The theatre features five JBL ScreenArray 4732 loudspeakers with three suspended left-right-rear JBL 4642A dual 18-inch subwoofers. Forty-eight JBL 8350’s serve as the surround speakers for the sides, rear, and overhead. Twenty-nine Crown XTi4002 amplifiers power the system and three Crown XTi6002 amps power the subwoofers.

Dolby ATMOS creates life-like sound where each of the 48 JBL surround speakers are independently amplified, creating 48 separate channels of surround sound in the cinema. The use of JBL loudspeakers enables greater realism with a heightened impact in every scene.

“Being part of the scientific process of taking a piece of art and recreating it as the director had intended is awe inspiring. Interacting with Dolby to overcome technical challenges that face this very new concept was an honor and it was great to hear from Dolby that our method of installation was way above average,” stated Wild & Marr Systems Engineer, Gustav Teitge.

“We are proud to bring this groundbreaking technology to our No.1 Ster-Kinekor cinema in the country – Gateway. We are especially excited to launch this offering to the city of Durban where South Africans go to play, to holiday, to relax and to have fun this time of year. We think South Africans deserve the best. And we’re happy to bring it to them,” added Fiaz Mahomed, CEO of Ster-Kinekor Theaters.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

“Our new USBX greatly expands the control options available to users of our XTi, CDi and DSi amplifiers by adding iPad/iPhone operation and wireless connectivity,” said Marc Kellom, Director of Marketing, Crown. “It’s perfect for setting up, monitoring and troubleshooting amplifiers in a wide variety of applications including small to medium fixed installations, mobile PA systems, movie theaters and other situations.”

The USBX allows Crown amplifiers equipped with a USB port to be controlled via Ethernet. The USBX plugs into an AC outlet and up to eight compatible Crown USB products can be connected to the USBX. The USBX has built-in Wi-Fi, enabling wireless control of connected Crown amps via an iPad or iPhone and the “Powered by Crown” App without the need for a separate wireless router.

The “Powered by Crown” App allows wireless control and monitoring of Crown Ethernet-enabled devices and JBL loudspeakers that are equipped with DrivePack® DPDA built-in amplifiers. Since this app uses the same protocols as HARMAN HiQnet System Architect™, users can import custom control panels from System Architect into the “Powered by Crown” App for added functionality. A strategic long-term commitment to Ethernet technology by Crown means that users have the benefit of this simple-to-use, cost-efficient program as well as seamless integration of their legacy and future Crown products through the app.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012.

Twelve models in the DCi Series are available ranging from 300 watts to 600 watts of minimum guaranteed power into 4 and 8 ohms and 70Vrms and 100Vrms. The first number in the model is the amount of channels and the second number indicates the watts-per-channel power rating. All amplifiers are just 2U rack spaces high, to conserve valuable installation space.

“We designed the DCi Series to be the new world standard for amplifiers in installed sound applications,” said Daniel Saenz, Business Segment Manager, Install Sound, Crown. “In fact, the DCi Series could be nothing less, considering the CTs Series established itself as the benchmark power amplifier for fixed installations. The DCi Series lives up to the task and then some and audio professionals worldwide will appreciate its greatly improved performance, flexible features, high efficiency and compact form factor.”

At the heart of the DCi Series is HARMAN’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC chip. The DriveCore chip combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage along with additional audio-signal functions – yet is about the size of a postage stamp. DriveCore and the DCi Series’ leading-edge amplifier topologies dramatically reduce size and power consumption requirements and yield much more energy-efficient operation that conforms to HARMAN International’s GreenEdge™ environmental initiative.

DriveCore technology dramatically reduces the footprint of the amplifier by replacing over 500 parts from a typical amplifier design with one single IC. Smaller amplifier engines means more channels can be put into a 2 RU box with more capabilities.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers can be operated into 8-, 4- or 2-ohm loads and offer direct drive “constant voltage” capabilities for 70Vrms and 100Vrms amplification without the need for a step-up transformer, yielding higher audio quality and more power available at the speaker in distributed audio applications. The amplifiers incorporate an exclusive Power Factor Corrected (PFC) global power supply that is designed to deliver maximum power in any country and their universal AC input accepts voltages from 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60Hz (+/- 10%).

The DCi Series is Crown’s greenest amplifier line ever, with a  PFC power supply, a selectable powersave auto-standby mode where the amplifier will power down after 30 minutes of no input signal and consume less than 1 watt. In addition to the amplifiers’ balanced 3-pin input connectors and 2-pin terminal strip output connectors, a rear-panel AUX port enables the amplifiers to be integrated into control systems for remote on/off and amplifier fault monitoring.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers are built for the most demanding conditions of continuous professional use and carry a 3-year, no-fault fully transferrable warranty.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

The “Real Voice, Real Talent” concert featured a large, square stage set up in the middle of the stadium, with loudspeakers and amplifiers on all four sides of the stage. The main PA system featured 36 JBL VTX V25 fullsize line array elements, flown in left-right arrays of nine elements each, at the front of house and opposite sides of the stage. These were supplemented with a total of 32 VTX S28 subwoofers, deployed on the ground in four cardioid-configured arrays of eight each.

The other two sides of the stage featured left-right arrays of six JBL VERTEC® VT4889 fullsize line array elements each, for a total of 24 VT4889 elements. A total of 24 VERTEC VT4880 subwoofers were on these two sides of the stage, deployed on the ground in four cardioid-configured arrays of six each. Powering the loudspeakers were 32 Crown VRack 12000HD amplification systems (for a total of 96 I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers). Utilizing the built-in signal distribution and on-board DSP resources of the VRack 12000HD’s, TYAA was able to drive the entire system with JBL V5 tunings, maximizing the performance and linearity of the VERTEC and VTX loudspeakers.

Sixteen JBL STX815 loudspeakers were pole-mounted for supplementary fill, with additional STX815 loudspeakers for stage monitors, powered by eight Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers. Soundcraft Vi6 and Vi1 consoles were each used at the FOH and monitor positions, with system design and management handled by JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™.

“We collaborated on the system design with Performance Manager, virtually building the system together within the framework of the software, and it was an incredibly smooth process,” said Eric Friedlander, Business Developer, Tour Sound, Crown Audio (who provided onsite support for the event). “TYAA worked with [Senior Manager, Tour Sound for JBL] Paul Bauman to optimize the PA virtually in JBL Line Array Calculator 2, so when setting up the system, we simply had to load the Performance Manager file into the amps and it made for a phenomenal starting point.”

“In addition, Performance Manager was key in setting up the cardioid subwoofer configurations on-site,” Friedlander added. “Setting up the proper DSP with one click on a speaker in Performance Manager enabled TYAA to simply deploy the subs knowing the optimal settings were already in place.”

This was the first event at which TYAA used its full VTX system, which it purchased through Mahajak Development Co., Ltd, HARMAN’s Thailand distributor.

“Unquestionably, it is a great honor for us to have this opportunity to employ world-class audio systems for the best performance for our customers,” said Chavalit Mahaviriyakul of TYAA. “We could not be more confident in HARMAN and Mahajak, as well as our decision to upgrade to the JBL VTX series.”

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012.

“Since 9/11, much closer attention has been paid to life safety systems,” said Steve O’Rourke, Audio Division Manager of Backman Vidcom, the Halifax, Nova Scotia integrator responsible for installing the plant-wide public address system. “Along with security, fire protection and rescue systems, the PA system has an extremely important role in plant safety. People need to be able to hear announcements and alerts clearly – it can be a matter of life and death in an emergency situation.”

The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station system includes 18 Crown CTs Series CTs 8200USP/CN power amplifiers with CobraNet™ networking cards and 32 Crown CTs 2000 amps with PIP3 card connectivity. “This gives us a total of 208 channels and 92,800 watts of power,” O’Rourke noted. “We needed the networking capability the Crown amps provide because we designed the installation to be a completely self-monitoring system.”

Since the previous PA was 30 years old it needed to be completely replaced. “This gave us the opportunity to take advantage of the latest advancements in amplifier and speaker design and system control. What the plant needed was a ‘Voice of God’ PA that could reliably deliver pages all day long and could be clearly heard for any alert and emergency situations that might occur. It had to be intelligible even over the adverse noise conditions that occur in a large industrial complex,” O’Rourke stated.

Equally important, the system absolutely had to keep functioning during emergency situations and had to be CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified and assembled to nuclear-grade standards. For these reasons O’Rourke only used most reliable components and built in a level of redundancy so that the PA would keep working even if parts of it incurred physical damage.

“The Crown amplifiers proved ideal for this unique situation because of their networking, internal processing and status reporting capabilities. We also chose them for their reliability, limited current draw and small thermal footprint,” added O’Rourke. “The flexibility of the Crown amps was key for making this installation work. I can’t imagine having undertaken this project with any other amplifier.”

“Everything in this installation had to be the best possible – even the quality of the equipment racks had to be literally nuclear-grade – and that is why there was no question about us using anything but Crown amplifiers,” O’Rourke concluded.

For more information about Backman Vidcom, please visit www.bvci.ca.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

Two Las Vegas firms collaborated on the sound system design and installation: consulting firm Coherent Design (www.coherentdesign.net) and systems integrator System Services Inc. (www.ssivegas.net). “We had designed the original Sapphire Club’s JBL and Crown-based sound system, which has had literally no problems after more than 10 years of use,” said Kevin Potts, Principal of Coherent Design. “Asking us to do the distributed audio system for the new Sapphire Pool and Day Club was an easy decision for the owners.”

“The pool is surrounded by high walls, which facilitated the mounting of 16 JBL AM7215/66-WRX and four AM7215/95-WRX speakers near the top of the walls, facing down. When we have DJ events with hundreds of people around the pool, the system needs to deliver a lot of low-frequency impact,” explained Potts. “We chose the AM7215 loudspeakers for this application because we’ve installed them in another Las Vegas club with great success and knew they’d work well here.

For extended bass response, we also placed six ASB7128-WRX dual 18-inch subwoofers and six ASB7118 18-inch subs in custom-built enclosures and in the landscaping around the edges of the pool.”

“The speakers are all treated with JBL’s top-level WRX weatherproofing, which is extremely effective,” Potts continued. “We’ve had WRX-treated JBL speakers in the field for more than a decade and they’re still performing flawlessly.”

Mike Mahoney, President of System Services, noted that proper coverage for outdoor system installations is always an issue.  “Because we were able to place the AM7215 speakers along the walls surrounding the pool and because of their excellent coverage pattern we had no acoustical issues,” confirmed Mahoney.

The Sapphire Pool and Day Club’s DJ booth is outfitted with a pair of JBL VP7212/64 2-way speakers mounted on U-brackets. Six Control 47CT in-ceiling speakers in the ceiling of the bar and seven Control 29AV wall-mounted speakers serve the ends of the bar and the front entry areas. Six Control 67HC in-ceiling models deliver sound to the restaurant and 10 Control 24CT in-ceiling speakers provide sound to the men’s and ladies’ restrooms.

“We chose these particular JBL Control Series loudspeakers because the line offers a wide variety of models tailored to specific applications,” noted Potts. “We needed full range sound for the bar area but the speakers had to be inconspicuous, so the 47CT’s extended bass proved ideal. The 67HC has a very focused coverage pattern, just what was needed for the restaurant. The 24CT works well where in-ceiling installation space is limited and the 29AV is just a good all-around small-box speaker.”

The speakers are powered by Crown amplifiers including five MA12000i, 10 CTs 2000, two CTs 1200 and 11 CTs 600 power amps, located at the ends of the pool in two dedicated equipment rooms. “It’s something of an unusual arrangement but because the property is so long the best configuration was to place all the amplifiers and equipment in two rooms and have fiber running from one room to the other,” Mahoney pointed out. “We have used Crown amps for years – they are the industry standard for powering distributed audio systems and they’ve never let us down.”

The system’s audio networking is provided by a BSS Audio BLU160 Signal Processor with Digital Audio Bus, BLU-BOB2 break-out box and BLU-BIB break-out box input expander. “The BSS components handle all the audio signal routing, processing for the speaker crossovers and equalization,” Mahoney said. The entire system is configured and controlled using BSS London Architect and Harman HiQnet software, and according to Mahoney, onsite system tweaking was extremely easy. “Kevin Potts and the Coherent team gave us a great design to work with and when we were done with the installation we fired everything up and found we had a drop-dead great sounding system right out of the box.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

“Before we were called in, Assembly Hall was still using its original sound system from 1971. The arena had a lot of existing acoustical treatment but the sound quality in the lower frequencies was unbalanced and made it difficult for the crowd to hear speech announcements clearly. Needless to say, we had to bring the system up to today’s standards for performance, coverage and intelligibility,” explained Sam Berkow, Principal at SIA Acoustics.

As an older facility, Assembly Hall’s unique architecture caused some challenges in the installation process. The logistical difficulties of mounting the speakers to cover the arena’s unusual steeply raked seating proved to be difficult. “Any big arena like this is going to present some acoustical issues, but Assembly Hall is unique in that most of the seating is on two very steep sides of the court and go up high, and there are also balconies that are even higher,” added John Fuqua, Vice President, All Pro Sound.

“Because of the seating layout, we had to fly the speakers at 80 feet above the floor. We installed a mix of JBL VERTEC® VT4888DP midsize powered line array elements, PD5322/95 full-range speakers and ASB6128 subwoofers specifically to provide the best coverage and performance to all the seating areas,” stated Fuqua.

The PD5322/95 loudspeakers and ASB6128 subs are powered by eight Crown Macro-Tech i Series MA9000i, six MA5000i and 10 CTs 1200 amplifiers. Five BSS BLU-160 digital signal processors are also part of the system.

For the main arrays All Pro Sound installed six hangs of nine VT4888DP line array elements each, spaced around the arena. The 10 PD5322/95 speakers are used for upper balcony fill and are flown from the existing catwalk system. The ASB6128 subwoofers are hung in four arrays of four boxes each, placed near the outer main arrays.

“Sam Berkow and the SIA Acoustics design team chose this combination of HARMAN equipment because the JBL speakers are the right match in size and coverage capability, especially considering the odd vertical layout of the seats at the sides, and the electronics complement the speakers perfectly to achieve the highest level of performance for the venue,” concluded Fuqua.

“For this system, the job was contracted, the equipment procured and the installation completed in just 19 days from the receipt of the notice to proceed. We coordinated with HARMAN representatives, All Pro Sound, retailer Sweetwater and the Indiana University staff to streamline the process and facilitate this quick turnaround. It was an impressive amount of work to be completed and be up and running within such a tight schedule,” added Berkow. “We are extremely happy with the results.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

“Although the audio system is used for announcements and music during races and other activities, a facility like Circuit of the Americas requires an emergency notification system that meets public safety requirements as mandated by the National Fire Protection Association,” explained Brian Elwell, senior consultant and vice president of design firm Acoustic Dimensions (www.acousticdimensions.com). “The system has to serve as both a PA and an Emergency Communication System.”

“For 51 weeks out of the year COTA is used for purposes other than auto racing, so the audio system also needs to be suitable for concerts, events and activities throughout the entire facility, both indoors and out”, emphasized Elwell. “The Soundweb London network is an integral part of making everything work, acting as a core system that runs all audio signals everywhere including emergency notification to the 20,000-seat amphitheater and 40,000 people in the Grand Plaza area. As an example, we can instantly switch from using the PA system as a music source for a selected area in the complex to taking a single emergency paging mic and feeding it everywhere in the facility in case of a facility-wide emergency. We also have redundant signal paths to all audio components in the system to make sure everything is online, all the time.”

The project required that audio processing and amplification be installed in more than 30 different rack locations around the track as well as the grandstand, pit building, Grand Plaza indoor facilities and COTA’S Tower Amphitheater. A Soundcraft Si Compact 16 digital mixing console with CobraNet™ option card is used to mix various audio sources and integrate the console’s audio outputs with other components in various parts of the installation. CobraNet-compatible BSS Audio signal processing includes seven BLU-800 processors, two BLU-320 and six BLU-120 input/output expanders, three BLU-80 processors and 13 BLU-32 input/output expanders. The system also includes six BLU-10 programmable controllers. Matched to different loudspeaker zones and requirements, more than 70 Crown amplifiers are installed throughout Circuit of the Americas, including CTs 1200 USP4CN, CTs 4200A, CTs 3000 LITE, CTs 2000 LITE, CTs 1200 LITE, CTs 600 LITE, MA5000i, and 1160A models.

“We chose Crown power amps since their onboard DSP is extremely effective, and they work hand in hand with BSS components via HARMAN HiQnet™, noted David Battershell, project engineer for Ford Audio-Video Systems (www.fordav.com). “And in our experience the BSS Audio Soundweb London system enables designers and installers to provide an audio networking and processing solution for large-scale facilities at a price no other system can match. HARMAN’s HiQnet networking protocol links it all together and provides real-time monitoring status for all of the Soundweb London processing, Crown amplifiers and loudspeaker cable runs around the track. This ensures the system meets the emergency communication system standards as specified by the design team.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

NORTHRIDGE, California - Situated close to the 

Factor TC were recommended to the project and the design was overseen by Vesselin Todorov, president of the Sofia based company, along with Ing. Michael Michaelov from the Factor TC office in Varna.

Clusters of eight JBL VRX928LA (four each side) Constant Curvature loudspeakers and 16 SRX722 loudspeakers, underpinned by six ground-stacked SRX728S subwoofers, provide balanced arena coverage for a range of performances—from full-on rock concerts to spoken word—with an LED light and water fountain show also presented in front of the stage. Meanwhile, six JBL EON515XT active loudspeakers, serving as floor monitors, provide performers with their reference sound. All speakers are weatherized and water resistant to withstand the rigors of operating outside.

The passive elements of the system are powered by a combination of three Crown XTi 6002 and 10 XTi 4002 amplifiers. System management is under the command of a dbx DriveRack 260, which provides full bandpass and crossover configurations as well as independent output processing, augmented by a pair of dbx 166 compressor/gates, dbx 2231 dual 31-band graphic equalizer and Lexicon MX400 4-in/4-out reverb/FC processor.

The front-of-house sound engineer has been equipped with a Soundcraft GB8/32. This 32-channel desk was chosen for its versatility, since its dual-mode topology allows it to be used both for FOH and monitor duties.

Both the lighting and loudspeaker systems are assembled on a dismountable mobile aluminum structure and control is handled from a dedicated control room connected to the stage.

While the classic amphitheater has been designed from the ground up the remainder of the resort is undergoing complete refurbishment by owners, the government of Moscow. Project management was handled by PMC, ing. Ludmil Angelov was the construction company and Viktor Buzov the architect. SOC Kamchia are the main investors.

The result is a first-class construction, with the surrounding landscaping and planting complementing the natural environment of the facility.

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012.

In its fifth decade of entertaining crowds around the globe, Oakland-based Tower of Power entertained an enthusiastic convention crowd of approximately 5,000 persons at the Grand Plaza main stage while kicking off activities as the tradeshow’s opening headline concert. Veteran front of house mixer Mike Droke was at the controls of a Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing console.

“This is my first time mixing on both Soundcraft’s Vi6 and JBL’s new VTX line array system,” noted Droke. “This system has plenty of punch and tons of low end. This band has a lot of low-mid energy with our 5-piece horn section, particularly the baritone sax, and the system handled it with ease. I particularly noticed the extended high frequency response and the musical detail in the VTX rig.”

Headed by independent engineer Eric Stahlahmmer, the audio crew deployed nine JBL VTX V25 line array enclosures suspended from each side of the Stageline SL320 mobile stage, with 10 VERTEC® VT4886 subcompact line array elements arranged on the lip of the stage for front fill. Twelve VTX S28 cardioid-arrayable subwoofers were ground-stacked for extra low-frequency reinforcement.  Eighteen JBL STX812M stage monitors were distributed across the stage for the performers, while six STX835 loudspeakers and five STX818S subwoofers handled side fill requirements. Eighteen Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers in VRacks utilizing BSS Omnidrive HD processing powered the loudspeakers, while the SoundcraftVi6 was complemented by a Vi1 digital console at the monitor position, manned by independent engineer Clayton Green.

HARMAN’s AKG vocal and instrument microphones blanketed the stage: 10 C518m clip-on mics for toms, two D12 VR’s on bass drums, two C430’s, four C451’s, six C214’s for overheads, two C414’s, 10 D40’s, 10 D5’s, two C3000’s, four C5’s, two C4000’s, three C4500’s, two custom gold-colored DHT 700 C5’s, one C411, and numerous gooseneck microphones were in use, with two HELICAL long distance range-extending wireless antennas located at the FOH position.

“Taken together, the AKG mics, Vi consoles, Crown VRacks and the JBL VTX line arrays make a really powerful combination,” observed Stahlhammer, who with his crew manned the stage system for up to 12 hours a day. “With JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ software tying it all together, the process of configuring the system and monitoring its performance during the show has really been streamlined. The application has been laid out to follow our normal workflow processes, and it really saves me time and effort.”

For more information on Meeting Services Inc, visit http://www.msiprod.com.

For more information on Video Equipment Rentals, visit http://www.verrents.com/

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012.

“Little did the 1977 engineering development team know that the new D75 would turn out to be the longest running product of the company. During its lifetime over 100,000 were produced.  Generations of dedicated assembly personnel have touched the D75 and contributed to its long life. It epitomizes the focus we have to do our best and satisfy our customers,” stated Tom Szerencse, Manufacturing Engineer, HARMAN Professional Amplifier Business Unit.

The Crown D Series evolved from modest beginnings. “In 1977 we developed the D Series from the Crown SA20-20, a one-rack-space 20 watt per channel solid-state stereo power amp that was an accessory to the Crown tape recorders of the time,” said Gerald Stanley, Director of Research, HARMAN Professional Amplifier Business Unit. “However, when mounted in a rack the tape recorders and their electronics left little room for accessories, which shaped the compact form factor of the D Series and the rack-mount-ability of Crown amplifiers ever after.”

The Crown D Series soon became ever-present. After 37 years these amps are everywhere, in the studio, on stage, in broadcast facilities, in fixed installations and even in homes. The odds are almost everyone has heard one. Models like the moderate-power D-75A and D-45 were ideal for applications like recording and broadcast studio near-field monitoring and small paging systems, and with more than 25 years of continual production, the DC-300 has attained legendary status.

“If any amplifier line should receive a lifetime achievement award, it’s the D Series, Stanley concluded.” The Crown D Series has outlived most amplifier companies, let alone most amplifier families.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

Twelve models in the DCi Series are available ranging from 300 watts to 600 watts (into 4 and 8 ohms and 70Vrms and 100Vrms). The first number in the model is the amount of channels and the second number indicates the watts-per-channel power rating. All amplifiers are just 2U rack spaces high, to conserve valuable installation space.

“In introducing the DCi Series we had to exceed the benchmarks set by our acclaimed CTs Series, which has established itself as the de facto amplifier standard for installed sound applications,” said Daniel Saenz, Business Segment Manager, Install Sound, Crown. “It was no easy task, but our new DCi Series offers an entirely new level of unsurpassed performance that will be appreciated by audio professionals worldwide.”

At the heart of the DCi Series is HARMAN’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC chip. The DriveCore chip combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage along with additional audio-signal functions – yet is about the size of a postage stamp. DriveCore and the DCi Series’ leading-edge amplifier topologies dramatically reduce size and power consumption requirements and yield much more energy-efficient operation that conforms to HARMAN International’s GreenEdge™ environmental initiative.

DriveCore technology dramatically reduces the footprint of the amplifier by replacing over 500 parts from a typical amplifier design with one single IC.  Smaller amplifier engines means more channels can be put into a 2 RU box with more capabilities.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers can be operated into 8-, 4- or 2-ohm loads and offer direct drive “constant voltage” capabilities for 70Vrms and 100Vrms amplification without the need for a step-up transformer, yielding higher audio quality in distributed audio applications. The amplifiers incorporate an exclusive Power Factor Corrected Global Power Supply that is designed to deliver maximum power in any country and their universal AC input accepts voltages from 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60Hz (+/- 10%).

The DCi Series is Crown’s greenest amplifier line ever, with a Power Factor Corrected (PFC) power supply, a selectable powersave auto-standby mode where the amplifier will power down after 30 minutes of no input signal and consume less than 1 watt. In addition to the amplifiers’ balanced 3-pin input connectors and 2-pin terminal strip output connectors, a rear-panel AUX port enables the amplifiers to be integrated into control systems for remote on/off and amplifier fault monitoring.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers are built for the most demanding conditions of continuous professional use and carry a 3-year, no-fault fully transferrable warranty.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers will be available in Spring 2013.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

“Our new USBX greatly expands the control options available to users of our XTi, CDi and DSi amplifiers by adding iPad/iPhone operation and wireless connectivity,” said Andy Flint, Business Segment Manager, Portable PA, Crown. “It’s perfect for setting up, monitoring and troubleshooting amplifiers in a wide variety of applications including small to medium fixed installations, mobile PA systems, movie theaters and other situations.”

The USBX allows Crown amplifiers equipped with a USB port to be controlled via Ethernet. The USBX plugs into an AC outlet and up to eight compatible Crown USB products can be connected to the USBX. The USBX has built-in Wi-Fi, enabling wireless control of connected Crown amps via an iPad or iPhone and the “Powered by Crown” App without the need for a separate wireless router.

The “Powered by Crown” App allows wireless control and monitoring of Crown Ethernet-enabled devices and JBL loudspeakers that are equipped with DrivePack® DPDA built-in amplifiers. Since this app uses the same protocols as HARMAN HiQnet System Architect™, users can import custom control panels from System Architect into the “Powered by Crown” App for added functionality. A strategic long-term commitment to Ethernet technology by Crown means that users have the benefit of this simple-to-use, cost-efficient program as well as seamless integration of their legacy and future Crown products through the app.

The Crown USBX will be available in February 2013 at a suggested retail price of $249.99.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

NORTHRIDGE, California -- In a unique and compelling installation, World of Beer, Inc., a national franchise that offers craft beers and live music in a casual setting, decided to go all out in supporting its live entertainment by equipping its Arlington, Virginia location and corporate headquarters with all-HARMAN audio systems that include JBL, Crown, BSS Audio, Soundcraft and AKG products. Orlando, Florida-based American Audio Visual (AAV) performed the installation.

The system had to be high-performance yet cost-effective. It was also critical that it would be easy to use by the tavern’s staff without having to bring in an outside audio engineer every time they had live music. Finally, it also needed to be able to easily transition from background music to live music, sometimes more than once a day. The system, once accepted, would be adopted as the standard sound reinforcement system for all World of Beer franchises moving forward.

“We worked closely with our rep Jason Bethune of Dobbs Stanford to propose an all-HARMAN system,” explained Sean Reish, Director, Capital Projects for AAV. “World of Beer had been working with different companies and vendors previously, and a big part of winning the bid was that HARMAN was the only company that offered everything from microphones to loudspeakers in a system that met their requirements and was also flexible enough to adapt to the needs of individual locations.”

“For the Arlington location we went with two JBL PRX415M 2-way 15-inch speakers flown above the stage because they’re unobtrusive yet deliver plenty of volume, and their 90 x 50-degree coverage is ideal for this type of space,” Reish said. The system also includes a JBL PRX418S subwoofer and a pair of JBL JRX112M loudspeakers serve as stage monitors. Thirteen JBL Control 65 P/T pendant speakers cover the main tavern area and four Control 26CT ceiling speakers cover the VIP section, all on a 70-volt background music distributed audio system. Crown DSi 4000 and DSi 2000 amplifiers power the main speakers, subwoofer and stage monitors, with a Crown CTs 4200 for the distributed audio system.

The live sound console is a Soundcraft GB-2R 16 compact 16-channel analog board. “We chose the GB-2R 16 because it had the right combination of features at the right price point,” Reish added. “We didn’t want to go digital just yet, and the GB-2R 16 is perfect for the size of the venue, the performers that come in and the board is also easy to use for people who aren’t professional sound mixers.” House mics are AKG, including a WMS 470 wireless microphone system.

A BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-100 processor provides system control, in conjunction with HARMAN HiQnet London Architect™ software. “The BLU-100 is an open architecture device that lets us scale an audio system to meet the requirements of each particular location and the number of zones it has,” Reish pointed out. “It operates in conjunction with a standardized GUI interface we’ve created that will go in every franchise.”

AAV also has future plans to set up a system as a demonstration and training facility in World of Beer’s Tampa, Florida corporate headquarters and the system is standardized down to the touch panel interface. “Managers and employees will be able to come in, learn the system and be able to operate it in any franchise,” Reish said.

According to Reisch, HARMAN HiQnet System Architect™ software is the key to setting these systems up consistently in every World of Beer location. “Working with HARMAN, we spent a lot of time getting the system just right, and now we not only have a template for future franchises, but also the ability to monitor and diagnose a system in any World of Beer location and make changes remotely,” Reisch said. “One night a performer in Arlington lost a microphone and were able to reset the EQ, gain structure and routing for a different mic from 2,000 miles away in a couple of minutes while live on the phone.”

“Having a high-quality audio system in each of our locations is central to the experience that our customers have at World of Beer. We are looking to expand aggressively in the next 18 months and having a partner like HARMAN that can provide us with an all-in-one solution at a highly competitive price made it very clear that they are the manufacturer that we want to be working with moving forward,” explained Dave Bearce, Music Program Director, World of Beer Franchising, Inc.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

Maryland Sound International, a Baltimore-based production company with more than 45 years experience in sound contracting for major events, provided the audio system for one of the main stages. The loudspeaker complement included 14 of JBL’s new VTX V25 line array elements and 12 JBL VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements at each side of the stage, along with 12 VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers. Six VERTEC VT4889 fullsize line array elements were deployed at each side of the stage for out fill, and four VT4887’s were used for front fill.

In addition, VT4889 line array elements and VT4888’s were utilized as stage monitors, with a pair of VT4881A arrayable subwoofers placed around the drums to provide added low-end monitoring. The loudspeakers were driven by 80 Crown Crown IT12000HD power amplifiers—70 for the main system and 10 to power the onstage monitor speakers. Two Soundcraft Vi6 digital consoles handled front of house and monitor mixing. Leiter and the MSI crew employed HARMAN HiQnet Performance Manager™ software to set up and tune the system.

“The Orion Music + More Festival gave us a great opportunity to use the new JBL V25 line arrays in a large-concert outdoor setting,” said Jeremiah Leiter, General Manager at Maryland Sound. “We purchased the V25’s because we’re committed to providing the very best when the audience matters—when they’re listening to the bands they’re passionate about.”

Like most multi-band festival situations, there wasn’t a lot of time for setup between bands, which made the superior sound quality of the V25 and the VERTEC line arrays a key factor. “Most of the bands only had time to do a line check and not a full sound check, so we couldn’t go crazy with tweaking EQs and settings for every vocalist and instrument,” Leiter continued. “Although most of the bands only needed about 20 inputs and that helped speed up set changes, still, the line arrays had a flat-enough response that we were able to quickly dial in the sound of every band and performer without having to make radical adjustments at the board.”

Leiter also noted the improved installation features of the VTX Series. “The V25 is much easier to move into place and rig,” he said. “The dolly system used for transport is more secure and the built-in rigging hardware makes it faster and smpler to fly the speakers. Also, Performance Manager almost makes configuring the system idiot-proof.”

In addition, a number of different front of house engineers used the Soundcraft Vi6 consoles and they were all very comfortable with the board. “In fact, some of them brought their own Vi6 file settings on a USB drive and loaded them in,” Leiter noted.

“We were all pretty knocked out by the sound,” Leiter said. “The bands were extremely pleased. Also, a lot of other audio professionals came around to our stage to check it out. We really created a buzz—with no exaggeration, it only took about 15 minutes after the first act went on for people to come by to listen and ask about why our stage sounded so good.”

For more information about Maryland Sound International please visit www.marylandsound.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

NEW YORK, New York -- When New York contemporary hit radio station Z100 throws a holiday party, it pulls out all the stops—Z100’s Jingle Ball 2012 was held in Madison Square Garden and hosted performances by Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Ne-Yo, Jason Mraz, Cher Lloyd and others. The sellout crowd enjoyed an immersive sonic experience, courtesy of more than 100 of HARMAN’s JBL VTX Series and VERTEC® line array enclosures and Crown I-Tech HD Series amplifiers.

“For Jingle Ball 2012 we needed a system that would provide plenty of power yet have clarity and presence even over an enthusiastic crowd of screaming fans,” said Mark Dittmar, Lead Design and Integration Engineer of Red Hook, New York sound reinforcement contractor Firehouse Productions. “We went all out with a VTX/ VERTEC setup that provided full 360-degree coverage to every one of the 20,000 seats in the Garden.”

Firehouse deployed seven line array columns—two main hangs of 18 VTX Series V25 fullsize line array elements each, two side hangs of 14 VERTEC VT4889 fullsize line array elements each and three rear hangs each comprising 12 VT4889’s. Sixteen VERTEC VT4886 subcompact line array elements were used for front fill and 24 VERTEC VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers delivered the low end. All the speakers were driven by Crown I-Tech HD Series amps, with the new 4-channel 4x3500HD powering the center hang.

Firehouse has been relying on JBL VERTEC line arrays for more than 10 years especially in major arena situations. “Along with their superior sound quality and installation flexibility, their focused coverage pattern is ideal for concerts where there’s seating all around the venue and 360-degree coverage is required, yet where the sound has to stay clear, focused and intelligible,” explained Dittmar.

“That said, the JBL VTX Series is yet another sonic step up—the capabilities of the new VTX Series are really quite a step forward. The V25 has so much more low-end power that we didn’t have to fly subwoofers along with the main arrays as we did with the previous Jingle Ball—all the subs were placed on the floor, which meant that we had to hang two fewer arrays in the air, making the installation a little simpler and cleaner.”

“The JBL line arrays and Crown amps are made for each other,” said Dittmar. “The output of the amps can be precisely programmed to match the sonic characteristics of each of the VTX and VERTEC speakers. In particular, the inclusion of the newest VTX and VERTEC V5 preset tunings in the Crown amps really took the performance of the loudspeakers beyond anything we were able to achieve before in terms of coverage, coherence, tonal balance and overall clarity.”

“Jingle Ball 2012 was the first time we ever used JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ software and we wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t have complete confidence,” Dittmar concluded. “Not that a job like this is ever easy, but Performance Manager made doing Jingle Ball 2012 noticeably easier than it had been in previous years.”

For more information on Firehouse Productions, please visit www.firehouseproductions.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

“The Dale Horton Auditorium is an absolute gem – with one glaring exception,” said John Fuqua, vice president of Pensacola commercial audio and lighting contractor All Pro Sound. “The sound system was the original one that was installed when the Dale Horton Auditorium was built in 1986. It needed to be completely replaced.”

The facility needed a system that was versatile and could accommodate its wide variety of activities including theatrical and musical productions as well as the college’s own productions, lectures, and worship services. The college uses the DHA continuously for all types of events.

When it came to specifying the amplifiers Fuqua’s team knew they didn’t simply need raw power – they needed flexibility and control. “Crown CTs Series amplifiers with BLU-Link cards were ideal for this application.” Crown CTs amps feature programmable input processor cards that provide BLU-Link functionality. In addition to multiple digital audio bus channels to and from the amplifier, the PIP-BLU card offers an RJ-45 Ethernet jack for remote configuration, control and monitoring and analog input and output connectors.

Twenty Crown CTs 3000, 10 CTs 1200 and seven CTs 600 amplifiers, all with PIP-BLU cards are installed in the auditorium. The amps operate in conjunction with two BSS BLU-160 signal processors with digital audio bus, two BLUCARD-IN input cards, six BLUCARD-OUT output cards and two BLU-BOB2 break-out-boxes.

“The Crown CTs Series amplifiers with BLU-Link cards have remote monitoring and control capability, so we can operate, control power sequencing and configure them from a central location,” Fuqua noted. “We’re using the BSS Audio Soundweb London platform because we already have it deployed in several other areas on campus including the Crowne Centre auditorium, which is another large facility. Using BSS throughout Pensacola Christian College ensures compatibility and familiarity with the equipment and programming by everyone who uses it.” In addition to the Crown and BSS components, a Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing console is used in the Dale Horton Auditorium for front of house mixing.

