One Direction’s “This Is Us” World Premier Shines Bright In Front of Adoring Fans With HARMAN’s Martin RUSH Series

LONDON, England — With an estimated 70,000 fans screaming and hoping to catch a glimpse of One Direction, the five-member band walked the red carpet outside the Empire Cinema in London’s Leicester Square for the world premier of “1D: This Is Us.” Lighting design and production was handled by premiere veterans Limited Edition Events who utilized HARMAN’s Martin RUSH Series Strobe 5x5’s to add some eye-candy to the daylight event. Emitting an intense but diffused cool light the units produced a myriad of pixel mapped effects which looked fabulous on the global live broadcast.

Nearly 30 Martin RUSH Strobe 5x5’s, provided by HSL lighting of Blackburn, were built into two double sided pyramid set pieces on the main stage along with two smaller pyramids on the DJ stage. With strategic spacing between units an exploded video effect was created. Each of the hundreds of pixels – 25 in each strobe – were controlled individually through the new Martin M6 lighting console.

“The Rush panels are a positive step from the original tungsten panels we all know and love. The cool LED’s provide a crisp clean look to the performance space along with the added benefit of a strobe function and remarkably low power requirements stated Edward Regan, LD. “In addition the kit is smaller and deploys quickly which allows us to be more flexible with our designs. It was a neat set; really good to look at!”

Alongside Regan was Limited Edition’s MD James Barnfather. “The client brief was to create a large high impact effect which would also act as the main backdrop to the interview area; in addition it had to look great on camera and to a live audience in bright daylight conditions. We used a lot of the Jarag-5 panels on the Fast & Furious 6 premiere which the client really liked; therefore we started looking for a similar style product but with a more modern look. The Rush panels worked really well, especially in conjunction with the M6 console which allowed us to create a host of mapped effects in a very short programming window.”

The M6 is a state-of-the-art lighting console, which functions as an advanced ‘visual control’ surface, able to control any lighting rig from conventional moving lights to digital fixtures and LED pixels. Controllable via multiple DMX options or sound activated, RUSH Strobe 5x5 includes preprogrammed effect, letter and number macros for easy-to-produce graphics and messaging.

RUSH provided a stellar performance on camera and for the live audience, receiving a vast amount of positive comments from both technicians and the end client.

A link to the 1D: This Is Us premiere highlights can be found here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uasLHTP1N_w


Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, Martin Professional is a world leader in the creation of dynamic lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors. Martin lighting solutions are industry standard on top tours and events, grace prestigious theatres, energize nightclubs and decorate major television studios around the globe. Other important areas of application are indoor and outdoor architecture and commercial applications where Martin products are increasingly being used to transform spaces with dynamic light. Martin also offers a range of advanced lighting controllers and media servers, as well as a complete line of smoke machines as a complement to intelligent lighting. The company operates the industry’s most complete and capable distributor network with local partners in nearly 100 countries. Martin Professional joined the HARMAN families of category-leading technology and lifestyle brands in March 2013.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Rock for Oklahoma Benefits from HARMAN’s JBL and Crown Concert Audio System

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma — Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena recently hosted Rock for Oklahoma, a benefit concert for Oklahoma tornado victims that featured Kings of Leon, The Flaming Lips, Jackson Browne and Built to Spill. Concert audio was provided by Oklahoma City live sound rental contractor Miller Pro Audio (www.millerproaudio.com). Owner Danny Miller and his crew, FOH Engineer Nick Walsh, Systems Engineer Aaron Oliver, and Systems Tech Kip Montgomery provided the PA with a system comprised of HARMAN’s JBL loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers. Proceeds from the event benefitted the United Way of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund.

The system utilized for the concert included 18 JBL VERTEC® VT4889 fullsize line array elements per side for the mains, plus 12 VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements per side used for out fill. Side fill was provided by three VT4888 elements and four VERTEC VT4880 fullsize arrayable subwoofers per side. In addition, 36 JBL SRX728 2x18” subwoofers supplemented the system’s low end. All loudspeakers were driven by Crown I-Tech 9000 HD and I-Tech 12000 HD amplifiers.

Although the Chesapeake Energy Arena has an installed house PA system, the Miller Pro Audio team decided not to tie into it for the event, which drew more than 15,000 people. “The VERTEC arrays were more than capable of covering the venue adequately,” explained Oliver.

In deploying the VERTEC system, the crew had to deal with a number of large, hard surfaces such as signage that was located throughout the arena. In addition, because of its physical location it proved impossible to hang any speakers from a large video screen.

Oliver was able to avoid any unwanted echoes from the large, reflective surfaces and work around the video screen by using the JBL Line Array Calculator II V1.2 system setup software to determine the physical placement of the line arrays to achieve optimum coverage. He noted that the VT4889 and VT4888 are extremely versatile in their ability to achieve the best-possible coverage angles, even in difficult architectural situations like the Chesapeake Energy Arena where the arrays could not be hung in all of Miller’s preferred locations.

Miller Pro Audio chose the Crown-powered JBL VERTEC system for its ease of use, high efficiency and great sound. “The ability of the VERTEC line arrays and Crown amps to work together and take advantage of the latest V5 DSP presets enables us to deliver a level of sound quality that’s just stunning – big and powerful yet smooth and even with exceptional clarity.”

“All the performers were really happy with the performance of the PA,” Oliver concluded. “Lots of ‘thank you’s’ all around. All in all, a great day.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Ireland’s TV3 Equips New HD Studio With Its First HARMAN Studer Vista 5 M2 Console

DUBLIN, Ireland — When TV3 launched in 1998 it became Ireland’s first commercial broadcaster. Today, it remains the country’s only commercial station, operating three platforms—TV3, 3e, and TV3.ie—and enjoys around 25 percent of overall viewership. TV3 presently has two fully functioning studios with two more currently being built—and it was to equip its new 5,000-square-foot HD studio, which will be used mainly for light entertainment and factual entertainment shows, that the broadcaster recently purchased a 42-fader HARMAN Studer Vista 5 M2 along with four Vi Compact Stageboxes.

The M2 upgrade to the popular Vista 5 provides the addition of TFT metering; this is capable of displaying signal levels from mono through to 5.1 channels on each input, with a user-configurable lower area.

The station opted to invest in Studer technology for the first time, based on both price and facilities — and in particular the 32/16 fibre stage boxes, according to Jose de Freitas, CTO at TV3, and Simon Dowling, Head of Engineering. But their decision was made only after they had reviewed a number of alternative console options.

Sound engineer John Mullen explains that the Vista 5M2 will initially be deployed for all recordings and live shows in the HD studio. “It has already featured on a late political panellist series, a light entertainment series and as a ‘front-of-house’ desk when the studio is used as a live venue.” Aside from its use both with and without audiences the desk is currently deployed on a 10-part factual entertainment series.

