatro Regio (New Royal Theatre) was inaugurated. It went through several changes of use before being restored to its original name, and after a period of financial crisis it was taken over by the municipality in 1870.
After the destruction by fire of the Teatro Regio in 1936, it was intended that the Teatro Carignano would serve as the main opera venue for the city until the new L-shaped theatre, with its striking interior, reopened in 1973 with a production of Verdi’s Vespri Siciliani, directed by Maria Callas and Giuseppe Di Stefano.
With a new acoustic shell designed to improve the sound, the main theatre seats 1,750 (including 37 boxes around the perimeter) while the smaller Piccolo Teatro Regio takes a further 600 people.
The theatre has a long association with Soundcraft (a Series 1600 24-channel desk dates back to 1981, while in the control room of the Piccolo there’s an old Series 600). Two years ago the theatre purchased a 32-channel Soundcraft MH3 analogue desk from distributors Audio Equipment, which continues to mix monitors.
Audio Equipment have maintained continuity with the brand, recommending the Vi6 for the main FOH position because the three house technicians are from the analogue school, and only one day’s training was required. The console can also be used for recording the operatic performances and classical music using an RME MADI interface and Pro Tools.
The Vi6 also met the venue’s requirements for a large number of inputs, said Audio Equipment’s Danilo Meroni. “Normally 40 or 48 channels would be plenty but here they have 64.”
The local rack is situated in the control room where there is a full analogue system with a large matrix linked with a short Cat5 under-floor cable run.
Turin Royal Theatre is particularly pleased with the flexibility offered by the Vi6’s internal matrix — and the possibility to configure and store many shows (eg Rigoletto) and then recall the set-up (by plugging in the USB key) when the production returns the following year.
Aside from the Recall facility, the quality of the mic pre-amp section was vital in view of the condenser mic set up with operatic performances.
“But beyond that they really love the Vistonics interface — you can see 32 strip icons at all times — and the compact size and the colour co-ordination of the knobs; the possibility of being able to use two people on the interface is great.”
The five icons per channel offer essential information for 32 channels at all times. One icon per bank of eight channels can be adjusted at any time by simply touching the icon.
For Audio Equipment the next step now will be to replace the entire analogue matrix system with fibre.
Soundcraft is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).
Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
To read more or to download images, please click here.
Underscoring the continued adoption of JBL VERTEC® line arrays by leading regional rental and touring sound firms, Proshow Systems recently added a large VERTEC system to its inventory. Proshow Systems has already provided VERTEC for numerous events throughout the southeast United States during the summer festival season.
With locations in Memphis, Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama, Proshow Systems is a full-service, live entertainment production company that has served the entertainment industry since 1989. The company specializes in complete technical productions including audio, lighting, backline and crew service. “We strive to ensure that every event runs smoothly and on schedule, while providing a flawless show for each and every audience member,” said Michael Faber, Director of Purchasing for Proshow Systems.
A large part of Proshow’s company philosophy is to maintain an inventory that is built around industry-standard equipment. “Our years of experience serving the corporate and entertainment industries enables us to select the right equipment for a given system,” Faber added. “Our systems are easily adapted to fit every event or requirement, from the largest venues down to the smallest meeting.”
With this in mind, for 2008 Proshow bolstered its inventory with VERTEC, purchasing 32 VT4888 midsize line array elements and 16 VT4880A arrayable subwoofers. Proshow also purchased 22 VRX915M portable stage monitors. The entire VERTEC system was recently put to the test at the 2008 Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil in downtown Birmingham. The 2-day outdoor event featured performances by 3 Doors Down, Fergie, Gavin DeGraw and Seether. Proshow’s onsite team included Brendan Hines (Crew Chief and House Engineer), Jason Baker (Monitor Engineer) and Adam Edmonds (Stage Tech).
The main PA system at the Schaeffer Crawfish Boil featured a L/R hang with 16 VT4888 line array elements per side, over eight VT4880A subwoofers per side stacked on stage. Crown IT8000 amplifiers powered the main PA system, while Crown IT6000 amplifiers powered the VRX915M monitors.
“The VERTEC line arrays have performed flawlessly for us so far and the JBL name guarantees high-quality audio. And, it’s very rider-friendly,” Faber said. “We’ve only had them for a few months, and we’re already getting calls from clients asking us to use VERTEC for their events.”
“JBL loudspeakers have been a great addition to our company,” said Jody Bear, President, Proshow Systems. “From the user list on the website [which we use for extra sub-rentals] to the outstanding service from reps to accounting, everything has been stellar.”
For more information on Proshow Systems, please visit www.proshowsystems.com or call 901.372.0550.
JBL is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
To read more or to download images, please click here.
Anyone who has ever witnessed or participated in an indoor swimming competition knows that acoustics play a significant part in the experience. Too reverberant and announcements become unintelligible; too sterile and the excitement and sense of place is diminished. JBL Professional Precision Directivity™ (PD) Series and Application Engineered™ (AE) Series loudspeakers are on the job at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in the National Aquatic Centre in Beijing, to make certain that the sound will be exactly what it needs to be for the array of Olympic games taking place there August 8-24 this summer.
The National Aquatic Centre, also known as the “Water Cube,” features 52 PD5212/64 12-inch 2-way full-range loudspeakers, eight PD5122 dual 12-inch low-frequency loudspeakers, 12 AC2212/95, and 12 each 2380A 90- x 40-degree horns matched with 2446J 2-inch exit (4-inch voice coil) compression drivers. JBL’s PD Series uses a full range, full bandwidth total system approach that allows contractors and consultants to design a fully integrated sound system that solves the audio challenges inherent to large installations. The AE Series loudspeakers provide a wide variety of building blocks for system design, stair-stepped to give the right solution for any installation. The “AC” models are compact loudspeakers that fit in areas where a smaller profile is required.