“The Crown amplifiers and BSS components work flawlessly together. Actually, the biggest challenge in the DHA installation was the fact that it was labor intensive – we had to completely replace the existing 26-year-old system and put in a new one that was ready to go in the space of five weeks. The result was worth it – the new system is far superior in overall sound quality and speech intelligibility, and the amps are much more adaptable to whatever kind of program they want to hold in the DHA, from a single lecturer to a complete theatrical production,” added Fuqua.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

CTs Series networkable power amplifiers are the workhorses of the pro audio industry for installed sound applications. Six models are available in eight-, four- and two-channel configurations with power ratings from 300 to 1500 watts per channel (into 4 ohms, up to 3,000 watts in bridged mono mode). Though powerful, CTs Series amplifiers are relatively compact and take up only 2U standard rack spaces in an equipment rack (3U for the 8-channel CTs 8200).

The amplifiers’ powerful performance is matched by their flexible networking capabilities. All CTs Series models can interface with a facility’s IT network and show control systems via their built-in CobraNet™ and HARMAN HiQnet™ connectivity, which provides digital audio delivery along with comprehensive control and monitoring features. HiQnet integrates all HARMAN products in the signal chain – amplifiers, mixing consoles, mics, speakers and other hardware – for professional audio systems of all types and sizes.

“We want IAAPA members to know that Crown CTs Series amplifiers are designed to accommodate the needs of large-scale facilities like amusement parks and themed entertainment facilities where a lot of amplifiers are required in many different areas. Thousands of these amplifiers have already been deployed in theme parks worldwide,” said Van Williamson, Business Development Manager, Commercial Systems for HARMAN Professional. “Each amplifier can be individually controlled and adjusted from a central control room or on site, and synchronized with video and other aspects of each individual attraction and performance.”

All the amplifiers feature selectable “Constant Voltage” or low impedance (4 or 8 ohm) operation, and most have 100-volt direct outputs, to accommodate any type of loudspeaker. Crown CTs Series amplifiers are backed by the industry’s most comprehensive amplifier warranty – five years parts and labor.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

“HARMAN’s stated goal for JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is that it should make the complex simple and enable better sounding performance audio systems to be designed and deployed more efficiently and economically,” stated Adam Holladay, Market Manager, HARMAN System Development and Integration Group. “With the release of version 1.1 and the addition of support for Crown VRACK 4×3500 and updated JBL V5 Preset Data for VTX Series and VerTec Series models, we’re making JBL HiQnet Performance Manager more inclusive and valuable to our customers for theatre, worship, and corporate and all live sound applications.”

JBL HiQnet Performance Manager dramatically reduces design time, simplifies networking and automates control interface configuration. With considerable expert system design knowledge embedded directly into the software, Performance Manager cleverly disguises the complexity of system configuration and guides even the less-experienced user through the process so as to achieve a far more optimal result than would otherwise be possible.

New in version 1.1:
• Support for the Crown VRACK 4×3500 with full integration into the Performance Manager workflow
• JBL V5 Preset Data for VerTec VT4889 (V5 R1) and VerTec VT4888 (V5 R1)
o Short Throw (ST) and Long Throw (LT) preset support for VT4888 and VT4889, with HF shelving characteristics that are consistent with VTX V25
o Sub / low preset (X, 60, 80) support for VT4888 and VTX G28, S28 subwoofers
o Sub / low preset (X, 60, 80) support for VT4889 and VTX G28, S28 subwoofers
o Cardioid preset (X, 60, 80) support for VT4882, VT4880, VT4880A subwoofers
o Cardioid preset (X, 60, 80) support for VT4880 (2x front-firing) and VTX S28 (1x rear-firing)
o Cardioid preset (X, 60, 80) support for VT4880A (2x front-firing) and VTX S28 (1x rear-firing)
o Revised subwoofer model limiter thresholds
• JBL V5 Preset Data for VTX V25 for Crown Audio IT12000HD (V5 R1.1)
o Minor changes to subwoofer model limiter thresholds
• JBL V5 Preset Data for VTX V25 for Crown Audio IT4x3500HD (V5 R1.2)
o Minor changes to subwoofer model limiter thresholds
o New extra long throw (XLT) support, compatible with IT12000HD XLT

Performance Manager 1.1 is available for purchase on the HiQnet website. A single license is available for $399, with volume discounts available for 2 license key purchases or more. The Performance Manager 1.1 installer will automatically utilize a valid, existing license key activated for a current installation of Performance Manager 1.0. Existing users should simply download and install Performance Manager 1.1 below to upgrade.

Performance Manager 1.1 supported devices include:
• JBL VTX Series V25, G28 and S28 models
• JBL powered VerTec DrivePack Series with DP-DA input card
• JBL passive VerTec Series
• Crown I-Tech HD Series
• Crown Macro-Tech i Series
• Crown VRACK 12000
• Crown VRACK 4×3500
• Crown I-Tech Series [discontinued]
• dbx DriveRack® 4800 / 4820

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

Along with the lighting, greenery and architecture, the goal was to emulate the sonic environment people would experience above ground. To accomplish this, Alban Bassuet, venue and acoustic consultant at Arup envisioned, designed and installed a 3D sound system comprised of 16 wall-mounted JBL CBT50LA-1 column speakers and eight Control 25AV compact indoor/outdoor speakers throughout the space, all powered by three Crown ComTech DriveCore CT8150 amplifiers. Dash 7 Design, a creative design and fabricator firm in New York, helped with constructing the installation.

Anne Guthrie from ARUP composed the soundscape for the installation, which features music, trains, birds and children playing and other sounds, all filtered, processed and manipulated by Guthrie. The multichannel soundtrack was processed, recorded and played back using proprietary programs written for Max-MSP using Ambisonics, delivering a 3-dimensional sound field.

“We chose the JBL CBT50LA-1 loudspeakers for a number of reasons,” noted Bassuet. “The exhibit space, which measures about 200’ long, 60’ wide and 18-foot high ceilings has a lot of natural reverberation. However, in order to successfully use Ambisonics, the sound from the speakers has to be focused and the speakers have to be accurately aimed. The CBT50LA-1 has a precise coverage pattern, which kept unwanted reverb to a minimum and the sound field seamless.”

“In addition, the CBT50LA-1’s’ wall-mounting angle bracket proved to be a very useful feature. The bracket enabled us to precisely aim the speakers and get the Ambisonics to work. The system really immerses you in the sonic environment and the mood created by the composer.”

The exhibit, which ran from September 15–27, is located at the Essex Street Warehouse on the corner of Essex and Broome streets in Manhattan. Striking in design with sweeping, organically curved ceiling sections, the exhibit has a remote skylight system, inviting seating areas—and an abundance of trees, grass and plants.

On the kid’s day, an iPad and wiimote interface designed by Terence Caulkins and Joseph Digerness from ARUP were given to kids from different visiting schools to move sound in 3D across the entire system, which was very popular and a successful way to engage with the kids and raise their awareness of sound and space.

“The ‘Imagining the LowLine’ exhibit is a major part of helping to popularize the idea of LowLine,” said Bassuet, who noted that a feasibility study would be submitted to New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (owners of the Williamsburg Trolley Terminal) in January 2013. “LowLine underground is not only a great public gathering space, but with its columns, walls and ceiling it also offers the possibility to build an audio-visual infra-structure which could support a number of diverse installations and events. It’ll be a wonderful addition to one of New York’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods.”

For additional details, please visit www.thelowline.org.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

Designed to work hand in hand with JBL VTX and VerTec Series models with upcoming support planned for JBL VRX and STX models, the VRACK 4x3500HD includes three built-in Crown I-Tech HD Series 4x3500 DriveCore power amps, analog and digital connections and a globally universal power distribution system that can be set to meet US and international power standards. All the components are housed in a wheeled rack with a captive suspension system that enables it to be flown in the same manner as a line array loudspeaker system. Multiple VRACKs can be linked together for integrated operation in larger systems.

“Since its introduction our VRACK concept has been embraced by live sound and event providers for its plug-and-play operation, easy transportability and flexible configuration options,” said Brian Pickowitz, Business Segment Manager, Crown Audio. “The VRACK 4x3500HD builds on this concept with a full 12 channels of high-power amplification and greatly expanded connectivity features, giving users a powerful and versatile multichannel amplifier management solution.”

“VRACK is an integral part of our turnkey system package for JBL VTX and VERTEC”, adds Paul Bauman, Senior Manager, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Based on field testing to date, we’ve been extremely pleased with IT4x3500HD performance and VRACK4x3500HD provides the amp rack equivalent of the optimized power density philosophy that was adopted for the VTX V25 loudspeaker itself – lots of horsepower in a compact, tightly-integrated package.”

The I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers feature a 4.3-inch front-panel LCD touchscreen that provides amplifier monitoring and access to key functions with color-keyed visuals. Each amplifier offers an extensive complement of inputs and outputs including four analog inputs, four AES3 digital inputs and four AES inputs over VDrive and the ability to select four CobraNet^® inputs. The amplifiers also include SpeakON or banana plug speaker connectors.

The VRACK 4x3500HD utilizes HARMAN HiQnet System Architect™ 3.2 control functionality and Version 5 DSP preset support for JBL Professional’s new VTX Series V25 plus VERTEC Series line array loudspeakers. System Architect provides control through monitoring and adjustment on a rack-by-rack basis and the ability to make changes to all three amps in the VRack through a single interface. The VRACK 4x3500HD is also compatible with JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ sound reinforcement system design software for enhanced control and monitoring capabilities. 

The I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers deliver 1,900 watts per channel into eight ohms, 2,400 watts per channel into four ohms and 4,200 watts into four ohms bridged. The amplifiers provide extensive DSP sound-tailoring capability and incorporate Crown’s exclusive linear phase FIR and IIR filters to provide optimized loudspeaker crossover points with improved midrange clarity and off-axis response. The amplifiers’ USB port enables users to load preset amplifier settings or device files and update firmware.

The Crown VRACK 4x3500HD amplifier management solution is now shipping.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

“The PIP-BLU adds BSS Audio’s Soundweb London digital audio bus to Crown’s popular CTs Series amplifiers, without having to use additional network switches. This makes installation much easier, saves time and money, greatly simplifies the cabling within an amplifier rack and provides advanced control and monitoring capabilities,” said Daniel Saenz, Install Business Segment Manager, Crown Audio. “With the PIP-BLU, contractors are now able to leverage the functionality and simplicity of the Soundweb London digital audio bus all the way to the amplifiers.”

The PIP-BLU is compatible with Crown CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers built after April 2011. It provides BSS Audio Soundweb London digital audio bus functionality along with analog input and output connectors, and offers two digital audio bus channels to the amplifier, an RJ-45 Ethernet jack for remote configuration, control and monitoring and two digital audio bus channels back from the amp (for the listen bus), along with two analog input channels and two analog output channels. The analog channels provide analog backup and also facilitate using the CTs amplifier as a 2-channel Break-In Box (BIB). The analog outputs provide a buffered version of the inputs, allowing daisy-chaining down a rack.

The PIP-BLU card allows the amplifier to be connected into the Soundweb London digital audio bus ring, providing the sharing of digital audio, fault tolerance and greatly simplifies cabling. The PIP-BLU uses HARMAN’s HiQnet™ protocol and is configured, controlled and monitored using HiQnet London Architect.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

Lakewood Church is led by senior pastor Joel Osteen, whose broadcasts reach more than 10 million viewers worldwide every week. The Church features a large stage at the front with floor and tiered seating all around. Lakewood Church moved into its current location (formerly the Compaq Center) in 2005, renovating the facility and sound system. However, as the Ministry grew in scope, over the past year church management including Lakewood Church technical director Reed Hall and senior audio engineers BK Beard and Brad Duryea realized the system needed to be upgraded.

“Pastor Joel Osteen uses a lavalier mic and moves around the stage quite a bit when giving his sermons. He wants to reach and engage every congregant. The audio system needs to be heard loud and clear in every part of the church,” noted Hall. “However, the existing system was a bit deficient in headroom and because lavaliers don’t have the output (gain before feedback) of handheld mics, it was sometimes a challenge to get a loud enough level from Osteen’s lapel mic. Management also felt that the coverage from the older system’s front fills was inadequate, and that the system was deficient in upper midrange and high-frequency clarity.”

Covenant first demonstrated Crown IT12000HD amplifiers on a section of the existing system. It made a “huge improvement” in headroom and clarity according to Smart, but didn’t solve all of the existing problems. Subsequently Hall, Beard, Duryea and Smart demoed various line array loudspeaker systems. “Nine months ago I knew nothing about JBL VTX line arrays,” said Hall, “but once we found out VTX was on its way we told each other we really needed to hear it.”

For initial evaluation purposes, Hall and key members of his audio team attended a VTX demonstration at the Forum in Los Angeles conducted by Paul Bauman, Senior Manager, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. Next they brought VTX V25 line array loudspeakers and competitors’ models into Lakewood Church to perform side-by-side comparisons, and chose the V25 after extensive auditioning. All were impressed by the high-frequency smoothness, clarity and extension of the V25 and its D2 dual-diaphragm, dual-voice-coil compression driver, as well as the massive amount of low-end the V25 provides, which enabled them to ultimately reduce the number of subwoofers they had planned to deploy and allowed them to select a 60Hz crossover point for the V25’s to achieve a better blend between the main speakers and the subwoofers.

The speaker complement selected for Lakewood Church includes 60 JBL VTX V25 line array cabinets and 20 VTX S28 subwoofers, flown in four arrays: main left-right V25 arrays of 20 enclosures each, two suspended arrays of 10 S28 subwoofers and two side arrays with 10 V25 loudspeakers each. The main left-right arrays curve down 90 degrees to cover from front seats all the way up to the back bowl of the church. In addition, 26 JBL VerTec® VT4886 subcompact line array elements are employed—eight for sound reinforcement for the choir, 12 used as outfill and six deployed as front fill. A total of 73 Crown IT12000HD amplifiers power the entire system.

Hall feels that Lakewood Church is the best-sounding arena in the country because of its padded seats, sloping floor, and carpeting. However, the room has some hard surfaces surrounding the seats and achieving a tight low end proved to be challenging because of the existence of a number of metal-framed sheetrock partitions that have the potential to resonate. The V25’s tightly focused low-frequency output helped solve this issue.

Hall also found the system much easier to setup and configure than what was previously installed, thanks to the synergy between the JBL VTX loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers and HARMAN’s HiQnet System Architect™ and BSS London Architect programming software and communications protocol. When setting up the system Beard & Duryea went through every cabinet one by one, dialed in each group of speakers and then integrated the entire system, a process made easier by System Architect. Additional onsite support was provided by Allan Devantier, Manager, Objective Evaluation, HARMAN International, and Paul Bauman, and the HARMAN Audio Test System (HATS) was employed to calibrate and tune the Lakewood Church installation. With the improvements to the Lakewood Church audio system, Hall feels that the large facility now offers the acoustic experience of a 4,500-seat theater.

“For those that haven’t heard the new JBL VTX series they can’t imagine the level of performance these speakers achieve. While JBL VerTec has long been seen as the industry standard, the VTX technology is truly a game-changer for live sound applications,” added Smart.

“Osteen wants the system to sound everywhere the way it sounds in the front row, and with this system we have nailed it,” Hall concluded. “Compared to the old system from the console, Osteen’s voice sounds 50 feet closer than it did before.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

“We were given the opportunity to upgrade some of our inventory this past winter, and that included the purchase of more than 150 Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers,” noted Mike Taylor, Vice President at CTS Audio. “A few years ago when we purchased the original Crown I-Techs, we noticed a huge improvement in the way we could power our VerTec enclosures. With the leap to the new amplifiers that level of improvement has happened all over again.”

The system used at CHIC included 36 Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers and 16 XTi Series XTi 4001 amplifiers, connected to the front of house and monitor mix positions using an all-digital signal path. The JBL VerTec loudspeaker system consisted of 32 VT4888 midsize, 24 VT4887 compact and 12 VT4886 subcompact line array elements along with 16 VT4880 fullsize arrayable subwoofers and 16 VT4881ADP compact subs.

“The performance improvement provided by the IT-12000HD amps really contributed to the exceptional sound we were able to achieve in the Thompson-Boling Arena,” stated Taylor. “Aside from the amplifier’s sheer power capability and ‘grunt’ factor, the inclusion of the VerTec V5 DSP preset tunings made a big difference in enabling us to match and optimize the performance of the amps to the VerTec speakers. The frequency response and smoothness of the system is noticeably better, and we were able to achieve better pattern control from the line arrays and get more consistent sound coverage throughout the arena.”

Taylor also noted the solid reliability of the amplifiers. “We have experienced zero failures. Having equipment that simply works consistently is a piece of the tour sound puzzle that not many people talk about, but it’s not something to be taken for granted. We now have a system in place for our fall and winter tours that we can completely rely upon.”

“What the Crown I-Tech HD series amplifiers are capable of is astounding,” said Jon Schwarz, CTS Audio’s Lead System Designer. “This amplifier just does naturally what I have been trying to emulate in the field for the past few years. It really is a game-changer.”

For more information about CTS Audio, please visit www.ctsaudio.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

“We chose HARMAN products because they were the best fit for me as the systems integrator,” Kibler noted. “I am very familiar with the JBL, Crown and BSS Audio products we used and in my experience they are the most reliable in their respective categories. I did consider other brands but in addition to their performance advantages concluded that the HARMAN brands offer the best bang for the buck.”

The JBL VRX932LA-1 loudspeakers are suspended from steel trusses around the interior of the arena. Each array column consists of either six or four loudspeakers. Two of the arrays are used for events such as commencements where only the arena’s stage is needed; these arrays are turned off during sporting events when the rest of the speakers are used. The system is set up so the loudspeakers’ focal points and delays are automatically reconfigured at the touch of a preset, using the Soundweb London BLU-160’s Control Inputs and Logic Outputs. In addition to the main arrays, four JBL ASB6128V subwoofers located at the center of the arena provide low-frequency reinforcement.

Two full-size equipment racks located in a dedicated electronics room contain 16 Crown DSi 4000, one CDi 4000 and two IT5000HD power amplifiers, along with the Soundweb London BLU-160 Signal Processor and a BLU-BOB2 Output Expander.

“With a job this big it’s especially true that time is money,” said Kibler, “and our installation crew marvelled at how easy it was to mount the JBL VRX932LA-1’s. Their specially designed quick-release integral rigging hardware, compact size and relatively light 46-pound weight made it possible for us to complete the installation under the hours we had bid for the project.”

“The JBL VRX932LA-1 loudspeakers allowed us to get good, clean, crisp audio to every seat in the arena,” Kibler continued. “One feature that came in really handy was their Array Configuration Selector, a series of switches that control the output of each high-frequency section in the array. This lets you set each VRX932LA-1 to deliver more high-frequency output to a distant location or less output to seats that are closer up. This feature really came in handy and allowed us to quickly do high-frequency ‘shadowing’ or fine-tuning for the near and far throw boxes in the speaker stacks. We boosted the highs 3dB on the top two arrays in the six-array stacks. We did the final high-frequency ‘sweetening’ with the BLU-160 during the commissioning of the system.”

“Programming the digital signal processing for an audio system has been a part of my work since DSP first came into the industry, and the BSS Audio Soundweb London audio networking products, DSP and setup software used in this installation actually made life pretty easy,” Kibler stated. “Not only did it provide a high level of system tuning, it enabled us to set up custom GUI [Graphical User Interface] pages and shortcuts, for example, the page that instantly switches between the stage speakers and the main venue speakers. The University staff wanted the system to be easy to operate, and Soundweb London made this possible.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

The event featured performances by inductees Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donovan, The Small Faces/Faces, Beastie Boys, The Crickets and more. Other inductees included Freddie King, Don Kirshner, Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns. Leading up to the ceremony, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame held many special events including the unveiling of the new Library and Archives section of the museum.

For the event, Firehouse Productions deployed a PA system consisting of 32 VTX V25 line array elements in two clusters of 16, with 32 VERTEC® VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers with two hangs of eight flown and two sets of eight on the ground. An additional eight VT4886 subcompact line array elements were used for front fills as well as six VT4889 fullsize line array elements for the center cluster. Crown’s I-Tech IT 12000HD series amplifiers powered the system.

“This was the first time we have used JBL’s new VTX series line arrays and they have absolutely lived up to expectations. They provided us with more powerful sound and maximized coverage, which is critical for a live event such as this. These line arrays also feature many of the same benefits we have come to expect from JBL, specifically being lightweight and easy to deploy at difficult angles,” stated Mark Dittmar, Lead Design and Integration Engineer at Firehouse Productions.

“Crown is our amplifier of choice for major live events, this being no exception. As one of the earliest users of the I-Tech HD series amplifiers, we know the sonic integrity is unmatched and I’ve been impressed with how they have continued to optimize the amps through constant improvements to the updated presets,” added Dittmar.

Front of House Engineer Dave Natale provided the live mix for the event and added, “The new JBL VTX system combines all of the low-end power that I have come to expect from JBL with the addition of an ultra-smooth and accurate high end.”

For more information on Firehouse Productions, please visit: www.firehouseproductions.com

Photo Caption 1: Firehouse Productions provided JBL VTX line arrays powered by Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers for the 27^th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Photo Caption 2: The ceremony included performances by many of the inductees, including members of The Small Faces/Faces.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.3 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

Installed in the China International Cineplex are multiple JBL speakers, including three JBL 5742 cinema loudspeakers are hung for the main speakers, while 18 AC2212 compact 2-way loudspeakers are hung for surround sound.  Twelve JBL 8350 cinema sound speakers line the ceiling.

Multiple Crown amplifiers power the International Cineplex system, including three CNi-6000 main bass amps, three CNi-2000′s main high amps, and two CNi-4000′s for secondary bass amplifiers.  The surround sound, back corner and ceiling effects were powered by six additional CNi-2000′s.

The Shanghai Film Art Center also boasts a JBL system powered by Crown, including five JBL 5672 loudspeakers for the main speaker, 42 AC2212 for the left and right surround fill and ceiling effects as well, 12 4645C and two 4518subwoofers for secondary bass, two 4722N 2-way loudspeakers for additional surround effects.

Twenty-eight Crown DSi2000′s and five DSi4000 and two DSi6000 amplifiers power the Shanghai Film Art Center’s cinema.

The Giant screen is 20×12 meters, with a luminance of 36,000LM.  Its HARMAN sound system provides a 13.1-channel system.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG(r), Harman Kardon(r), Infinity(r), JBL(r), Lexicon(r) and Mark Levinson(r). 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 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.3 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

Commercial and residential systems contractor The Integration Factory of Rockledge, FL handled the installation of the system, which is used for background music, paging and announcements. The system is built around four BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-800 Signal Processors, four BLU-320 I/O Expanders, 10 BLU-32 I/O Expanders, nine BLU-80 Signal Processors (all with CobraNet™), eight BLU-8v2 Programmable Zone Controllers, 39 Analog Input Cards, 49 Analog Output Cards, a Digital Input Card and two Digital Output Cards. Amplification is provided by 34 Crown CTs 4200A and 17 CTs 1200 power amplifiers.

“We chose the Soundweb London components because of their networking capabilities, proven performance in many previous installations and their ability to interface with the Crown amps via HiQnet System Architect™. The Soundweb London components also operate perfectly with the control system the client wanted, and the HiQnet London Architect drag-and-drop programming interface really speeds up the setup and configuration process,” said Carlos Gonzalez, Senior Manager, The Integration Factory.

The system employs an extensive complement of JBL loudspeakers including 428 Control® Contractor 26C/T and 410 Control 226C/T in-ceiling speakers, 22 Control 47L/P low-profile in-ceiling models, 108 Control 67P/T pendant speakers and a pair of LSR2328P monitors.

“In a system as complex as this one, we knew we had to have components that worked together seamlessly and flawlessly,” added Gonzalez. “There are more than 36 zones in the property.”

“The Crown amplifiers provide the best value and reliability of any amplifiers I know,” Gonzalez continued, “and they’re ideal for fixed installations like Resorts World because of their easy integration with HiQnet and CobraNet, which provides comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities and the ability to send digital audio directly over the network to the amplifiers. Let’s not forget that they also deliver outstanding sound.”

For more information about The Integration Factory please visit www.theintegrationfactory.net.

HARMAN HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. HARMAN HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across HARMAN’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.3 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD delivers 1,900 watts per channel into eight ohms, 2,400 watts per channel into four ohms and a massive 4,800 watts into eight ohms bridged with all channels driven at full bandwidth all from an amplifier that measures just 2U rack spaces high. This remarkable power to size ratio is made possible by Crown’s exclusive DriveCore amplifier IC chip. The DriveCore chip combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage (along with additional audio-signal functions), to dramatically reduce overall size and power-consumption requirements and yield energy-efficient operation that conforms to HARMAN International’s GreenEdge™ environmental initiative.

“The I-Tech 4x3500HD DriveCore Series sets a new benchmark in control, connectivity, DSP and system interfacing capabilities for professional high-power multichannel amplifiers,” said Brian Pickowitz, Market Manager, Tour Sound for Crown. “We are confident customers will immediately recognize the distinct benefits of a true 4-channel solution that this amplifier offers for a wide range of live sound and fixed installation applications.”

The I-Tech 4x3500HD provides an ideal real-world solution with its four analog inputs, four AES3 digital inputs and four AES inputs over VDrive and the ability to select four CobraNet^® inputs. The amplifier also includes SpeakON or banana plug speaker connectors, as well as a Neutrik^® PowerCON AC input connector to prevent the power cord from coming loose in transit.

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD provides more DSP sound-tailoring capability than any other amplifier on the market. Its proprietary BSS OmniDriveHD processing engine employs 32bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters for superb sonic clarity and the ability to precisely tailor the amplifier’s audio output. Crown’s exclusive linear phase FIR and IIR filters provide optimized loudspeaker crossover points with improved midrange clarity and off-axis loudspeaker response.

The amplifier is compatible with the HARMAN HiQnet System Architect and JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ sound reinforcement system design software. The inclusion of JBL VerTec V5 DSP preset tunings for VerTec Series loudspeakers interface with the I-Tech 4x3500HD’s FIR filters to improve the loudspeakers’ sound quality and horizontal coverage performance. For enhanced control and monitoring capabilities the amplifier is also compatible with the Powered By Crown iPad/iPhone application.

The I-Tech 4x3500HD incorporates a host of additional useful features including Crown’s innovative LevelMax™ limiter technology that combines the operation of the amplifier’s Peak, Thermal and RMS limiters for more effective protection; and a front-panel USB port that enables users to load preset amplifier settings or device files and update firmware.

HARMAN HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. HARMAN HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across HARMAN’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.3 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

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March 22, 2012 – For Immediate Release

FRANKFURT, Germany — HARMAN Professional today announced a collaboration with Production Resource Group (PRG), the world’s largest staging equipment supplier, to provide audio components for the prestigious Live Entertainment Awards taking place at Festhalle here March 20, 2012 in coordination with ProLight+Sound.  Comprising multiple Soundcraft Vi Series digital consoles, Crown’s new V-Racks with BSS Omnidrive HD signal processing and configuration and control via HARMAN Professional’s new workflow-based HiQnet Performance Manager™ software, this high-profile system deployment also serves as the European launch of JBL’s new flagship VTX line array series loaded with JBL’s revolutionary D2 compression driver to provide lower distortion and extended high-frequency response.

“It is a great pleasure for us to partner with PRG and work with Klaus Rahe, Kai Reiss and PRG’s entire production team on this prestigious event,” noted Paul Bauman, Senior Manager, Tour Sound for JBL Professional. “Having the opportunity to serve the Federal German Association for the Concert and Promoters Business is quite an honor, We are very pleased to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2012 LEA, while showcasing JBL’s new VTX system in the European public launch of our new V25 fullsize line array enclosure this week.”

To technically support the system and provide onsite application information for end-users, HARMAN Professional product specialists from the company’s Crown, JBL and Soundcraft brands are onsite. Veteran live sound engineer Gert Sanner, having recently joined the HARMAN Professional team to work closely with professional system owners and operators throughout the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region is HARMAN’s audio engineer-in-charge for the LEA and subsequent activities at the PRG stage during the Prolight+Sound show, March 21-24.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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February 2, 2012 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana — PSAV Presentation Services is the world’s largest A/V rental supplier with more than 800 offices worldwide, many located on-site at major hotels. Headquartered in Long Beach, CA, PSAV specializes in providing in-house audiovisual services to the hospitality industry for meetings and events, and maintains one of the largest, most up to date equipment inventories in the industry.

PSAV has been using HARMAN’s Crown Audio VRack complete amplification system since its introduction. The Crown VRack is a turnkey, out-of-the-box amplifier rack system that includes three I-Tech HD I-T12000 power amplifiers, a versatile input panel with analog and digital connections and a globally universal power distribution system that can be set to meet US and international power standards. All the components are housed in a wheeled rack that can be flown in the same manner as a line array loudspeaker system.

“Typically, a hotel sells the meeting space and we work with the end client to provide the equipment and labor required to manage the event,” noted Jacob Ingle, Audio Product Manager for PSAV. “Since we own all of our equipment, we have to select products that are cost-effective, efficient and reliable in order to maintain a profitable bottom line.”

“We have been using HARMAN products for quite a long time and even discussed building pre-configured amp racks with Crown before VRack was introduced. When they introduced the VRack, it was the perfect solution for a number of our amplification needs,” continued Ingle.

“One of our goals is to standardize gear as much as possible so our technicians can move from location to location and be familiar with the equipment they’re going to use,” said Ingle. “Having a unified amplifier package like VRack makes this a lot easier. We have many locations large and small, and VRack is adaptable to different situations because it allows multiple configurations for analog and digital inputs, for different types of speakers and for system networking,” stated Ingle.

“Crown’s VRack is the perfect solution for the audio rental supplier because of its benefits as a plug-and-play solution for customers like Jacob who face an ever-changing set of challenges based on each event,” stated Brian Pickowitz, Marketing Manager for Crown.

“Another major advantage is that VRack interfaces with Harman’s HiQnet Performance Manager™ system design and setup software and is specifically designed to work with JBL VERTEC® loudspeakers. Because we use a lot of JBL, Soundcraft and other HARMAN gear in addition to Crown, VRack becomes part of an all-in-one solution where all components ‘talk to each other’ using HiQnet. This makes system setup and operation much easier and a great deal more efficient,” added Ingle.

About PSAV® Presentation Services

PSAV provides the ideas and technology that inspire great meetings. This has made PSAV the leading provider of event technology for meeting planners and producers across the corporate, association, and tradeshow markets. PSAV provides an unparalleled range of event technology to support its customers’ ability to create, collaborate, and communicate. With more than 800 partner locations worldwide, PSAV provides people and resources right where you want to have your meeting. www.psav.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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January 19, 2012 – For Immediate Release

ANAHEIM, California – In an introduction that provides audio professionals, musicians and enthusiasts with advanced system set up and design capabilities coupled with a highly intuitive user interface, HARMAN Professional today introduced Crown HiQnet Band Manager™ 2 at the 2012 Winter NAMM Expo.  In doing so, the company is providing the broad community of musicians, DJs, venue owners and managers with access to better sound through sophisticated system integration and optimization technologies but also via a highly evolved user interface that is reliable, comprehensive and easy to navigate.  According to Andy Flint, Business Segment Manager Portable PA, Crown Audio, today’s introduction will make DJs, engineers and audio rental professionals more efficient and effective at their job and will enable musicians, venue owners and managers to enjoy better performance — and better value — from their systems investment.

“If you’re going to invest in an audio system and you’re genuinely interested in getting the best possible sound for your business or performance, then HiQnet Band Manager 2 is a must-have,” Flint said today.  “HiQnet makes great systems sound even better without the hassle, without the programming and without the requisite setup time that traditionally comes with preparing for a gig!”

HARMAN HiQnet Band Manager is an iteration of HARMAN’s industry-leading HiQnet system configuration and control protocol.  The core systems integration and connectivity capabilities of HARMAN HiQnet have been customized and packaged for the systems integration, tour sound and MI markets respectively in HiQnet System Architect™; HiQnet London Architect™, JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ and Crown HiQnet BandManager 2.

Band Manager 2 will include control and monitoring for Crown Audio’s XTi 2 product line. Users will be able to manage up to eight XTi 2 amplifiers via quick and simple USB interface. Crown will also have a brand new set of JBL presets for the XTi 2 product line that take full advantage of the enhanced processing and Peakx Plus™ limiters. HiQnet Band Manager 2 will also include presets for all the JBL JRX, MRX, SRX, and VRX product families and continued support for the original XTi Series, now discontinued.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that HiQnet Band Manager 2 boasts the performance firepower of highly evolved systems but Flint is quick to point out that this in itself presented a considerable challenge in making HiQnet Band Manager 2 usable for the broadest community of users.  “Our first challenge in making HiQnet Band Manager valuable was first to make it accessible,” Flint notes. “We worked closely with target end-users and also modeled it on a browser paradigm and some good ideas from consumer interfaces to make Band Manager 2 easy to understand and quick to learn.  We put this front-end on a powerful, scalable engine and we’re offering it for free. This adds up to a very accessible, attractive proposition and I encourage NAMM goers and interested parties everywhere to download Band Manager 2 and try it for themselves.”

“No other manufacturer can offer this scale of integration, system performance or price leadership,” Flint adds.  “In today’s challenging economy, we’re not simply giving more — we’re also empowering MI customers everywhere to demand more of their systems and system manufacturers!  In meeting with customers and dealers around the globe, I am consistently told that the investment that HARMAN made in developing HiQnet has paid a considerable efficiency dividend to our end-users in how they do their job and craft their art.  We’re equally grateful for their input, ideas and adoption and we look forward to Band Manager 2 extending the franchise and usefulness to new communities going forward.”

HARMAN HiQnet™ is the world’s first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. HARMAN HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across HARMAN’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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January 19, 2012 – For Immediate Release

ANAHEIM, California — In a move that redefines the performance capabilities of professional multichannel power amplifiers, HARMAN’s Crown Audio announced the introduction of its new flagship I-Tech HD Series 4x3500HD DriveCore™ Series 4-channel power amplifier. The 4-channel I-Tech 4x3500HD incorporates Crown’s sixth-generation Class I engine with DriveCore™ technology to deliver 3,500 watts per channel burst into four or two ohms, and offers a host of Crown’s most advanced features including a 4.3-inch TFT LCD with capacitive touchscreen, exclusive HARMAN HiQnet System Architect™ 2.0 control functionality and Version 5 DSP preset support for JBL Professional’s newly-launched VTX Series V25 plus VERTEC® Series line array loudspeakers.

The I-Tech 4x3500HD offers an unprecedented degree of operational flexibility. The 4.3-inch front-panel LCD touchscreen provides amplifier monitoring and access to key functions with color-keyed visuals that are similar to the at-a-glance FaderGlow™ indicators used on Soundcraft and Studer mixing consoles.

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD delivers 1,900 watts per channel into eight ohms, 2,000 watts per channel into four ohms and a massive 4,000 watts into four ohms bridged with all channels driven at full bandwidth all from an amplifier that measures just 2U rack spaces high. This remarkable power to size ratio is made possible by Crown’s exclusive DriveCore amplifier IC chip. The DriveCore chip combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage (along with additional audio-signal functions), to dramatically reduce overall size and power-consumption requirements and yield energy-efficient operation that conforms to HARMAN International’s GreenEdge™ environmental initiative.

DriveCore technology also gives the I-Tech 4x3500HD the ability to better control and more quickly recover from high-voltage transients, for a highly accurate reproduction of the input signal and better low-frequency response.

A common concern among tour and installed sound professionals is the relative lack of inputs and outputs on DSP-enabled power amplifiers. The I-Tech 4x3500HD provides an ideal real-world solution with its four analog inputs, four AES3 digital inputs and four AES inputs over VDrive and the ability to select four CobraNet® inputs. The amplifier also includes SpeakON or banana plug speaker connectors, as well as a Neutrik® PowerCON AC input connector to prevent the power cord from coming loose in transit.

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD provides more DSP sound-tailoring capability than any other amplifier on the market. Its proprietary BSS OmniDriveHD processing engine employs 32bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters for superb sonic clarity and the ability to precisely tailor the amplifier’s audio output. Crown’s exclusive linear phase FIR and IIR filters provide optimized loudspeaker crossover points with improved midrange clarity and off-axis loudspeaker response.

The amplifier is compatible with the HARMAN HiQnet System Architect and JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ sound reinforcement system design software. JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is a highly refined user interface that facilitates the design of touring and live performance venue sound reinforcement systems. The inclusion of JBL VerTec Version 5 DSP preset tunings for VerTec Series loudspeakers interface with the I-Tech 4x3500HD’s FIR filters to improve the loudspeakers’ sound quality and horizontal coverage performance. For enhanced control and monitoring capabilities the amplifier is also compatible with the Powered By Crown iPad/iPhone application.