Mullen believes that the desk has represented a wise investment, and that it has the potential to improve workflow as the studio network develops. Meanwhile, the next phase will be to have all technicians—both in-house and freelance—fully operator trained.

“There are many features we like about this desk,” he concludes. “Among them are the DSP Calculator; the General Patch Matrix, for its ease of use and visibility; the GEQ, which is great for creating monitoring/PA mixes;the meter bridge, both for its visisibility and flexibility in configuration; the Monitor Selector/File, for the quantity and flexibility of sources and the N-X [mix minus] Bus — again for its ease of use and flexibility.”

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Sir Elton John Shines in Denmark with HARMAN’s Martin MAC Viper Profiles

AARHUS, Denmark — Lighting Designer Andrew Pygott was pleased to learn Danish rental company Comtech began offering HARMAN’s Martin MAC Viper Profile and designed a Martin rig for Sir Elton John’s show at Denmark’s Resenlund Park composed of the high-output profiles.

“I was very interested in giving the Viper Profiles a go ever since a demo at our Barnsley headquarters in England,” says Pygott, who incorporated the Martin fixtures into the rig as the primary spots on the show, part of Elton John’s “40th Anniversary of the Rocket Man” tour.

“Its size-to-light output ratio and the good selection of stock gobos available made it an excellent fixture to clone and easily create multiple looks during the show,” Pygott says. “The Vipers are also remarkably fast on function including movement, which is outstanding for its size.”

Pygott positioned the Vipers on five of six aerial trusses, as well as on vertical towers at the rear of the stage. The tower positions and upstage truss had a pair of MAC Aura’s surrounding them to give a number of nice looks with the gobo beam emitting between the Auras.

Jes Hylby Christensen of Comtech commented, “I chose the Viper because of the efficiency of the fixture according to dimensions of the stage and the stability it offers in ‘outdoor’ environments. An important factor is also the weight-to-output ratio, which is impressive. In my opinion, the combination of Vipers and MAC III was the best solution for the job.”

Pygott thanks Comtech’s Kristian Holm Nielsen (Chief Technician), Jens Olsen (Project Manager) and Jes Hylby Christensen (Project Coordinator), “Who were able to quickly meet my requirements and provide a safe, well-positioned and fully functioning rig with great ease, making my trip to Denmark a pleasure.” He also thanks Omar Grundy, a colleague at Innovation Productions (www.innovation-productions.com), for his continued assistance.

Martin Equipment:

· 30 x MAC Viper Profile™

· 22 x MAC Aura™

· 29 x MAC 2000 Wash XB™

· 14 x MAC III Profile™

· 2 x Jem AF-1™ fan

As a world leader in the creation of dynamic lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors, Martin lighting and video systems are renowned the world over. Martin also offers a range of advanced lighting controllers and media servers, as well as a complete line of smoke machines as a complement to intelligent lighting. Martin operates the industry’s most complete and capable distributor network with local partners in nearly 100 countries. Founded in 1987 and based in Aarhus, Denmark, Martin is the lighting division of global infotainment and audio company HARMAN International Industries. For more information please visit: http://www.martin.com.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Blokhed Studios Makes A Smart Move To HARMAN’s Soundcraft Si Expression 2 Digital Live Sound Console

DEER PARK, New York – When it comes to sound quality, Blokhed Studios owner Tom Stiegler is no fool. A drummer, recording, mastering and live sound engineer, Stiegler is a self-described “sonic perfectionist” who didn’t want to make the move to live digital mixing until it met his standards. When HARMAN’s Soundcraft Si Expression 2 console hit the market Stiegler found what he’d been waiting for.

Stiegler was “really excited” when digital live sound consoles started to become more affordable a few years ago. However, excitement turned to disappointment when he first heard one of those earlier models. “I hated it,” was his reaction, finding it thin sounding and impractical to use because the faders had to be zeroed out whenever they needed to be reset. He shied away from trying a digital console again until recently, as prices came down and more manufacturers including Soundcraft entered the market.

This time, Stiegler was more wary and spent a lot of time “obsessively researching my options” and making sonic comparisons. “Soundcraft was on my list. I always had faith in their mic preamps, and the new Si Expression Series looked like it had the features I needed. The Si Expression 2 was price-competitive with other comparable brands.” After comparing various digital consoles in his price range, Stiegler chose the Si Expression 2 for its superior sound quality and feature set. “I’m a mixing and mastering engineer,” he noted. “I hear everything. What seems like a little bit of a sonic difference to others is a big amount to me.”

Stiegler does a lot of live sound work for local Long Island and New York Metro area bands at outdoor and indoor gigs, where bands have come to rely on him for his ability to get a good-sounding mix no matter where they’re playing—even in clubs with less-than-stellar acoustics and house sound systems. “I feel that local bands should have a live sound mix that’s as good as any national act,” he emphasized. Easier said than done in some venues, which is why Stiegler often brings in extra PA gear and appreciates the Si Expression 2’s ability to adapt to any live sound situation.

In the hectic environment of club sound, Stiegler will often have to set up the Si Expression 2 in less than an hour—or even have only minutes to build a mix. He finds the console to be adept at getting him where he needs to be fast, thanks to its motorized faders, logical layout and features like Soundcraft’s simple, timesaving cue/snapshot system that lets Stiegler instantly recall any board settings from any club he’s ever worked in – “a beautiful thing.” Equally useful is Soundcraft’s TOTEM™ (The One-Touch Easy Mix) system that reconfigures the console and allows users to press a single key to mix to an AUX, FX or Matrix bus.

Stiegler noted that all the compression, EQ, noise gate and other controls he needs the most are at his fingertips, with the “analog section” of the console right at the top and the touchscreen interface providing ready access to desired functions. Stiegler finds the FaderGlow™ color-coded illuminated faders a lifesaver in clubs where front of house is thrown into near-darkness when the house lights go down.

The Si Expression 2’s iPad compatibility gives Stiegler the ability to make adjustments to the console from anywhere in the room—an extremely useful feature that lets him adjust the mix from anywhere in the venue and set each musician’s monitor mix from the musician’s on-stage position.

In making the move from analog to digital, Stiegler found there was a learning curve, but not too big a one. “The Si Expression 2 is not that hard to learn. The biggest mistake you can make is walking into it thinking it’s going to be too complicated. If you’re thinking about buying a digital console in this price range, the Si Expression 2 is the one to get—it’s not even a question,” he concluded.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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HARMAN’s DigiTech Introduces Its Element XP and Element Guitar Multi-Effects Pedals

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The elements of perfect guitar tone start here: HARMAN’s DigiTech today announced the introduction of its Element and Element XP, two versatile guitar multi-effects pedals that offer hundreds of sounds, effects, amps and cabinets, drum machine and much more.