Designed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation with a steel space frame clad with ETFE pillows, the National Aquatic Centre was purpose-built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and is one of the best-designed examples of an aquatic competition venue, with its acoustics specially tempered for the occasion. But with literally hundreds of microphones from scores of broadcasters globally relying on the sound system for both information and background sound, the performance of the venue’s PA system is critical. The JBL loudspeakers are joined at the National Aquatic Centre by other industry-leading products from Harman including Crown CTs600, CTs1200, CTs2000, and CTs3000 amplifiers, Soundcraft consoles and BSS DSP utilizing HiQnet™ London Architect™ platform for control.
“The National Aquatic Centre is among the most impressive architectural projects of the decade: it is a true monument to the Olympic spirit and the imagination of China,” said Jon Sager, Director of Market Development, Installed Sound, JBL Professional. “At JBL Professional, we’re naturally honored that our audio systems enable the designers to marry form with function and that, with the help of our technologies, the stunning design in no way limits the
spectacular sound!”
JBL is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
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 the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
To read more or to download images, please click here.
With the official opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games, Crown Audio today announced it had provided China’s National Stadium with 400 Crown I-Tech amplifiers to power the sound system during the next 16 days of events at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games being held in Beijing, China.
Affectionately known as the Bird’s Nest, the stadium was created by elite design and architectural teams from all over the world. With capacity for 100,000, the stadium will host track and field events as well today’s opening ceremony and closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics to be held on August 24th.
“As 100,000 spectators cheer for their respective countrymen in the opening ceremony, clear and present audio will be important, no matter what language is being spoken,” said Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing for Crown Audio. “With over 400 of our I-Tech amplifiers powering the system, we’re confident that everyone in attendance including the athletes will be able to hear their country’s introduction.”
Audio alone takes up two full rooms in the spacious stadium and Crown’s 400 I-Tech amplifiers are housed in 30 racks. The audio system, which is fiber based, was designed by China Broadcast Bureau, a state-run agency. All the processing in the system is being done by the digital console and the robust internal DSP of the Crown I-Tech amplifiers.
The integrated processing in the I-Tech amplifiers reduces DSP noise associated with external systems for quieter overall operation. With this level of advanced technology, simple system operation is available via the front panel LCD, which provides easy access to diagnostics and preset selection, ensuring fast and easy system setup.
For an event as important as the Olympics, front panel lockout on the I-Tech ensures that tunings and presets are safely stored and protected from unauthorized users. Remote monitoring and control allow for complete system control from anywhere in the Olympic Stadium. “Our ability to provide world-class network control and monitoring via HiQnet technology was instrumental in the decision to use I-Tech amplifiers in this job,” notes Kellom.
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 the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).
Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
Demonstrating the premium audio fidelity and rider-friendly characteristics of JBL VERTEC® line arrays, PA Plus Productions recently supplied the live sound reinforcement system for “Songwriters Night,” held at the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Canada. The shows featured six of Nashville’s most successful country songwriters performing hits they have written for Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Vince Gill and many more. The event showcased the songwriting talents of Al Anderson, Bob DiPiero, Tim Nichols, Jeffrey Steele, Craig Wiseman and Tony Mullins, telling the stories that inspired their most popular songs, followed by all six performing each song together.
PA Plus deployed an “in-the-round” setup providing 360 degrees of coverage, with six line arrays each containing eight VERTEC VT4887 compact line array elements. PA Plus also used 16 JBL MS26 compact loudspeakers for front fills. Powered by Crown I-Tech amplifiers, the system was remotely controlled and monitored via the Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ platform.
In addition to the temporary sound system deployed for the “Songwriters Night” event, PA Plus recently installed the permanent sound reinforcement system at the 1,500-seat Avalon Theatre, which includes a left-right configuration of 10 VT4888 midsize line array elements per side, along with six VT4880 arrayable subwoofers per side. Crown I-Tech amplifiers power the new house system, which also includes AKG microphones, BSS Audio DPR dynamics and dbx 162SL compressor/limiters.
With Reba McEntire loading in right after the final Songwriters Night performance, PA Plus left the existing VERTEC midsize house system in place and flew the standalone VERTEC compact system for the Songwriters Night in-the-round show. In order to expedite loadout after the Songwriters Night events, PA Plus took full advantage of the configuration functionality available in the venue’s Crown I-Tech amplifier installation. “Power and processing for the portable VT4887 system was achieved by simply tying into the existing speaker lines in the overhead production grid and loading the corresponding JBL V4 DSP presets into the Crown I-Tech amplifiers,” said Mark Radu, Systems Engineer for PA Plus. “A simple re-patch in the grid and preset recall was all that was required to ready the system for Reba McEntire.”
According to Radu, the acoustic music content of the show was a perfect match for the VT4887’s. “This was the first chance I had to work with JBL’s new V4 DSP presets for driving 4887’s with I-Tech,” he said. “I was much closer to the desired end result right out of the box with V4 presets, while the system as a whole sounded much more coherent from top to bottom. I was happy with the improvements [JBL’s Director of Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering] Paul Bauman and JBL Engineering have made with the rest of the VERTEC DSP presets, and his work on the VT4887’s proved just as impressive.”
For more information on PA Plus, please visit www.pa-plus.com
JBL is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
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 the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
To read more or to download images, please click here.
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