“The I-Tech 4x3500HD DriveCore Series offers control, connectivity, DSP and system interfacing capabilities that have never been available in a professional high-power multichannel amplifier before,” said Brian Pickowitz, Market Manager, Tour Sound for Crown. “We designed it entirely without compromise to be the most flexible and useful multichannel amplifier on the market today.”

“The I-Tech 4x3500HD will be an integral part of our turnkey system package for the newly-released, VTX Series V25 flagship fullsize enclosure as well as a powerful, versatile platform that allows VerTec to achieve it’s full performance potential with V5 processing”, added Paul Bauman, Senior Manager, Tour Sound for JBL Professional.

The I-Tech 4x3500HD incorporates a host of additional useful features including Crown’s innovative LevelMax™ limiter technology that combines the operation of the amplifier’s Peak, Thermal and RMS limiters for more effective protection; a front-panel USB port that enables users to load preset amplifier settings or device files and update firmware.

Power per channel with all channels driven for two seconds is as follows: 1,900W at eight ohms; 2,000W at four ohms; 2,000W at two ohms; 3,800W at eight ohms bridged; 4,000W at four ohms bridged.

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD DriveCore Series will be available in February 2012.

HARMAN HiQnet™ is the world’s first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. HARMAN HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across HARMAN’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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January 5, 2012 – For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California – It’s not a rumor: Philadelphia’s brand-new Rumor nightclub is a 10,000-square-foot venue featuring two dance floors, multiple oversized bars, private catering facilities and more—including a private VIP room called the Vault. Patrons can enjoy music from Rumor’s multiple sound systems, which include a variety of HARMAN’s JBL loudspeakers powered by Crown amplifiers, and controlled with BSS processing and HiQnet London Architect™ software.

“We needed to provide sound for a number of spaces that differed greatly in their sound reinforcement requirements,” noted Ian Hoffer of Aurora Sound and Light Design, which specializes in nightclub system design. “The Vault is an elegant, high-end room with velvet walls. One of the bar areas has a VIP cove at the end that needed audio. There’s an oval-shaped dance room that presented some challenges, and even the bathroom hallway had its particular acoustical requirements.”

The system in the Vault includes four JBL AC28 compact 2-way loudspeakers and two ASB6115 15-inch subwoofers. “This combination gave us all the sound coverage we needed without overly intruding into the space,” said Hoffer. “We used two Crown Macro-Tech i Series MA-5000i amplifiers to drive this system. The velvet walls in The Vault were put there as part of the room décor, not for acoustic reasons, but they actually provide a great acoustic environment.”

The Lev Room is an oval shaped dance floor with a DJ booth at one end. “We found by installing two JBL AM7215 high-power, 15-inch, 2-way, full-range speakers and two ASB6125 dual-15-inch subs gave us powerful sound with plenty of impact, yet without creating any acoustic problems that might have occurred considering the room’s oval shape,” Hoffer noted. “The DJ booth is equipped with two SRX712M 2-way, 12-inch stage monitors, which happen to work perfectly in this application, along with an ASB6115 subwoofer. The combination of the SRX712M monitors and ASB6115 sub in the DJ booth work perfectly together.”

To avoid any dead spots in the club, Hoffer chose six JBL Control®Contractor 322CT in-ceiling speakers and two ASB6125 subwoofers in the VIP cove at the end of the 40-foot long bar, and four Control 47LP in-ceiling speakers in the bathroom hallway. “We installed the Control 47LP speakers there so people could still hear what was going on in the main rooms while they were in the hallway,” Hoffer added. “The bar is quite striking, by the way, because it’s illuminated and constantly changes colors.” A Crown CTs Series CTs 3000 amp powers the VIP cove and hallway speakers.

“We used the Control 47LP and 322C in-ceiling speakers because I feel you get a fuller sound from them than from competitive models,” stated Hoffer. “They were easy to install with no mounting issues at all.”

All the audio signals for Rumor’s sound system are handled by a BSS BLU-160 signal processor with digital audio bus capability, augmented by four BLU-BOB2 breakout box output expanders. Control is provided by the BSS London Architect programming interface and HARMAN HiQnet software. “I had never used the JBL ASB subwoofers before this project – and I was very impressed with them,” said Hoffer. “Thanks to the London Architect setup and configuration macro for the ASB subs, we were able to get a great sound from them.”

“Everyone at Rumor is happy with the project,” Hoffer concluded. “The Vault is the newest and most popular Thursday night venue in Philadelphia and Rumor has been getting nothing but rave reviews.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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October 7, 2011 – For Immediate Release

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — The Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club is Scottsdale, Arizona’s newest hot spot day and night, thanks to its resort-style pool, indoor and outdoor bars, private cabanas, day beds, restaurant and extensive indoor/outdoor sound system featuring more than 20 HARMAN JBL Control® Series loudspeakers and Crown Audio amplifiers and zone controllers. With plans to stay open 365 days a year, the Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club offers a wide variety of nightclub entertainment.

Optimum A/V Systems of Tempe, Arizona, a systems integrator specializing in commercial, residential and security installations, was contracted for the audio system design and installation. The loudspeakers for Spanish Fly include 10 JBL Control 30 high-output monitor speakers, nine Control 29AV monitor speakers, and two Control SB210 dual 10-inch subwoofers. The speakers and subs are driven by 10 Crown XTi Series XTi 2000 amplifiers, one CE 4000 and three CE 2000 amps, operating in conjunction with a dbx ZonePro Digital Zone Processor.

"Our involvement with the Spanish Fly Club came from having done a number of sushi restaurants for the owners," noted Adam LaGrow of Optimum A/V Systems. "We used JBL, Crown and dbx equipment for the restaurants and they all have good sound, but the owners wanted to step it up for the Spanish Fly Club and gave us free rein to design a system that would flat-out rock."

"Since this was an indoor/outdoor installation, one of the major challenges was the fact that we had to work around an indoor/outdoor bar with the pool in the middle of it outside," continued LaGrow. "The owners wanted the ambience and atmosphere of Las Vegas outdoor pool parties. They wanted to rock both the inside and the outside of the club and have plenty of bass – but we also had to take the noise ordinances of the City of Scottsdale into account."

"We chose the JBL Control Series speakers and subs because they sound great and work well in either an indoor or an outdoor environment. This reduced the number of speaker models we had to use and simplified the installation. We put marine grilles on all the speakers for water resistance, and we know the speakers are extremely reliable from past experience. In addition, the Control 29 has a rotatable high-frequency horn, which enables it to be used either horizontally or vertically and comes in handy in certain applications."

"The project turned out incredibly well. The sound is clear and powerful both inside and out without being overbearing, with plenty of bass and tons of headroom," concluded LaGrow. "The club is the talk of the town and the place to be on weekends."

For more information about Optimum A/V Systems, please contact www.optimumavsystems.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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October 4, 2011 – For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California – ZTwo, one of Staten Island's newest restaurants, offers its patrons a wide selection of food, drinks and activities—everything from providing a relaxing coffee shop atmosphere in the morning to showing sporting events on 22 big-screen monitors and a 96-inch video wall to pumping up the volume for late-night DJ partying.

To accommodate this social and sonic variety, ZTwo installed a sound system with more than 13 zones, featuring HARMAN's JBL AE and Control® Contractor Series loudspeakers, powered by Crown amplifiers and tied together by a BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-100 signal processor/digital audio bus.

Commercial and residential systems integrator JD Systems of Staten Island designed and installed the audio system. "We had to make sure that the audio would accommodate a number of different areas equally well including the bar/lounge area, restaurant, lobby, VIP area and bakery," noted Jonathan Joyce, one of the principals of JD Systems. "We wanted to deliver fidelity and enough headroom for DJs to come in and not blow things up. We like to design systems with some extra horsepower in case DJs want to push the system."

"The bar and lounge area—where more SPL is needed—is on one side of the main floor, so we placed five JBL AM7215 loudspeakers there, along with one ASB7118 single-18 and two ASB7128 dual-18-inch subwoofers. The area isn't a dedicated dance floor per se, but that's where people dance at night and we have the subs positioned toward the DJ area." The AM7215's are bi-amped with Crown CTs Series CTs600 amps running the horns and CTs1200s for the woofers, and the subs are powered by a Crown MacroTech MA-9000i amp.

Eight JBL Control 47C/T speakers are installed in the restaurant area's ceiling. The Control 47C/T speakers are designed to deliver extended bass with a wide 120-degree coverage area, enabling fewer speakers to handle a larger space. "We went with Control 24C/T in-ceiling speakers in a 70-volt distributed audio system for all the areas that needed background audio, including the bakery, lobby, VIP section and bathrooms, as well as for the bar/dance area when the main system is not on," continued Joyce. "I didn't want to have to have the whole amp rack running all the time; that system is only used for DJs, and the Control 47C/T and 24C/T in-ceilings do a great job handling the sound for all of ZTwo's other audio needs." All of the JBL Control speakers are powered by Crown CTs8200 and CTs4200 amplifiers.

The speakers and amplifiers are linked via a BSS BLU-100 signal processor and digital audio bus. "The BLU-100 is the brains of it all," noted Joyce. "For the functionality it provides, the rack space you save is amazing. We also expect to expand into a rooftop bar in the future, and the BLU-100 enabled us to add a BSS break-out box to accommodate the addition of more zones."

Joyce noted that although the ZTwo system has 4,000 watts of amplification for the subwoofers alone, it's not going to disturb the restaurant's diners. "We've set the subs to ramp up from 8 PM to full power at 11 PM, so no matter how hard the DJ plays at 9 pm, it won't rattle the silverware. We can also turn off the subwoofers completely for a quiet event or private party."

"When we chose the equipment for ZTwo, we were given creative license and a reasonable budget. We wanted good fidelity and high-quality, reliable products that would integrate well. That's why we used Harman brands, along with the fact that I can call someone at Harman and they can recommend products across lines – JBL, Crown and BSS in this case – that work well together."

For more information about JD Systems, please contact www.jdsystems.tv.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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September 11, 2011 – For Immediate Release

LONDON, United Kingdom – At PLASA 2011, HARMAN's Crown Audio today announced the introduction of its PIP-BLU Programmable Input Processor (PIP) card for the Crown CTs Series power amplifiers. The PIP-BLU adds BSS Audio Soundweb London digital audio bus functionality to Crown CTs Series amplifiers, offering a simple, cost-effective way to get digital audio all the way to the amplifiers.

"The PIP-BLU adds BSS Audio's Soundweb London digital audio bus to Crown's popular CTs Series amplifiers, without having to use additional network switches. This makes installation much easier, saves time and money, greatly simplifies the cabling within an amplifier rack and provides advanced control and monitoring capabilities," said Daniel Saenz, Install Business Segment Manager, Crown Audio. "With the PIP-BLU, contractors are now able to leverage the functionality and simplicity of the Soundweb London digital audio bus all the way to the amplifiers."

The PIP-BLU is compatible with Crown CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers built after April 2011. It provides BSS Audio Soundweb London digital audio bus functionality along with analog input and output connectors, and offers two digital audio bus channels to the amplifier, an RJ-45 Ethernet jack for remote configuration, control and monitoring and two digital audio bus channels back from the amp (for the listen bus), along with two analog input channels and two analog output channels. The analog channels provide analog backup and also facilitate using the CTs amplifier as a 2-channel Break-In Box (BIB). The analog outputs provide a buffered version of the inputs, allowing daisy-chaining down a rack.

The PIP-BLU card allows the amplifier to be connected into the Soundweb London digital audio bus ring, providing the sharing of digital audio, fault tolerance and greatly simplifies cabling. The PIP-BLU uses HARMAN's HiQnet™ protocol and is configured, controlled and monitored using HiQnet London Architect.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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September 1, 2011 – For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California – The L.A Rising festival was one of the major events to date for the North American summer concert season, hosting more than 60,000 people and featuring a rare appearance by Rage Against the Machine in the band’s only concert of the year to date. The concert took place July 30 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and also featured performances by Muse, Rise Against, Lauryn Hill, Immortal Technique and El Gran Silencio. Rage Against the Machine and fellow artists galvanized the crowd with nine hours of uncompromisingly intense music delivered by a massive sound system—which included more than 250 HARMAN JBL VerTec® line array loudspeakers and 152 Crown Audio I-Tech HD Series power amplifiers.

Sound Image of Escondido, California designed and deployed the sound system under the direction of Mike Sprague, Director of Touring for Sound Image. The system included 132 JBL VerTec VT4889 fullsize line array elements and 110 VT4880 fullsize arrayable subwoofers for the main system and for the three delay towers, along with eight VT4889 speakers and eight VT4880 subwoofers used for stage monitoring and side fill.

Four columns of 18 VT4889 loudspeakers and four columns of 18 VT4880 subwoofers—eight columns total—were hung on either side of four poles that held up the roof of the stage structure (along with two poles in the back). Two out fill arrays of 12 VT4889’s were placed at the left and the right of the stage facing 90 degrees outward from the front. Two stacks of 10 VT4880 subwoofers were placed at the foot of the left and right front of the stage along with 18 VT4880's at the center of the stage to provide low-frequency ground-level coverage. There were three delay towers behind the FOH position, each with 12 VT4889's.

A setup this large might prove daunting for many rental sound contractors, but Sprague took it in stride: "We really didn’t face any major acoustical challenges. We just put in enough PA so that all 60,000 people were covered with volume and clarity. True, we wound up having to put in a lot of speakers to accomplish that!"

"Believe it or not, we didn’t face any major challenges in setting up the system either," Sprague continued. "Getting the delay towers in the right position was a bit of a task, and getting enough AC power from the generators to run the system wasn’t easy. Ultimately we got what we needed by using 400 amps of 3-phase power for each side of the stage and 200 amps of 3-phase for the delay towers."

"We continue to use JBL VerTec for major events like this because our success with JBL components has been second to none, and we have a longstanding track record with them," noted Sprague. "We use VerTec because of the superior sound quality and reliability. The Crown amps also performed as one would expect from a very reliable amplifier provider."

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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September 1, 2011 – For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California – The L.A Rising festival was one of the major events to date for the North American summer concert season, hosting more than 60,000 people and featuring a rare appearance by Rage Against the Machine in the band's only concert of the year to date. The concert took place July 30 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and also featured performances by Muse, Rise Against, Lauryn Hill, Immortal Technique and El Gran Silencio. Rage Against the Machine and fellow artists galvanized the crowd with nine hours of uncompromisingly intense music delivered by a massive sound system—which included more than 250 HARMAN JBL VerTec® line array loudspeakers and 152 Crown Audio I-Tech HD Series power amplifiers.

Sound Image of Escondido, California designed and deployed the sound system under the direction of Mike Sprague, Director of Touring for Sound Image. The system included 132 JBL VerTec VT4889 fullsize line array elements and 110 VT4880 fullsize arrayable subwoofers for the main system and for the three delay towers, along with eight VT4889 speakers and eight VT4880 subwoofers used for stage monitoring and side fill.

Four columns of 18 VT4889 loudspeakers and four columns of 18 VT4880 subwoofers—eight columns total—were hung on either side of four poles that held up the roof of the stage structure (along with two poles in the back). Two out fill arrays of 12 VT4889's were placed at the left and the right of the stage facing 90 degrees outward from the front. Two stacks of 10 VT4880 subwoofers were placed at the foot of the left and right front of the stage along with 18 VT4880's at the center of the stage to provide low-frequency ground-level coverage. There were three delay towers behind the FOH position, each with 12 VT4889's.

A setup this large might prove daunting for many rental sound contractors, but Sprague took it in stride: "We really didn't face any major acoustical challenges. We just put in enough PA so that all 60,000 people were covered with volume and clarity. True, we wound up having to put in a lot of speakers to accomplish that!"

"Believe it or not, we didn't face any major challenges in setting up the system either," Sprague continued. "Getting the delay towers in the right position was a bit of a task, and getting enough AC power from the generators to run the system wasn't easy. Ultimately we got what we needed by using 400 amps of 3-phase power for each side of the stage and 200 amps of 3-phase for the delay towers."

"We continue to use JBL VerTec for major events like this because our success with JBL components has been second to none, and we have a longstanding track record with them," noted Sprague. "We use VerTec because of the superior sound quality and reliability. The Crown amps also performed as one would expect from a very reliable amplifier provider."

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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August 23, 2011 – For Immediate Release

NOVI SAD, Serbia – HARMAN’s JBL VERTEC® line arrays were out in force at this year’s 4-day Exit 2011 Festival in Serbia, which saw bands such as Arcade Fire, Jamiroquai, Pulp, Portishead and Grinderman among the headliners. Held at the picturesque 18^thcentury Petrovaradin Fortress of Novi Sad, on the banks of the Danube, Studio Berar's long-standing and highly experienced rental department has been servicing this event since its inception in 2000.

The 100,000 people who attended this year’s Exit Festival enjoyed performances by numerous major international artists, presented with top-quality sound and lighting. This year’s event honored the 2,000,000th visitor since the festival began; the lucky music fan was presented with a 10-year free ticket.

The main stage was equipped with 32 JBL VERTEC VT4889 fullsize line array elements (hung 16 per side), with VT4888 midsize line array elements providing out fill coverage and 36 VT4880 fullsize arrayable subwoofers, distributed stage left and right. The overall system design was pre-determined using JBL's LAC II (Line Array Calculator) software. A dbx DriveRack 4800 Loudspeaker Management System, driving over 40 Crown I-Tech power amplifiers, provided EQ and routing functions. A pair of Soundcraft Vi6 digital consoles was provided for the visiting sound engineers.

In the separate Dance Arena performance area, international artists such as Underworld, Deadmau5, Groove Armada and James Zabiela headed up an all-star cast. Here, the sound reinforcement system featured two hangs each of 24 VT4888 loudspeakers and VT4880 subwoofers, driven by a dbx DriveRack 4800 and Crown CTs3000 power amplifiers. Soundcraft MH3 and MH4 analog consoles were provided for the FOH and monitor positions.

Finally, the smaller Fusion Stage, featuring numerous regional acts, was equipped with 12 VERTEC VT4888 enclosures per side, with six VT4880 subs. A 48-channel Soundcraft Series FIVE at front of house was complemented by a classic SM20 monitor desk on the stage.

For Studio Berar, system management was overseen by sound engineer Aleksandar Pejin. Studio Berar marketing manager, Lazar Josanov, stated, "We found that our design approach provided excellent control and clear, strong well-defined sound. The V4 preset for VERTEC sounds perfect, and in combination with JBL’s LAC II software and HARMAN HiQnet™ for system setup, we were able to provide a secure, well-protected festival solution."

For more information on Studio Berar, please visit www.studioberar.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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August 22, 2011 – For Immediate Release

MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina — Located in Surfside Beach, part of South Carolina's Myrtle Beach resort area, the 950-seat Celebration Music Theatre opened earlier this year as a home to world-class live entertainment. The Theatre features the artist tribute show SUPERSTARZ! Live! with entertainers performing hits from Elvis, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Cher, Barbra Streisand and many other stars.

The Celebration Music Theatre occupies the site of a former live-performance venue, where the stage, video, lighting, wiring and other parts of the theatre have now been totally redone. All previous audio and video equipment has been removed to make room for a completely new installation that includes more than 30 HARMAN's JBL VERTEC® line arrays powered by Crown amplifiers.

Local installation specialist Commercial Audio, Inc. was contracted for the renovation, led by sales and marketing director Adam Hyman and owner Chad Johnson. The company installed 16 JBL VERTEC VT4886 subcompact line array elements and VT4883 subcompact arrayable subwoofers, along with two ASB6128 subwoofers, six AC28/95 and six AC16 ultra-compact loudspeakers. Crown I-Tech HD IT9000HD, XTi 4000 and CTs 1200 power amps drive the loudspeakers. A Soundcraft Vi1 64/24-input digital console handles both front of house and monitor mixing.

"I went with JBL and Crown because of my previous experience with both brands, their reliability and their broad product lineup that covers practically any professional installation situation," said Johnson. "The theater is more than twice as wide than it is deep, so I selected the VERTEC VT4886's for their coverage pattern, which I was confident would work in such an unconventional room shape. I deployed the VT4886 speakers in arrays across the top left, center and right of the stage, which provided even coverage throughout the width of the room without any gaps in the distribution of sound to the audience."

Johnson also placed the VT4883 subwoofers beneath each of the two center arrays, and an ASB6128 sub under each left and right stack. In addition, three AC16 speakers are placed on either side of the stage as front fills for the front rows of the theatre. The six JBL AC28/95 speakers are used as on-stage monitors, located at various points along the stage. "I had used the VERTEC VT8886 line arrays in previous projects, but not in a room that was wider than it was deep," noted Johnson. "They work extremely well in the Celebration Music Theatre and we're very happy with the results."

In addition, the Soundcraft Vi1 console proved to be an ideal fit for a variety of reasons. "The Vi1 offers a ton of flexibility, as evidenced by the fact that it's being used as both the FOH and monitor console at the Theatre," Johnson added. "Also, the Vi1's ability to recall 'scenes' was important, with the large number of different acts performing on some of the productions here."

For more information about Commercial Audio, Inc. please visit http://www.commercialaudio.us/

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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August 12, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana — HARMAN’s Crown Audio I-Tech HD Series amplifiers have been selected for use in the Ultra Electroncs HyperSpike Mass Notification Systems that are found in both civilian and military applilcations to deliver loud, long-range acoustic voice and alarm communications.

Designed by Wattre Corporation and manufactured by Ultra Electronics – USSI, the MA-1 HyperSpike devices deliver extremely loud, highly intelligible voice communications and alert signals over distances of more than a mile and a half. HyperSpike is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world record holder for loudest electro-acoustic projection device at 182.2dB at 1 meter.

"Our unique technology revolves around the discovery that audio energy can be focused," stated Curt Graber, President of Wattre Corporation.  "The HyperSpike speaker designs are extremely effective at projecting loud, clear signals over long distances. When we looked for a suitable amplifier for our Mass Notification products, we chose the Crown I-Tech HD Series for its performance, long-term dependability and also its light weight, which was an important factor in the design specification for this product."

HyperSpike models are in service with various domestic and international military, private and law enforcement users. Notable users include the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, the French Navy, the Malaysian Navy and many other organizations.

Ultra Electronics - USSI (www.Ultra-Ussi.com) is a global and innovative supplier of highly intelligible, ruggedized, light weight, long range directional and omni-directional acoustic communication systems. Being deployed word-wide and in combat theaters throughout the globe, the ever expanding and versatile portfolio of products are used in diverse applications such as naval and commercial maritime security, tactical mobile military scenarios, military base perimeter protection, advanced warning and notification, border and port security, law enforcement, crowd control, mass notification, fire services and more. Our business is protecting lives and property with the use of sound technology. HyperSpike® – Protection at the Speed of Sound.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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ELKHART, Indiana — In a move that reaffirms its commitment to product reliability and customer satisfaction, HARMAN's Crown Audio today announced that it is extending its industry leading warranty on I-Tech HD Series, CTs Series and Macro-Tech i Series amplifiers from three years to five years, effective May 1, 2011.

The new 5-year warranty applies to Crown I-Tech HD Series, CTs Series and Macro-Tech i Series amplifiers purchased on or after May 1, 2011. The "no-fault" warranty covers repairs that may occur during normal usage as well as from accidental damage. The warranty is transferrable from the original owner. Crown will cover shipping costs both ways, from the customer to the factory and back.

"Crown has always prided itself on building the most reliable and durable amplifiers available," said Marc Kellom, director of marketing for Crown. "Now, we are furthering our commitment to our customers with the industry's most comprehensive amplifier warranty program. Even if a customer accidentally damages the amp, we’ll cover it."

Other Crown Audio amplifier models and products will continue to be covered by the existing 3-year no-fault warranty. Warranties do not cover products that have been damaged because of intentional misuse or negligence.

For additional warranty information please visit {{store url=''}}warranty.htm.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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Gerald "Curly" Wonch (left) and Matt Matthews, 
co-owners of EMCEEE Audio Production

May 25, 2011 – For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California – Founded on a mission to provide local acts and events with professional-grade equipment and knowledgeable engineers who truly care about providing excellent service, Detroit, Michigan-based EMCEE Audio Production has relied on HARMAN’s JBL Professional loudspeakers for more than five years. Co-owners Gerald "Curly" Wonch and Matt Matthews have built the company from the ground up, providing high-quality audio solutions to corporate and festival events as well as concerts, nightclubs and bars.

EMCEE owns a wide range of JBL loudspeakers, including SRX725 2-way portable speakers and SRX728S subwoofers, SRX712M stage monitors, VRX932LA Constant Curvature speakers and VRX918S subwoofers, and PRX512M powered stage monitors. EMCEE also relies on Crown XTi 4000 power amplifiers.

Working on a tight start-up budget five years ago with audio systems dealer Dave Short of Short Sound Systems, Wonch first began by stocking his speaker inventory with JBL's affordable MPro series to support local bar shows. Soon enough, word spread about the quality of service EMCEE provided and Curly began supplying audio reinforcement for live shows in small concert venues. He quickly added to his supply, purchasing JBL's larger and more powerful SRX systems.

"We started the business to offer our friends and fellow music lovers great service, and in doing so, we kept growing at a steady pace," Wonch noted. "Then, when the festivals began calling, we knew we were doing something right."

With the festival demand, Curly invested in JBL's VRX series to provide the predictable, precise coverage needed for larger spaces, and if EMCEE encounters a large venue requiring an even larger setup, the company always provides JBL VERTEC® line array systems through regional rental-industry partners.

"Our JBL loudspeakers have been put through a wide series of tests in the field, and have always brought out the best in our clients. We aren’t working with platinum-selling artists, but all musicians want to put on their best performance at a gig," Wonch continued. "With JBL speakers, we just do our own thing and have fun with our clients. Providing great solutions is our business and our success is synonymous with the quality equipment that HARMAN offers."

For more information on EMCEE Audio Production, please visit www.emceeaudio.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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May 25, 2011 – For Immediate Release

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Swiss Federal Office for Sport has recently undergone a major renovation including a complete HARMAN professional audio solution featuring components from BSS Audio, Crown and JBL. The office is a center of excellence for all sport-related issues, situated as one of four such sites across Switzerland.

All audio equipment used in the installation was supplied by HARMAN Professional distributor, Dr.W.A.Günther Audio Systems AG and the installation was handled by system integrator Kilchenmann AG.

In the main hall speech intelligibility was a major priority. Two JBL AM5212/95 series loudspeakers, finished in white, are being used as front speakers, with six JBL AC16 compact speakers as delays in the 335 sq. metre hall.

Signal processing is handled by two BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-100 devices and a BLU-BOB2 break-out box / output expander with three Crown CDi amplifiers powering the system.

Ensuring compliance with Swiss regulations for noise emissions, the system was subject to thorough technical and qualitative inspection at the first measurement stage. Lars Scheidegger, from Kilchenmann AG, who was responsible for project management stated, "The system not only complies with all regulatory requirements, but satisfies the requirement with its clear sound quality and extraordinary intelligibility at any point in the room."

Smaller rooms found off the main hall each are equipped with a pair of JBL Control 25 loudspeakers and Crown XLS 202 power amplifier.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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May 12, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana — Gerald Stanley, senior vice president of research and development at HARMAN's Crown Audio, is celebrating 45 years of service with the company. One of the leading authorities in amplifier design in the professional audio industry, Stanley is responsible for 42 patents during his tenure with Crown.

Stanley joined Crown part-time in 1964 while still an undergraduate at Michigan State University and served as a tape recorder line technician, draftsman, and amplifier design engineer. In 1966, he returned after completing a graduate degree at the University of Michigan and went on to work full-time on designing tape recorder electronics and power amplifiers.

Stanley’s work has been primarily responsible for many of Crown’s major product lines over the last five decades beginning with the DC 300 and going on to include the Macro-Tech, K, CTs, I-Tech, I-Tech HD, and ComTech DriveCore series amplifiers. He has also worked on the design and development of numerous other products produced by Crown including tape recorders, signal processors, and audio test equipment.

In 2008, the Audio Engineering Society selected Stanley to receive the distinguished AES Fellowship Award for his significant contributions to power amplifier design.

"Gerald Stanley’s influence can be seen not only at Crown but throughout the entire professional audio community. His work has been the driving factor in creating countless amplifier technologies over the years. We congratulate Gerald on a storied career and are lucky to say we will continue to have him as a colleague and mentor," stated Marc Kellom, Director of Marketing for Crown.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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FRANKFURT, Germany – At Prolight + Sound 2011, HARMAN Professional announced the introduction of its HiQnet Performance Manager™ software, a highly-refined user interface that facilitates the design of touring and live performance venue sound reinforcement systems. Designed especially for touring and theatrical sound engineering, HiQnet Performance Manager is an application-specific iteration of the category-leading HARMAN HiQnet System Architect 2 connectivity and control software application for professional-grade audio system integration.

"In touring, time is money and Performance Manager dramatically streamlines the system design, setup and tuning process, allowing the JBL VerTec® System Engineer to achieve a higher level of performance with more consistent results on a daily basis from venue-to-venue", explained Paul Bauman, Director of Tour Sound Product Application and Application Engineering, JBL Professional.

HiQnet Performance Manager provides a comprehensive, step-by-step workflow that directly corresponds to real-world system configuration, taking the workflow paradigm introduced in System Architect 2 to a higher level of functionality for any live performance audio application. It is fully integrated with JBL's Line Array Calculator II loudspeaker configuration and acoustic modeling software. The user begins by loading templates of the speaker arrays used in the system, and then runs Line Array Calculator II for each array as part of the initial sound design task of determining how many and which type of loudspeakers are required to cover a given venue. For each array, Performance Manager automatically loads the passive VerTec or powered VerTec DrivePack® DPDA line array configuration into the main application workspace – the first of many automated design processes native to the software application. Loudspeakers can also be manually loaded into the templates if desired.

Once the user defines the required amplifier parameters for the passive loudspeakers within the arrays, Performance Manager automatically loads the correct number of Crown Audio VRACK or other user-determined amplifier racks into the audio system. The software then associates the amplifier outputs with the bandpass crossover inputs for the selected array and programs the amplifiers with the correct JBL preset data, as well as gain shading and JBL Line Array Control Panel equalization parameters that are determined in JBL's Line Array Calculator II as part of the modeling process to optimize sound pressure level and frequency response over the defined audience geometry.

"HiQnet Performance Manager greatly simplifies loudspeaker preset management as well as power amplifier networking, grouping, monitoring and control. It is the ideal complement to the Crown Audio® VRACK turnkey power amplifier rack solution for JBL VerTec line array systems and the automated generation of pre-configured control panels combined with a tablet-friendly, highly-intuitive user interface will be a huge timesaver for the touring sound engineer", added Brian Pickowitz, Market Manager, Crown Audio International.

Representations of the bandpass inputs for each loudspeaker section are overlaid onto the arrays, enabling the user to easily visualize the array configuration, whether JBL DrivePack-powered or driven by external Crown Audio power amplifiers.  Performance Manager software also significantly simplifies system networking configuration – the user can simply drag and drop devices discovered on the network onto the pre-configured devices within the Performance Manager workspace to synchronize all addressing and parameter values.

In addition, the Performance Manager graphical interface provides embedded control panels for array calibration, time alignment and system EQ which utilize input section digital signal processing resources available in either Crown I-Tech HD power amplifiers or JBL DrivePack-powered loudspeakers with DPDA digital audio input modules. Input attenuation, equalization, delay settings and bandpass controls are all readily-accessible directly within the main application workspace along with flexible grouping and comprehensive solo / mute functionality for system testing.

Once system tuning is complete, Performance Manager’s Show Mode display is optimized for the actual live performance offering appropriate adjustment control ballistics for equalization and dedicated monitoring interfaces for levels, speaker loads, thermal conditions and AC power requirements.  The workspace for all stages of Performance Manager's workflow has a common design motif, with monitoring functions overlaid on top of the same loudspeaker bandpass representations within the workspace, making visualization easier and more consistent across various workflow screens.

HiQnet Performance Manager is ultimately a product of Harman’s ongoing commitment to develop application-specific versions of the HiQnet® platform, addressing the day-to-day tasks of audio professionals in a broad range of markets. "By comprehensive analysis of the workflow of audio professionals in touring applications, HiQnet Performance Manager provides an enhanced productivity tool unlike anything else available," summarized Adam Holladay, Senior Market Manager, HARMAN Professional System Development and Integration Group.

HiQnet Performance Manager is on exhibit in a dedicated demonstration area at Prolight + Sound 2011 at Exhibition Centre Frankfurt, Location 8.0, F32 (6 – 9 April, 2011).

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR 

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Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell
Definition Branding & Marketing
Daniel.oconnell@definitionbam.com
(212) 660-2555 Ext. 12 

March 30, 2011 – For Immediate Release

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — HARMAN's Crown Audio is showcasing its DSi 6000 Series Amplifier at CinemaCon 2011. The DSi 6000 is the latest addition to Crown’s line of cinema amplifiers and is designed to work in conjunction with JBL ScreenArray® loudspeakers.

The DSi 6000 features automatic presets for JBL cinema speaker systems for quick and easy setup. An intuitive LCD front panel guides installers through the process of choosing loudspeaker signal processing presets and other system parameters. All DSi series amplifiers can be configured through the Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ communications protocol.  

"Our DSi Series amplifiers are designed to be the perfect compliment to JBL ScreenArray loudspeaker systems. We designed the DSi Series to be the perfect combination of power, performance and technology for cinema applications. The wide market adoption for these amplifiers is a testament to the sonic quality and value of these amplifiers," stated Andy Flint, marketing manager for Crown Audio.

The DSi 6000 amplifiers include Crown's extremely light and efficient switch-mode power supply, and weighs 24 pounds. The DSi 6000 has a 3-year, no-fault warranty.  The power rating for the new DSi 6000 is 2100 watts per channel at 4 ohms.

The DSi Series of power amplifiers provides onboard DSP including crossovers, EQ filters, delay and output limiting. All DSi amplifiers are THX® certified.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR 

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Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss 
Definition Branding and Marketing 
Philip.Weiss@definitionbam.com
(212) 660-2555 ext. 23  

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March 29, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana — In a unique and challenging expansion project, HARMAN Crown amplifiers and JBL loudspeakers were chosen for the new expanded sound reinforcement system at the Indiana Convention Center. The Convention Center is now integrated with Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The system was designed by Bowen Technovation and installed by Fairchild Communications.

The area of expansion features a battery of Crown CTs 600, 1200, and 4200 series amplifiers, all equipped with PIP-USP3 modules. Sound in meeting rooms is provided by JBL Control 226C/T ceiling speakers, while restrooms and back of house areas feature JBL 24CT ceiling speakers. 

The $275 million project is the Indiana Convention Center’s fourth expansion since opening in 1972. The current project began after the demolition of the area formally occupied by the RCA Dome and was completed in January 2011.  The expansion added 254,000 square feet of exhibit space, 63,000 square feet of meeting rooms and 10,000 square feet of pre-function space. A connector that links the Convention Center to Lucas Oil Stadium was built as well.

"From a design standpoint we were challenged to integrate several wings of the existing building system with our new systems.  Those areas had varying types and ages of technology that had to be incorporated. We also needed to assure that the new system could integrate and route through the newer systems at Lucas Oil Stadium," stated Jeff Bowen, president of Bowen Technovation.

"We have had extensive experience with Harman gear in the past but for this specific project we auditioned speakers from several different manufacturers and JBL stood out from the pack from a performance and price standpoint. The Crown amplifiers were chosen for their history of performance and reliability as well as the distinct advantages we were offered by their ability to monitor and control using HiQnet™ System Architect™," added Bowen.