The DigiTech Element XP features an expression pedal and offers 38 effects, while the Element provides 34 effects. The Element XP and Element both deliver state-of-the-art effects processing with six classic overdrive and distortion stompboxes, 12 amps and cabinets and 28 pedals. The Element XP and Element both feature a pedalboard-style control layout that is simple to use and lets players quickly adjust and save their settings to fit their personal styles.

“Our new Element XP and Element multi-effects pedals bring an incredible array of classic and contemporary guitar sounds to players everywhere, at prices that offer outstanding value,” said Scott Klimt, marketing manager for DigiTech. “We spent a great deal of time and effort in getting everything right and give guitarists an affordable yet high quality guitar effects processor that is not just useful, but inspiring.”

Overdrive and distortion are elemental to every guitarist’s sonic arsenal, and the Element XP and Element offer stompboxes inspired by the legendary Ibanez® TS-9 Tube Screamer™, DOD® 250 Preamp/Overdrive, Boss® DS-1 Distortion, DigiTech Grunge, DigiTech Death Metal and Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi™. The amplifiers include many of the classics that defined the sound of rock and roll, like the ’57 Fender® Tweed Deluxe™, ’65 Fender “Blackface” Twin Reverb™, ’68 Marshall® Super Lead “Plexi” with slant Celestion® “Greenback” 4 x 12 cabinet, ’83 Marshall® JCM800™, ’63 Vox AC 30™ Top Boost with “Blue Back” speakers, ’01 Mesa/Boogie® Dual Rectifier™ and other all-time greats.

The Element XP and Element provide a dazzling array of effects: compressor, 3-band EQ, flanger, phaser, tremolo, vibrato, chorus, rotary simulator, envelope filter, step filter, spring reverb, room reverb, noise gate, an acoustic guitar simulator and many others. The Element XP adds four expression pedal-based effects including the Dunlop® Cry Baby™ wah wah, Vox® Clyde McCoy™ wah, a full-range wah and a volume pedal.

Guitarists can choose from 100 factory presets that encompass a host of musical genres, and create and save 100 more custom preset sounds. 45 different drum tracks are available to jam and practice along with, and both models include a built-in tuner. The Element XP and Element feature a 1/4-inch guitar input and a 1/4-inch stereo output jack that can be connected to either an amplifier or a mixer for direct recording using the Amp/Mixer mode switch. The Element XP and Element have a dedicated headphone jack and an Aux input to jam along with favorite songs. Both pedals include a power supply so no batteries are needed.

The DigiTech Element XP and Element multi-effects pedals will be available in October 2013 at suggested retail prices of $119.95 and $159.95 respectively.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of audio, lighting and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson®, and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,300 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

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Pitbull’s Club Experience Tour “Global Warming” Is Hot With HARMAN’s Martin MAC Viper

AARHUS, Denmark — Production and Lighting Designer Justin Geiger of Impulse Creative Group has been handling the visual look on Pitbull’s live shows for nearly two years. For the rapper’s current “Global Warming” tour, Geiger has turned to HARMAN’s Martin MAC Viper family of moving heads to impress fans across the world.

Geiger is one of the first LDs in the U.S. to use the MAC Viper Quadray, Viper AirFX and Viper Profiles on the same stage. “The time it took from when we received the fixtures until they were up in the rig was literally only a few minutes,” Geiger says. “The Vipers look fantastic and work really well on this high-energy club show. I use other lights on tour and it's such a relief to have Vipers because of the amazing gobos and optics. They’re some of the best I’ve seen.”

Geiger became familiar with the new family of luminaires through production house Complete Production Resources (CPR) of Orlando, who acquired the MAC Viper fixtures just prior to the tour.

CPR owner Kelly Greene explains why they went with Martin. “The Martin name was a big part of the decision-making process for the purchase. We wanted an industry-standard lighting product for our inventory. We have had great success with Martin in the past and are looking forward to the same with our new Viper products.”

Geiger was also the first in the U.S. to use the new MAC Viper Quadray – Martin’s new multi-beam moving head that allows for projection of up to four individually controllable rays of light. It’s available as an easy-to-install front lens replacement kit for any standard MAC Viper AirFX.

“Whenever we need something over the top, we turn to the Quadray’s unique multiple beams and fantastic gobos,” says Geiger. “It also doubles as a great wash when not using the Quadray effect.”

Geiger uses the Quadrays to “open up the stage” and likes the luminaire’s fat white beam and preprogrammed effects, which he uses at variable speeds. He has them placed on the floor, risers, wing trusses and on the main upstage truss.

“For its size and output these fixtures cannot be beat,” Director of Lighting Production Lucas Peterson said. “While on tour, we experienced very little maintenance over a 6-week run. It was a bit intimidating being the first company out with the Viper AirFX and Quadrays, but our fear quickly diminished after multiple shows with no issues. Jim Fuller and the Martin Professional team are outstanding!”

Video Director for the tour is Nate Selvidio of Impulse Creative Group.

For more information on Impulse Creative Group, please visit http://www.impulsecreativegroup.com.

Martin Equipment:

· 48 x MAC Viper Profile™

· 16 x MAC Viper Quadray™

· 12 x MAC Viper AirFX™

· 24 x Atomic 3000™

· 24 x Atomic Colors™

· Jem ZR44 Hi-Mass™

As a world leader in the creation of dynamic lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors, Martin lighting and video systems are renowned the world over. Martin also offers a range of advanced lighting controllers and media servers, as well as a complete line of smoke machines as a complement to intelligent lighting. Martin operates the industry’s most complete and capable distributor network with local partners in nearly 100 countries. Founded in 1987 and based in Aarhus, Denmark, Martin is the lighting division of global infotainment and audio company HARMAN International Industries. For more information please visit: http://www.martin.com.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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VER Tour Sound Perfectly Captures the Essence Music Festival with HARMAN’s JBL VTX Line Arrays and Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers

NORTHRIDGE, California – For the 19th year, the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans hosted some of the biggest names in pop, R&B and hip-hop music, including Beyoncé, Maxwell, New Edition, Keyshia Cole, LL Cool J and Jill Scott. For the main stage in the Superdome, VER Tour Sound (VER) provided a massive HARMAN JBL VTX line array system powered by Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers.

With a ceiling height of more than 250 feet above the front-of-house position and a total volume of 125 million cubic feet, the main space in the Superdome posed some formidable acoustic challenges. “The Superdome is such a reverberant space that we had to not only ensure that we were able to cover such a large area, but that we were able to do so while tightly controlling the dispersion to ensure even coverage throughout the space,” said Jason Vrobel, System Engineer for VER Tour Sound.

The PA system on the main stage featured 18 JBL VTX V25 fullsize line array elements per side for the main arrays, with an additional 18 V25 elements on each side for side fill (hung at 45-degree angles relative to the main arrays), rounded out by another 12 V25 elements per side for rear fill (hung at 90-degree angles). For the low end, VER hung 16 VTX S28 subwoofers per side in a cardioid configuration behind the 45-degree angled arrays, along with 12 ground-stacked VTX G28 subwoofers per side. For center fill, VER hung left-right arrays of five VERTEC® VT4889 fullsize line array elements each, with six VT4887A compact line array elements on each side for front fill. The delay system featured a total of 24 VT4889 loudspeakers in four columns of six each.

No less than 154 Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers powered the system, with I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers assigned to the high and mid frequencies and I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers powering the lows and subwoofers. The system was controlled via JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ software.

“We had a lot better of an outcome than I anticipated considering how reverberant the Superdome is,” Vrobel noted. “I attribute that to the VTX system and the support we received from HARMAN to help us properly configure the system and achieve uniform sound throughout the entire dome.”

“The VTX system and the Crown amplifiers performed incredibly well—the producers from the festival told me it was the best it had sounded in the festival’s 18-year history,” Vrobel said. “The support I received from [Senior Manager, Tour Sound, JBL] Paul Bauman, [Applications Engineer, JBL] Jay Fullmer and [Business Developer, Tour Sound, Crown] Eric Friedlander was fantastic and we’ll be working together a lot in the future.”

For more information on Video Equipment Rentals, please visit www.verrents.com

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Linkin Park Rocks the Philippines’ SM Mall of Asia Arena With HARMAN’s JBL VTX Line Arrays and Crown VRACK Amplifier Systems

PASAY, Philippines — Touring in support of its new album Living Things, Linkin Park brought its high-powered alt-metal-rap-rock to the Philippines’ for only the second time in its career, performing at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on August 13. Audio for the 20,000-seat arena was supplied by Manila-based tour sound contractor SoundCheck (www.soundcheck.com.ph), with a massive sound system featuring 128 HARMAN JBL VTX Series line array loudspeakers and subwoofers powered by 30 Crown VRACK amplifier systems.

SoundCheck has supplied tour sound for top international and Philippines acts since 1992. The system deployed for Linkin Park included a total of 60 JBL VTX V25 line array elements and 60 VTX S28 subwoofers flown for the main and side PA. In addition, six JBL VERTEC® VT4888DP-PA powered midsize line array elements were used for the center cluster, and 16 VERTEC VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers and 12 VRX932LA-1 Constant Curvature loudspeakers were ground-stacked with the subs in cardioid configuration.

Thirty Crown VRACK amplifier racks and three custom Crown racks powered the loudspeakers. VRACK is a complete, transportable amplifier solution that includes Crown I-Tech HD Series power amps, analog and digital connections and a universal power distribution system, housed in a wheeled rack with a suspension system that enables VRACKs to be suspended. Total amplification for the Linkin Park system added up to 78 Crown I-Tech 12000 HD amplifiers, nine I-Tech 9000 HD and 12 I-Tech 3500 HD amps. SoundCheck used JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ software to set up and control the system.

Providing additional support to the SoundCheck team throughout load in and the show was HARMAN Professional Asia’s tour sound market manager, Vincent “Vinnie” Perreux. Although the SM Mall of Asia Arena is a very large 20,000-seat venue, once SoundCheck began the process of setting up the show, Perreux realized the amount of equipment requested on Linkin Park’s rider was actually going to be too much. “I think more audio professionals are starting to realize this now but the JBL VTX line arrays and subwoofers deliver far more output and coverage than other line arrays of their size, with more clarity, lower distortion and smoother tonal response,” Perreux noted.

In fact, when Perreux, SoundCheck and Linkin Park front of house mixer Ken “Pooch” Van Druten started the show, they left some of the top subwoofers completely off and kept the rest of the subwoofers between 7dB and 10dB down. “Even at the end of the show, when the band was going flat-out pedal to the metal and the audience was going nuts, we were still running the subs at -3.5dB,” said Perreux.

The Performance Manager software contributed greatly to SoundCheck’s ability to set up the sound system accurately before the first note was even played. Performance Manager enabled the crew to optimize the setup of the JBL VTX and VERTEC loudspeakers both in terms of determining the speakers’ physical deployment and in tuning the speakers using JBL’s V5 presets. Performance Manager also fully integrates with Crown’s VRACK. “We actually had to use a very light touch on the Crown amplifiers’ built-in OmniDrive HD DSP processing,” Perreux pointed out, “and Pooch only had to use four filters on his master EQ when mixing the show.”

“The sound was fantastic and Linkin Park, the band’s crew and the promoter were happy and really enjoyed the system,” Perreux concluded. “Mission accomplished!”

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Pick Of The Hits - HARMAN in The IBC Daily, September 2013

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HARMAN Professional Enhances Architectural Media Systems With Release Of HiQnet™ Audio Architect™ Version 1.1

NORTHRIDGE, California – HARMAN Professional today announced the introduction of its HiQnet Audio Architect version 1.1 professional audio configuration and control platform, an upgrade that brings new functionality and features, including control of Audinate Dante™-enabled devices, enhanced functionality for BSS Audio and Crown products, better on-screen control interfaces and other improvements.

Audio Architect is the software element of HARMAN’s Architectural Media Systems, and is a single control platform for all devices in a HiQnet sound system, from microphone to speaker. HARMAN Architectural Media Systems combines the processing power of BSS Audio and Crown Audio’s category leading amplifier technology with the configuration and control capabilities of HiQnet Audio Architect. This solution provides audio professionals with the most complete, versatile platform available for small to large-scale AV system design, with the single point accountability of one-stop comprehensive support and logistics. Architectural Media Systems provides networked audio connectivity via the designer’s choice of AVB, HARMAN’s proprietary BLU Link bus, Cirrus CobraNet or Audinate Dante.

To facilitate system setup, Audio Architect 1.1 utilizes graphical, diagrammatic representations of the installed or live sound venue, and the components and loudspeakers in the system. Devices “understand” both their physical and logical placement – in racks, arrays and rooms – and the software “learns” how they are to be used in the real world, while offering extensive setup and configuration capabilities, now further enhanced with version 1.1.

Audio Architect 1.1 now supports the Audinate Dante-enabled BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-806 signal processor and BLU-326 I/O expander devices. Version 1.1 also enables signal naming and signal following in the software’s BSS Soundweb London Route Audio Mode, giving users the ability to trace signals quickly and easily through the open architecture of a BSS Soundweb London device and between Soundweb London devices over the network.