"From a contractor’s perspective there were many construction milestones that had to be met for the overall success of the project.  There was very little room for error based on the fact that the renovated spaces had already been planned for use with clients so the systems just had to work. We were challenged on this project from all aspects and we are proud to say this installation was a huge success for our company," stated Mike Cast, vice president of operations for Fairchild Communication Systems.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR 

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Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss 
Definition Branding and Marketing 
Philip.Weiss@definitionbam.com
(212) 660-2555 ext. 23  

John Batliner                    Matt Bush                         John Fitzgerald

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January 13, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana — In a series of appointments to improve its organization and its end-product, Crown Audio today announced decisive steps to reinforce its senior management team.  New leaders have been added as the company implements continual improvement initiatives in fundamental disciplines including sales, operations and general management.  John Fitzgerald, Vice President of Program Management at Harman Professional, will take the additional position of General Manager for Harman's Elkhart, IN based Amplifier Business Unit and will be responsible for all aspects of Crown Audio's business.  John Batliner, Vice President of Sales for Harman’s High Performance Audio Video group, will assume additional responsibilities as Vice President of Sales for Crown Audio and Matt Bush, previously Director of Sales for Crown Audio is appointed Senior Director of Operations for Crown Audio.  According to Rob Urry, Vice President of Harman Professional’s Amplifier and Processing Business Unit, today’s appointments will position Crown Audio for consistent development and growth and will improve the quality, performance and innovation of the products.

"With John Fitzgerald, John Batliner and Matt Bush, Crown Audio is placing proven leaders in positions of critical importance to our development and also Harman Professional's development." Urry said today.  "Harman Professional is determined to strengthen its leadership position in professional-grade audio systems.  Providing the world’s best sounding, most reliable, most versatile amplifiers is central to our ambitions and is similarly important to our customers around the world. Our determination to grow is matched only by our commitment to improve and I am confident that these three leaders will back up that commitment".

As Vice President of Program Management for Harman International in Farmington Hills, MI, Fitzgerald developed and managed a portfolio of corporate programs to improve quality, streamline base cost, and integrate newly acquired companies.  As Director, Product Engineering, Fitzgerald held leadership responsibilities for product development activities for the North American and Far East regions of the OEM division of Harman International. Fitzgerald also has international experience as Director, Product Planning, Senior Manager Asian Operations based in Nagoya, Japan where he managed all Japan operations and developed the product planning process to establish long term product strategies for all Asian customers.   Prior to joining Harman, John Fitzgerald was Process/Quality Engineering Managerat TRW Automotive Electronics and before that Process Engineer at Digital Equipment Corporation.  John Fitzgerald holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine and an MBA from the University of Illinois, Champaign.

John Batliner is a sales leader with extensive experience and success in the professional audio and custom home markets. This includes five years as Asia Pacific Sales Manager with Shure Incorporated followed by seven years as Vice President of International Sales at dbx in Salt Lake City.  He has been an influential and effective leader in Harman's High Performance AV group since 1996 and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the group’s channel strategy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and an MBA from Purdue University.

Matt Bush joined Crown Audio in October 2008 after establishing a world-class operations team at Harman's Sandy, UT Signal Processing Business Unit, and was the architect of HMG’s hybrid manufacturing and global supply chain strategies, directing all supply chain functions including a US manufacturing facility, off-shore manufacturing, customer service, and distribution centers in the US, Asia and Europe. He has also led group-wide programs in European logistics and key supplier negotiations, and has presented numerous times at Harman best-practice sessions. Matt is a Six-Sigma Greenbelt and coach, has completed Executive Programs in Supply Chain Management and Factory Physics at the Kellogg School of Management and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Utah. 

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

###

Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell
Definition Branding & Marketing
Daniel.oconnell@definitionbam.com
(212) 660 2555 Ext. 12

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January 13, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ANAHEIM, California — Resetting the standards for portable sound amplification, Crown Audio today introduced the XTi 2 Series of amplifiers. Offering increased control, an enhanced feature set and a sleeker design, the XTi 2 Series amplifiers bring together features and performance never before available in an amplifier designed for portable PA applications. Providing a complete suite of integrated speaker processing, the new XTi amplifiers eliminate the need for external crossovers, limiters, and EQs, immediately saving rack space and money.

The XTi 2 features enhanced control with Crown’s revolutionary PeakX Plus™ limiters. The limiters are derived from the same framework as those found in I-Tech HD and the new XLS DriveCore Series amplifiers allowing users to manipulate threshold, attack and release times. A new and improved subharmonic synthesizer offers more accurate control over which frequencies are targeted and can be tailored for a specific system or room setup.

Offering increased amplifier functionality, users now have Advanced Thermal Control giving them the ability to tailor the fan performance to their specific application. XTi 2 also increases the amount of presets a user can save and recall from 20 to 30. Enhancing power management, a new status section on the amplifier allows for the monitoring of power supply temperature and AC line voltage making troubleshooting even easier

"Crown’s proven reputation in the portable sound market for building amplifiers that provide the highest level of value and performance is unparalled. The new XTi 2 series pushes the industry threshold and redefines the feature set that users can and should come to expect from portable PA amplifiers,™ stated Andy Flint, Marketing Manager for Crown.

XTi 2 amplifiers are also fully compatible with HiQnet™ Band Manager™ software.  The free-of-charge application provides a sleek redesigned function-driven interface, which has been re-skinned to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi and now XTi 2 series amplifiers. 

The amplifiers now feature integrated rack handles and an enhanced cast front panel that is more durable. The XTi 2 1002, 2002, and 4002 weigh 18.5lbs and the XTi6002 weighs in at 24lbs with MAP prices ranging from $499-$1999.

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.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

###

Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:

Philip Weiss 
Definition Branding & Marketing
(212) 660-2555 ext. 23 
Philip.weiss@definitionbam.com

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January 13, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ANAHEIM, California – Redefining the category of affordable and high-quality power amplifiers, Crown is showcasing the next generation line of XLS Series amplifiers, The line – consisting of four models and offering an unprecedented level of performance and configuration flexibility ushers in a new era of power amplification at the entry level. 

The XLS series amplifiers implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System. A user can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz, allowing for precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loud speakers. Increased Control is also highlighted by the three selectable channel modes and clip limiters designed to protect loudspeakers that can be turned on and off by channel. 

PeakX™ limiters allow higher output levels than conventional analog limiting while providing assured driver protection, and deploy algorithms derived from the extensive research and development of the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series. 

In another major advance, the XLS series amplifiers feature Integrated DriveCore™ Technology Regardless of AC Line sag or distortion due to other equipment such as backline or lighting gear, the user will consistently have the highest level of performance as though there is a power conditioner built directly into the amplifier.  It also provides fast recovery on peaks, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low-frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.

Further simplifying ease of use, an intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.

“We designed the XLS series amplifier from the ground-up to be a category-defining amplifier. We are bringing features and technology to a price point that no one else is close to offering. We set out to provide users with an amplifier that would reset the standard for power, performance, flexibility and value. Quite simply, this amplifier is a game changer,” stated Andy Flint, marketing manager for Crown. 

The XLS Series amplifiers are housed in a premium industrial design chassis, featuring a cast front panel for durability.  They also feature integrated rack handles and weigh under 11lbs making the XLS Series the ultimate portable amplifier. 

XLS Series amplifiers conform to Harman Professional’s Green Edge™ environmental initiative. Crown’s advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The XLS amplifier’s high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for each watt of output and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. 

Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). 
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman KardonG®, InfinityG®, JBLG®, LexiconG® and Mark LevinsonG®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems.  HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010.  The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

###

Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:

Philip Weiss 
Definition Branding & Marketing
(212) 660-2555 ext. 23 
Philip.weiss@definitionbam.com

click for full size image

January 13, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ANAHEIM, California – Providing touring professionals with a complete turnkey, out-of-the-box amplifier management solution, Crown is showcasing VRACK, a complete amplifier management rack system solution.  The VRACK features three built-in Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers, immediately providing an easy-to-configure, plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need to build amplifier racks.   Designed to work in conjunction with JBL VerTec, VRX, and AE series loudspeakers, the system’s modular design is highly scalable and is designed to meet the needs of both small and large sound systems. 

VRACK features a flexible input panel with AES, analog, and network inputs as well as rear rack lighting for multiple connection options.   A captive suspension system offers the capability for the rack to be flown in the same manner as a line array system.  The system also features a globally universal power distribution system that with the flip of a switch can be set to meet US and international power standards.

Advanced features of VRACK include built-in network and AES failover for protection of speakers in case of power loss.  Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ provides control though monitoring and adjustment on a rack-by-rack basis and the ability to make changes to all three amplifiers through a single interface.

I-Tech HD amplifiers included with VRACK feature a user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled performance. Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology makes I-Tech HD robust and easy to configure and features an industry-leading choice of input options including CobraNet and LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS).

“VRACK answers the question that tour sound professionals have consistently been asking: How can we optimize our JBL and Crown systems for the highest level of performance. VRACK is a standard solution from Crown in partnership with JBL to set the standard for VerTec systems everywhere in the world.  Given its versatility, it can be used on VerTec one day and then a monitor rack the next day,” stated Marc Kellom, Director of Marketing for Crown.

VRACK ships fully assembled, tested and ready to work right out of the box. The complete system weighs approximately 163 pounds. 

"V-Rack is an exciting step forward in the ongoing evolution of VerTec and the outcome of a close collaboration between Crown International and JBL Professional. V-Rack ensures an optimum power match for all VerTec models combined with uncompromised sound quality. V-Rack establishes a VerTec system standard to ensure consistent performance on a world-wide basis. On the software side, V-Rack offers a future-proof platform capable of implementing upcoming VerTec V5 presets and we are also working closely with the Harman Professional System Development and Integration Group on V-Rack control software that is fully-optimized for tour sound applications," stated Paul Bauman, Director, Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering for JBL Professional.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

###

Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:

Philip Weiss 
Definition Branding & Marketing
(212) 660-2555 ext. 23 
Philip.weiss@definitionbam.com

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January 13, 2011 – For Immediate Release

ANAHEIM, California — Underscoring the comprehensive integration value of its long-term commitment to a standards- based Ethernet backbone for its winning amplifier lineup, Crown Audio today announced the addition of the “Powered By Crown” iPad/iPhone App, designed to provide users with enhanced control and configuration of its amplifiers. The new application can be deployed to control and monitor amplifiers by setting the basic control panels on an amplifier or handle a complete setup through Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™.

The new application benefits both touring professionals and integrators as it can be used to control numerous lines of Crown amplifiers including I-Tech, I-Tech HD, CTs, and Macro Tech I Series amplifiers. Users can instantly connect by plugging their amplifiers into a wireless router. The app can be deployed on two, four and eight channel amplifiers. Users can now create a custom control panel in HiQnet System Architect, save it and directly import it onto the app using iTunes. Sound engineers now also have full capability to setup, troubleshoot, and monitor systems remotely.

“Building amplifiers that can operate on an Ethernet network provides us with unlimited expansion opportunities and the addition of an iPad application couples our industry-leading amplifier technology with control and monitoring capabilities that make system control infinitely simpler,” stated Marc Kellom, Director, Marketing for Crown.

A strategic long-term commitment to Ethernet by Crown means that users have access to everything that is based on the technology. Its speed, price point, superior reliability, and wide deployment as a fundamental make it the best choice for enhancing the capabilities of amplifiers on a network.

Inputs, routing, load monitoring, metering, thermal conditions and levels are all controllable through the app. Crown’s unique commitment to Ethernet technology for cost efficiency and seamless integration makes this application simple to deploy and make it possible for both legacy and future Crown products to offer the same compatibility with the iPad/iPhone application. 

This application will also be compatible with the iPod Touch and is now available on Apple’s iTunes store.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

###

Click for PDF version of this release

For additional information, contact:

Philip Weiss 
Definition Branding & Marketing
(212) 660-2555 ext. 23 
Philip.weiss@definitionbam.com

ELKHART, Indiana — Crown Audio today announced it has been approved for conformance of quality assurance in accordance with the International Organization for Standards (ISO) 9001:2008. Operating at such standards allows Crown to respond more quickly to marketplace and customer demand while maintaining consistently high levels of quality in all facets of its amplifier production.

Commenting on what ISO 9001:2008 registration will mean from the end-user’s perspective, Marc Kellom, Director, Marketing for Crown stated that customers can purchase Crown amplifiers with increased confidence. “It is reassuring to have a highly qualified third party audit your products and processes and certify that they consistently meet the highest quality standards.”

Certification to ISO 9001:2008 is a model for quality assurance in design, manufacturing and customer care. ISO 9001:2008 registration applies to all products manufactured under the quality system in place at the registered site. Registration requires demonstration of a total quality control system in five distinct areas including Product Realization, Quality Management, Management Responsibility, Resource Management and Measurement and Analysis and Improvement.

“ISO 9001:2008 registration is an important step forward in Crown’s pursuit of quality in each and every aspect of our operations,” added Kellom. “Crown will continue to examine and re-examine ways to improve our products and processes and in doing so, maintain our competitive advantage based on innovation and class-leading amplifier technology.”

Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

 ###

For additional information, contact:

Philip Weiss 
Definition Branding & Marketing
(212) 660-2555 ext. 23 
Philip.weiss@definitionbam.com

November 16, 2010 – For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California – Leading audio systems provider Maryland Sound (MSI) deployed an extensive JBL VERTEC® line array system for the recent “Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.” Co-hosted by Jon Stewart of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show and Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report, the “Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear” took place at the National Mall in Washington D.C. Designed as a satirical comedic response to prior rallies that have been built around some of the political spectrum’s more extreme causes, the rally’s stated purpose was to provide a voice to the “reasonable majority” of U.S. citizens who are often not accurately represented in the media or in politics. The turnout was overwhelming, with CBS News estimating an attendance of 215,000 people for the 3-hour event.

In addition to a variety of comedy segments involving Stewart, Colbert and The Daily Show correspondents, the Rally featured musical performances by Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples, John Legend, Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), the O’Jays, Ozzy Osbourne, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. Vocal group 4TROOPS performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the first hour of the rally, while Tony Bennett sang “America the Beautiful” to close the event. The Roots served as the rally’s house band, opening the rally with a 30-minute set and supporting all other artists throughout the event. The rally also featured appearances by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of television’s MythBusters, Don Novello’s Father Guido Sarducci character of Saturday Night Live fame, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Maryland Sound was responsible for sound reinforcement at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, with the main left-right line array system consisting of VERTEC VT4889 fullsize line array loudspeakers and VT4880A fullsize arrayable subwoofers. To reach the massive audience, Maryland Sound also provided 12 delay towers throughout the Mall, which consisted of VT4889 loudspeakers, VT4888 midsize line array loudspeakers and VT4880A subwoofers. Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers powered the entire system. Harman’s HiQnet™ System Architect system software was used for configuration, remote control and monitoring of the system.

“We used VERTEC line arrays because they always perform to our expectations; they are what we’ve successfully used on numerous similar events,” said Bob Goldstein, President of Maryland Sound. “The system’s sound is totally predictable, which makes it easier for us to design a complex system for major events such as this.“

For more information on Maryland Sound, please visit www.marylandsound.com

Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems.  HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010.  The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

June 22, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana — Demonstrating the comprehensive range of audio solutions available from Harman Professional, North Carolina-based system designer Strategic Connections recently upgraded the sound system for the newly expanded Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  The new sound reinforcement system features JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, and BSS processing.

Already the largest church in the region, the 12,000-member church chose to remodel its existing main sanctuary by adding an additional 700 seats.

At the heart of the new sound reinforcement system are 38 JBL VerTec® VT4888 midsize line array elements flown in four arrays with 16 JBL ASB6128V subwoofers, 10 flown and six located under the stage. For front fills, seven JBL AC28/95 loudspeakers are housed behind the perimeter of the stage. “The goal was to provide rock and roll style PA without filling the space with tons of speakers,” stated Brant Doell, system designer for Strategic Connections.

Doell said the decision to choose JBL was easy once the scope of the project became clear. “We did look at other vendors to start with until the number of boxes and racks were growing past our size limitations. JBL offers more for the dollar and size of their boxes than the competitors and they had all the gear in stock to ship that same week we ordered it.”

The system is powered by 49 Crown MA5000i amplifiers and 10 CTs 2000 and CTs 3000 amplifiers with control and routing handled by BSS Soundweb London BLU-160 processors, all networked via Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™. “Having the entire system on the network from one location allows us to handle troubleshooting sessions from our office to help insure the customer has the best support possible,” added Doell.

"The system sounds great and six months after the install was completed, no corrective equalization or system adjustments have been necessary.  Pastor Willie George was excited that his voice could be heard clearly and dynamically throughout the room without hurting the front rows and Audio Director, Andrew Stone, has been quite pleased with the clarity, punch and consistency being delivered to every seat,” said Doell.

For more information on Strategic Connections, please visit http://www.strategicconnections.net.

Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

June 9, 2010 – For Immediate Release

LAS VEGAS, Nevada —Providing sound integration professionals with high performance, energy efficient amplifier technology that will redefine the way amplifiers are designed and built, Crown Audio today introduced the ComTech DriveCore™ series of amplifiers. The new line – consisting of four models, are all one rack, convection cooled, ultra-energy efficient amplifiers.

Offering up to eight channels and 150 watts per channel in a one-unit chassis without a fan, the ComTech DriveCore amplifiers are the ultimate for solution for a range of fixed installation environments, from video conferencing in boardrooms to luxury suites in stadiums.

The new line features the Integrated DriveCore technology chip that offers greater than 90 percent efficiency with no compromise in performance boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB. DriveCore also has patented feedback and protection circuits integrated into the silicon for fast and accurate response.

"The ComTech DriveCore introduction is destructive in the sense that it obsoletes everything that has come before it. Today's introduction is a watershed event in amplifier design and manufacturing in every aspect from performance, weight, heat generation, and efficiency," stated Marc Kellom, vice president of marketing for Crown. "As part of Harman International, Crown has more research and development at its disposal than all of its competitors combined. This introduction is a clear demonstration of our determination to out innovate and outperform the competition while providing our customer base with unmatched value."

The amplifiers feature flexible input routing and universal power supply. Conforming to Harman Professional’s Green Edge™ environmental initiative, the amplifiers are convection-cooled and Energy Star 2.0 compliant. Crown’s new advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The amplifier's high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for output and each of the four amplifiers in the series weighs only 10lbs.

Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

Launch IDX Information Delivery Systems
That Couple Harman Audio Networking And Performance
With Com-Net Software’s Market-Proven Interface And Control

June 9, 2010 – For Immediate Release

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Realigning expectations for high-performance, easy to integrate communication systems, Harman Professional today announced a partnership with information display and paging specialist Com-Net Software to launch a series of new communication technologies starting with the co-branded IDX Information Delivery Systems that debuts today at InfoComm. The IDX System couples Harman’s Crown CTs, BSS London and HiQnet™ technologies on the back end with Com-Net Software ECLIPSX Flight Information Display System or ECLIPSX Transit Information Display System at the front end. The combined result is great sounding, highly reliable audio networks with application-engineered interface and control in a versatile, cost-efficient package.

According to Van Williamson, Sales & Marketing Manager Commercial Systems, Harman Professional, working with Com-Net Software made a very attractive proposition. "Rather than build a system from the ground up and learn paging at our customers' expense, we have the opportunity to work with the market leader in flight information display and message delivery logic. The new IDX System hits the ground running to deliver considerable audio networking and control without impacting the end-user interface or workflow. It’s literally the best of both worlds!"

The IDX System delivers audio solutions integrated with signage products and provides integrators serving customers in paging and life safety for infrastructure, healthcare, transportation and government. Featuring Com-Net software logic and interface software deployed on a database platform speaking to a BSS London and Crown CTs audio network via CobraNet and Harman HiQnet systems configuration and control protocol, the IDX System is a powerful, unified communication system. Operators can monitor the status of every critical component of a system for status and full control over recording, playback, volume, and scheduling of audio and visual messages.

Commenting on the introduction, Chad Timms, Vice President, Product Development, Com-Net software said today, "Harman Professional deserves considerable respect for recognizing that one size does not fit all: that mission-critical paging systems require very specific feature-sets and fail-safes to the professional audio systems deployed in entertainment, sport or retail! Because paging is a demanding market where the slightest hiccup can result in mass confusion or personal injury, customers need a proven solution developed by trusted experts — going any other route would be short-sighted and counter-intuitive."

Underscoring Timms point, Com-Net Software and Harman have worked together closely to deploy several major transit facilities in the United States already prompting the companies to work closer together to productize their solution: The IDX Information Delivery System. The companies have agreed to work closely together to build upon the platform and develop a range of modular paging systems and signage solutions to make airports, train stations, healthcare institutions and other large facilities safer, friendlier and more communicative.

In doing so, Harman Professional is providing its global sales and distribution teams with a range of compelling new solutions to serve new customers in paging and life safety for infrastructure, healthcare, transportation and government markets. Harman will immediately be providing the IDX Information Delivery System to international partners.

"Harman is committed to growth and well-positioned to meet that commitment at the corporate level, the brand level, the manufacturer-rep level and the international distributor level," Williamson concluded. "We believe that well-directed innovation will provide more customers with better sound and we’re pleased to have partners like Com-Net in this important, exciting mission."

Harman HiQnet is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman's Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Signature Technologies, Inc. dba Com-Net Software is a leading provider of Audio-Visual Customer Communication Systems for the transportation, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare industries. Com-Net is a market leader in providing sophisticated turnkey solutions that include hardware, software, installation, maintenance and support throughout North America.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

May 26, 2010 – For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California — In a highly advanced, yet-remarkably simple audio system design that points to the future of professional-grade integration, On Stage Audio (OSA) this month deployed the world’s first real-world test of the IEEE 802.1 AVB Bridging protocol.  OSA’s team, led by Jim Risgin, Vice President, configured and controlled a Crown Audio, dbx, and BSS Audio A/V system using Harman HiQnet for the Compuware national sales meeting in Detroit, Michigan and ran audio using Ethernet AVB standards.  The event, which took place at the Masonic Theater in downtown Detroit, allowed a crowd of 1,500 attendees to enjoy pristine digital audio and let the audio systems crew experience the future of A/V systems configuration, one in which everything works, all the time, and in which simplicity, not complexity, is the norm.

This watershed event marked the first time that AVB — the only standard transport protocol that allows time-synchronized, super-low-latency streaming audio and video over IEEE 802 Ethernet networks – was used as the primary audio transport for a major professional system.  Harman is a leader in the AVB initiative, chairing and editing the IEEE P1722 Committee and editing the IEEE P802.1Qat Committee and the company is also a pioneer in AVB switching and product development, via the groundbreaking efforts of the Harman Corporate Technology Group and System Development and Integration Group (SDIG). Their dedication to the development of AVB is signified by their membership in the AVnu Alliance; the industry forum dedicated to promoting the adoption of the IEEE 802.1 AVB and related IEEE 1722 and IEEE 1733 standards over various networking link-layers for the advancement of professional quality audio video.

At the core of Risgin’s design are 24 Crown CTs 3000  power amplifiers fitted with USP4/AVB cards, four 24-port BSS Audio / NETGEAR AVB bridges as well as four dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processors which were used as the AVB “on ramps” for the system processing.  The entire system (DSP and AVB) was controlled using Harman’s HiQnet protocol and System Architect software.

Jim Risgin, himself an early and active contributor to the AVB movement, assembled the Compuware AVB system working closely with SDIG.  Using the intuitive and customizable HiQnet System Architect drag-and-drop design interface to design his system, Risgin configured and programmed the dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processor for processing and using the AVB network as the matrix automatically instructed groups of Ethernet AVB amplifier channels associated with each physical zone to switch to that networked audio signal.

The dbx SC 32’s were deployed as the ‘on ramps’ were used to convert the incoming analog audio to digital AVB streams.  Fourteen audio streams were then routed via HiQnet System Architect to the 24 Crown CTs amplifiers with Crown USP4 4th generation DSP-based PIP™ (Programmable Input Processor) input modules connecting the amplifiers to the Ethernet network.  This enabled real-time transport of digital audio via Ethernet AVB and also allowed the CTs amplifiers to be remotely controlled and monitored via HiQnet System Architect.

“The systems performed flawlessly,” says Risgin, who notes that AVB-induced latency was less than 500 microseconds for all devices, and that delay from input to output maintained the <2ms specified by the AVB protocol. “Harman has done a wonderful job of making a complex process far more simple,” he states. “Everything on the network was completely transparent – troubleshooting was simple because we were able to verify that all the signal paths were correct, and there was instant metering available as soon as an AVB stream was connected to the network.  The Crown amplifiers’ load-monitoring capability verified that each speaker was working and with the correct loading, and the drag-and-drop audio routing really streamlined our workflow process.”

Comparing his AVB experience with traditional system design and routing, Risgin identified what has made the establishment of the AVB protocol so critical. “We would have been working with either analog audio signals on twisted-pair copper cabling, with the potential for failure increasing as the number of signal paths increased or other IP based transport solutions that would increase the complexity immensely” he explains. “With analog we’d have had to deal with interference, hum, and noise rejection issues while other IP solutions would have required an IT technician— in short, we’d have been working in a different age. Even with the existing networked audio protocols, AVB improved the simplicity of coordinating the system and organization of the components. Ethernet AVB has changed everything – for the better.”

Echoing this sentiment, Adam Holladay, Market Manager for SDIG notes, “Where HiQnet simplifies and enables complex programming, monitoring and control, AVB simplifies and enables complex multichannel audio and video transport.  The elegance and performance of the HiQnet and System Architect pairing is matched only by the comprehensive integration that is provided by AVB networking.  The commitment of the AVnu Alliance to advance AVB as the universal standard for audio and video transport  — indicated by the ever-increasing company membership —  really shows that we truly can expect significant industry-wide benefits to many members of the professional A/V community in the not-too-distant future.”

Harman HiQnet is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About On Stage Audio (OSA):

On Stage Audio (a division of OSA International, Inc.), one of North America's leading audio production organizations, With operations in Chicago and Las Vegas, On Stage Audio can be reached by contacting  Jim Risgin (630-227-1008, ext. 410,jrisgin@osacorp.com) or  Carmen Educate (702-458-0445, ext. 219, ceducate@osacorp.com).

For additional contact information see the OSA website at www.osacorp.com.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NYSE: HAR."

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

In a move to drive growth in China and increase its support of customers and channel partners in the Chinese market, Harman Professional today appointed three veteran audio executives to its sales team in Shenzhen. All three appointees will work closely with existing partners in China and with Harman’s brand-level sales and engineering teams to develop the company's market presence in China including developing market communication, product development and sales and support.

Vinne Peng joins Harman as Marketing & Communications Manager, having previously served the same role with Artsound International representing Sennheiser in China. Prior to her marketing role, Vinne handled sales for Sennheiser in China. Vinne holds a degree in English and is studying for a BSc.

Marconi Lee brings to the Harman China team significant experience from the commercial and pro audio markets as well as the conference and PA system markets, having previously worked with TOA China and Bosch Communications. Marconi holds a degree in business administration.

Jack Wu has most recently served as Business Development Manager with TC Group China with focus on TC Electronic, LAB Gruppen and LAKE. Before joining TC, Jack was employed by Prime Connections, handling both pro audio and cinema sales, with focus on QSC products. Jack holds a bachelors degree in electronics.

“With the addition of these seasoned professionals, Harman is adding valuable experience to the team to address existing and emerging vertical markets in China,” said Thomas Marcher, Harman Professional, Director of Sales, North Asia. "We are excited to begin working with each of our new members and we are confident that they will make an immediate and lasting impact."

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NYSE: HAR."

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

April 12, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Three Regional Sound Companies, V&P Sound Pvt. Ltd., Sound & Light Professionals and SoundEffects.Com Collaborate for Sound Reinforcement of Major Music Festival. India started its new year in style, with one of January’s most exciting events being the Hampi Utsav 2010, taking place in the south of the country.  A regular annual event in Karnataka at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this year’s three-day Festival was held on a grand scale by uniting with the 500th anniversary celebration of the Vilayanagara emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya’s ascendancy to the throne.

More than 300 hundred artists performed over three days on a 200 ft. x 100 ft. stage at Hampi, with performances that included various music and Indian dance forms by such leading Indian artists as Hema Malini, Mysore, Manjunath, and Pandit Jasrat, along with international performers. The audience was estimated at between 100,000-150,000 people on each of the three days.

Three sound rental companies, V&P Sound Pvt. Ltd., Sound & Light Professionals and SoundEffects.Com, collectively provided the sound system for this major event, with JBL VERTEC® line arrays chosen for use as the sound reinforcement system for the primary concert stage.

The main left and right array hangs comprised 24 JBL VerTec VT4889s and 16 VT4880A subwoofers, all powered by Crown I-Tech 5000HD, 9000HD, and 12000HD amplifiers. The system relied on JBL’s world-standard V4 DSP presets, developed specifically to take advantage of Crown’s LevelMAX™ multi-stage limiting in the I-Tech HD amps.

Additionally, 16 VerTec VT4888s were used for outfills and center fills, with eight JBL SRX 728s in place as the center-located ground based subwoofers. A dbx DriveRack 4800 handled loudspeaker output-zone processing. A Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing console was deployed at the FOH location.

Vishnu .P, Director, V&P Sound, said, “I’ve been impressed with the Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers, and the LevelMAX processing is great. Having sophisticated three-stage limiting, including long term thermal protection, allows for higher Peak and RMS thresholds and this ultimately translates into more SPL output.”

Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers feature a user-inspired DSP engine, OMNIDRIVEHD, co-developed with BSS Audio and developed out of the heritage of one of the most storied and successful processors in tour sound. The processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings.

“It is outstanding to see that the entire range of Harman Professional products played a key role in a highly optimized sound system for this historic music event.  The festival created an opportunity for three leading sound companies in the region to come together in a collaborative manner, and the benefit of premium sound performance. We congratulate all three companies on what was a highly successful event,” stated Sushil John, Harman Regional Sales Director for Central Asia.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

April 1, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – After receiving rave reviews at its Winter NAMM introduction in January, Crown today began shipping its new line of XLS Series amplifiers. The new line – consisting of four models and offering an unprecedented level of performance and configuration flexibility, will usher in a new era of power amplification at the entry level.

The XLS series amplifiers implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System.  A user can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz, allowing for precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loudspeakers. Increased control is also highlighted by the three selectable channel modes and clip limiters designed to protect loudspeakers that can be turned on and off by channel.

“Today we are extremely proud and excited that our XLS Series amplifiers are now available to our customers,” said Matt Bush, Vice President of Sales for Crown. “The development of this amplifier represents the values we feel strongest about: industry leading technology, quality, reliability, and the most competitive pricing. Since the amplifier’s introduction at Winter NAMM we have received an outstanding response and are confident it will exceed our customers expectations.”

PeakX™ limiters allow higher output levels than conventional analog limiting while providing assured driver protection, and deploy algorithms derived from the extensive research and development of the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series

In another major advance, the new XLS series amplifiers feature Integrated DriveCore™ Technology. Regardless of AC Line sag or distortion due to other equipment such as backline or lighting gear, the user will consistently have the highest level of performance as though there is a power conditioner built directly into the amplifier.  It also provides fast recovery on peaks, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low-frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.

The new XLS Series amplifiers are housed in a new premium industrial design chassis, featuring a cast front panel for durability.  They also feature integrated rack handles and weigh under 11lbs, making the XLS Series the ultimate portable amplifier.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

March 25, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – In an introduction that redefines the category of affordable and high-quality power amplifiers, Crown today announced the next generation line of XLS Series amplifiers, providing a new benchmark for amplifiers in the MI category. The new line – consisting of four models and offering an unprecedented level of performance and configuration flexibility will usher in a new era of power amplification at the entry level.

The XLS series amplifiers implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System.  A user can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz, allowing for precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loud speakers. Increased Control is also highlighted by the three selectable channel modes and clip limiters designed to protect loudspeakers that can be turned on and off by channel.

PeakX™ limiters allow higher output levels than conventional analog limiting while providing assured driver protection, and deploy algorithms derived from the extensive research and development of the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series.

In another major advance, the new XLS series amplifiers feature Integrated DriveCore™ Technology Regardless of AC Line sag or distortion due to other equipment such as backline or lighting gear, the user will consistently have the highest level of performance as though there is a power conditioner built directly into the amplifier.  It also provides fast recovery on peaks, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low-frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.

Further simplifying ease of use, an intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.

“We designed the XLS series amplifier from the ground-up to be a category-defining amplifier.  We are bringing features and technology to a price point that no one else is close to offering.  We set out to provide users with an amplifier that would reset the standard for power, performance, flexibility and value. Quite simply, this amplifier is a game changer,” added Flint.

The new XLS Series amplifiers are housed in a new premium industrial design chassis, featuring a cast front panel for durability.  They also feature integrated rack handles and weigh under 11lbs making the XLS Series the ultimate portable amplifier.

XLS Series amplifiers conform to Harman Professional’s Green Edge™ environmental initiative. Crown’s new advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption.  The XLS amplifier’s high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for each watt of output and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

March 24, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – In an introduction that provides touring professionals with a complete turnkey, out-of-the-box amplifier management solution, Crown today introduced VRACK, a complete amplifier management rack system solution.   The VRACK features three built-in Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers, immediately providing an easy-to-configure, plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need to build amplifier racks.   Designed to work in conjunction with JBL VerTec, VRX, and AE series loudspeakers, the system’s modular design is highly scalable and is designed to meet the needs of both small and large sound systems.

VRACK features a flexible input panel with AES, analog, and network inputs as well as rear rack lighting for multiple connection options.   A captive suspension system offers the capability for the rack to be flown in the same manner as a line array system.  The system also features a globally universal power distribution system that with the flip of a switch can be set to meet US and international power standards.

Advanced features of VRACK include built-in network and AES failover for protection of speakers in case of power loss.  Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ provides control though monitoring and adjustment on a rack-by-rack basis and the ability to make changes to all three amplifiers through a single interface.

I-Tech HD amplifiers included with VRACK feature a user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled performance. Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology makes I-Tech HD robust and easy to configure and features an industry-leading choice of input options including CobraNet and LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS).

“VRACK answers the question that tour sound professionals have consistently been asking: How can we optimize our JBL and Crown systems for the highest level of performance? VRACK is a standard solution from Crown in partnership with JBL to set the standard for VerTec systems everywhere in the world.  Given its versatility, it can be used on VerTec one day and then a monitor rack the next day,” stated Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing for Crown.

VRACK ships fully assembled, tested and ready to work right out of the box. The complete system weighs approximately 163 pounds.

"V-Rack is an exciting step forward in the ongoing evolution of VerTec and the outcome of a close collaboration between Crown International and JBL Professional. V-Rack ensures an optimum power match for all VerTec models combined with uncompromised sound quality. V-Rack establishes a VerTec system standard to ensure consistent performance on a world-wide basis. On the software side, V-Rack offers a future-proof platform capable of implementing upcoming VerTec V5 presets and we are also working closely with the Harman Professional System Development and Integration Group on V-Rack control software that is fully-optimized for tour sound applications," stated Paul Bauman, Director, Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering for JBL Professional.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

March 4, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – As Nigeria’s foremost provider of television content and production, Ultima Limited has been using Harman Professional products to drive some of Nigeria’s most successful programs. For five seasons of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” and two seasons of “Project Fame,” Ultima Limited has used JBL loudspeakers, AKG microphones, Crown amplifiers and dbx processors installed by ET Quake Multimedia to become Nigeria’s premier television production company.

Also included in the audio system is an array of other Harman Professional products including various AKG microphones like the D5 and the WMS40 Pro Flexx, 20 dbx 266 XLs set up in the production room, and Crown XTi1000 amplifiers. For a show like “Project Fame,” where 15 hopeful musicians, singers, and dancers battle it out on a weekly basis to win the grand prize, a versatile system that provides optimal clarity and intelligibility was essential. There was also a need for a system that could fit into a small space but deliver powerful sound at the same time, and the JBL VRX918SP speakers satisfied those requirements with ease.

“We chose the JBL VRX928LA/918SP line arrays because of its compact size and accurate coverage,” said FOH Engineer Vincent Chime. “Bearing in mind that the system is purely for TV, we wanted something that could deliver excellent coverage, high SPL, and had little or no visibility, and that’s exactly what we got.”

In addition to the JBL VRX928LA, VRX918SP, and VRX-SMAF speakers, AKG microphones, Crown amplifiers, and dbx processors, ET Quake Multimedia also installed a Soundcraft MH2-44 console for its intelligent clarity and definition as well as a number of Lexicon processors. With all of the Harman Professional products in place, system engineers were able to utilize Harman’s HiQnet™ System Architect™ to plug and play the sound with ease.

“The package of Harman Professional products, linked together with Harman HiQnet, allowed us to easily run the entire system,” continued Chime. “With System Architect, we had the system up and running in a very short amount of time, and with the JBL loudspeakers powered by Crown amplifiers, everything sounded fantastic.”