“The release of Audio Architect 1.1 reflects HARMAN Professional’s continued commitment to offering universal networking solutions with multiple transport options – HARMAN’s own BLU link bus, Audinate Dante and CobraNet® are all configurable in Audio Architect today. In a future version, AVB support will also be added, rounding out Audio Architect’s readiness for any networking application,,” said Adam Holladay, Market Manager, HARMAN System Development and Integration Group.

Further incorporating London Architect functionality, Audio Architect version 1.1 offers Soundweb London devices both 96kHz support and adds a FIR Filter Processing Object. In addition, Soundweb London Parameter presets and Device presets and can be dragged directly into controls in the Custom Panel Designer.

Version 1.1 now provides support for the Crown DCi 8|600N model of the DriveCore Install Network Series networkable amplifiers, which have BLU link connectivity and point-to-point audio networking compatibility with the Soundweb London family. Version 1.1 also supports the Crown USBX accessory that enables Crown XTi, CDi and DSi Series amplifiers with a USB port to be operated via an Apple iPad or iPhone.

Audio Architect 1.1’s Full Screen Mode has been improved, enabling it to more effectively run as a control application. Full Screen Mode is designed for the day-to-day operator and makes essential control panels and options readily available for each user, application and project.

HARMAN Architectural Media Systems is engineered to provide the best user experience for the designer right through to the operator. The systems are built upon a foundation of over 40 years of combined networking expertise, and provide category-leading scalability via distributed DSP architecture and the most transport-agnostic, flexible approach to audio network design.

Version 1.1 provides a number of additional enhancements and capabilities; more details are available at http://archimedia.harman.com.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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HARMAN’s Martin Lighting Shines Dynamic Perspective For French Fort Saint Jean

MARSEILLE, France — An essential French military complex for more than 400 years, the famous Fort Saint Jean has recently undertaken a massive renovation to return the legendary monument to its former glory. Located at the entrance of the Vieux Port of Marseille, Fort Saint Jean dates back to the 17th century and maintained a strong military role for the country. Now integrated into the museograhic entity of MuCEM, a museum of Europe and the Mediterranean, the structure and landscape offers visitors numerous Mediterranean style gardens to visit. In order to continue the experience after nightfall, lighting design company, L’Agence Lumière, designed and installed a HARMAN’s Martin lighting rig to brighten the symbolic monument.

Based on the intricate landscape design, the main challenge was transforming Fort Saint Jean into a new living space and nighttime walk area in Marseille. The lighting design would allow for guests to visit the many different areas of the fort after dark.

L’Agence Lumière used seventeen Martin Exterior 400 Image Projectors with rotating gobo and color wheels to illuminate the area. The Exterior 400 IP’s include seven 50-Watt white LED, which are powerful enough to guarantee a stunning visual impact of the landscape.

The light changes throughout the evening. At nightfall, the moonlight slowly surrounds the fort with a warm white light that takes over for the sunlight that shines during the day. Then, a more bluish light arises, accentuating the moonlight effect.

“On the impressive Place d’Armes or in the Cour de la Commande, the Martin lights add some texture, playing with shadows and contrasts. It gives the illusion that the ground is moving and vibrating,” explained Régis Clouzet, senior lighting designer and owner of L’Agence Lumière.

Other lighting elements of the renovation include Martin’s Exterior 410, Tripix Wash and Tripix 1200 to help the monument become a versatile area for different kinds of events. “During cultural events, this slowly-moving lighting is changed to a more festive ambiance,” added Clouzet. “Thanks to versatility of Martin, the area is capable of handling the needs of various cultural events organized by the MuCEM inside the Fort.”

Products:

· 17 x Exterior 400 IP

· 6 x Exterior 410

· 13 x Tripix Wash

· 11 x Tripix 1200

Team:

· Contractor: French Ministry of Culture

· Contractor mandatory: OPPIC

· Landscape designer: APS agency

· Lighting designer: L’Agence Lumière

As a world leader in the creation of dynamic lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors, Martin lighting and video systems are renowned the world over. Martin also offers a range of advanced lighting controllers and media servers, as well as a complete line of smoke machines as a complement to intelligent lighting. Martin operates the industry’s most complete and capable distributor network with local partners in nearly 100 countries. Founded in 1987 and based in Aarhus, Denmark, Martin is the lighting division of global infotainment and audio company HARMAN International Industries. For more information please visit: http://www.martin.com.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Acoustic Light Supports Legendary Mille Miglia Classic Car Race with HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® Line Arrays

BRESCIA, Italy - Each year, over a long weekend, a classic-car open-road endurance race takes place in Italy between Brescia and Rome. As it has since 2010, Santa Maria degli Angelia (PG)-based rental company Acoustic Light provided a HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® line array system for the arrival at Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome and the initial departure from Brescia (and eventual return to the city).

Only 375 vehicles are accepted for participation in the event, and these are selected exclusively from the models that took part in at least one of the historic Mille Miglia races, which were held between 1927 and 1957—with crews coming from all over the world to compete. Like the older Targa Florio and later the Carrera Panamericana, the Mille Miglia helped make Gran Turismo (Grand Touring) sports cars like Alfa Romeo, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche world famous brands.

 Starting off from Brescia on the Thursday night, and arriving in Rome the day after, participants then drive the route in reverse, arriving back in Brescia late on Saturday night. The following day was then dedicated to the prize ceremony and celebrations. With up to five million enthusiasts lining the route, the whole 4-day re-enactment needs to be coordinated by high-quality sound reinforcement, which shows the same powers of endurance as the drivers themselves.

Acoustic Light, with the support of HARMAN Professional distributor, Leading Technologies, played an active role as they have been doing since 2010. At each destination a sound engineer, two audio technicians and a PA manager were stationed. In Brescia, Acoustic Light provided 24 JBL VERTEC VT4888DP powered midsized line array elements; eight JBL VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers; 12 JBL VRX932LAP powered Constant Curvature loudspeakers—as well as a Soundcraft Vi1 digital mixing console and AKG D700 radio microphone systems.

The setup in Rome included 12 JBL VT4887A compact line array elements; four JBL SRX728 subwoofers; 12 VRX932LAP loudspeakers; a Soundcraft Vi1; and two AKG D700 radio mic systems.

These sound reinforcement systems were used at the destinations for the presentations of the car and the team (driver and co-driver) and interviews up on the ramp. During the event itself there were various VIP interviews. The whole event was televised by RAI, the Italian state broadcaster.

Stephan Luthi, Acoustic Light’s technical chief responsible for this event, was delighted with the standard of production, particularly the fidelity and reliability of the audio systems. “We have the relationship with Leading Technologies to thank for this, and the support they provided with HARMAN components.”

And Giacomo Laria, Key Account and Live Division Manager of Leading Technologies, added his endorsement of the event. “Apart from the rain during assembly in Brescia and Rome, there were no problems whatsoever. Fortunately we had prior warning of the weather and arrived in both locations one day early!”

Meanwhile, Leading Technologies’ newly-formed Live Division will comprise a network of rental companies, under the name THP (Totally HARMAN Pro)—designed to expand their presence in this market. “It is particularly important at this time to be able to reinforce the relationship that exists between distributors and customers,” said Giacomo.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of audio, lighting and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson®, and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,300 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

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HARMAN’s JBL VTX Network Continues to Build Momentum in France

PARIS, France – The arrival of system and sound engineer Laurent Delenclos at French HARMAN Professional distributor SCV Audio eight months ago has not only boosted the company’s technical support, but provided added reassurance to the growing network of JBL VTX users.

Although Delenclos is supporting all the represented HARMAN Professional brands, his primary focus has been on spreading the word about VTX, JBL’s groundbreaking new system, via demos and at the SCV Audio facility outside Paris.

Following the VTX system’s French debut in September 2012 at the summer festival, Foire en Scène in Chalons en Champagne, three companies—Pan Pot, Echo Animation and Audio Scène—have made substantial investments in the platform, and Delenclos believes this is just the beginning.

“All three companies that have bought into VTX technology are delighted with their purchases and the benefits that this system brings,” Delenclos confirmed.

As an existing JBL VERTEC® user, Audio Scène (based in north-central France) was the first to commit, consolidating its rental fleet with 12 VTX V25, six G28 subs and four Crown VRack 2 complete touring amplifier racks.

Also based in the north, Echo Animation boosted its inventory with 12 V25, six S28 and four VRack 2 systems, while across in the French Alps, Pan Pot purchased 18 VTX V25, twelve G28 subs and six VRack 4 in a complete overhaul of its existing rental fleet. Since all companies specialize in the event and concert market, this provides JBL with a growing network of partners.

“Without this new generation of speakers, the breakthrough would have been much more difficult to achieve,” Delenclos said. “I joined SCV with the idea of overturning old preconceptions about JBL. In France, the mere fact of having a good PA system is not enough—users also want to work with competent partners, with complete support of the distributor—and I remain available for that. The system is very easy to troubleshoot.”

Technical training is of paramount importance, he insists. “It is the first implementation of the system, and I support this personally—carrying out duties such as hosting seminars and demos, as well as checking JBL Line Array Calculator (LAC) simulations for installations and supporting dialogue between the users — in other words acting as a link between them and JBL.

Delenclos says the addition of Crown VRacks has also been particularly welcome. “This standardization of amplification and DSP is a real plus for the VTX system,” he said. “The Crown I-Tech HD amps are powerful and reliable and they are fitted with an exemplary DSP resource. In addition, JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ software is an extremely flexible tool that facilitates the implementation of VTX and VRack systems.”

A number of high profile one-off events have already benefited from the power of VTX. These include Les Nuits de Frejus, Festival d’Hyères, Les Arènes de Frejus, Festival Amnésique and Jazzaramatuelle (all with Pan Pot), Jazz in Marciac (Antoine Crespin /SCV Audio) and of course Foire en Scène 2012 et 2013 (SCV Audio).

Delenclos says is more than happy with the penetration of the French rental market to date, but added, “We will not be resting on our laurels and I will be continuing to work hard to promote VTX.”

For more information on SCV Audio, please visit www.scv.fr

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Return of a Legend: HARMAN’s DigiTech Announces the Rebirth of DOD

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It’s the biggest news in guitar effects in decades: HARMAN’s DigiTech today announced the rebirth of DOD, one of the world’s most legendary guitar pedal lines. DOD is returning with a vengeance, reintroducing two of the most revered pedals of all time – the DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 and Phasor 201. Both models retain all the sonic magic of the originals while incorporating improvements like true bypass, 9V power adapter jack and other refinements.
“Legions of musicians worldwide still treasure their DOD pedals and still use them regularly. Now, guitar players everywhere will be able to enjoy DOD pedals once again and hear why some players won’t part with their DOD pedals for any reason,” said Scott Klimt, Marketing Manager, DigiTech.

“These pedals are not strict re-issues,” Klimt continued. “We’re redefining what each pedal should be, and building those pedals. The paint jobs, graphics, functionality and naturally the sounds pay homage to the vintage pieces but with improvements that better accommodate the needs of today’s players.”
The DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 is one of the most all-time coveted overdrive pedals in rock and roll history, thanks to its ripping, crunching tone, tons of boost and ability to push an amp into the edge of breakup…and far beyond. The new Overdrive Preamp 250 captures the sound and wild heart of the original yet is even better than before with true bypass, a blue LED indicator, clearer tone, and a modern9-volt DC power supply input. As if that weren’t enough, the Overdrive Preamp 250’s output is significantly higher and cleaner than the original, giving the new 250 an incredibly polished sound. Even the familiar yellow finish has been upgraded to a striking two-tone metallic flake and matte black paint job.

The Overdrive Preamp 250 offers Gain and Level controls. Gain controls the amount of distortion from just a touch of grit to all-out grind, and Level dials in anything from a subtle enhancement of body and girth to huge amounts of boost for standout soloing. While the original would color the sound even when off, the new pedal’s true bypass makes the Overdrive Preamp 250 far more performance and pedalboard-friendly. The DOD Phasor 201 was one of the first phaser pedals ever made, and the new Phasor 201 brings back that classic analog phaser “swoosh” that can’t be duplicated by any other effect. The new pedal is better than ever with true bypass, a crisp blue LED indicator, 9-volt power supply input and sleek two-tone metallic flake and matte black finish. Like the original, it’s simplicity itself to operate – just one knob to control the speed of the phasing effect, with stellar sounds at any range.

The DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 and DOD Phasor 201 will be available for a limited time only, starting in October 2013 at a suggested retail price of $149.95 each.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Broadcast Mixing Abilities Enhanced With HARMAN AKG DMM12 BC

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands – Highlighting its line of digital mixing units in the DMM series, HARMAN’s AKG will be showcasing its DMM12 BC during IBC. The 12-input mixer’s highly sophisticated algorithm offers a high signal-to-noise ratio to minimize the number of open microphones in a mix and offers the ability to create a different mix per each output. The DMM12 BC unit is scalable up to 10 units and each unit’s inputs are individually routable to numerous outputs – two stereo line outs, one stereo record output and an AES-EBU output. The professional-grade unit offers numerous DSP functions included in the 19-inch, 1HU device.