PAXT Limited provided the technical engineering assistance, sales management and shipping to the project. PAXT Limited are a UK based specialist sales and marketing office for the Harman group of companies.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

January 28, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – For their market category and price points, Crown’s new XLS Series of amplifiers offer an unprecedented level of performance, configuration flexibility, and user-friendly features. The following points summarize key technology breakthroughs and refinements behind these benefits.

Integrated Digital Crossover and Limiter

Most amplifiers in this market category provide limited facilities, if any, for input signal filtering and driver protection. (Typical offerings are simple analog high-pass filters and a limiter, usually selected via rear-panel DIP switches.) In contrast, the new XLS Series utilizes high-resolution digital signal processing to implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System and proprietary PeakX™ driver protection limiting./p>

Using the easy-to-read front panel LCD display and large function buttons, users can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz on 1/12 octave centers, allowing precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loudspeakers. Filters are fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley, with steep slopes for seamless transition between high and low drivers. Alternatively, the digital filters may be set to optimize both amplifier channels for driving either high- or low-frequency loads, or for driving full-range systems./p>

The PeakX limiters utilize highly effective yet sonically transparent algorithms derived from the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker drive processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series. By precisely matching response to the output characteristics of each amplifier, PeakX enables significantly higher output levels than are possible with conventional analog limiting, yet with assured driver protection. The front panel soft-touch buttons also select limiter on/off (per channel) as well as bridge-mode on/off. There are no rear-panel DIP switches.

Advanced Switched-mode Power Supply

A highly efficient switching power supply is optimized for maximum power transfer from the AC line through the Class D output stage to the loudspeakers. Compared to older, 60Hz transformer-based power supplies, a side benefit is substantial weight reduction: all models weigh less than 12 pounds, but with no compromise of Crown’s traditionally robust build quality.

Proprietary Class D Output Stage with Integrated DriveCore™ Technology

As a type, Class D amplifiers are notable for extraordinarily high efficiency, approaching 90%.  In addition, inherently low output impedance makes Class D well suited to driving difficult reactive loads such as subwoofers. However, a number of complexities make it difficult to design – and to manufacture at modest cost – real-world Class D amplifiers with sonic performance comparable to the best Class AB designs. In addition, as a type, Class D output stages are highly dependent on stable internal voltage rails, and can suffer impaired performance on marginal or unstable AC line supplies.

To overcome these obstacles, Crown engineers designed DriveCore™ - a proprietary hybrid analog-digital integrated circuit (IC) that drives the “front end” of the Class D output stage. Placed in the signal chain between the DSP module and the main power output devices, and driven fully balanced from the D-to-A converter stage, DriveCore incorporates highly refined feedback circuits and a single synchronous clock. (The DSP and switch-mode power supply clocks are both synchronized to the PWM master clock for optimum overall system stability.) Crown’s proprietary circuit-modeling techniques were employed to optimize the relationship between the new modulator chip and the power output stage. Here, Crown engineers applied the latest in power FET semiconductor technology, along with an advanced differential drive circuit topology, to offer the efficiency of Class D but with the lower distortion and residual noise typical of Class AB designs.

Other notable technology features and benefits of DriveCore Technology:

• Patented feedback and PWM modulation circuits enable fast recovery on peak transients, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.
• Integrated thermal management and protection systems ensure maximum power is delivered to the load with minimum stress on output devices.
• Advanced power supply design coupled with a wide-tolerance PWM clock maintains full performance even with sagging or “dirty” AC line conditions. The new proprietary modulator chip can handle large (up to 3:1) variations in power supply noise or sag without adversely affecting audio quality. Consequently, compared to other Class D amplifiers in this market category, performance is far less likely to be compromised by fluctuating generator power or by AC circuits sagging from marginal overloading by lighting rigs, backline gear, etc. (Prior to this development, the only way to maintain consistent performance was use of more complex – and costlier –  regulated power supplies.)

Designed and Tested for Reliability

The new XLS Series of amplifiers were subjected to the same rigorous design analysis and prototype testing procedures as all Crown amplifiers, regardless of application or price point. Finite element analysis (FEA) tools simulated design behavior to optimize mechanical and thermal systems for cooler, more reliable operation in warm and high-humidity environments. All XLS Series amplifiers must pass Crown’s uniformly rigorous quality control procedures before shipping.

“The Green Edge”

XLS Series amplifiers conform to the goals of the Harman Professional Group’s “Green Edge” environmental initiative. New, high-technology circuit components not only use fewer resources in manufacturing, but also contribute to significant weight reductions that result in less energy consumption for initial shipping and end-user transportation. At the same time, extremely high operating efficiency translates into less AC line current used for each watt of output. The result is a significantly reduced “carbon footprint.”

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

January 25, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Delivering unprecedented power and flexibility while offering clear sound and the widest dynamic range possible, Crown today introduced the PIP-USP4, the fourth generation DSP-based PIP™ (programmable input processor) module for CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers.  The USP4 is a Harman HiQnet™ series component and connects to the audio control/monitor network using 100MB Ethernet hardware.  The single plug solution contains audio distribution, control and monitoring.

“We are proud to bring the same next generation OMNIDRIVEHDTM DSP Engine that is featured in our I-Tech HD line to the PIP-USP4.  This technology represents what will soon become known as the industry standard and we will continue to implement it for the ultimate in processing for other Crown products,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

The USP4’s OMNIDRIVEHD™ processor gives the user ultra smooth processing with 24-bit, 192 kHz Cirrus Logic SHARC A/D and D/A converters and true 96kHz processing.  LevelMAX™peak, RMS and transducer thermal voltage limiters combine for a smooth and accurate response, better sound and higher usable SPL.  Also available are proprietary FIR and IIR filters for unmatched clarity and detail.  The USP4 is capable of connecting to an Ethernet network, allowing it to be remotely controlled and configured via HiQnet System Architect™.  Additionally, the USP4 allows the transport of real-time digital audio via CobraNet™ or Ethernet AVB.

A digital audio on/off ramp allows users to send pre or post processed analog signal out of the module to adjacent amplifiers.  This capability can reduce DSP cost for a system by up to 40% on its own.

Other features of the PIP-USP4 include auto standby for increased energy efficiency, SLM (sweep load monitoring) with system-level diagnostics, 25 user selectable presets and over two seconds of delay per channel.  Available input options include analog, CobraNet or Ethernet AVB, and AES3 Digital Audio. 

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

January 21, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – With artists like Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, U2 and Metallica deploying Crown amplifiers live in concert this year, 2009 proved to be another landmark year for Crown International. Crown reaffirmed itself as the leading provider in high-end amplifiers for the touring market with the introduction of I-Tech HD and laid the groundwork for success that will carry throughout 2010.

Nowhere was Crown more influential than the concert for the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October. There, audio installation company Firehouse Productions used 96 Crown I-Tech 12000HD amps for rock and roll legends Metallica, Stevie Wonder, U2 and more. System engineer Mark Dittmar selected the Crown amps for their ability to provide high amounts of power and clarity efficiently and for Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings.

“With the lineup of rock and roll legends that we had for the 25th anniversary concert, we knew we needed a sound system that was versatile but powerful at the same time,” Dittmar said. “With the combination of Crown and JBL, we had more than enough power and clarity, and the whole system was extremely efficient.”

This wasn’t the first time that Firehouse turned to Crown at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the induction ceremony for Jeff Beck, Run DMC, and Metallica last April, Firehouse used a series of I-Tech HD powered amplifiers to power a PA system in delivering songs from high-profile musicians, including Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Another established superstar that turned to Crown this year was Taylor Swift. Sound engineer Russell Fischer used a combination of 80 I-Tech HD amplifiers at all 52 concerts of the tour. As a loyal Crown customer that has been turning to Crown since the DC series, Fischer was very familiar with the sonic integrity that Crown is famous for, and he was very satisfied to experience the reliability and sonic quality that came with the I-Tech HD series.

“We at Crown have been satisfying the power-needs of musicians for decades, and 2009 was no different,” said Brian Divine, Director of Touring for Crown. “We were used in some of the most high-profile concerts of the year, we came out with some great new products, and we were able to satisfy all of the needs of our existing customers. We are very excited about the success we had this year and we are looking forward to bringing it through to 2010.”

Another leading performer experiencing success with Crown on tour is Bruce Springsteen. In 2009, he turned again to Crown for power on his Working on Dream Tour.   Sound reinforcement company Audio Analysts provided Springsteen with a series of 36 I-Tech 5000HDs and 18-Tech 12000HD amplifiers for his 45-show tour. With decades of experience with Crown amplifiers, Springsteen was very familiar with Crown’s precise algorithms, and with the new generation of amplifiers, he wasn’t disappointed.

“We are proud to say we have been working with Bruce for the last 17 years,” said Albert Leccese, Vice President of Engineering for Audio Analysts. “Bruce works very hard to deliver an exciting, high-energy performance and he has the highest expectations for his band and everyone else involved in the show’s production, including his sound company. The Crown I-Tech HD is a testament to this attitude, which validates our continued support for our clients. Audio Analysts strives for innovative technologies that reinforce our efforts to supply our clients with the best equipment at a fair price.”

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

January 19, 2010 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Over the past year, 10,000 users have experienced Crown’s ground-breaking HiQnet™ Band Manager™ system configuration and control software and are deploying it in a number of portable PA applications from DJs, to bands and singers. The free-of-charge application provides an intuitive user centric, function-driven interface designed to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi series amplifiers. Band Manager unlocks all loudspeaker-processing capabilities of the XTi Series.

Band Manager makes smart use of browser-style navigation and the ‘Home’ screen displays monitor strips for each amplifier in the rack and front-of-house EQ and level control. EQ for stage monitors and all other processing is accessible on an individual amplifier basis. Upon starting Band Manager, all amplifier settings are transferred from the connected devices but they can also be saved to disk for quick recall if the rack is used often in multiple venues.

Band Manager is a cut-down version of its parent software, HiQnet System Architect™, a much larger application which provides full-system control of over 70 professional audio devices from across the entire Harman Pro group, including the XTi Series. Anyone who has already used System Architect with the XTi will instantly be familiar with the amplifier control layout since Band Manager makes use of the same software plug in. Directly tailoring Band Manager to the needs of portable PA market enables far quicker configuration of a rack of XTi amplifiers by bringing only the essential tools into direct focus. For those who need the more advanced control, any rack configurations saved within Band Manager can be opened in System Architect. By using the plug in concept, Band Manager is all ready to control other future portable PA HiQnet devices.

Commenting on the success of Band Manager over the last year, Andy Flint, Crown Marketing Manager for portable PA stated, “Band Manager is successful because it provides real value. It simplifies the process of setting up and optimizing the PA system, while at the same time allowing users to extract the maximum from their system. Put simply, it’s a performance accelerate.”

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

ELKHART, Indiana – Building on the new workflow principles and operational paradigms offered with its HiQnet System Architect™ 2.0, Harman Professional recently made its new System Architect 2.1 available to HiQnet™ users worldwide. The upgrade, which was made live on Thursday, December 17th, allows System Architect to automate many of the more time consuming system design tasks based on the application’s greater, embedded understanding of how a user constructs a system.

System Architect 2.1 has been upgraded to allow greater compatibility between HiQnet devices from Harman Professional’s legendary brands, including Crown, JBL, dbx, AKG and BSS Audio.

New with version 2.1 is the support of the new Crown PIP-USP4/CN Card and control of the AKG DMS 700 digital wireless system via the HUB 4000 Q. Frequency coordination of DMS 700 wireless systems can be performed with 1 Click Setup from AKG's plugin. '1-Click Setup' calculates discrete, inter-modulation-free frequencies for the entire wireless system on the fly with just a single click.

The upgrade means that System Architect takes multiple like-devices within rack and arrays and automatically groups these into master panels. These are then made accessible from icons associated with the relevant racks or arrays directly in the Venue. Additionally, user-defined panels can also be assigned to racks, arrays and areas, putting access to control exactly where it makes sense and where it should be.

"With this new upgrade to System Architect, Harman Professional offers its customers the ability to manage all the products within a HiQnet system with remarkable efficiency,”"said Adam Holladay, Market Manager, System Development and Integration Group. "With the operational and performance optimizations that come with the new upgrade, each HiQnet product can effectively work towards providing a more unified system, together reaching a greater potential than alone and with minimal work from the engineer."

Additional features added to System Architect 2.1 include the ability to readdress devices directly in the venue, both online and offline; the ability to reorder devices in racks and arrays by address and a new region indicator control for use in advanced Custom Panel design. The user interface was upgraded to include a file load progress bar, and also provides enhancements to the intelligent Network Troubleshooter to assist with solving network complications.

"System Architect 2.1 continues our goal of offering users the greatest functionality with the least amount of labor," continued Holladay. "With System Architect 'generation 2', Harman Professional is effectively providing engineers with a helping hand to make the even the most complex audio designs as simple to configure as possible."

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

December 14, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Daktronics recently completed an installation at the Allen Event Center in Allen, Texas, using 25 JBL AM4215/95 loudspeakers placed every 30 feet to deliver even sound throughout the bowl seating area. The sound system is powered by Crown CT1200 amplifiers and uses an assortment of Harman products in to reach into the Arena’s bar and lounge area.

One of the largest manufacturers of LED video boards, Daktronics has used JBL loudspeakers for more than 30 years in all different types of installations. For the Allen Event Center, Daktronics was faced with the task of installing a sound system that could be played individually in the bar or lounge area for private parties, but also have the ability to be integrated into the larger system for hockey games and public skating events. Having used JBL loudspeakers such a long period of time, system consultant and installer Doug Dodge was familiar with JBL’s sonic integrity, and he knew that the AM4215/95’s would be the best solution for the application.

“The biggest reasons for choosing the JBL speakers were great sound and affordability,” Dodge said. “They provide excellent performance for an affordable price, and they make the system at the Allen Event Center very loud and intelligible at the same time.”

One of the biggest challenges faced by Daktronics during the installation was the time frame. The system was going up along with all of the other construction that came with building the hockey arena and meant that Daktroniks had to work around the other companies installation schedule, but finish in the same amount of time.

“We had to hang all of the speakers and wire everything on a very short deadline,” continued Dodge. “That was another major reason for choosing JBL: they are very easy to install, and they all went up very quickly.”

In addition to the JBL loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers, the system included the use of AKG microphones. With the array of Harman products in use, Daktronics was able to utilize Harman’s HiQnet System Architect™ to easily plug and play the system.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

December 14, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Taking advantage of the power of Crown’s I-Tech HD series amplifiers and flexibility of the Studer Vista 5SR console, California-based Sound Image deployed 80 I-Tech HD amplifiers and a Studer Vista 5SR for use on country music star Taylor Swift’s tour throughout North America.

The 2009 tour, which included 52 concerts, sold out within minutes, prompting a second leg of the tour to be added for 2010. Sound Image’s FOH engineer on the Taylor Swift tour, Russell Fischer, stated, “The goal was to bring Taylor Swift’s brand of country pop music to life, and to get the show’s energy and feeling across to an already excited crowd.”

According to Fischer, Sound Image chose the Vista 5SR for its audio quality and versatile control surface. “The audio quality is the most obvious advantage over other digital consoles,” stated Fischer. “Being able to do six different things on different channels and input data all at once is a huge advantage when you are mixing live. The main challenge throughout the tour was covering the audience evenly around to 240 degrees, along with keeping track of close to 70 inputs.

“I’ve worked with the Studer Vista 5 before. We had it since the summer and I loved it from the first sound check. It’s been the most reliable digital console I’ve used and I’ve found it to be a very easy platform overall,” Fischer adds

For Fischer, this was his first experience with Crown’s I-Tech HD amplifiers. “I’ve been using Crown since the DC series. Lately, I’ve been using the original I-Tech amplifiers, but for this tour we went with the HD series. They have been reliable and improved the sonic quality of the speaker system; overall they’ve performed great.

Additionally, Fischer also felt they benefited from being able to deploy Harman HiQnet System Architect™. “In the end we benefited by deciding to go with the I-Tech HD amplifiers because we ended up with better audio and we had more control of the amps using System Architect.”

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

November 12, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – In a historic two day concert event featuring some of the biggest names in the history of rock and roll, Red Hook, New York-based Fire House Productions provided a JBL VERTEC® line array system with Crown I-Tech HD power amplification for live sound reinforcement at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts on Thursday, October 29th and Friday, October 30th.

The event took place at New York City’s Madison Square Garden with proceeds from the show going to benefit the Rock and Roll Foundation. Over the course of the two nights performers included Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon, U2, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck, and Metallica.

For the two concerts, Firehouse deployed a PA system that consisted of 18 VERTEC VT4889 large-format line array elements and 12 VT4880A ultra long excursion arrayable subwoofers per side. An additional 14 VT4889’s per side and 14 VT4887’s for front fills rounded out the system, which was powered by 96 Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers.

Firehouse Productions system engineer Mark Dittmar explained that VERTEC was the perfect solution for an event of this magnitude. “With VERTEC you get a light weight system that sounds excellent and it can be aimed at angles that other PAs wouldn’t be able to achieve” he noted. “Additionally, since this concert was being recorded for TV we needed the system to cover the entire arena, yet not be visible in the camera shots. With VERTEC we can easily achieve that goal.”

Firehouse, one of the earliest users of the Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers, has continued using them consistently for large-scale events. “With Crown I-Tech HD you get more power and clarity than any other amplifier,” stated Dittmar. “Also, the limiters on the I-Tech HD amps are extremely efficient. We have also been using JBL’s V4 DSP presets for the I-Tech HD amplifiers, and in terms of sonic accuracy and the increased power we’ve gained with the system, that has been extremely useful.”

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OmniDriveHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS), called LevelMAX™. As a remote control and monitoring application, Harman HiQnet System Architect™ software mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

For more information on Firehouse Productions, please visit www.firehouseproductions.com or call 845-758-9898.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

ELKHART, Indiana – Designed by AMS Acoustics and installed by ETA Sound, new audio system is world’s 
first deployment of Harman HiQnet™ System Architect V 2.0.

As Burnley F.C. gain promotion to England’s elite, new fully integrated PA/VA compliant Harman Professional public address system puts Turf Moor system in the same league as Europe’s greatest stadium systems.

BURNLEY, England — Harman International Industries (NYSE: HAR), a leading provider of branded audio and infotainment electronics for the home, the car, and sound professionals, today announced the successful completion of an advanced networked audio system at Turf Moor, the stadium of English Premiership football club, Burnley F.C. Having recently gained promotion to English football’s top tier for the first time in 33 years, it was fitting that Burnley F.C’s first clash would be with reigning champions, Manchester United and with such a seeming-massive challenge in hand, Burnley F.C.’s managers sought to effect a 12th man home advantage at Turf Moor. They engaged acoustic consultants, AMS Acoustics and integrators ETA Sound to design and install a fully integrated PA/VA compliant public address system that would put Turf Moor system in the same league as Europe’s greatest stadium systems. The resulting system, designed and controlled using Harman HiQnet System Architect™ and featuring components from Harman Professional brands including JBL, Crown and BSS Audio, received a rousing reception, was covered widely in the local press and, most importantly, a famous David vs. Goliath victory was recorded.

AMS Acoustics had already implemented an earlier first phase upgrade last season to bring three stands into VA compliance. During the course of this exercise the capture of a full range of measurements was required and the resultant data, after analysis, was used as the cornerstone for an entirely new design the following year. During the short closed season, AMS returned with ETA Sound to implant a complete Harman Pro solution, using a fiber-based signal network that would extend to the three main stands — the North (James Hargreaves) stand, the East (Jimmy McIlroy) stand and South (Bob Lord) stand.

Tasked with supplying a voice alarm-compliant system with high STI (Speech Transmission Index), AMS Acoustics’ project designer Helen Goddard made her product selection with care. Her design enabled the voice evacuation system to double up to meet on-pitch entertainment requirements. The company needed to achieve peak level in an emergency scenario, related to crowd noise. “We knew the system would have to achieve a maximum of 102-105dB(A) and this meant we needed to use loudspeakers that would be able to achieve these kind of levels without going into compression,” Goddard explained.

First, the JBL loudspeakers were set a number of challenges — including a performance evaluation in AMS Acoustics’ anechoic chamber, even to the point of a destruction test. This was supported by Sound Technology, the Harman Professional distributors, who provided all the necessary back-up. The acousticians then set about designing the control, signal path and zoning matrix, opting for an integrated Harman Professional package based on system optimization and cost-efficiency. “As the budget was quite tight this was the logical way to go,” stated Goddard.

Crown CTs amplifiers, fitted PIP-USP3 speaker processing units, BSS Audio Soundweb London DSP devices, with BLU-link, running on a fiber backbone — and independent HP ProCurve network switches across all rack locations — form the system architecture. Media converters are provided for the BLU-link data and HP GBICS-LC, providing fiber interfacing on the HP ProCurve switches, and the infrastructure provides one dual redundant Ethernet network as well as an independent ring for the BSS AUDIO BLU-Link audio transport.

In this fully-redundant design, UPS systems provide all the power conditioning and mains support in the event of a power failure. The installation was also notable for the advanced DSP programming skills of ID Networks’ Martin Barbour, using the attributes of Harman Professional’s new System Architect v2.00 software — the first use anywhere in the world. “Given that this was a fast fit job it saved me huge amounts of time,” Barbour said.

Eddie Thomas of ETA Sound worked closely with Tom Williams, Sound Technology’s acoustician. In fact the latter had been closely involved from the outset of the project — taking part in the initial concept discussions with AMS Acoustics, supporting the equipment testing and measurement procedures, setting up the load monitoring — and finally assisting with system commissioning.

In total 16 JBL AM6315/95 (90° x 50°) full range loudspeakers with rotatable horn and 12 AM6200/95 mid-high loudspeakers have been used. In the South Stand JBL AM6315’s have been deployed, mounted horizontally to counteract sightline restrictions, with the horn rotated. Covering the East stand are three clusters, each with JBL AM6315/95 in the vertical plane and JBL AM6200/64 covering the lower raked seating (90°x 50°). In the North stand there are five similar clusters of the same, with the JBL AM6315/95 mounted at the top in the vertical plane, and JBL AM6200/64 bolted under to cover the lower rake. An additional four JBL AM6200/64s (60°x40°) are also suspended on the north stand, specifically to provide pitch coverage.

Each of the three equipment rack locations features two HP ProCurve switches, two BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-160 DSP’s and Socomec UPS in each room (as well as the two fiber converter interfaces for BLU-Link). Says Barbour: “Two BLU-160s in each location gives us more than enough DSP — they are hugely powerful devices.”

The network services a total of 23 PA zones although these are logically broken down into stands, concourses and turnstile areas. The BSS AUDIO Ausio Soundweb London devices are configured for a maximum of 72 outputs and between 24 inputs.

Barbour explains, “Originally this was to have been a CAT5 installation but when the client moved the rack locations this took us outside the Ethernet 100m range — so we suddenly had to rethink the networking aspect.” Eddie Thomas’s team then designed and arranged a fiber network to be provided and installed within two weeks.

“Installing BLU-Link at this stage provides us with the audio routing headroom we need when the expansion works commence,” Barbour says. “The channel count and ease of use made it an obvious decision.”

The majority of London Architect’s Logic programming is dedicated to the graphical user interface and voice evacuation autonomy, which is permanently monitored. This allows any of the evacuation messages or microphones to be routed to any of the PA zones, while in each rack location there are also local access microphones as a final tier of security. Each output has its own independent gains and EQ with three volume settings — low (dropping the system down to 85dB), match day level (which runs at 100dB) and the emergency maximum level (of 102-105dBA).

Martin Barbour says that running both the new London Architect v2.06 and Harman HiQnet System Architect v2 software offered huge advantages. A notable feature of the new Soundweb system designer is the Wire Tags feature. “This feature comes into its own with complex and vast DSP or Logic designs. It enables me to keep the design tidy, easy to follow, and when used in combination with macros, easily expandable.

“And in terms of stability and performance you don’t get any more pressure than a visit from Manchester United FC on your opening home game, with the world’s first System Architect v2.0 install! The system performed flawlessly, and thanks to the time saving attributes of both software applications, we were able to fit the demands to the very tight deadlines.”

His adoption of the new System Architect software was particularly inspired and was the result of having been engaged as a Harman Pro developer partner for the past 12 months. “So we knew well ahead of time what SDIG was planning with its upcoming version of System Architect,” he states.

However, it wasn’t until final beta testing during June / July, where he saw their work in a tangible form, that it became obvious how suited this major update would be for an upcoming stadium project which had an extremely tight time scale.

“I presented the idea of using System Architect v2.0 on the Burnley FC project to Adam Holladay at SDIG who helped by providing an interface with the R&D team as we ironed out some small issues,” he recalls. “As the driving force behind the new workflow based approach to System Architect, Adam was best placed to translate my observations and comments in to some last-minute enhancements ready for the final release.

“During the design stage, my first impressions were that the user interface was more refined and it was obvious that a great deal of thought had been put into how the software would be used. The new layout guides you through a number of basic steps in much the same way that a software configuration wizard could but without the restrictions often associated with multiple choice Q&A based setup guides.

“With the new workflow-based design approach of System Architect v2.0 we can associate the amplifier channels with physical and logical areas within the venue. This allows the software to automatically create default control panels for each logical zone, which would otherwise have had to be built manually.”

System Architect was used to configure the CTs amplifiers across three rack rooms covering three stands and the pitch. Each stand is divided into a number of zones depending upon its size and we were able to quickly build up a collection of panels for either complete stand or zoned control to aid with system setup and commissioning. Multi-parameter assignments and filtering controls allowed us to implement global buttons to activate each of the fault monitoring status reports which was far quicker than going in to each amplifier and activating these controls manually.

What this provided was a topographical view of the venue in a logical form with direct access to a simple user control panel for every area of the venue. Devices are contained in representations of the real rack rooms and individual DSP or amplifier channels are associated with the correct parts of the venue, all without manually building any control panels or links. “This approach basically takes away lots of the legwork required to achieve simple and consistent room control for distributed audio systems,” he says.

Many other features, already found in prior releases of System Architect, have also been reworked — including the ability to associate many parameters with custom controls. This has been made more user friendly through easy access to all devices and new filtering controls.

“We now have a great starting point upon which we can build as the stadium develops further over the next 12-24 months,” says Martin Barbour.

“The exciting thing about System Architect v2 is not just what they have now, but what they have laid the foundations for in the future,” he continues. “System Architect v2 approaches system design with a new perspective, it replaces the need to manually translate physical devices to logical areas. It subtly guides you to a common starting point where you have full access to the critical controls for your venue. It makes the creation of more complete and user friendly control interfaces faster and more efficient.

“In fact if Harman Pro continue to make such significant time saving upgrades in each major release, I’m going to have to start finding more projects to keep me busy….”

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS AUDIO®, 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.”

About ID Networks
ID Networks was formed in 2006 to cater for the growing demand for highly professional design services in the DSP and Networked Audio markets. With a strong background covering many of the leading DSP and Amplifier products as well as networked audio transports, ID Networks has cemented itself as a leading provider for networked audio system design through some of the most iconic venues across the World including Wembley National Stadium, London’s O2 Arena and the Atlantis Hotel and Resort in Dubai. Based in the United Kingdom and handling projects all across Europe and the Middle East, ID Networks is set to tackle the largest and most complex Systems Integration and Programming projects.”

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

September 14, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Building upon the success of its groundbreaking line of amplifiers dedicated for use in cinema sound, Crown Audio today introduced the DSi 6000. The newest addition to the DSi series, the DSI 6000 is designed to provide further support for the JBL line of cinema loudspeakers.

The DSi 6000 features automatic presets for JBL cinema speaker systems for quick and easy setup. An intuitive front panel LCD panel guides installers through the process of choosing loudspeaker signal processing presets and other system parameters. All DSi series amplifiers can be configured through the Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™platform.

“When increased power is required, the new Crown DSi 6000 cinema amplifier provides the power of 2100 Watts at 4 ohms and is a significant addition to the DSi line of cinema amplifiers that are the perfect match for JBL cinema systems,” stated Chuck Goodsell, Director of Cinema Marketing for JBL Professional.

“The DSI 6000 represents our commitment to provide the end users in this market with a continuously expanding variety of options to meet the needs any environment. The collaboration with JBL in the development of the new DSI 6000 is an example of the ability of Harman brands to share product development expertise,” stated Andy Flint, Marketing Manager, for Crown.

The DSi6000 amplifiers include Crown’s extremely light and efficient switch-mode power supply, and weighs 24 pounds. The DSi 6000 has a three-year, no-fault warranty. The power rating for the new DSi 6000 is 2100 watts per channel at 4 ohms

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

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September 14, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Further proving its ability to offer sound integrators the best available solutions for power amplifiers in fixed installation applications, Crown Audio today introduced the CDi 6000 amplifier, the fourth amplifier in the CDi series.

“The CDi 6000 provides an unmatched combination of processing, power and a competitive price that makes it the clear leader in its class. The new CDi 6000 is a reflection of our commitment to providing integrators with the greatest range of options for power and scalability for the challenges that each individual installation presents,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

The CDi 6000, like the other amplifiers in the series, has the ability to run both low-impedance two-, four- and eight-ohm loads as well as 70- and 140-volt outputs. The amp also features 20 available presets that can be recalled at the touch of a button. All CDi amplifiers can be controlled and configured through Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™.

All CDi Series amplifiers feature an intuitive front panel LCD display that guides installers through their configurations. All amps in the CDi series also offer onboard DSP for loudspeaker signal processing. Other features include a switch-mode universal power supply, useful function indications, proportional-speed fan-assisted cooling, removable Phoenix-style inputs, as well as barrier strip outputs for 70V/100V/140V loads.

Equipped with Crown’s extremely light and efficient universal switch-mode power supply, each of the four CDi models weigh only 19 pounds and can be conveniently and reliably run off of a standard 15-amp outlet.

Power output ratings on the CDi 6000 are as follows:

• 3000W per channel at two ohms
• 2100W per channel at four ohms
• 1200 per channel at eight ohms
• 2500 per channel at 70V
• 6000W in bridge-mono mode at four ohms
• 5000W in bridge-mono mode at 140V

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

ELKHART, Indiana – Having used several generations of Crown products over a number of years, German sound company Sirius Showequipment AG has upgraded its fleet of Crown amplifiers with 16 of the new I-Tech 12000 HD’s to drive the company’s monitor system.

Wolfgang Neumann, CEO of the Niederdorfelden-based company, explained that the I-Tech HDs were deployed for the five-month “Machmalauter” tour by Die Toten Hosen, where monitor engineer Dirk Happel has four drive racks supporting the system.

The new HD series raises the bar for tour sound amplification. At its core, I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivalled performance. Together with Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology; new software that makes I-Tech HD robust and very easy to configure; a choice of input options including CobraNet and the new LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS), I-Tech HD is a stunning product of engineering R&D — all pressed into a lightweight (28lbs) package.

Holger Shader, Sirius Showequipment’s Technical Director/Senior Engineer, confirmed that despite his company’s long association with Crown, his team first evaluated the new Crown series against a four-channel amplifier from another industry leader. “But in terms of power and sound quality, nothing came close to the I-Techs,” he said.

“We tested them on a couple of wedge monitors but then with Die Toten Hosen tour coming up, we decided to buy them,” added Shader.

The consistent 2U footprint has enabled a direct swap-out of Sirius Showequipment’s previous I-Tech 4000’s in the existing monitor racks.

The new I-Tech HD series features next generation BSS OmniDriveHD DSP engine technology, built on a new architecture specifically optimized for fast and efficient audio processing. The new FIR filter technology provides significantly improved midrange clarity and dramatically improved off-axis response. The OmniDrive HD reduces latency, safeguards sonic integrity and advances system reliability, with 24- bit, 192 kHz A/D and D/A converters. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

“We are well aware of the I-Tech’s processing attributes,” continued Holger. “With this improved spec it was an easy decision to upgrade to the I-Tech HD’s.”

Sirius has a long association with Crown technology extending back more than a decade. In addition to the I-Tech 4000s, it has formerly used Macro-Tech MA-5002VZ and MA5000VZ amplification.

But with the new generation I-Tech HD Sirius Showequipment is future-proofing its inventory. After the current tour the amp racks will embark on another exhausting tour of duty with the band Pur — a band serviced by Sirius for 15 years, back in the days when Holger Schader was the bands FOH sound engineer!

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

September 14, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Delivering unprecedented power and flexibility while offering clear sound and the widest dynamic range possible, Crown today introduced the PIP-USP4, the fourth generation DSP-based PIP™ (programmable input processor) module for CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers. The USP4 is a Harman HiQnet™ series component and connects to the audio control/monitor network using 100MB Ethernet hardware. The single plug solution contains audio distribution, control and monitoring.

“We are proud to bring the same next generation OMNIDRIVEHDTM DSP Engine that is featured in our I-Tech HD line to the PIP-USP4. This technology represents what will soon become known as the industry standard and we will continue to implement it for the ultimate in processing for other Crown products,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

The USP4’s OMNIDRIVEHD™ processor gives the user ultra smooth processing with 24-bit, 192 kHz Cirrus Logic SHARC A/D and D/A converters and true 96kHz processing. LevelMAX™peak, RMS and transducer thermal voltage limiters combine for a smooth and accurate response, better sound and higher usable SPL. Also available are proprietary FIR and IIR filters for unmatched clarity and detail. The USP4 is capable of connecting to an Ethernet network, allowing it to be remotely controlled and configured via HiQnet System Architect™. Additionally, the USP4 allows the transport of real-time digital audio via CobraNet™ or Ethernet AVB.

A digital audio on/off ramp allows users to send pre or post processed analog signal out of the module to adjacent amplifiers. This capability can reduce DSP cost for a system by up to 40% on its own.

Other features of the PIP-USP4 include auto standby for increased energy efficiency, SLM (sweep load monitoring) with system-level diagnostics, 25 user selectable presets and over two seconds of delay per channel. Available input options include analog, CobraNet or Ethernet AVB, and AES3 Digital Audio.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

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September 14, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Continuing a heritage of sonic integrity and quality that has spanned over two decades, Crown today announced the latest update to its Macro-Tech i series of amplifiers, featuring increased power and new dual port capability. Comprised of three models, the MA-5000i, MA-9000i, and MA-12000i, the Macro-Tech i series features patented Class-I circuitry, which delivers greater power while reducing the amplifier’s weight by more than half.

The new Macro-Tech i series also features dual-port capability. An additional network port now allows a user to daisy chain the network control down the rack of amplifiers instead of having to run a separate cable from a switch to each individual amplifier.

“The professional sound reinforcement community knows what to expect from the Macro-Tech i series. They are getting the best sounding, most reliable analog power amplifier in the world. The best just got better with these updates. The upgraded power and features reflect the needs of our customers and our desire to provide them with a solution that best meets their needs,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

All Macro-Tech i amplifiers are also equipped with comprehensive status, fault, and load monitoring via standard Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software. A universal power-factor corrected power supply ensures that the amps can be anywhere in the world, delivering full rated power regardless of the environment.

Power output ratings on the newly updated Macro-Tech i series are as follows:

• MA-5000i – 3000W per channel at 2 ohms (with 2565W 20mS burst), 2500W per channel at 4 ohms, 1250W per channel at 8 ohms, 4000W at 4 ohms bridged, and 5000W at 8 ohms bridged
• MA-9000i – 4700W per channel at 2 ohms (with 4570W 20mS burst), 3500W per channel at 4 ohms, 1500W per channel at 8 ohms, 5600W at 4 ohms bridged, and 7000W at 8 ohms bridged
• MA-12000i – 6000W per channel at 2 ohms (with 5900W 20mS burst), 4500W per channel at 4 ohms, 2100W per channel at 8 ohms, 7500W at 4 ohms bridged, and 9000W at 8 ohms bridged

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

August 6, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Reinforcing its position as the leading amplifier technology manufacturer for professional sports arenas, Crown CTs series amplifiers and PIP-Lite modules were deployed for the redesigned sound system at Camden Yards, in Baltimore, Maryland.  Home to the professional Major League Baseball team the Baltimore Orioles, the 48,000-seat stadium, opened in 1992, has received consistent praise as one of the best ballparks in the country.

Sound integrator AVI-SPL performed the installation, which also included BSS Soundweb London signal processing devices. “When you’re dealing with a project of this magnitude, you’re constantly looking at the solution on a large scale.  We need to know that the individual components will work together seamlessly and perform with the highest level of reliability. With Crown you’re know you’re going to get that consistently,” stated Will Parry, senior vice president, large product group at AVI-SPL.

“With the CTs series amps paired with the PIP-Lite modules you get unmatched performance and value.  We continue to use Crown in professional sports arenas across the country because these amps are built with these types of installations in mind,” stated Parry.

Other Harman equipment installed includes BSS Soundweb London BLU-320, BLU-160, and BLU-120 devices.  “For signal processing BSS provides the best solution for a network of this size.  Plus, networking a system using Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ is a given in a system of this size,” added Parry.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

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August 3, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – In a unique fixed installation where high performing sound systems are critical, North Shore Cinemas, a Marcus Theatres® Cinema in Mequon, Wisconsin has chosen Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers to power its UltraScreen® theaters.  The theater is the first to deploy I-Tech HD to power its audio systems. 

Mark Collins, Director of Projection Technology for Marcus Theatres, explained the decision to go with I-Tech HD’s for this environment was a logical choice. “I know that a lot of the technology in the amplifier was built with the tour sound market in mind. However, I think this type of application is even more demanding than having the equipment on the road because the amplifiers are constantly running.  For cinemas you need power and reliability.  These amps give us a ton of headroom and with Crown you know you are getting a great product,” said Collins.

The move to I-Tech HD also proved to be cost-effective because the additional power means each theater needs fewer amplifiers to power the system.  “For one theater it doesn’t work out to be a huge savings but when you are outfitting multiple venues, it can really add up over time.  The plan is since we have seen how well this works, we will continue installing I-Tech HD’s in other venues as well,” added Collins.

From an installation perspective Collins felt the process was seamless. “We set the amps up with no assistance at all.  We basically hooked everything up and turned them on, it was that simple in terms of set-up,” said Collins.  

Collins believes the results of this project speak for themselves. “From a sound perspective, there is a noticeable performance difference even to the average person who walks in the theater.  I think that speaks to the quality of this system,” said Collins.

The amplifiers power a JBL sound system consisting of three ScreenArray® 4732 loudspeakers, six 4642A subwoofers, eight AC2212 loudspeakers on the side walls and two AM4215 loudspeakers for the back wall.

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

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July 13, 2009 – For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – In a move that immediately extends its sound reinforcement capabilities, Florida-based systems integration firm Multi Image Group has purchased 110 Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers.  MIG, which specializes in corporate A/V projects for clients such as CitiGroup, Deutsche Bank, and Proctor and Gamble, upgraded its entire amplifier inventory from the original I-Tech amplifiers.  

“MIG was not using Crown amplifiers when I joined the company.  I didn’t agree with this because I had been using Crown since I started in the professional sound industry back in 1981 and they are bulletproof,” stated Andy Kakas, audio department manager for technical services at Multi Image Group. 

MIG purchased its first Crown amplifiers in 2002 with Macro-Tech and soon purchased I-Tech series amps as well.  “We started by building a few JBL VerTec line array systems with the Macro-Tech amps and about six months later we got the I-Techs. The sonic quality and built-in DSP of the I-Techs were major advantages when comparing Crown to other amplifiers,” added Kakas.

After purchasing the new I-Tech HD amps, Kakas immediately noticed the improvements. “The most important aspect of these new amps is the sonic detail.  It has a transparent top end, which has an open and natural sound. It maintains the Crown dampening that gives you that punch in your chest.  Also, the Cobranet™ integration is quite useful since we have had a need for multiple channels of AES from front of house to the stage and the amp racks,” said Kakas.  

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

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.”

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.

##

For additional information, contact:
Philip Weiss  
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23
Pweiss@griffinpr.com

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June 17, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, Florida -- In one of the most highly anticipated tours of the year, Audio Analysts and Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers are now on the road with Bruce Springsteen.  Currently Springsteen and the E-Street Band are in the middle of a 45-show U.S. tour to promote his new album, Working on a Dream. Audio Analysts is one of the first tour sound companies to make use of I-Tech HD amps for a full-scale tour and provide tour sound reinforcement for some of the biggest names in music.

Audio Analysts’ relationship with Crown began almost four decades ago beginning with the classic DC300 amp. While other brands have been tried and tested, Audio Analysts has continuously come back to Crown. 

For the tour, Audio Analysts has deployed 36 I-Tech 5000HD and 18 I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers.  “The new I-Tech HD has a lot of great features that make this the ideal tour amplifier.  It starts with the reliability, which we have always got from Crown since we starting using their amps in the early 1970s.  Plus, with the I-Tech HD the next generation DSP is perfect for more precise algorithms for system EQ and tunings,” stated Albert Leccese, Vice President of Engineering for Audio Analysts.    

“We are proud to say we have been working with Bruce for the last 17 years.  Bruce works very hard to deliver an exciting, high-energy performance and he has the highest expectations for his band and everyone else involved in the show’s production, including his sound company. The Crown I-Tech HD is a testament to this attitude, which validates our continued support for our clients. Audio Analysts strives for innovative technologies that reinforce our efforts to supply our clients with the best equipment at a fair price,” added Leccese.

“Bruce Springsteen’s music has long evoked the passion, challenges, and perseverance of American life.  He has been a true innovator across a range of genres and is a global icon for high-quality music.  At Crown we salute Audio Analysts and we are proud to share in the company’s continuous goal of striving for innovation in our field,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

The I-Tech HD amplifiers power 64 JBL VerTec VT4889’s large-format line array elements, 32 VT4880 arrayable subwoofers, 56 VT4888 mid-size line array elements and six VT4887 compact line array elements for front fill. “When you’re out on tour, different venues present random and often challenging acoustics.  VerTec is light weight and therefore gives you a lot of rigging options, plus you get great sound,” stated Leccese.

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.”

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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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June 17, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, Florida -- Delivering unprecedented power and flexibility while offering clear sound and the widest dynamic range possible, Crown today introduced the PIP-USP4, the fourth generation DSP-based PIP™ (programmable input processor) module for CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers.  The USP4 is a Harman HiQnet™ series component and connects to the audio control/monitor network using 100MB Ethernet hardware.  The single plug solution contains audio distribution, control and monitoring.    

“We are proud to bring the same next generation OMNIDRIVEHDTM DSP Engine that is featured in our I-Tech HD line to the PIP-USP4.  This technology represents what will soon become known as the industry standard and we will continue to implement it for the ultimate in processing for other Crown products,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

The USP4’s OMNIDRIVEHD™ processor gives the user ultra smooth processing with 24-bit, 192 kHz Cirrus Logic SHARC A/D and D/A converters and true 96kHz processing.  LevelMAX™peak, RMS and transducer thermal voltage limiters combine for a smooth and accurate response, better sound and higher usable SPL.  Also available are proprietary FIR and IIR filters for unmatched clarity and detail.  The USP4 is capable of connecting to an Ethernet network, allowing it to be remotely controlled and configured via HiQnet System Architect™.  Additionally, the USP4 allows the transport of real-time digital audio via CobraNet™ or Ethernet AVB.  

A digital audio on/off ramp allows users to send pre or post processed analog signal out of the module to adjacent amplifiers.  This capability can reduce DSP cost for a system by up to 40% on its own.

Other features of the PIP-USP4 include auto standby for increased energy efficiency, SLM (sweep load monitoring) with system-level diagnostics, 25 user selectable presets and over two seconds of delay per channel.  Available input options include analog, CobraNet or Ethernet AVB, and AES3 Digital Audio. 

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.”

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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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June 17, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, Florida -- Continuing a heritage of sonic integrity and quality that has spanned over two decades, Crown today announced the latest update to its Macro-Tech i series of amplifiers, featuring increased power and new dual port capability.  Comprised of three models, the MA-5000i, MA-9000i, and MA-12000i, the Macro-Tech i series features patented Class-I circuitry, which delivers greater power while reducing the amplifier’s weight by more than half.

The new Macro-Tech i series also features dual-port capability.  An additional network port now allows a user to daisy chain the network control down the rack of amplifiers instead of having to run a separate cable from a switch to each individual amplifier. 

“The professional sound reinforcement community knows what to expect from the Macro-Tech i series.  They are getting the best sounding, most reliable analog power amplifier in the world.  The best just got better with these updates. The upgraded power and features reflect the needs of our customers and our desire to provide them with a solution that best meets their needs,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

All Macro-Tech i amplifiers are also equipped with comprehensive status, fault, and load monitoring via standard Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ software.  A universal power-factor corrected power supply ensures that the amps can be anywhere in the world, delivering full rated power regardless of the environment.

Power output ratings on the newly updated Macro-Tech i series are as follows:

• MA-5000i – 3000W per channel at 2 ohms (with 2565W 20mS burst), 2500W per channel at 4 ohms,    1250W per channel at 8 ohms, 4000W at 4 ohms bridged, and 5000W at 8 ohms bridged

• MA-9000i – 4700W per channel at 2 ohms (with 4570W 20mS burst), 3500W per channel at 4 ohms, 1500W per channel at 8 ohms, 5600W at 4 ohms bridged, and 7000W at 8 ohms bridged

• MA-12000i – 6000W per channel at 2 ohms (with 5900W 20mS burst), 4500W per channel at 4 ohms, 2100W per channel at 8 ohms, 7500W at 4 ohms bridged, and 9000W at 8 ohms bridged

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.”

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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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June 17, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, Florida -- Further proving its ability to offer sound integrators the best available solutions for power amplifiers in fixed installation applications, Crown Audio today introduced the CDi 6000 amplifier, the fourth amplifier in the CDi series. 

“The CDi 6000 provides an unmatched combination of processing, power and a competitive price that makes it the clear leader in its class. The new CDi 6000 is a reflection of our commitment to providing integrators with the greatest range of options for power and scalability for the challenges that each individual installation presents,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

The CDi 6000, like the other amplifiers in the series, has the ability to run both low-impedance two-, four- and eight-ohm loads as well as 70- and 140-volt outputs.  The amp also features 20 available presets that can be recalled at the touch of a button. All CDi amplifiers can be controlled and configured through Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™.    

All CDi Series amplifiers feature an intuitive front panel LCD display that guides installers through their configurations. All amps in the CDi series also offer onboard DSP for loudspeaker signal processing.  Other features include a switch-mode universal power supply, useful function indications, proportional-speed fan-assisted cooling, removable Phoenix-style inputs, as well as barrier strip outputs for 70V/100V/140V loads. Equipped with Crown’s extremely light and efficient universal switch-mode power supply, each of the four CDi models weigh only 19 pounds and can be conveniently and reliably run off of a standard 15-amp outlet.

Power output ratings on the CDi 6000 are as follows:

• 3000W per channel at two ohms
• 2100W per channel at four ohms
• 1200 per channel at eight ohms
• 2500 per channel at 70V
• 6000W in bridge-mono mode at four ohms
• 5000W in bridge-mono mode at 140V

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.”

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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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April 27, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- Succeeding in a challenging and historic fixed sound installation, TSI-Global installed a battery of Crown CTs amplifiers and BSS Audio Soundweb London processors as well as advanced audio networking via Harman’s HiQnet™ configuration and control protocol for the new Citi Field in Queens, NY.  Home to the New York Mets of Major League Baseball, Citi Field officially opened on April 14, 2009 to a capacity crowd of 42,000 spectators.     

TSI-Global deployed 160 CTs 3000 amplifiers, along with 61 CTs 1200 and 19 CTs 2000 amps with PIP-Lite Modules to power all main bowl speakers, club areas, suites, concession stands, bathrooms and entrances. “CTs amplifiers were recommended by the design consultant WJHW. For a large fixed installation such as this one, they gave us great flexibility for the various areas in the stadium,” stated Paul Murdick, vice president at TSI-Global. 

All CTs series amplifiers offer integration with HiQnet System Architect and CobraNet™. “With Harman components, the ability to control and configure your audio system with HiQnet is a major advantage.  When you are dealing with a project of this size, the ability to have your amplifiers perform efficiently while networked is invaluable,” added Murdick.

BSS Audio Soundweb London processors were also deployed in the Citi Field installation. Twenty BLU-120, 14 BLU-160, 10 BLU-80, and eight BLU-800 devices handled control of all stadium audio.  “When you look at sound systems at stadiums across the country you’ll find BSS Audio is a name that will continue to appear.  With the Soundweb London products you get great quality and value. Plus they are incredibility easy to program and that is essential in a large venue,” stated Murdick. Soundweb London devices also offer configurable I/O, CobraNet audio, and fully configurable signal processing.

Overall, Murdick pointed to the great relationship TSI-Global maintains with Harman. “In any major fixed installation such as this one there are challenges,” he said.  “We were fortunate enough to start with a great design through our consultant and great equipment. The service and on-site support we received from Harman was second to none and helped make this project as seamless as possible.” 

TSI-Global group president Troy Bost added that this will be one of many large-scale projects that TSI will be taking on. “We plan on forging ahead with many strategic large venue projects and their success will be reliant not only on our talented team but the successful partnerships with companies such as Harman.”

For more information on TSI-Global visit their website at www.tsi-global.com.

Crown and BSS are units 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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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Pictured, from left: Paul Bauman, JBL; Bryan Olson and Mark Dittmar, Firehouse Productions; 
and Brian Divine, Crown Audio.

April 7, 2009 - For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California -- In a star-studded evening showcasing some of the most accomplished artists in rock and roll history, Red Hook, New York-based Firehouse Productions provided a VERTEC® line array system with Crown I-Tech HD power amplification for live sound reinforcement at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 4. This year’s event took place in Cleveland’s Public Auditorium and commemorated the inductions of artists such as Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Bobby Womack, Run DMC and Metallica.

The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony was broadcast live on the Fuse network. In addition to performances by several of the inductees, the event included high-profile rock industry presenters like Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, Flea and Smokey Robinson. With top-tier mixing engineers on hand like Tony Blanc, Dan Gerhard, ‘Big Mick’ Hughes (Metallica) and Greg Bess (Jeff Beck), the Firehouse audio team needed to provide a system capable of delivering high-fidelity audio with predictable coverage characteristics and maximum output power capabilities, without compromise.

For the event, Firehouse deployed a PA system that consisted of 16 VERTEC VT4889 large-format line array elements and 12 VT4880A ultra long excursion arrayable subwoofers per side, with five additional VT4889’s comprising a center cluster. Firehouse set up an additional eight VT4887 compact line array elements per side for off-stage coverage, four VT4887’s for front fill, and four floor-located VT4880 subwoofers. Firehouse’s new Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers powered the system, which also relied on Crown and JBL’s new V4 DSP presets, developed specifically to take advantage of Crown’s new LevelMAX™ multi-stage limiting in the HD amps.

According to Mark Dittmar of Firehouse Productions, the Public Auditorium posed some rigging challenges. “We had to do a large number of spanner trusses to support the PA system and cabling in this venue,” he said. “As with all TV shows, designing a PA that will cover the whole room, deliver superb sound quality and not show up in any of the camera shots is a major challenge.”

With this in mind, Dittmar noted that VERTEC was an ideal solution for the event. “The light weight of the VERTEC line arrays and the ability to tightly wrap the PA and aim it down at extreme angles is very useful in designing and installing the system,” he said. “The fact that it sounds great makes its use a no-brainer.”

The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a continuation of Firehouse’s longtime reliance on VERTEC line arrays for a variety of major live sound events. “VERTEC has been our speaker of choice for all TV and special events over the past eight years,” Dittmar noted. “It is light and very flexible in its rigging options. The sound quality has always made our clients and engineers very happy. From VH-1 Storytellers with only eight VERTEC loudspeakers to Live Earth at Giants Stadium with more than 200, VERTEC has been with us the whole way.”

The new Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers feature a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS Audio called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. “This was our first major live sound event utilizing I-Tech HD,” Dittmar added. “There is a big increase in power output of the amplifiers, and coupled with the new V4 DSP presets we had approximately 6dB more volume than we had before.  Ultimately, the I-Tech HD gives us more power and clarity than we thought possible. The new limiters on I-Tech HD are excellent as well. They are far more efficient than anything else we have seen.”

For more information on Firehouse Productions, please visit www.firehouseproductions.com or call 845-758-9898.

JBL and Crown are units of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International Industries, Incorporated designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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April 1, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Known as a leader in the sound reinforcement industry, PA Plus has continued its successful relationship with Crown by purchasing 130 I-Tech HD amplifiers.  PA Plus, one of Canada’s leading sound reinforcement companies, has over 25 years of experience working with major concert tours, nationally televised award shows, and special events.

“The new I-Tech HD series is not only the most advanced amplifier on the planet, its new DSP capabilities rival anything out there. Advancements in voltage limiting technology, the introduction of FIR filtering, overall system control features and unsurpassed functionality put this amplifier in a class of its own,” stated Mark Radu, systems engineer at PA Plus.

PA Plus continues what has been a rich history with Crown. When the original I-Tech amplifier was introduced, PA Plus was one of the first sound companies to adopt it. “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Crown. Our mandate of providing the best available technology to our clients has been pushed to a higher level with our commitment to the new HD amplifier. Crown has given PA Plus the tools to continue to provide the most advanced solutions on the market,” stated Gabor Szepesi, president and owner of PA Plus.

“We know that Crown relied on input and feedback from some of the most respected names in the live audio industry. Crown has delivered a product that surpasses the demanding expectations of rental and touring companies alike,” added Radu.

Speaking about the implementation of I-Tech HD at PA Plus, Brian Divine, Crown marketing director for tour sound stated, “PA Plus has the reputation of being one of the most well known names in the live sound industry.  We recognize the company holds its equipment to the highest standard and we have worked very hard to provide PA Plus with the most feature packed amplifier on the market.

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

Crown and JBL are units 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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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PA Plus

March 30, 2009 - For Immediate Release

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Building upon the success of its groundbreaking line of amplifiers dedicated for use in cinema sound, Crown Audio today introduced the DSi 6000.  The newest addition to the DSi series, the DSI 6000 is designed to provide further support for the JBL line of cinema loudspeakers.

The DSi 6000 features automatic presets for JBL cinema speaker systems for quick and easy setup. An intuitive front panel LCD panel guides installers through the process of choosing loudspeaker signal processing presets and other system parameters. All DSi series amplifiers can be configured through the Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™platform. 

“When increased power is required, the new Crown DSi 6000 cinema amplifier provides the power of 2100 Watts at 4 ohms and is a significant addition to the DSi line of cinema amplifiers that are the perfect match for JBL cinema systems,” stated Chuck Goodsell, Director of Cinema Marketing for JBL Professional.

“The DSI 6000 represents our commitment to provide the end users in this market with a continuously expanding variety of options to meet the needs any environment. The collaboration with JBL in the development of the new DSI 6000 is an example of the ability of Harman brands to share product development expertise, stated Andy Flint, Marketing Manager, for Crown.

The DSi6000 amplifiers include Crown’s extremely light and efficient switch-mode power supply, and weighs 24 pounds. The DSi 6000 has a three-year, no-fault warranty.  The power rating for the new DSi 6000 is 2100 watts per channel at 4 ohms

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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DSi 6000 Front View

March 25, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- Firehouse Productions, a leader in the sound reinforcement industry has taken notice of the new Crown I-Tech HD amplifier, announcing they will purchase 100 I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers for its tour sound projects.  Firehouse has gained a reputation of excellence providing sound for some of the music’s biggest acts including Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, and Hannah Montana.  They have also handled major television and live events including Live Earth, the MTV VMAs, and VH-1 Story Tellers. 

“Firehouse is a clear leader in the live sound industry.  They have been a long time user of Crown and we have confidence I-Tech HD will be a major asset to their business for years to come. We value long-term relationships with industry leaders such as Firehouse and seeing them choose I-Tech HD is a validation of the efforts of our team to produce the best amplifier in the world,” stated Brian Divine, marketing director for tour sound at Crown.

“We are proud to be a long time user of Crown because of the consistent support we have received from them over the years.  Knowing they are 100 percent behind us was a key reason for us to make the move to I-Tech HD,” stated Mark Dittmar, lead sound and integration engineer for Firehouse Productions. “So far, working with this amplifier for just a short period of time, I must say the sound is stunning. The sound quality and power have really shocked us,” added Dittmar.

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHD processing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

Crown and JBL are units 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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

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Firehouse I-TechHD Amp Racks

March 24, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- Canadian-based sound company PA Plus recently deployed Crown amplifiers in a unique live sound application for “Howie Do It,” an upcoming unscripted comedy television series, commissioned by NBC starring Howie Mandel. PA Plus provided the sound for the live studio audience at the Colosseum at the Caesars Windsor casino in Ontario, as well as the broadcast portion of the production. The Colosseum is a 5,000-seat venue that was utilized for the show, which was the largest ever studio audience for an NBC series show.

Crown I-Tech amplifiers provided the power and processing for the system. All I-Tech amplifiers are equipped with comprehensive status, fault, and load monitoring via standard Ethernet networking and Harman Professional’s HiQnet™ connectivity and control protocol and System Architect™ interface. “System Architect easily allowed us to create and store a series of presets dedicated to the broadcast,” stated Mark Radu, systems engineer at PA Plus. The I-Tech amplifiers also feature advanced DSP processing which can be utilized for additional adjustment of line arrays.

“We were contacted by Ian Dunbar, who was head of audio for this project, to provide a complete audio solution for both the live studio audience as well as the broadcast production,” stated Radu. Providing sound for a live television event was not an easy task and the setup presented many challenges. “The production team was building its own stage and set in front of the existing setup. This then required dedicated sound, lighting and video systems to support the television tapings,” stated Radu. With the venue already equipped with an in-house Harman system, PA Plus was able to choose components from the existing sound system to use in support of their sound integration. “As host to the production, The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor offered the use of any or all of their in house installation to expedite the setup. After discussing matters with the venue’s production manager, Todd Therrien, we came up with a plan that would best serve the television production yet still be non-disruptive to the regular operation of the venue,” Radu added.

The I-Tech amplifiers powered 26 JBL VerTec VT4887 compact line array elements that covered the bleacher section of the audience. “Everybody involved was familiar with the product, the venue is a VerTec installation and we fully support VerTec within our own inventory,” added Radu. JBL SRX712M monitors provided audio support for the floor seating. “Outfitted with the same family of driver components as the VerTec series, the SRX712M’s would allow for a smooth transition between the floor seating and the bleacher sections,” stated Radu. The floor level seating was covered by nine JBL SRX712M’s and was augmented by six additional SRX712M’s utilized as front fills.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Related Image:
Howie Do It Set

March 11, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- In an example of co-engineering between Crown and JBL that ultimately benefits the entire worldwide VerTec® system owners’ community, JBL Professional’s V4 DSP presets are now available for Crown’s I-Tech HD series amplifiers.

“The V4 release for I-Tech HD is an important milestone that will provide immediate benefits to users due to improved sound quality and a 2dB increase in maximum SPL output thanks to new industry-standard setting LevelMAX™ limiting,” stated Paul Bauman, JBL’s Director of Tour Sound Product & Application Engineering.  “LevelMAX was a joint development involving JBL, Crown, and BSS engineering and is a significant step forward in providing our users exactly what they need  to get the most out of their systems - highly sophisticated loudspeaker protection that is sonically transparent and electrically accurate in terms of what is going on at the transducer level when it comes to peak, RMS, and thermal protection,” Bauman added.

“We have only just begun to tap the potential we can offer sound reinforcement professionals with I-Tech HD,” stated Brian Divine, Crown Director of Marketing for Installed and Tour Sound.  “The OMNIDRIVEHD processing is a significant improvement in DSP power and refinement.  We have new tools now that are going to change the way our customers utilize the processing in amplifiers.”  

JBL’s new V4 DSP presets for Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers are available for immediate download from 
http://www.jblpro.com/products/tour/Vertec/V4download.html, and also come bundled with the just-released version 1.90.1 of Harman HiQnet™ System Architect Software.

Crown and JBL are units 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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Related Image:
I-Tech HD Series

ELKHART, Indiana – For Audio Analysts, excellence in tour sound is a tradition that began over 35 years ago. The company’s commitment to excellence and delivering the highest quality sound has made it the choice for sound reinforcement for the biggest names in music including Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Shania Twain, Sammy Hagar, Norah Jones, The OffSpring, No Doubt, and Ringo Starr.  It’s with this mission in mind that Audio Analysts has chosen the new Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers to power its tour sound division.

For Audio Analysts, the quality of performance of the new I-Tech HD comes to no surprise. “We have been using Crown amplifiers since the early 1970’s.  I can remember when we were utilizing the D-75, D-150, and D-300.  Over the years we’ve tried other brands but we always come back to Crown as our flagship amplifier,” stated Albert Leccese, Vice President of Engineering for Audio Analysts.

I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new LevelMAX limiter suite offers higher SPL out of existing loudspeakers while at the same time better protection and minimal sonic degradation.  Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound professionals with an interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

“We are always searching for the best possible audio products for our customers. Our world-class clients strive to play at the top of their game, which demands superior performance on our part.  The Crown I-Tech HD is a testament to that attitude, which validates our continued support for our clients. Audio Analysts strives for innovative technologies that reinforce our efforts to supply our clients with the best equipment at a fair price,” stated Leccese.

“Audio Analysts reputation in the live sound industry speaks for itself.  When we build a product such as I-Tech HD we go straight to customers like Audio Analysts and get their thoughts and opinions on what they need to see in an amplifier. We take pride in knowing Audio Analysts have and will continue to use Crown products such as I-Tech HD because they believe in what we are providing, stated Marc Kellom VP of Marketing for Crown.

“The new Crown I-Tech HD offers users an unparalleled sound quality.  These amps deliver a lot of power for their small size and weight.  Also, the next generation DSP allows for more precise algorithms for system EQ and tuning. Of course with Crown you have the ability to easily network your amplifiers as well as utilizing Harman HiQnet System Architect.  Ultimately Crown gives you the best bang for your buck, when you look at the price and what you get in terms of performance and features,” added Leccese.

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.”

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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

February 12, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – In a unique and challenging live sound application, Audio Analysts of Colorado Springs, CO utilized Crown I-Tech amplifiers for the monitor system at the Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show featuring Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on February 1, 2009. This year’s Super Bowl was broadcast to 230 countries worldwide and was viewed by a total of 94.5 million people in the United States alone.

“All wedge amplifiers were Crown I-Tech, we utilized about 32 for the various mixes and they performed great during the show, stated Albert Leccese, Vice President of Engineering and Owner of Audio Analysts. “We’ve come to rely on Crown amplifiers in many of our major live sound applications, they are excellent because of the high level of control and power they offer.”

Crown I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing and a built-in LCD screen on the front panel allowing for basic features and amplifier status to be accessed from the amplifier’s location.  Additionally, the reduced size and weight of the I-Tech series and low power needs make it a versatile amplifier that can be used in any live sound application. 

“We’ve always utilized Crown and I-Tech is a great amplifier because it’s light weight and it gives you a lot of power.  Having worked with Bruce Springsteen for the last 17 years we know how hard he works to deliver the best show possible to his audience.  Our goal is always to ensure that everyone from the band to the audience is getting the best sound possible,” added Leccese.

For more information on Audio Analysts, please visit www.audioanalysts.com

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Related Image:
Crowd - watching Springsteen

L-R: Dave Shadoan - President of Sound Image, Mark Graham - President of Crown International

February 9, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – The introduction of the Crown I-Tech HD series amplifier has caught the attention of the entire tour sound industry.  Most notably, Southern California-based Sound Image Inc. has agreed to purchase over 800 I-Tech HD amplifiers for its tour sound business.  “Our customers are extremely demanding and I-Tech HD gives Sound Image the ability to take our system performance to unprecedented levels,” stated Dave Shadoan, president of Sound Image Inc. “At Sound Image we have always prided ourselves on providing the best sound possible to the clients we serve.”  Sound Image’s touring division is known as a provider of premium live sound systems, working with major artists such as Rascal Flatts, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, and Taylor Swift to name a few.

At its core, I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OMNIDRIVEHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings. The OMNIDRIVEHDprocessing engine also features an innovative new suite of limiters called LevelMAX™. The new LevelMAX™ limiter suite offers higher SPL out of existing loudspeakers while at the same time better protection and minimal sonic degradation.  Harman HiQnet™ System Architect ™ mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions.

“We designed the Crown I-Tech HD with sound companies such as Sound Image in mind.  Many of the new features we engineered on this amp are the result of great feedback we received from companies like Sound Image.  At Crown we have an understanding of our customers and their need for powerful and rock-solid performance from their sound reinforcement equipment,” stated Marc Kellom, vice president of marketing at Crown.

“There were a lot of features that stand out in this new amplifier that are going to help us be more efficient. The new built-in DSP is a major advantage, because it makes our job easier when it comes to EQ and tuning.  Additionally, the front panel USB slot is going to save a lot of time when it comes to configuring entire racks of amplifiers. Ultimately, Crown took a great amplifier and made it even better for what we do,” stated Shadoan. “I-Tech HD amplifiers offer our tour sound business a level of performance that is unmatched. I-Tech HD has the ability to raise the bar on not only amplifier performance, but system level performance as well.  Combined with our JBL VerTec line arrays the I-Tech HD amplifiers allow us to achieve levels of performance that were not previously attainable.”

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.”

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.

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Related Image:
Crown - Sound Image

January 22, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- Crown Audio today announced the appointment of Guillermo Sanchez to the position of Business Developer for Central and South America.  In this role Sanchez will be responsible for supporting the sales within the region and working closely with the customer base to ensure all products are tailored to meet their needs. He will report to Director of Marketing for Installed Sound, Brian Divine. 

Previously, Sanchez served as Chief Sound Designer and Engineer for Corporacion Dynaco.  In this role Sanchez was responsible for preparing and engineering sound reinforcement equipment for live music, corporate events, television.  He also engineered sound solutions for events such as parades and political events in this role.   

Sanchez is also the former owner and Chief Sound Designer and Engineer for Dynacoustic.  In this position he specialized in the design and engineering of sound equipment for major live sound events. 

“Guillermo has over twenty-five years of experience as a sound engineer.  As a veteran of the industry he’s well aware of the needs and challenges of our clients and his background will prove to be a major asset for them to tap into,” stated Divine. 

Commenting on his appointment, Sanchez said today, “After over twenty-five years spent in sound design and engineering, I now get to work for one of the companies that I relied on so often in my career.  This is an outstanding opportunity and I look forward to the challenge of assisting others in their sound design needs. I’ve always relied on equipment from companies that stood behind their products and Harman is known throughout the industry for just that.” 

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Related Image:
Guillermo Sanchez

January 21, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – In a show of powered sound for one of the most watched events in history, Crown amplifiers were utilized by Baltimore-based Maryland Sound Industries (MSI) at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20th, in Washington D.C. The event drew the largest civic-event audience ever served by an outdoor sound reinforcement system in the United States, with a crowd of as many as two million people.

Baltzell Audio Design designed the audio system and MSI, led by President Bob Goldstein supplied the Crown I-Tech amplifiers for the massive sound system at the event, powering a large number of JBL VerTec line array towers, which are dispersed throughout the Capitol End mall area. The I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing which allows for additional tuning of the JBL line arrays. With a built-in LCD screen on the front panel, basic features and amplifier status can be accessed from the amplifier’s location.  Additionally, the added convenience of Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ control and management interface allows a front of house or monitor engineer to easily monitor an amplifier’s status from their location.

Pat Baltzell of Baltzell Audio Design feels the features of the I-Techs give the flexibility needed in this type of challenging outdoor environment.  “It made it possible to run System Architect and actually make subtle adjustments in the amps; each 14-box speaker column was divided into three zones, but to get even better resolution, you have the ability to go directly into the amps and put in filters to make subtle high-frequency adjustments in the amp that we would not have been able to do previously,” stated Baltzell.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced was the high frequency. We tried to manage this by boosting the top cabinets in a way that would not affect the near field. Having the fine resolution of I-Tech with DSP in the amps takes us to another level of fine control,” added Baltzell.

“We are extremely pleased with the assortment of tools that Harman provides us. From the superb JBL VERTEC line arrays to Crown amplifiers and Studer and Soundcraft counsels and other products. We are able to achieve the highest fidelity sound possible and vastly superior to that which was available only a few years ago.  Given the harsh environmental conditions we were working in which has brought sub zero temperatures and lots of precipitation the equipment worked flawlessly with no failures,” stated Goldstein.

The amplifiers powered JBL VerTec line arrays with up to 14 VT4889 large-format line array speakers in each tower.  JBL VP315DP, VRX932, and Control 25AV speakers were also utilizied for the swearing-in ceremony, president’s speech, and performances by major music artists.  Baltzell stated, “VerTec has a little more total output per box than competitors; because the boxes have three compression drivers instead of two, you get extra output, which is important for an outdoor application like this.”

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:

Inauguration - crowd 
Inauguration - speakers on pole

January 19, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- In a move to address the needs of both its contractor and end user communities in all vertical markets, Crown audio today introduced its 660A commercial sound amplifier with a re-engineered high bandwidth filter that provides comprehensive system reliability in the most demanding fixed installation environments.  The 660A represents a renewed commitment to providing the highest quality amplifiers for commercial and industrial audio. 

“The 660A is among the most complete amplifier packages designed specifically for commercial application,” said Phil Mcphee, marketing director for Crown Audio. “For this reason we added a new high bandwidth filter to make it among the most reliable in this product category.”

The 660A has six inputs and six 60W power amplifier channels for multi-zone systems.  It can drive different types of speakers in different areas of a facility.  The amplifier is ideal for applications in schools, hospitals, factories, restaurant/retail, house of worship, fitness facilities, and 5.1 surround systems. These low-cost units provide all necessary features in a simple building-block format. The sound system can be upgraded as a facility expands, allowing for the addition of more mixers for more inputs, or add more power amps to handle more zones. 

The amplifier features balanced Phoenix-type line inputs and touch-proofed screw-terminal speaker outputs.  Its advanced protection system includes output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker/fuse, and thermal protection.  The 660A is backed by Crown’s three-year full warranty. 

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
660A_front

January 15, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ANAHEIM, California — In an introduction that dramatically resets expectations of what a professional-grade touring amplifier should deliver in terms of performance, processing, integration and ease of use, amplifier pioneer Crown Audio today introduced the new I-Tech HD Series amplifiers that have been meticulously engineered to advance every criteria by which an amplifier is judged. At its core, I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled performance. Together with Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology; new software that makes I-Tech HD robust and very easy to configure; an industry-leading choice of input options including CobraNet and the all-new LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS), I-Tech HD is a stunning product of engineering R&D, more than 60 years of amplifier heritage and systematic user input from tour sound leaders in all markets.

“I-Tech HD, our new flagship amplifier, advances the state-of-the-art on no less than seven fronts,” said Mark Graham, President of Crown Audio. “A remarkable achievement in engineering, I-Tech HD Series is a destructive technology in the sense that it obsoletes all that came before it. It’s a worthy testament to Crown’s engineering team and the tour sound professionals around the world who helped with the development.”

Developed in conjunction with sister company BSS, the next generation OmniDriveHD DSP Engine at the heart of I-Tech HD is built on a new architecture specifically optimized for fast and efficient audio processing to provide tour and contracting professionals with a new platform for signal processing. The new FIREWALL™ FIR filter technology provides significantly improved midrange clarity and dramatically improved off-axis response. The OmniDrive HD reduces latency, safeguards sonic integrity and advances system reliability. AudioCore features 24- bit, 192 kHz A/D and D/A converters.

In yet another industry first, Crown Audio links the limiters in its new family of amplifiers: Crown’s innovative LevelMax™ limiter technology links the previously independent Peak, Thermal and RMS Limiters, enabling more effective, elegant protection of connected speakers while advancing system performance. LevelMax limiter actions are better informed for more effective, efficient results and minimal sonic degradation.

Crown I-Tech HD benefits from the software R&D firepower of Harman Professional’s System Development & Integration Group (SDIG) and is easily configured via HiQnet™ System Architect™ Software. The user interface has been completely redesigned. Managing large networks of amplifiers on the road has never been easier. System Architect mirrors the typical browser navigation interface to provide tour sound and contracting professionals with a familiar interface to access a host of power configuration and control functions. System Architect includes context-sensitive, alphanumeric keypads, which pop up automatically with relevant parameter units when a value or text entry box is selected with the stylus.

Further simplifying ease of use, Crown I-Tech HD Series features a road-warrior-inspired front panel USB slot for load and recall of amplifier settings. Chief engineers can simply hand pre-loaded USB keys to entry-level staff who can now quickly, cost-efficiently and accurately configure entire racks by inserting the correct key and pressing the load button. A patent-pending intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.