Managing level, bass, low cut, limiter, compressor, auto-mixing, priority, pam/balance, routing to receiver, routing to output 1, routing to output 2 and delay adjustments can be made quickly with the intuitive, easy-to-use interface.

“A broadcast facility with DMM12 BC allows engineers to have better control of the digital audio functions, but with a more “analog” feel to the unit,” stated Kent Iverson, Director of Marketing and Product Development, AKG. “The DMM series will be a substantial addition to any broadcast or backroom installed sound rig as its quality, reliability and user-friendliness meet the needs of the mixing professional on numerous levels.”

When in use, all inputs are active, but attenuated to a level that equals the level of one “active microphone.” If one or more inputs receive relevant input signals, their amplification is increased to a level, which allows overall output to equal one “active microphone,” resulting in an absolute feedback-stable system.

Working to deter noise pickup, the DMM series senses numerous sonic activities to monitor and diminish unwanted sound. If a signal is picked up over a long period of time, the mixers understand that it may be an air conditioning unit or other unavoidable noise. When a large number of microphones pick up the same signal and all mics are active, the DMM system will recognize applause and not react. When two microphones are receiving the same signal, the mic with the slightly higher level gets priority, while the other one is attenuated.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio and JBL Blow Into Action for Australian Hurricanes Grill Restaurant

SYDNEY, Australia – Looking to provide a comprehensive audio solution with the necessary power and flexibility for a full-service restaurant, systems integrator Constant Technology Pty Ltd. recommended an all-HARMAN solution for Australian’s latest Hurricanes Grill location. Local HARMAN distributor, Jands, provided all the components utilized in the installation. Considered the company’s flagship restaurant, Hurricanes Grill Brighton Le Sands is an expansive venue, which features waterfront views overlooking a nearby beach.

The system had to be high-performance yet cost-effective. It was also essential the speakers would not be visible while still delivering quality sound and distribution throughout the restaurant. According to Con Constantinou, Managing Director, Constant Technology Pty Ltd., the client, Steve Sidd, was concerned a JBL and BSS Audio solution would not be within his budget. “Once we presented the quote to the client he was really surprised at how cost-effective the solution was,” explained Constantinou.

The venue consists of six audio zones that are powered by a range of Crown amplifiers. Six black JBL Control 47LP ceiling speakers cover the entry zone and four ceiling mounted JBL Control 52 speakers cover the main bar zone. Seven JBL Control 47LP ceiling speakers and a pair of JBL Control 40CS/T ceiling subwoofers cover the dining area. Six JBL Control 25AV Surface mount speakers, filled out with stainless steal grilles that provide an IP5 weather rating, cover the verandah zone.

“It sounds great and the sound distribution works really well,” commented Constantinou. “Our client was initially surprised by the amount of speakers we wanted to install but it was necessary to ensure there were no dead spots.”

In addition, the Tapas zone has two JBL Control 47LP ceiling speakers, two JBL Control 25AV surface mount speakers and a JBL Control 40CS/T ceiling subwoofer. A pair of JBL 8128 ceiling speakers cover the bathroom zone.

The system is controlled by a BSS BLU-100 networked signal processor. To eliminate the need for BSS wall controllers, the BSS software was customized and loaded onto the venue’s computers.

“We loaded a custom interface onto their PC’s so that they can control all the zones, inputs and volume from every point of sale terminal and managers PC,” said Constantinou.

“The client trusted us and is very happy with the sound distribution in his venue and the functionality of BSS Audio,” explained Constantinou.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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Metallica Headlines Roskilde With HARMAN Martin Lighting

AARHUS, Denmark — The Roskilde Music Festival in Denmark, one of Europe’s biggest summer music festivals, has brought together some of the world’s most popular artists since the early 1970s. On this year’s Orange Stage, Metallica headlined the festival, with performances from many other globally acclaimed artists, including Rihanna and Slipknot. Designed by veteran lighting designer Kasper Lange, the Orange Stage featured a vast amount of HARMAN Martin lighting fixtures for the Metallica set.

The Orange Stage included 68 Martin MAC 2000 Wash XB’s and 34 MAC III Profile moving heads, along with 65 MAC 101’s and 10 MAC Aura LED moving heads. Thirty-four Atomic 3000 strobes with Atomic Colors scrollers were deployed for blinding punch effects. Copenhagen-based rental company Litecom, supplied the gear.

Martin lighting, which has graced Roskilde for years, also played a role on several other stages at the 2013 festival including the Pavilion Stage, featuring MAC III Profiles and MAC Auras supplied by rental company Victory, the Odeon Stage, with MAC Auras also supplied by Victory, and the Apollo Stage, featuring Atomic 3000’s supplied by rental company Comtech. Comtech also contributed MAC Auras, MAC 700 Profiles, MAC 350 Entours, MAC 250 Beams, MAC TW1s and Atomic 3000’s for various other areas.

“Martin has been used during the historic Roskilde festival for many years, and we are proud to continue this partnership, supplying the brightest and highest quality lighting systems for the bands and fans,” said Steen Matthiesen, Martin Vice President EMEA Sales. “Having a large variety of fixtures deployed throughout the festival speaks to the versatility of Martin and will undoubtedly provide our latest and greatest fixtures for next year’s Roskilde!”

Orange Stage Crew:

Jonas Ritz – Head Rigger

Balder Thorrud – System Tech

Hrannar Hafsteinsson – System Tech

Timo Kauristo – FOH Tech

Thomas Brockmann – FOH Tech

Leif Hellberg – Wysiwyg suite

As a world leader in the creation of dynamic lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors, Martin lighting and video systems are renowned the world over. Martin also offers a range of advanced lighting controllers and media servers, as well as a complete line of smoke machines as a complement to intelligent lighting. Martin operates the industry’s most complete and capable distributor network with local partners in nearly 100 countries. Founded in 1987 and based in Aarhus, Denmark, Martin is the lighting division of global infotainment and audio company HARMAN International Industries. For more information please visit: http://www.martin.com.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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HARMAN Professional Hosts Sambandh 2013 Business Conference in Bangalore, India

BANGALORE, India — Continuing its commitment to India’s pro audio market, HARMAN Professional recently hosted its Sambandh 2013 business conference at the ITC Gardenia hotel in Bangalore, India. Sambandh 2013 brought the HARMAN Professional India team together with other key HARMAN executives from around the world to determine business and marketing strategies, assess growth opportunities, participate in product education seminars and outline the company’s direction in the region. Overall, the event had over 150 attendees including dealers, leading system integrators, consultants, sound rental companies, and end customers.