Crown Audio’s commitment to networking and interoperability goes beyond the USB slot. I-Tech HD boasts a category-leading arsenal of standard input options including CobraNet, AES/EBU and analog XLR inputs, allowing distribution of many channels of real-time, high quality digital audio for a vast array of touring and contracting applications.

I-Tech HD builds upon Crown Audio’s remarkable 60-year heritage of amplifier design and the category-defining legacy of the original I-Tech amplifiers. Patented Class-I Amplifier Technology featured in the new I-Tech HD delivers the highest output voltage in the industry, which provides clean transient peaks.

“Today, great power comes with great functionality,” Graham continued. “With I-Tech HD, Crown Audio has achieved the enviable balance of matching functionality with ease of integration, network scalability, intuitive operation and power performance. Just as 
I-Tech set the benchmark for integrated DSP and amplification — topping many millions of watts on the tour sound circuit and in fixed installation — I-Tech HD provides members of our user community with distinct audio and commercial advantages that make them better, faster, more competitive and lighter than their competition!”

Protected by a rugged 2U chassis, the I-Tech HD weighs in at a lightweight 30 lbs. (13 kg.) but its proven, Class-I output design packs a heavyweight punch to deliver massive amounts of power while generating minimal heat. Crown Audio’s patented Power Factor Correction (PFC) techniques allow I-Tech HD to draw current from the mains more efficiently, which in concert with the Class-I output enables I-Tech HD to provide the highest output voltage available and a clearly audible difference driving high-performance loudspeakers. Minimum guaranteed power ratings are as follows:

Power per channel with both channels driven: 
I-T5000 HD: 2,000W at 2 Ohms; 2,500W at 4 Ohms; 1,250W at 8 Ohms 
I-T9000 HD: 2,800W at 2 Ohms; 3,500W at 4 Ohms; 1,500W at 8 Ohms 
I-T12000 HD: 3,750W at 2 Ohms; 4,500W at 4 Ohms; 2,100W at 8 Ohms

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
IT 12000 HD Front View

January 15, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Delivering an unprecedented sound management solution to the portable PA market, Crown Audio has introduced HiQnet™ Band Manager™ software.  The free-of-charge application provides a sleek function-driven interface designed to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi series amplifiers.  Band Manager unlocks all loudspeaker processing capabilities of the XTi Series.  Once it automatically discovers up to eight USB-connected XTi amplifiers, represented in a virtual rack, all the setup required is to load each amplifier with the JBL-provided speaker tunings and set which amplifiers are driving front-of-house.  Band Manager makes smart use of browser-style navigation and the ‘Home’ screen displays monitor strips for each amplifier in the rack and front-of-house EQ and level control.  EQ for stage monitors and all other processing is accessible on an individual amplifier basis.  Upon starting Band Manager, all amplifier settings are transferred from the connected devices but they can also be saved to disk for quick recall if the rack is used often in multiple venues. 

Band Manager is a cut-down version of its parent software, HiQnet System Architect™, a much larger application which provides full-system control of over 70 professional audio devices from across the entire Harman Pro group, including the XTi Series.  Anyone who has already used System Architect with the XTi will instantly be familiar with the amplifier control layout since Band Manager makes use of the same software plug in.  Directly tailoring Band Manager to the needs of portable PA market enables far quicker configuration of a rack of XTi amplifiers by bringing only the essential tools into direct focus.  For those who need the more advanced control, any rack configurations saved within Band Manager can be opened in System Architect.  By using the plug in concept, Band Manager is all ready to control other future portable PA HiQnet devices.

Commenting on the introduction of Band Manager, Andy Flint, Crown marketing manager for portable PA stated, “Band Manager provides users with a simple and intuitive interface capable of unlocking the vast array of system setup and management tools included in the XTi product line’s integrated processing.  This is another excellent example of Harman’s experience and dedication to the portable PA market.”

While Band Manager is being introduced to operate in conjunction with Crown XTi amplifiers it is planned to take control of other complimentary Harman HiQnet products in the near future.  “As a group, we envision Band Manager being used to manage an entire portable PA sound system all the way from microphone to speaker.  When introducing software control, making the management of a potentially complex audio system as simple as possible is the most important goal.  It is no longer enough to just provide the user with the highest quality equipment, you need to offer great, user-friendly tools to open its potential as well,” added Flint.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
Band Manager Screen Shot

January 15, 2009 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana – Reprising the broad market success of its XTI Series of portable sound amplifiers for live sound and fixed applications. Crown Audio is introducing the next generation XTI6000 that features advanced power performance, improved system reliability, and a new breakthrough user interface for configuration and control in Crown’s HiQnet™ Band Manager™. 

The Crown XTI Series has earned a formidable reputation in the portable sound market place, leveraging Crown’s unparalleled heritage in live sound amplification.  The new XTI6000 provides audio professionals with the winning addition of a power amplifier solution to this high value, high performance product line.   

“The best just got better with the XTI6000. We’ve listened carefully to the needs and suggestions of end users and retail partners before we built a compelling new amplifier that packs tremendous punch, performs consistently, and is priced to reach the broadest possible market,” stated Andy Flint, Crown marketing manager for portable PA.

The XTI6000 allows for plug and play usability with it’s integrated proprietary DSP with LCD front panel making it easy to set crossovers, delay, limiters, and EQ along with the ability to save and recall up to 20 presets. 

Continuing the heritage of previous XTI-Series amplifiers the XTI6000 features an LCD screen with speaker presets for crossover frequencies, EQ, limiting, delay, and a subharmonic synthesizer. Additionally, there is switch-mode universal power supply, useful function indicators, propositional-speed fan-assisted cooling, XLR inputs, Speakon® and binding-post outputs, and short-circuit protection.  The XTI6000 weighs in at 24lbs and has a MAP price of $1,999.

Power per channel:
3,000W at 2 Ohms; 2,100W at 4Ohms; 1,200W at 8 Ohms

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact: 
Philip Weiss 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 23 
pweiss@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
XTi6000 Front View

October 17, 2008 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- Underscoring its commitment to provide channel partners and customers in the professional audio, MI and cinema communities with the best possible sales leadership and support services, Crown Audio today named Matt Bush to the position of Vice President of Sales starting in November.  Bush joins Crown Audio from sister company, Harman Music Group, where he was Vice President of Operations and takes the position previously held by Scott Robbins who was promoted to Vice President of Sales for Harman Professional last month.  In his new role, Bush will direct worldwide sales operations from Crown Audio’s Elkhart, Indiana headquarters and he will report directly to Mark Graham, President, Crown Audio.

“Matt Bush is a strong business leader, an excellent organizer and an experienced pro audio veteran,” Graham said today.  “We are very pleased to welcome Matt to our team and I am confident that he will grow our sales and strengthen our partnerships with reps, dealers and distributors across the globe.”

Matt Bush joined The Harman Music Group in 1987.  He has served in leadership roles in engineering, manufacturing and operations and has more than 24 years of experience in the design, manufacture, service and supply chain of electronic products. Matt has served as the Vice President of Operations of HMG since 2001, is the architect of HMG’s hybrid manufacturing and global supply chain strategies and directed all supply chain functions including a US manufacturing facility, off-shore manufacturing, customer service, and distribution centers in the US, Asia and Europe. He has also led group-wide programs in European logistics and key supplier negotiations, and has presented numerous times at Harman best-practice sessions. Matt is a Six-Sigma Greenbelt and coach, has completed Executive Programs in Supply Chain Management and Factory Physics at the Kellogg School of Management and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Utah.

“Crown Audio is a proven pioneer with an unparalleled ability to provide customers with high-performing, ultra-reliable amplifiers for a wide array of applications.  Between the people, the products and remarkable pedigree, I am honored and excited to join the team here and I look forward to getting out into the field to meet with partners and customers,” Bush said today.  “Knowing now what I know in terms of the exciting products on the near-term horizon for Crown Audio, I couldn’t be more pleased to join this great brand!”

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12 
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
MattBush.jpg

October 7, 2008 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- Crown Audio today announced the promotion of Bradford Benn to Director of Application Engineering. In this role Benn will be responsible for leading application engineering efforts in the U.S. and internationally. He will report to Vice President of Marketing, Marc Kellom. Previously, Benn served as Business Development Manager, where he focused on the creation of sales tools and was heavily involved in the evolution of System Architect™ and HiQnet™. He began at Crown as a Product Integration Manager, and has served in other roles including Director of Product Application Support.

Before joining Crown, Benn was with Soundelux Showorks as a Senior Design Director. He worked on the design, building, and installation process for audio, video and control systems for numerous different projects ranging from retail space, themed restaurants, multi-million dollar theme park attractions, sporting venues, museums, and boardrooms.

In addition to his responsibilities at Crown, Benn serves as a co-instructor for the Syn-Aud-Con Digital training seminars. His dual-background in IT and audio have uniquely prepared him for this role. He is an AES Member, chairing a Live Sound Panel at the AES Convention in October 2008. Benn is also the Vice President of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Foundation, which is dedicated to improving motorcycle riders’ safety, providing support for motorcycling and advancing the moto-lifestyle and its benefits.

“Brad’s wide range of experience in Crown, along with his background in sound engineering make him the ideal person for this position. We look forward to seeing him work closely with our customers and distributors, helping advance their knowledge about the best system design practices and principles” stated Mark Graham, President of Crown Audio.

Commenting on his appointment, Benn said today, “I’m honored and excited to begin my new role. Crown is a market leader in amplifier production and I welcome the opportunity to take on an even bigger challenge to help in the integration of the different areas of Crown to better serve our growing customer base.”

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12 
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
BradfordBenn.jpg

Category-Leading XLS Series Matches Price, 2-Ohm Power Rating, Sonic Integrity And Robust 
Construction Meaning Serious Audio Professionals Should Accept No Less!

October 7, 2008 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- With More Watts Per Dollar Than Any Other Amplifier In Its Class, The New Crown XLS 5000 Eliminates Sub-2-Ohm Amplifiers As Serious Contenders For Any Audio Pro!

In a move that makes quality high power amplifiers affordable to a broad new market, Crown Audio today showcased the newly extended XLS Series amplifiers that significantly elevate the performance threshold of affordable portable PA amplifiers. Comprising the XLS 202, XLS 402, XLS 602, XLS 802 and the brand new XLS 5000, the XLS Series is ideal for musicians, DJs, rental companies and corporate and hotel AV departments.

”Providing more watts per dollar than any other amplifier in its class, the XLS5000 represents a tremendous value to end users who need a high power amplifier without the big price tag,” noted Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing, Crown Audio. “By pairing this amplifier up with JBL’s MRX, SRX, or VRX loudspeaker enclosures, our customers can now have access to a highly professional yet economical all-Harman solution.”

The XLS Series, Crown’s workhorse amplifier line, has now been extended with the addition of the new XLS 5000 ($1,399 US street price). Delivering 1,800 watts per channel in 4-ohm stereo mode, and a staggering 5,000 watts in 4-ohm bridge-mono mode, the XLS 5000 packs more than twice the punch of the next highest-powered model in the range, the XLS 802.

Housed in a rugged, 3U, all-steel chassis, the highly reliable XLS 5000 is equipped with an efficient forced-air fan to prevent excessive thermal buildup. The front panel sports dual precision-detented rotary level controls, a power switch with accompanying LED, and six additional LEDs indicating signal, clip, and fault for each channel. Rear panel connections include two electronically balanced XLR inputs as well as touch-proof binding post and Speakon® outputs.

The XLS 5000 also employs extensive protection and diagnostics capabilities, including output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker, and special thermal protection of the unit’s transformers.

Like the rest of the XLS Series, as well as all other Crown amplifiers, the new XLS 5000 is backed by the manufacturer’s industry-exclusive Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12 
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
XLS - Series.jpg

October 7, 2008 - For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California -- In what is the world’s largest and most ambitious Harman Professional HiQnet™ sound system, leading systems integration firm ESCO Communications has just completed the integration and commissioning of HiQnet audio system featuring amplifiers from Crown Audio, loudspeakers from JBL Professional and system configuration and control via HiQnet System Architect™ at the new Lucas Oil Stadium NFL football stadium, home of the SuperBowl-winning Indianapolis Colts franchise. The system was designed by consultants, WJHW and is seen as one of the most progressive and impressive stadiums in an era rich with new and exciting stadium projects.

Featuring a unique retractable roof that makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor events, Lucas Oil Stadium seats 63,000 for football but can accommodate thousands more for basketball, conventions, concerts and other applications. The stadium covers 1.8 million square feet, features 137 corporate suites, two club lounges, meeting rooms, and two exhibit halls. The sound system is designed to be versatile and high performing. It comprises eight JBL Professional VLA line-array clusters powered by Crown CTs series amps for football application. In other applications where additional sound reinforcement is required, six clusters of 12 JBL Professional VERTEC™ VT4888DP-AN midsize powered line array loudspeakers drop down from the stadium roof. Crown PIP-USP3CN modules installed in the CTs Series amplifiers provide EQ, level control, delay and signal.

As the JBL Professional VERTEC and VLA Line Arrays and the Crown CTs Series amplifiers are HiQnet-enabled, system designers employed HiQnet System Architect to custom design master control panels to manage the configuration, operation and monitoring of up to 438 devices in a single venue file. System Architect provides a highly customizable, ultra-intuitive interface and allows recall of pre-programmed configurations for different applications from concerts to basketball games to conventions.

Commenting on the application, Gary Dunn, Executive Vice President of Business Development, ESCO Communications noted, “Our Project Manager, Keith Schuetter, and his team were very happy with the performance of the HiQnet system. The HiQnet System Architect software is very versatile and easy to use. It is powerful and the presentation is appealing. Harman was supportive throughout the project. Bradford Benn of Crown International was highly involved in the design and implementation of the custom software. We feel Harman as a whole was instrumental in the project’s success.”

Rick Kreifeldt, Vice President of Harman System Development & Integration Group (SDIG) is equally impressed with the Lucas Oil Stadium. “The versatility of this stadium to accommodate football on a Sunday or Monday and then transform itself into a basketball arena or convention center over the course of the following week is a testament to the foresight and design capabilities of all involved — and from our perspective the teams from WJHW and ESCO Communications,” Kreifedt said today. “We’re pleased that HiQnet was able to contribute to the performance and versatility of this stadium as we believe that custom configurability and reliable performance are two of the key attributes that make HiQnet successful in the marketplace.”

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.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12 
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Related Image:
Moving_wall.jpg

October 7, 2008 - For Immediate Release

ELKHART, Indiana -- Crown Audio proudly announces that Gerald Stanley, the company's Senior Vice President of Research, has just been selected by the Audio Engineering Society's awards committee and board of governors to receive the distinguished AES Fellowship Award in 2008.

According to AES Secretary Han Tendeloo, Stanley's award for "significant contributions to power amplifier design and electronic networking of communications systems" will be presented in San Francisco next October during the 125th AES Convention, which also marks the Society's 60th anniversary year.

"I was surprised and humbled to receive the offer to become an AES Fellow not having been highly absorbed in regular Society activities," notes Stanley. "There have been a number of technical presentations made to the local chapters over a period of many years and an occasional conference paper, but not the level of AES involvement that is typical of a number of my 'Fellow' friends. And although awards presentations are often associated with doing something difficult or heroic, I consider myself fortunate to soon be recognized for simply doing what I've always considered fun."

Originally joining Crown in 1964 as a tape recorder line technician, draftsman, and amplifier design engineer, Stanley is today widely considered pro audio's foremost authority in power amplifier design. Highly respected for his work on the original DC 300 back in 1967, Stanley has been responsible for many of Crown's most successful products over the years, including the Macro-Tech, K, CTs and I-Tech Series. During his prolific 43-year tenure with Crown, he has also been integral in the design of a wide array of other products, including tape recorders, signal processors, magnetic resonance gradient amplifiers (for MRI machines), and semiconductor and audio test equipment, including the original TEF analyzers.

As an AES Fellow, Stanley joins a select list of honored industry luminaries, including Soundcraft's Graham Blyth (awarded in 2007), JBL Professional's Doug Button and Mark Gander, Harman/Becker Automotive Systems' Don Keele and Richard Small, and Harman Consumer Group's Ulrich Horbach (formerly with Studer), David Griesinger (of Lexicon fame), and Floyd Toole (now retired).

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12 
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
Stanley_speaking.jpg

September 30, 2008 - For Immediate Release

NORTHRIDGE, California -- Harman Professional today announced the promotion of Scott Robbins from Senior Vice President of Sales, Crown Audio to group-wide Vice President of Sales with the specific mandate to work with brand-level sales executives to strengthen existing sales operations and to grow Harman Professional’s sales presence in emerging markets.  Today’s announcement was made by Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales, to whom Robbins reports.

“Scott Robbins is a tremendous asset to Harman Professional and a resource to our distribution partners and customers alike,” MacDonald said today. “In his new position, his experience, energy and intelligence will benefit all of our brands and not just Crown Audio whom he has served so well and grown so effectively.  I look forward to working with Scott to grow the Harman business in emerging international markets and, in doing so, to raise the threshold of expectation for performance, integration, quality and value in those markets where we have yet to gain a significant foothold.”

Commenting on his appointment, Robbins said today, “Harman Professional has operated very successfully as a constellation of independent, category-leading brands but we have systematically capitalized on the group concept by sharing manufacturing resources, R&D, marketing, accounting and market intelligence.  Now, as we take a more systems-approach to sales operations, I am very pleased and honored to lead this initiative.  Working with Michael MacDonald, the new regional sales offices and the sales teams at our brands, my goal is to make it easier for our distribution partners and customers around the world to do business with Harman Professional.”

Scott Robbins holds a bachelors degree in Organizational Management and joined Crown Audio’s service department in 1987. He was progressively promoted to more senior sales positions within the company.  During this time, he helped grow the sales in all geographic and vertical markets and was responsible for organizing and managing sales partners across the globe.

“Scott’s career success at Crown Audio and now at Harman Professional is testament to his personality, drive and acumen,” noted Mark Graham, President, Crown Audio.  “But equally it’s an affirmation of Crown Audio’s culture of promoting talented and hard working members of our team.  We congratulate Scott on his new position at Harman Professional and look forward to working with him in this new capacity at the group level.”

An early initiative that Robbins will spearhead will be the successful start-up of Harman Professional’s new sales offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12 
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
scottRobbins.jpg

7 September, 2008 - For Immediate Release

LONDON, England — In another example of the worldwide movement by audio professionals towards complete sound systems comprised exclusively of Harman Professional components, Oktoberfest 2008, which takes place in Munich later this month, features four major tents equipped with audio technologies from Crown Audio, Soundcraft, JBL Professional, AKG and BSS Audio.  The systems for the Hacker, Weinzelt, Armbrustschützen and Löwenbräu tents are provided by Max Ihm and Andreas Wallisch of LUTV (www.lutv.de) of Forstinning on the outskirts of Munich.

At the Löwenbräu tent 12 JBL Professional VERTEC® VT4887 compact line array elements and eight JBL Professional P744 1x18" subwoofers will be powered by eight Crown I-Tech IT4000 Series amplifiers with mixing by a 48-channel Soundcraft Series 4 console and processing by BSS Soundweb 9088 networked signal processor.  Four JBL Professional SRX712M monitor wedges will be joined onstage with a battery of AKG microphones.

At the neighboring Armbrustschützen tent, a similar loudspeaker lineup of 12 JBL Professional VT4887 compact line array elements, eight JBL P744 subwoofers and four JBL SRX712M monitor wedges are powered by eight Crown CTs3000 amplifiers equipped with eight Crown PIP USP3 cards.  In this instance, longtime-Oktoberfest sound system suppliers, LUTV, elected to use a 40 channel Soundcraft GB8 mixing board and again reverted to the BSS Soundweb 9088 for processing.  Here also, AKG microphones will be used for instrument and vocal use.

The system employed at the Hacker tent comprises 18 JBL Professional VERTEC VT4887 line array elements at its core with six JBL P744 subwoofers providing the low end.  Ihm and Wallisch deployed 12 Crown MacroTech MA5002Vz outfitted with 12 Crown PIP USP3 cards communicating with a BSS Soundweb 9088 networked signal processor. AKG microphones will also be featured onstage for instruments and singers of the traditional Bavarian folk performers that, together with the beer and the crowds, have made Oktoberfest such a unique and fun event.  The Weinzelt tent will also feature components from JBL Professional, Crown, BSS Audio and AKG, though details are being finalized.

Commenting on the application, Max Ihm noted, " LUTV GmbH is providing sound systems and technical equipment since more than 25 year for various tent at the Wiesn [Oktoberfest].  From the beginning JBL loudspeakers and other Harman sound equipment were our first choice.”

Andreas Wallisch agrees: "Our customers and we have high expectations regarding the performance of PA systems. JBL speakers like VERTEC meet and surpass our sophisticated quality standards."

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications 
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12 
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
Oktoberfest_bierzelt.JPG

7 September, 2008 - For Immediate Release

LONDON, England – Powering a sound system for a concert with screaming fans is never an easy task.  Powering a sound system with screaming fans and dozens of motorcycle engines revving at the Red Bull X-Fighters Motocross in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is even more difficult. Showcasing the power and sound quality of Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers, Brazilian sound reinforcement company, Loudness Sonorização selected 60 Crown I-Tech amps to power a JBL line array loudspeaker system for the motocross event in Rio.

This one day event highlights riders from around the world, while they perform dare-devil stunts for cheering fans, all the while, their motorcycle engines revving and quickly throttling up to build up the speed necessary to launch themselves 30, 40 or even 50 feet in the air.

“When we selected Crown’s I-Tech line, we knew that these amps would not only be able to deliver the power necessary to overcome the incredible sound of the motorcycles, but the clarity to allow the fans to hear the announcements,” said Márcio Pilot, Director of Loudness Sonorização.

For the event Loudness Sonorização provided 48 Crown IT-8000 and 12 Crown IT-4000 amplifiers. They powered JBL VERTEC VT4889 loudspeakers. Pilot chose the Crown Amplifiers for sound quality, internal DSP, reliability, and ease of installation.  “Crown is recognized worldwide as the best amplifiers you can buy for sound reinforcement, tour sound and fixed installations,” stated Pilot.   

Available in I-T4000, I-T6000 and I-T8000 iterations, the Harman HiQnet™-compatible I-Tech family has become the tour sound professional’s de-facto standard amplifier by matching unsurpassed Class-I power, light weight and ease of use. Onboard DSP provides a wide array of signal processing functionality, significantly reducing the need for rack components and rack wiring. Onboard DSP features 24- bit, 96 kHz A/D and D/A converters that reduce DSP noise for studio-quality processing and quieter overall performance. I-Tech features peak voltage and RMS power limiting for speaker protection and global power supply to deliver maximum power worldwide! The model boasts a front panel LCD for diagnostics and preset selection, ensuring fast and easy system setup but also front panel lockout for enhanced safety.

For more information about Loudness Sonorização please visit: http://www.loudness.com.br

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Hi-Res Image:
I-Tech Series

LONDON, England — Reaffirming its commitment to advance HiQnet System Architect™ as the most progressive, versatile and user-intuitive interface for system configuration and control, Harman Professional today gives System Architect Version 1.8 its European debut at PLASA’08.  New advances include the ability to copy HiQnet parameter strings directly to the Windows clipboard for pasting into third-party control interface applications enabling system-wide control from control interfaces such as those manufactured by AMX and Crestron.  System-wide events can now also be triggered from device-specific error conditions, such as recalling a preset for a zone based on the conditions of individual amplifiers.  A user-definable selection of controls can be automatically readdressed to different devices/parameters on a Custom Control Panel in a few simple steps, and advanced zonal control is now possible.  A Fast Meter control has been added for improved meter response and device synchronization has been simplified and improved. 

With System Architect Version 1.8, we’re achieving the twin task of simplifying the operation and improving the functionality,” explained Rick Kreifeldt, Vice President, Harman System Development & Integration Group (SDIG).  “In doing so, we’re making the application more useful and more accessible to a broader community of systems integrators and tour sound professionals.”

New to System Architect in Version 1.8 is the new Region Control, which enables systems integrators to draw a planagram of a building and set zone to warn of variable conditions on a Custom Control Panel.  Additionally, the control acts as a button, enabling up to 10 system functions to be called – an improvement, which has also been added to the existing System Button control.  An automatic login option enables the integrator to provide login-free access to a control-only instance of System Architect left behind for day-to-day operators, continuing to hide away elements of the system design as before, but removing the need for individuals to remember user-names and passwords.  Version 1.8 also features improved performance to the multi-parameter fader with larger numbers of parameters capable of now being assigned. 

System Architect Version 1.8 comes at a time when Harman SDIG is taking a leadership role in the IEEE Audio Video Bridge (AVB) 802.1 task force (www.ieee802.org) to develop and adopt an open universal audio/video network platform.  At the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco in October SDIG’s Robert Boatright will join representatives from Apple and Broadcom Corp. to make a presentation on the development of standards-based network with the appropriate quality of service for high quality audio performance and production. (http://www.aes.org/events/125/tutorials/session.cfm?displayall)

“HiQnet has achieved critical mass in terms of customer deployment, products enabled and feature advancement,” Kreifeldt said today. “With this momentum we are expanding the control capabilities of HiQnet by enabling integration with third-party control systems from manufacturers such as Crestron and AMX.”

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.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

7 September, 2008 - For Immediate Release

LONDON, England – Taking advantage of the power and flexibility of Crown’s I-Tech Series amplifiers, Sirius Showequipment AG of Niederdorfelden, Germany provided Audio Analysts with over 100 of Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers for use on the Bruce Springsteen tour throughout Europe, while Audio Analysts also provided Crown I-Tech amplifiers on the North American portion of the tour.  The amplifiers powered JBL VerTec VT4889 and VT4887 line array elements and JBL VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. Springsteen’s tour began in Hartford, Connecticut on February 28, making 29 stops throughout North America before a 12-country tour in Europe. The tour returned to Springsteen’s home state of New Jersey for three performances at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford on July 27, 28 and 29, where with the help of his fans, Springsteen belted out classics including “Out In The Street”, “No Surrender”, “Thunder Road”, “Born to Run” and “Glory Days.” The final show took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 30.

Audio Analysts’ FOH Engineer for Bruce Springsteen, John Cooper said, “When Bruce performs, he wants to ensure his fans get the best audio experience possible.  We turn to Crown’s I-Tech Series because we know these amps will deliver the power and performance Bruce requires and they will function again and again. My RMS to peak voltage requirements are very wide and the I-Tech amps are able to deliver that dynamic performance that I need.” 

PA Tech Todd Hartman noted, “Crown and JBL are truly the best products available and I wouldn’t use anything else since I always know they will perform and sound great.”

“When Bruce performs on the edge of the stage, he likes to feel the power of the PA and wants to make sure that the fans at the barricade get the same impact that those people 10 or 20 rows back experience as well as those fans that are 650 feet away in the top seat of the stadium,” Cooper added. “By using the VerTec line array, we are able to unhinge the last one or two boxes to create downfill.”

The I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing which was used for additional adjustment of the JBL arrays. With the built-in LCD screen on the front panel, basic features and amplifier status can be accessed from the amplifier’s location.  Additionally, the added convenience of HiQnet networking allows a front of house or monitor engineer to easily monitor an amplifiers status from their location.

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.”

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.

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Related Hi-Resolution Images:
springsteen823.jpg

David McKinney, Senior Director of Sales, Asia, 
Harman Professional

NORTHRIDGE, California — In a move to foster closer, more communicative and ultimately more successful commercial relationships with its channel partners in Asia, Latin America and Canada, Harman Professional today announced the opening of new Field Sales Offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The Kuala Lumpur Field Sales Office will be led by David McKinney, who is promoted to Senior Director of Sales, Asia, Harman Professional.  The San Juan Field Office will serve Latin America and Canada and will be led by Jaime Albors, who is promoted to Senior Director of Sales, Intercontinental, Harman Professional.  Both offices will soon add new hires in field sales and technical support.

Today’s announcement was made by Michael MacDonald, Harman Professional Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales, who identified the need for stronger ties with channel partners and the group’s determination to grow its business in emerging markets as key drivers for setting up the new field offices. “Harman Professional owes much of its global success to the contribution of channel partners in Asia, Latin America and Canada.  In recognition of this fact and the considerable opportunity presented by emerging markets in Latin America and Asia, we are investing in these new offices in regions that have previously been on the edge of our geographic reach.  In doing so we’re co-locating resources with opportunities and we’re also becoming a more global organization.”

David McKinney has proven to be an effective sales leader in his role as Director of Asia Sales for the Harman Music Group.  Supporting David McKinney in the position of Director, Asian Sales, North is industry veteran Thomas Marcher.  Marcher, formerly Crown Asian Sales Director, has over a decade of industry experience and will be instrumental in building territory momentum.

As Senior Director of Sales, Intercontinental, Jaime Albors will build on his successful track record in his previous role as Intercontinental Sales Director for Crown Audio.  Albors will be joined by John Powell who assumes the position of Director, Latin America/Canada Sales, North.  Powell was formerly Regional Sales Manager for the Harman Music Group and brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

“In David and Jaime and their teams, Harman Professional has proven performers with deep market experience, highly evolved technical expertise and strong relationships with our valued channel partners,” MacDonald continued.  “I look forward to working with both to advance the service and support we provide our channel partners and also to extend our brand reach and sales performance in the emerging markets of Latin America and Asia.

The Harman Professional Asia Field Sales Office can be reached at (60) 3 7725-0331 or via email at david.mckinney@harmanpro.com.  The Harman Professional InterContinental Field Sales Office can be reached at 1-574-970-2943 or via email at jalbors@crownintl.com.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Related Hi-Resolution Images:
David McKinney
Jaime Albors

NORTHRIDGE, California — Continuing a tradition of Harman Professional sound technologies being employed at the conventions of both major U.S. political parties, the company today announced that its JBL Professional VERTEC® line array loudspeakers were deployed by leading rental sound system provider, ATK Audiotek, at the Democratic National Convention at Denver’s Pepsi Center.  A JBL VERTEC system was also used for presidential candidate Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at the city’s Invesco Field football stadium, with Crown power amplifiers also in use at both facilities. The combination of JBL speakers and Crown amplifiers has also served as the sound system of choice for many of the party’s recent election rallies and assemblies around the nation. 

The Pepsi Center in downtown Denver opened its doors to Democrat convention-goers on August 25 and hosted key speeches by Senator Ted Kennedy, Michelle Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton and other party stalwarts including Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Joe Biden.  The convention concluded on August 28 with an acceptance speech by Senator Obama at Denver’s Invesco Field and featured live performances by Steve Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Will.i.am accompanied by John Legend, and the Agape Choir, Sheryl Crow and Michael McDonald.  The stadium swelled to an 85,000-person capacity with much of the infield used for temporary seating. 

Event Sound Designer and Chief Engineer Pat Baltzell of Baltzell Audio Design specified 82 JBL VERTEC VT4889 large-format line array loudspeakers, eight VT4880A arrayable subwoofers and 68 VT4887 compact line array loudspeakers set up in distributed fill arrays for the Pepsi Center sound system.  ATK Audiotek deployed 22 channels of bi-amped amplification with Crown Micro-Tech 1200 on the high frequency drivers Macro-Tech 3600 for low frequency drivers.  The portable system for Invesco Field comprised 76 JBL VERTEC VT4889 full-size line array elements and 12 JBL VT4880A arrayable subwoofers in sports-venue perimeter configuration along with 32 JBL VT4888 midsize line array elements for delay-tower applications powered by three racks of Crown I-Tech IT8000 amplifiers.  All monitors for the Invesco Field performances were powered by 20 channels of Crown Micro-Tech 1200 and Macro-Tech 3600.  An additional battery of Crown I-Tech IT4000 amplifiers powered JBL Professional VRX928 compact line array elements for fill applications throughout the stadium. According to Mike Stahl, President of ATK Audiotek, the system performance, ease of integration and proven reliability make Harman Professional components the go-to solution in such high-profile applications.

 “From the Grammys to the Emmys to the Academy Awards, ATK Audiotek’s business is dedicated to providing excellent, highly reliable sound performance coupled with world-class customer service for the most prestigious events in the United States entertainment, sporting and political calendar,” Stahl said today.  “For these once-in-a-lifetime special events we cannot afford to miss a spoken word, a musical note or any subtle inflection, which is why we work with the sound components and the people from Harman Professional.  JBL VERTEC loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers provide my team with the sound system performance to get our job done successfully along with the ease of mind to sleep comfortably before these large events!”

Echoing this sentiment, Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Harman Professional, noted, “Working with top professionals like Mike Stahl and Scott Harmala at ATK Audiotek, along with leading event sound designers such as Pat Baltzell, we are honored and pleased to have our sound system technologies deployed in the most demanding and prestigious applications like the Democratic National Convention.  But just as we are encouraged and gratified by the consistent use of our products in these mission-critical events, we understand the need to earn our customers’ business with every product we build and with every project we support!”

ATK Audiotek Inc. can be reached at http://www.atkcorp.com/

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs 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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Related Hi-Resolution Images:
Obama_DNC.jpg

ELKHART, Indiana – Known for its power, performance and reliability, Crown Audio’s legendary I-Tech Series of amplifiers was selected by Audio Analysts of Colorado Springs, Colorado for Bruce Springsteen’s North American tour. Crown’s I-T4000 and I-T8000 amplifiers were used to power JBL VerTec VT4889 and VT4887 line array elements and JBL VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. Springsteen’s tour began in Hartford, Connecticut on February 28, making 29 stops throughout North America before a 12-country tour in Europe. The tour returned to Springsteen’s home state of New Jersey for three performances at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford on July 27, 28 and 29, where with the help of his fans, Springsteen belted out classics including “Out In The Street”, “No Surrender”, “Thunder Road”, “Born to Run” and “Glory Days.” The final show will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 30.

Audio Analysts’ FOH Engineer for Bruce Springsteen, John Cooper said, “When Bruce performs, he wants to ensure his fans get the best audio experience possible.  We turn to Crown’s I-Tech Series because we know these amps will deliver the power and performance Bruce requires and they will function again and again. My RMS to peak voltage requirements are very wide and the I-Tech amps are able to deliver that dynamic performance that I need.” 

PA Tech Todd Hartman noted, “Crown and JBL are truly the best products available and I wouldn’t use anything else since I always know they will perform and sound great.”

“When Bruce performs on the edge of the stage, he likes to feel the power of the PA and wants to make sure that the fans at the barricade get the same impact that those people 10 or 20 rows back experience as well as those fans that are 650 feet away in the top seat of the stadium,” Cooper added. “By using the VerTec line array, we are able to unhinge the last one or two boxes to create downfill.”

“I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing which was used for additional adjustment of the JBL line arrays. With the built-in LCD screen on the front panel, basic features and amplifier status can be accessed from the amplifier’s location.  Additionally, the added convenience of HiQnet™ networking allows a front of house or monitor engineer to easily monitor an amplifiers status from their location” says Bert Pare, President of Audio Analysts.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Related Hi-Resolution Images:
Amplifier Racks

ELKHART, Indiana – Taking advantage of the power and flexibility of Crown’s I-Tech Series amplifiers, Sirius Showequipment AG of Niederdorfelden, Germany provided Audio Analysts with over 100 of Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers for use on the Bruce Springsteen tour throughout Europe. The European leg of the 23-stop tour began with three shows in Dublin, Ireland on May 22nd, 23rd and 24th followed by four shows throughout the U.K. The tour continued in Dusseldorf and Hamburg, Germany with a single appearance in Amsterdam in between on June 18th. Antwerp, Belgium; Milan, Italy; Paris, France and Copenhagen, Denmark were all treated to single-night appearances of “The Boss.” The tour continued to Oslo, Norway and Helsinki, Finland before concluding with four nights in three locations in Spain: San Sebastian, Madrid and Barcelona. The tour then returned to the U.S with a 3-night stint in Springsteen’s home state of New Jersey at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford.

“We chose Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers because they sound great and are extremely easy to use and to install,” said Holger Shader, Technical Director/Senior Engineer. “They work really well with the JBL VerTec line array speakers we are using on the tour. By using HiQnet™ for setup and monitoring, we are able to get a real-time status check on the amplifiers. We were amazed at how quickly and efficiently we were able to setup the racks during each stop on the tour.”

For the tour, Sirius Showequipment AG used I-Tech 4000 amps for the FOH system to power the JBL VT4889 and VT4887 VerTec line array elements. Additionally, I-Tech 8000 amplifiers were used to power the JBL VT4880 arrayable subwoofer.