The Gala Night, on day one of the event, featured an integrated sound and light display with an introduction by Illuminati, India’s leading UV Light Troupe, highlighting the arrival of Martin Professional in India. This was followed by a performance from AKG endorsee and world-renowned percussionist, Sivamani, along with pianist Stephen Devassey, vocalist Runa Rizvi, and Rajesh Vaidhya on sitar. The Prince Dance Group closed out the night with a dance performance showcasing the extensive sound and light capabilities of HARMAN with a unique touch of Indian mythology.

Key HARMAN Professional executives attending Sambandh 2013 included Andy Trott, Vice President and General Manager Mixing, Microphones and Headphones Strategic Business Unit, Villad Thomsen of Harman’s Martin Professional Lighting Business Unit, and Van Williamson, Business Development Manager, Commercial Systems.

Day two began with a keynote address by Mr.Trott, updating the delegates on HARMAN Professional’s global business. Prashant Govindan, Director of India Operations for HARMAN Professional, provided the delegates with an overview of the current year’s business and a preview of 2014. Ganesh Kumar, Service Manager for HARMAN Professional India highlighted the launch of a new service and support helpline. Villad Thomsen provided an overview of Martin Professional’s lighting products and technologies. The sessions concluded with CEO, Brand Communications, Ramanujam Sridhar, speaking about how marketing and innovative sales tactics can change brand perception.

Sambandh, which is Hindi for “connection,” follows HARMAN Professional’s recent decision to adopt a direct distribution policy in India to better serve the market. HARMAN Professional’s move to direct distribution for India has included an extensive investment in India-based R & D, operations, sales and support, and has resulted in the opening of new regional sales offices, new service and distribution centers, and strengthened technical, project design and application support.

“Sambandh 2013 reflects HARMAN Professional’s commitment to success in this internationally important and growing market,” said Ankush Agarwal, Director of Business Development and Marketing, HARMAN Professional, India. “We are continuing to invest heavily in India. Even as some current news reports discuss slower growth in international markets, HARMAN Professional’s business in India and other emerging markets is strong.”

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio at the Heart of Audio Upgrade for England’s Coventry Cathedral

COVENTRY, United Kingdom – In need of a complete overhaul of its audio signal distribution, the historic Coventry Cathedral recently underwent a major upgrade, bringing it into the digital age with a HARMAN BSS Audio Soundweb London system. The famous Coventry Cathedral, which was destroyed during World War II and eventually rebuilt, has been a place of Christian worship for over 1,000 years. The installation was handled by AV provider RaceTech AV led by Robin Dibble, head of audio engineering and responsible for an upgrade to the church’s audio system 20 years ago. All BSS Audio equipment was supplied by UK HARMAN distributor Sound Technology, Ltd.

With an outdated analog audio system, the quality of the cathedral’s audio was suffering. When Dibble was brought back to update the system, he knew a BSS Audio Soundweb London solution would be the best for the needs of the facility. “With our original solution, no matter what area of the Cathedral a microphone was plugged into, the system was inherently time aligned in both directions, both up and down the length of the building,” remembered Dibble. “We used a huge rack of hand-wired summing amps, signal delays and modular automatic microphone mixers.”

More than two decades later, the same solution is easily attainable with modern digital electronics from BSS Audio. “This provides greater reliability, lower energy consumption and lower running costs,” added Dibble.

Dibble deployed a BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-160, configured with 16 mic/line inputs. By expanding the I/O capacity with an 8-input BLU-BIB and two 8-output BLU-BOB breakout boxes, Dibble was able to increase the routing capability to 24-in/16-out, using BSS Audio’s BLU link digital audio bus between devices.

“Using Soundweb has made everything so much easier,” Dibble explained. “What was previously a huge issue, with so many channels requiring EQ and delay, is now a breeze — and there is so much processing power that just one BLU-160 is operating at only 52% capacity. And since the entire solution is built into Soundweb, it provides a completely different way of optimizing the sound.”

“As for BLU link, this provides big system cost savings as there are no network switches, no extra cards and it’s self redundant. The result is a better sound quality, and I have only had positive comments, as no one believed such a sound as this would be possible,” added Dibble.

The base for this system is installed in a console near the rear of the cathedral, for use by the clergy. In addition, the equipment rack, which houses the amps, DSP and radio receivers, is in a dedicated room immediately in the back.

Within the church, the reaction to the upgrade has been overwhelmingly positive as well, “The audio installation provided by RaceTech has greatly improved the audio quality of our corporate worship and the diverse range of events the Cathedral hosts. The sound is clear and evenly distributed, and the system is coping well, utilized in isolated areas for small gatherings through to full congregations of 1200 people,” said Jenny Thurston, Head Verger for Coventry Cathedral.

For Dibble, the BSS Audio Soundweb London system has made the whole process incredibly straightforward. “The BSS experience is never anything other than positive. I have never looked elsewhere as this has been by far the most cost-effective solution.”

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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HARMAN Soundcraft’s “Mixing with Professionals” Seminar Comes to Charlotte With Broadway and Live Sound Engineer Lucas “Rico” Corrubia

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – HARMAN Soundcraft’s “Mixing with Professionals” (MwP) series is making a stop at The Fillmore in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 17, 2013, hosted by Broadway and tour sound engineer Lucas “Rico” Corrubia.

Corrubia has more than 25 years of experience as a live sound engineer for an enviable number of high-profile gigs. He is currently a sound designer and consultant for the Donny and Marie Osmond UK arena tour and hip-hop dance troupe “Groovaloo” and has worked on Broadway and national shows including “Miss Saigon,” “Footloose,” “The Who’s ‘Tommy,’” “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” and many more. He has been a concert sound engineer for Lauryn Hill, the B-52s, Christina Aguilera, Van Halen, The Roots, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and other top performers.

Corrubia will give MwP attendees in-depth training on the Soundcraft Vi Series consoles in a relaxed atmosphere that allows plenty of hands-on time. If participants bring a USB stick they can save the settings and take them on the road for their next gig, or keep working on their settings using the Soundcraft Virtual Vi offline editors, which is available free on the Soundcraft website.

“I have had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the music business and on Broadway, which is as demanding—and thrilling—as you can imagine,” said Corrubia. “I find Soundcraft Vi Series consoles to be equally adept and completely reliable in any live sound situation, whether it’s working in the same location night after night or mixing one-off concerts with rock performers who can be completely spontaneous.”

The MwP sessions will be held on September 17 at The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28206.

Two time slots will be available from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The course is free to attend but registration is required and space is limited. Details are available at usa.soundcraft.com and participants can register via e-mail at Soundcraft-usa@harman.com.

Photo Caption: Donny Osmond (left) and Lucas “Rico” Corrubia

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. 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 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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