Audio Analysts’ FOH Engineer for Bruce Springsteen, John Cooper noted, “I really love using Crown’s I-Tech amps on this tour. They are easy to integrate with JBL’s VerTec speakers and the HiQnet system allows us to easily create control pages that we can quickly access.”

The I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing which was used for additional adjustment of the JBL arrays. With the built-in LCD screen on the front panel, basic features and amplifier status can be accessed from the amplifier’s location. Additionally, the added convenience of HiQnet networking allows a front of house or monitor engineer to easily monitor an amplifiers status from their location.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Related Hi-Resolution Images:
080815_springsteen.jpg
080815_springsteen2.jpg

JBL VERTEC® speakers, Crown I-Tech amplifiers and Soundcraft Vi6 Digital Consoles specified 
for spectacular event sound system design.

NORTHRIDGE, California – In one of the most-watched global media events of the year, the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing was held on Friday, August 8 at the newly-constructed Beijing National Stadium (known informally as “The Bird’s Nest”). The Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of the 29th Olympic Summer Games. While the Stadium normally has a capacity of 80,000, an additional 11,000 temporary seats helped accommodate the 91,000 spectators at the ceremony, which lasted nearly four hours, and included four segments: the opening address, artistic performances, entrance of the competing athletes, and lighting of the primary Olympic torch flame inside the stadium.

Composer Tan Dun provided the musical score for the event, which featured more than 15,000 performers and was highlighted by Chinese gymnast Li Ning lighting the Olympic torch. Centered around the theme of "Civilization and Harmony," the spectacular performances, including costuming, sets and overall production effects, were designed by Zhang Yimou, the renowned film director, who aimed to convey the "conception of harmony from an international perspective." Leading-edge projection, lighting and mobile sculpture technologies and an entertainment production stage designed by Mark Fisher were an integral part of the technical production, along with extravagant fireworks displays. Sound Media Fusion facilitated the event audio system design, programming and deployment, which prominently featured JBL VERTEC® line arrays, Crown I-Tech amplifiers and Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing consoles.

Gary Hardesty (Chief Designer, Audio- Beijing Olympic Ceremonies Department; Technical Consultant, Panasonic for all Olympic Ceremonies and competition/non-competition venues) had the complex but rewarding task of specifying and implementing the massive, multi-zone, distributed sound reinforcement system approach to integrate portable and installed speaker locations.

“All FOP [field of play] speakers needed to be self-powered arrays due to highly restrictive physical space limitations,” explained Sound Media Fusion’s Gary Hardesty. “In the case of the JBL products, I needed small size and a lot of SPL, not to mention predictable coverage. The JBL VERTEC DP systems were part of a very large, distributed, multi-zone system and they performed flawlessly, exceeding my requirements and expectations. The sound quality was very good. Overall, the venue sound for the event was excellent, with an 'in-your-face' direct sound characteristic throughout the audience area. We achieved excellent acoustic isolation from zone to zone with zero intelligibility problems. Even considering the massive venue size, the result was very, very good for all concerned.”

Numerous Harman HiQnet™-compatible VT4888DP-AN powered midsize line array elements and VT4882DP-AN companion subwoofers with JBL DrivePack® technology were selected to cover various portions of the stadium, including array locations dedicated for use in critical end-zone locations.

These were configured as ground-based stacks, each containing two or three enclosures. Arrays were masked with neutral grey weather-protective covers, and many speaker units were installed behind facades and integrated into Hardesty’s overall system design underneath temporary staging platforms, including the 5 Rings Plaza and the National Flags Platform. Additionally, a total of 26 JBL MS-26 ultra-compact fill speakers were dedicated for second tribune and VIP stand fill.

Passive speaker systems were powered by Crown I-T6000 and I-T4000 power amplifiers, compatible with hundreds of other Crown amplifiers installed for the venue’s audio system infrastructure. Additionally, Soundcraft Vi6™ digital consoles were part of the event sound system. In addition to the high-profile event system for the Opening and Closing ceremonies, Harman products have been specified and installed for more than a dozen Olympic venues in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, including the National Olympics Conference Center, The National Stadium, National Aquatics Center, and Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, as well as various fencing, softball and equestrian sports facilities.

“Global multi-media spectacles such as the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games have the highest level of audio performance expectations, and require an ever-increasing amount of advance planning, with coverage and output predictions for specialized loudspeaker systems being paramount,” noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “JBL and Harman’s other professional audio brands are honored to have our products be selected for use in this demanding and high-profile application.”

Sound Media Fusion’s efforts for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games were assisted by Harman Professional’s Chinese distributor, ACE (Advanced Communication Equipment) whose staff provided JBL and other Harman brand product application information and regional technical support. Duncan Edwards was on hand as a direct assistant to Mr. Hardesty for music programming and system tuning. “The technical collaboration between Gary Hardesty, Duncan Edwards and the entire Chinese team, including Mr. Ma Xin [assistant sound designer to Mr. Hardesty] and Mr. Jin Shao Gang [FOH sound engineer for the opening ceremony], was inspirational to see,” observed ACE’s Bingo Tso. “This teamwork has resulted in a highly successful achievement, the most spectacular sound reinforcement project in the nation to date”.

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.

For additional information on Sound Media Fusion, contact www.soundmediafusion.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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Related Hi-Resolution Images:
JBL_OpeningCeremony.jpg
JBL_OpeningCeremony2.jpg

ELKHART, Indiana — Demonstrating the performance consistency and system reliability of Crown Audio’s CTs Series amplifiers in concert with the efficient network capability of Crown’s IQ Series network cards, Beijing’s new 18,000-seat Wukesong Indoor Stadium, home to the basketball competitions at the 2008 Summer Olympics, features a complement of three Crown CTs600 amplifiers, two CTs1200 amplifiers, two CTs3000 amplifiers networked via seven Crown IQ3-PIP-Lite cards and Harman’s HiQnet™ system configuration and control protocol. The networked amplifiers drive 22 JBL Professional Control 29AV-1 loudspeakers.

Situated in Western Beijing, the 63,000-square meter facility was completed in January 2008 and after the Olympic basketball preliminaries and finals will become a major cultural, recreational center for the citizens of Beijing, integrating cultural, sporting and commercial facilities with large-scale gardens and green space.

The audio design required engineers to specify and install a system that would sound great despite the resonant surfaces of the large space. Because the system would enjoy a second life after the games reliability, scalability and versatility needed to be balanced carefully with the budgetary limitations.

“The Crown CTs Series is a proven performer for installed sound applications and, together with the JBL Professional loudspeakers, will provide Olympic basketball fans and the citizens of Beijing with quality audio for years to come,” noted Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing, Crown Audio. “And because CTs amplifiers are so easily networked using IQ-PIP cards and HiQnet, the system is optimally configured for the games but can be easily configured and controlled for many future applications via the HiQnet™ System Architect™ user interface.”

Crown’s CTs Series amplifiers provide exceptional performance, flexibility and value for installed sound applications. CTs Series amplifiers feature independent selection of high and low impedance operation for a specific channel, plus power levels and features that were carefully chosen to match the requirements of fixed install design. Crown Audio PIP Lite integrates Ethernet-based network control via 100-Mb TCP/IQ protocol for digital control of analog devices with digital signal control for error trapping, proactive response and remote load monitoring. 
The Wukesong Indoor Stadium is one of ten venues for the 2008 Summer Olympics games that feature audio systems by Harman Professional. The Beijing National Aquatics Centre, features JBL Professional loudspeakers, a Soundcraft console, Crown amplifiers and BSS Audio processing. Fengtai Softball Field features Soundcraft consoles, JBL Professional loudspeakers, dbx processing and Crown amplifiers. Many of the same Harman companies are featured in the 10,000-seat Chang Ping Indoor Arena. That audio system features JBL Professional loudspeakers driven by Crown amplifiers, managed by dbx processing and Soundcraft consoles. The Beijing Foreign Language University Stadium sound system comprises BSS processing, Crown amplifiers, dbx patchbays, Lexicon processors and Soundcraft consoles. In Shanghai, the Shanghai Stadium features JBL loudspeakers, BSS Audio and Lexicon signal processing, Crown microphones and Soundcraft consoles. The Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue is outfitted with JBL Professional loudspeakers and Soundcraft mixers and the Laoshoan Velodrome features JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS processing and dbx system control. The Olympic Green Convention Centre features Soundcraft consoles, Crown amplifiers, BSS processors and JBL loudspeakers. The Beijing National Stadium is equipped with an awesome array of Crown I-Tech amplifiers.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Daniel O’Connell 
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12
doconnell@griffinpr.com

Industry standard power amplifier line updated with numerous additional features

FRANKFURT, Germany - Hall 8.0 / Walkway G / Stands 32 & 42 -- For over two decades, Crown International’s Macro-Tech Series has been embraced by the professional sound reinforcement industry as the most reliable, best sounding analog power amplifier line that money can buy. Now, thanks to the advent of newer technologies, Crown has undergone a careful yet significant refresh of the range, which is being globally re-launched at Musikmesse Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt as the Macro-Tech i Series.

Comprised of three models – the MA-5000i, MA-9000i and MA12000i – the Macro-Tech i Series builds upon its predecessor by incorporating Crown’s advanced, patented Class-I circuitry, which efficiently delivers significantly greater power while simultaneously reducing overall amplifier weight by more than half. The new lineup is also equipped with comprehensive status, fault, and load monitoring via standard Ethernet networking and Harman Pro’s HiQnet™ and System Architect software. Furthermore, a universal power-factor corrected power supply ensures that the new models can be used literally anywhere in the world, delivering full rated power regardless of where touring schedules may lead.

“Between our groundbreaking I-Tech Series and new Macro-Tech i Series, Crown is the only manufacturer to have two premium amplifier product lines dedicated to touring sound,” says Brian Divine, market director for touring sound and engineered sound. “And although we’ve certainly implemented some powerful changes to Macro-Tech with this new update, our customers can be assured that we haven’t compromised any of the things that made the original line so successful, including its rugged build, rock-solid reliability, and unparalleled sonic accuracy.”

As is the case with all Crown amplifiers, the Macro-Tech i Series is backed by the manufacturer’s industry-exclusive Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.

Scheduled to begin shipping in April, the Macro-Tech i Series features the following power ratings and U.S. pricing:

• MA-5000i – 1800W per channel at 2 ohms (with 2565W 20mS burst), 2000W per channel at 4 ohms, 1250W per channel at 8 ohms, 3600W at 4 ohms bridged, and 4000W at 8 ohms bridged; $4,255 MSRP

• MA-9000i – 2500W per channel at 2 ohms (with 4570W 20mS burst), 3000W per channel at 4 ohms, 1500W per channel at 8 ohms, 5000W at 4 ohms bridged, and 6000W at 8 ohms bridged; $5,200 MSRP

• MA-12000i – 3500W per channel at 2 ohms (with 5900W 20mS burst), 4000W per channel at 4 ohms, 2100W per channel at 8 ohms, 7000W at 4 ohms bridged, and 8000W at 8 ohms bridged; $6,855 MSRP

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About HiQnet:
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 the Harman Pro Group System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world’s largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
Email: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:
Macro-Tech_i_Series-front.jpg
Macro-Tech_i_Series-angled.jpg

CARIBBEAN -- For the first time in history, last year’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) was held in the Caribbean, with matches staged in eight venues across the West Indies territory. A huge success by all standards, the games drew an attendance of 672,000 – including more than 100,000 international visitors – and were televised to more than two billion viewers in over 200 countries, further cementing Cricket’s reputation as the world’s second most popular sport.

Prior to the games, however, venues in Barbados and Trinidad were tasked with upgrading their outdated sound systems to meet the requirements of the International Cricket Council, while a newly constructed stadium in Antigua was in need of an initial audio system. For all three facilities, AMR Limited of Trinidad proudly “stepped up to bat” by designing and installing sophisticated PAVA (Public Address and Voice Alarm) systems sporting Crown Audio amplification, BSS Audio processing and JBL Professional loudspeakers. At the heart of each of these installs is Harman Pro’s HiQnet™, a control protocol that allows for seamless integration between the various audio components.

Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium on the Caribbean island of Antigua is a state-of-the-art facility that was built specifically for use in the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The stands at Viv Richards normally have a capacity of 10,000, but for the six “Super 8” games that it hosted, enough temporary seating was added to double that figure. Built at an estimated cost of $60M, this multi-use stadium is referred to as “ultra-modern” and the audio system that was installed certainly lives up to the claim.

Each of the two stadium stands today benefits from a BSS Soundweb London BLU-80 signal processor, which controls a total of 27 Crown CTs 2000 LITE (CTs 2000 with a PIP-Lite Module) and three CTs 8200 USP/CN. All JBL ceiling and surface mount speakers were distributed systems run 70-volt using Crown CDi power amplifiers, while the large format horns were run as low impedance 8-ohm systems by the CTs models.

With a seating capacity of 25,000, the Queen’s Park Oval on the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the largest and most famous international cricket ground in the West Indies. Home to the Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) since 1896, this facility underwent a major upgrade for its hosting duties.

According to AMR Ltd. Sales Engineer Michael Pereira, who was also the PAVA project manager for this venue, “This was a complete redesign. Originally, the stadium’s stand had a maximum of two bi-radial horns per floor giving very poor intelligibility and inconsistent volume levels at the best of times.” In addition to the existing quality issues, there were also a number of new requirements that came from the International Cricket Council taking over the stadium for the CWC.

Each of the nine stands now has a BSS signal processor – three BLU-80 and six BLU-32 – which collectively feed 23 Crown CTs 2000 LITE and 21 Crown CDi 2000 amplifiers. In addition, three Crown XTi 2000 amplifiers fed by a BSS Soundweb SW3088MM were used to run a temporary system in the adjacent park.

Pereira proudly shared some of the response he has received for the new Queen’s Park sound system, “There were many instances where fans commented on the system, some being happy that they were finally able to understand the announcer and others impressed by the clarity and high intelligibility of both announcements and music which were played over the system. Stadium owners were impressed by the flexibility of the system and the ability to monitor and control the entire stadium’s system from a common point.”

The Kensington Oval on the island of Barbados, known locally as the “Mecca” of cricket, has been hosting the sport for more than 120 years. In addition to its cricket duties, this venue has hosted a wide variety of events, such as football (soccer), hockey, beauty pageants, and concerts. The Kensington stadium had the honor of being the host for the 2007 Cricket World Cup final between Australia and Sri Lanka, hosting over 20,000 enthusiastic fans. Three years ago, a complete redevelopment of the stadium, costing a reported $45M, began in preparation for the games.

Like the Queen’s Park Oval, each of Kensington Oval’s six stands has a BSS signal processor – three BLU-80 and three BLU-32 – controlling five Crown CTs 8200, 29 CTs 2000 and four XTi 2000 power amplifiers. As in the other stadiums, all of the ceiling speakers and surface mounts were run 70V using the Crown CDi amps, while the large horns were run 8-ohm with the CTs models.

AMR Limited is a Trinidad-based Harman Pro distributor serving most of the Caribbean with professional audio, video and specialty lighting. AMR is also the largest contracting company for presentation venues in the Caribbean and is well known for its experience in the design, supply and installation of specialty systems for entertainment and presentation venues. For more information on AMR, contact AMR@trinidad.net or 868.638.6385.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world’s largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:
1) Sir_Vivian_Richards_Cricket_Stadium.jpg
2) Kensington_Oval.jpg
3) Queens_Park_Oval_amp_racks.jpg – Queen Park’s nine Crown/BSS racks prior to installation in Trinidad

GRANGER, Indiana – Taking advantage of Crown’s Commercial Audio Series amplifiers with a built-in XM Radio tuner, Uptown Kitchen, located in Granger, Indiana recently underwent a system overhaul and now has clear, balanced background music throughout the restaurant, matching the bright and fun atmosphere the owners have created.

Unhappy with the previous system, Owner Jonathan Lutz turned to United Digital Integrators (UDI) to fix their “musical problems” and bring in a great sounding and easy to use solution for their indoor and outdoor seating areas. Prior to the installation, the previous system needed to be reset every 20 minutes, causing massive interruption with the service of its customers. By using the Crown amplifier with built-in XM Radio service, Jonathan is able to change stations between the breakfast and dinner crowds to match the atmosphere he’s created for each.

The new system consists of two Crown amplifiers; the 180MAx Pack is an 80W mixer amplifier with built-in XM Radio tuner and comes with four JBL Control 1S speakers. The system also includes a Crown 1160MA 160W single channel amplifier and eight additional JBL Control 1S speakers.

“Our goal for Uptown Kitchen was to fix two big issues; the unreliable digital music player and to eliminate hot spots in the audio system,” said Kevin Cleary, president of UDI. “We’ve used the Crown/JBL combination in previous jobs and they always complement each other very well. We wanted to give Jonathan a convenient solution with even sound throughout the restaurant and I think we achieved that goal.”

“Working with UDI was an extremely good experience,” said Uptown Kitchen Owner Jonathan Lutz. “Kevin and his team clearly knew what they were doing! They finally solved our problems with our music system. The sound is fantastic and completely surpassed our expectations.”

Crown’s 180MAx is its first integrated tuner-mixer-amplifier designed for commercial use and delivers XM Satellite Radio programming in digital sound quality as part of the XM for Business service, managed by PlayNetwork, Inc. on behalf of XM Satellite Radio. The 180MAx is currently available through PlayNetwork, Inc.

About XM for Business/PlayNetwork: 
XM for Business offers businesses the ability to enjoy more than 170 digital channels of XM Satellite Radio programming, including commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk and other audio entertainment, with their customers and employees. The XM for Business service reaches tens of thousands of business subscribers, providing them with America's number one satellite radio offering of vibrant, branded music and audio content. Managed by PlayNetwork, Inc. — a global leader in providing signature media experiences for businesses — through a strategic relationship with XM Satellite Radio, XM for Business is the perfect solution for companies seeking a simple, affordable way to introduce music to the business environment. For more information, visit XM for Business at www.XM4Biz.com.

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.”

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Adam Weissman
Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 17
aweissman@griffinpr.com

Related images: 
1) Uptown Kitchen - Outside.JPG
2) Uptown Kitchen - Inside.JPG
3) Uptown Kitchen - Crown Amps.JPG

ELKHART, IND – May 12, 2008 — In a remarkable milestone that speaks to the performance and road-proven reliability of Crown Audio’s I-Tech family of live sound amplifiers, tour sound superpower, Sound Image of Escondido, California recently passed the 5,000,000 watt mark in I-Tech inventory. In recognition of this landmark achievement, David Shadoan, President of Sound Image, will be presented with a specially-crafted award on the opening day of InfoComm 2008.

Sound Image has deployed Crown I-Tech amplifiers on some of the highest profile and most successful tours in the United States over the past few years. Gwen Stefani, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Jimmy Buffett have all traveled with an arsenal of I-Tech 8000 amplifiers in tow.

“Crown has a done a great job in evolving the I-Tech 8000 into one of the best sounding, most reliable amplifiers in the market today, “ noted Shadoan. “We have spoken with our wallet and with our reputation and we do neither lightly!”

Available in I-T4000, I-T6000 and I-T8000 iterations, the Harman HiQnet™-compatible I-Tech family has become the tour sound professional’s de-facto standard amplifier by matching unsurpassed Class-I power, light weight and ease of use. Onboard DSP provides a wide array of signal processing functionality, significantly reducing the need for rack components and rack wiring. Onboard DSP features 24- bit, 96 kHz A/D and D/A converters that reduce DSP noise for studio-quality processing and quieter overall performance. I-Tech features peak voltage and RMS power limiting for speaker protection and global power supply to deliver maximum power worldwide! The model boasts a front panel LCD for diagnostics and preset selection, ensuring fast and easy system setup but also front panel lockout for enhanced safety.

“Crown I-Tech has carved out a successful market based purely on its ability to support audio professionals like Sound Image with power performance coupled with category-leading reliability,” explained Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing, Crown Audio. “We worked very hard to advance I-Tech from its original introduction and we learned a lot in the process. As a result, I-Tech is today widely recognized as one of the most robust and useful amplifiers in its category. We congratulate Dave Shadoan and the Sound Image team on their artist commitment and commercial success and we look forward to supporting them with amplifiers that help them sound great!”

About Crown Audio: 
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About HiQnet: 
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 the Harman Pro Group System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Contact:  Daniel O’Connell, Griffin Integrated Communications
Doconnell@griffinpr.com
(212) 481-34556 Ext. 12

FRANKFURT, Germany - Hall 8.0 / Walkway G / Stands 32 & 42 -- In tandem with the announcement that JBL Professional’s V4 DSP preset library for VERTEC® would soon be available for Crown’s I-Tech platform, the two brands are also announcing the introduction of 44 new JBL loudspeaker presets specifically tailored for use with Crown’s XTi Series of power amplifiers.

Downloadable for free from the Crown International (www.crownaudio.com) and JBL Professional (www.jblpro.com) websites as of Musikmesse Prolight+Sound’s opening day, the System Architect device files will comprise six presets for JBL’s JRX Series loudspeakers, six for MRX, 19 for SRX, and 13 for VRX.

According to Andy Flint, Crown vertical market manager for portable PA, “The release of these presets shows the commitment of the Harman Pro companies to offer simplified system solutions. With XTi’s extensive feature set and now the JBL preset library – which allows for quick and easy system setup and provides tunings direct from the factory – Crown has once again raised the bar.”

The highly successful XTi Series is equipped with Crown’s extremely light and efficient switch-mode power supply, which allows all three models – even the XTi 4000 providing 1200 watts per channel (4 ohms) – to operate reliably on only a 15-amp plug. DSP is also integrated into each of the amplifiers providing users with all the tools necessary to set up their systems. The line further provides computer connectivity via USB, enabling the amplifiers to be set up and controlled/monitored via a PC running Harman Pro HiQnet™ System Architect software (downloadable from http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com). Built-in DSP allows users to set crossover points, graphic EQ, a limiter, and delay for time aligning loudspeakers.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. Celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2006, JBL Professional is the proud recipient of the 2005 Technical GRAMMY® award. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

About HiQnet:
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 the Harman Pro Group System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world’s largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International, 1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
Email: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related image: Crown_XTi_Series.jpg

FRANKFURT, Germany - Hall 8.0 / Walkway G / Stands 32 & 42 -- Crown International announces that JBL Professional’s new V4 preset library for all passive VERTEC® loudspeaker system models will soon be available for Crown’s flagship I-Tech Series of power amplifiers. Offered as a free download from the Crown (www.crownaudio.com) and JBL (www.jblpro.com) websites at the end of March, corresponding with the release of Harman Pro’s System Architect software version 1.7, the comprehensive digital V4 information package includes system drive files for all full-size, mid-size and compact line array elements along with a wide variety of VERTEC subwoofer combinations.

"Given the high number of VERTEC users operating their systems with I-Tech amplification and internal DSP processing, there has been extremely high demand for V4 preset support for this platform,” says Paul Bauman, JBL’s director of tour sound product and application engineering. “It’s been under development for a while now and we appreciate Crown’s efforts in implementing the specific requirements that were necessary to bring V4 to I-Tech. To date, beta testing of I-Tech V4 has been extremely favorable and I’m very pleased that I-Tech V4 support will soon be officially available."

According to Brian Divine, Crown market director for engineered sound and touring sound, “We’re excited to add support for JBL’s V4 presets, which will give our customers the absolutely best possible sound and experience they deserve from a Harman system.”

JBL’s V4 DSP preset data provides VERTEC system users with a standardized system configuration platform that ensures global consistency between systems in different regions, regardless of models used, application, or size of rental inventory. With V4, professional sound mixers and system operators are now able to rely upon a standardized, refined digital drive package when working on different VERTEC systems around the world.

V4 presets function as a software upgrade to enhance the performance of any passive VERTEC system. Extended high-frequency response, optimized sub/low processing and scalable system design capabilities with consistent spectral balance from one model to the next are hallmarks of the V4 preset libraries.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. Celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2006, JBL Professional is the proud recipient of the 2005 Technical GRAMMY® award. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

About HiQnet:
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 the Harman Pro Group System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world’s largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International, 1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
Email: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related image: Crown_I-Tech_Series.jpg

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, March 10, 2008— The Harman Pro Cinema Group and Italian systems integrator Cinemeccanica, have designed and installed the world’s first complete multiplex Digital B-Chain™ cinema audio network for leading Russian cinema exhibitor, Cinema Park, at Cinema Park’s new 10 screen multiplex in Novosibirsk, Russia. The project is the first all Digital B-Chain installation with the entire multiplex utilizing DBC Systems in all 10 auditoriums. The DBC systems supplied by the Harman Pro Cinema Group and Cinemeccanica, include Crown CTs series amplifiers with DBC network modules and DBC network bridges and feature JBL Academy Award winning ScreenArray® cinema loudspeakers. The design and installation was made possible by the cooperative partnership of the HPRO Cinema Group, Cinemeccanica, and Cinema Park. 

“The commitment to Harman Pro’s digital audio technology demonstrates Cinema Park’s philosophy of continually improving the Russian cinema patron’s experience here in Novosibirsk,” comments Sergey Kitin, General Director for Cinema Park Russia. “We have found working with both Cinemeccanica and the Harman Pro Cinema Group to be very beneficial for Cinema Park’s long term success. Collectively they have understood not only our needs for today but their digitally integrated solution fit perfectly with our expansion plans which rely heavily on a platform of digitally integrated network technologies used throughout our theatres.” 

At the heart of Cinema Park’s Digital B-Chain system is the DBC Network Bridge, which allows distribution of multiple channels of digital audio over a standard Ethernet network throughout Cinema Park’s multiplex keeping the entire digital audio signal path to remain in the digital domain until the final and only digital to analog conversion which takes place inside the amplifier via the DBC network modules. Each of the 10 DBC Bridges accepts eight channels of AES digital audio from each respective Dolby 650 cinema processor. A multitude of routing and equalization options are available in the DBC Bridge, which can be used for critical room tuning and all parameters can be stored, labeled, and recalled as one of 32 different presets. The DBC Bridge then distributes a packaged “single click” network that includes CobraNet® digital audio and system-wide control protocol to all 89 Crown CTs amplifiers on site. This packaged “single click” solution eliminates the need for multiple network runs between the DBC Bridge and the amplifiers, simplifying the design and eliminating excessive costs. Although Cinema Park expects to employ Digital Cinema projectors in all 10 auditoriums in the near future, two of them now use Cinemeccanica’s digital solution CLC3D2. In these auditoriums cinema patrons can be immersed in a completely digital experience including digital cinema projection and Digital B-Chain networked digital audio. 

The scope of the Harman system, featuring Digital B-Chain, Crown amps and JBL loudspeakers is a result of in-depth cooperation among the three parties and the unified vision shared by Harman, Cinema Park and Cinemeccanica. Massimo Riva of Cinemeccanica reveals how this shared vision resulted in such a system. “We made a thorough analysis not only of current theater demands but future use of cinema facilities for alternative content,” said Massimo. “Everything from evaluating the cost of copper wire and traditional components to connecting and integrating new equipment was looked at, and we decided the ability to use Harman’s Digital B-Chain technology to network the amplifiers with short runs to the high quality speakers was the best route to take. The ability to use Cat 6 cabling was cost effective and the network enables us to monitor and control so many parameters that we could not otherwise do. It’s all possible because the Harman Pro Group components were designed from the beginning to work together.” 

This thinking is echoed by Stephen Morris, Harman Pro Group Vice President of Cinema Sales & Marketing who notes, “Cinema Park has clearly taken steps towards not only future proofing their new multiplexes with state-of-the art digital audio networking but their vision of implementing these technologies to the benefit of everyday business is commendable. Construction cost savings were immediately realized during installation thanks to use of inexpensive Ethernet networks. Now Cinema Park’s technical service and support groups will benefit as their DBC System can send them real time system wide diagnostic reports of Novosibirsk to their remote office in Moscow. 

About the Harman Pro Group: 
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

###

Contact: Daniel O’Connell, Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12
Doconnell@griffinpr.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, March 10, 2008— Leading cinema group Marcus Theatres® has recently installed a Digital-B-Chain™ Cinema sound system in its new UltraScreen® theater in Pickerington, OH. The Digital-B-Chain system features loudspeakers from JBL Professional and amplification, networking and processing from Crown Audio. 

The Pickerington UltraScreen, featuring a 70-foot-wide screen, is a brand-new 400-seat auditorium, and is Marcus Theatres’ 10th Digital-B-Chain installation. The stage speakers consist of three channels of Academy Award-winning JBL ScreenArray® 4632 loudspeakers with a column of six 4642A dual 18-inch subwoofers. Additionally, the unique surround system features four JBL AC2212/00 loudspeakers on each side wall and one AM4315/95 loudspeaker in each corner. Nine Crown CT3000 amplifiers loaded with DBC network digital audio modules power the system, providing 27,000 total watts of power all with the highest resolution digital signal processing. “When I discussed the unique surround requirements with Mark Collins, I realized that the systems from JBL’s Application Engineered Series, designed specifically for themed entertainment venues, would provide the ideal high powered surround effects, “ said Chuck Goodsell, Director of Cinema Marketing, JBL Professional. “The Progressive Transition Waveguides™ featured in the AM and AC Series combine outstanding pattern control with undistorted natural sound throughout the auditorium.” 

“The system at Pickerington is similar to other Harman systems we have installed in the past, but with fewer speakers and a higher power rating,” said Mark Collins, Director of Projection Technology, Marcus Theatres. “The eight AC2212/00 loudspeakers on the side walls and two AM4315/95 loudspeakers in the back corners provide great coverage, and the setup was extremely quick and easy.” 

Goodsell further comments, “The Harman Pro Cinema Group’s Digital B-Chain technology offers unmatched control and versatility, while being optimized to perform seamlessly with Digital Cinema systems. Our continuing successful relationship with Mark Collins and Marcus Theatres is an example of Harman’s ability to meet the needs of one of the most technologically advanced theater circuits in the United States.” 

About the Harman Pro Group: 
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

###

Contact: Daniel O’Connell, Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12
Doconnell@griffinpr.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, March 10, 2008— Demonstrating the company’s ability to provide unmatched audio quality for the world’s most technologically advanced theaters, the Harman Pro Cinema Group has announced that AudioMaster s.r.o. recently outfitted five theaters in a brand-new cinema complex with JBL Professional ScreenArray® loudspeakers and Crown DSi amplifiers. Located in Zilina, Slovakia, the new CineMAX multiplex opened last December. 

An example of the growing worldwide popularity of all-in-one shopping and entertainment centers, the new CineMAX in Zilina is part of a large, brand-new shopping center known as MAX that contains more than 100 stores. As such, one of the main goals of CineMAX was to provide an entertainment experience on par with the dynamic shopping experience of the brand new center. To accomplish this, a state-of-the-art sound system was imperative. 

The CineMAX in Zilina contains five theaters—three of identical size and two larger theaters of different sizes. In total, the five theaters contain 15 JBL ScreenArray screen channel loudspeakers, six 4642GS subwoofers and 72 cinema surround loudspeakers. A total of 32 Crown DSi Series amplifiers power the systems, which also feature a total of five DSi 8M system monitors. The largest theater also contains a foyer, which is equipped with five JBL Control 24C ceiling speakers, one Crown 28M mixer and one Crown XLS202D power amplifier. 

Harman Pro Distributor AudioMaster s.r.o. designed the systems at CineMAX and supplied the equipment. “Because we wanted to provide CineMAX with a state-of-the-art audio system that would keep customers coming back, we chose JBL ScreenArray loudspeakers and Crown DSi amplifiers,” said Michal Smolarik, Product Manager, AudioMaster s.r.o. “The system has performed exceptionally since CineMAX opened and has provided a crucial element to the overall performance of a cinema system.” 

“As the visual element of the moviegoing experience continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the demand for equally advanced audio technology is also growing,” said Stephen Morris, Harman Pro Group Vice President of Cinema Sales & Marketing. “The new CineMAX multiplex in Zilina is a showcase for cutting-edge cinema technology, and is an example of the Harman Pro Cinema Group’s ability to provide high-quality audio for the most sophisticated cinema systems in the word.” 

About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. 

###

Contact: Daniel O’Connell, Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12
Doconnell@griffinpr.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, March 10, 2008— Universal Cinema Services, one of the most successful cinema system consulting and installation firms in the United States, has enjoyed continued success with Harman Pro Cinema Group products, as evidenced by its installation of JBL Professional ScreenArray® loudspeakers and Crown DSi amplifiers in Rave Motion Pictures theaters across the United States. 

Based in Dallas, TX, Rave Motion Pictures owns more than 25 multiplex theaters throughout the Midwest and southern United States. One of the more upscale theater circuits in the country, Rave became the largest exhibition chain to outfit every screen in each theater with digital projection. Additionally, each screen offers digital surround sound and stadium seating. 

To provide an audio experience that meets the high standards for which Rave has become known, Universal Cinema Services has installed Harman audio systems in all Rave theater locations throughout the country. Many of these installations feature JBL Professional ScreenArray loudspeakers and Crown DSi amplifiers, which integrate seamlessly to deliver uniform coverage and unmatched clarity, while providing the power necessary for high-performance cinema systems. 

JBL Professional ScreenArray loudspeakers feature JBL’s best technical innovations, integrated in a system design that provides superior coverage, maximum power handling, and uniform acoustic power output, along with extremely low distortion. The ScreenArray design provides ideal power response and directivity control with seamless transitions between acoustic sections. The Crown DSi Series was engineered from the ground up for cinema applications and is composed of three two-channel amplifier models and an eight-channel system monitor. An intuitive front-panel LCD guides installers through the process of choosing loudspeaker signal processing presets and other system parameters. 

"Our company, Universal Cinema Services, has represented JBL and Crown for many years,” said Stan Lamb, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Cinema Services. “We are continually impressed with the high quality and competitive pricing that we can provide to our customers. The collaboration of JBL and Crown's engineering departments has produced matched components that are, we feel, superior offerings in the marketplace. The ‘wow’ factor that the latest generation of stage speakers and amps provides is nothing short of amazing. We look forward to our continued partnership with JBL and Crown as we work together toward the theater of the future." 

“Universal Cinema Services has remained at the forefront of cinema design and installation for decades, thanks to the company’s utilization of the highest-quality technology components to provide the best movie experience possible,” said Stephen Morris, Harman Pro Group Vice President of Cinema Sales & Marketing. “The audio systems at Rave theaters across the country are the result of Harman and Universal Cinema’s mutual commitment to innovation.” 

About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. 

###

Contact: Daniel O’Connell, Griffin Integrated Communications
(212) 481-3456 Ext. 12
Doconnell@griffinpr.com

NEWARK, New Jersey - March 2008 -- As a brand new construction, the impressive Prudential Center in Newark represents the Tri-State's first major entertainment venue to be opened in 25 years. Costing a reported $375 million and boasting seating for 17,500+ patrons, the sports and entertainment venue most notably serves as the new home for the NHL New Jersey Devils and the Seton Hall Pirates basketball team, as well as hosts MISL indoor soccer, internationally-touring concerts, family shows, and many other special events.

When considering power and flexibility requirements, the venue's sound system design team ultimately elected to utilize Crown I-Tech and CTs Series amplifiers, controlled via Harman's HiQnet™ network, to amplify the various PA and ancillary loudspeaker systems. Pleased with the decision, Andy Prager, senior project engineer with Diversified Systems, the contracting firm responsible for the audio installation, is quick to point out that "the Crown systems sound remarkably good and have been 100 percent reliable."

Major audio and video areas for the new state-of-the-art venue were designed by Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams (WJHW), one of North America's premier consulting firms. According to Kevin Day, WJHW's sound system designer on the project, Crown amplifiers were selected for Prudential Center following the normal bid process. "They were one of two brands specified to set up a competitive bid scenario in the hopes of getting the best value for the owner," Day notes. Consequently, a total of 126 Crown I-Tech and CTs Series amplifiers equipped with PIP-Lite cards now power a variety of JBL loudspeakers installed throughout the venue. "The rack-mounted amplifiers are installed on a catwalk platform," Day explains, "to reduce cable runs and avoid the need for a dedicated cooling system, as would be required if the amps were located in a closet." The PA system comprises multiple JBL PD743 40x30-degree and PD764 60x40-degree MF/HF coaxial cabinets, along with PD7164 LF cabinets, plus ASM6128 dual-18 subwoofers arrayed in four large clusters that are mounted just above and outside the footprint of the center-hung video/scoring display.

"For each of the four JBL-equipped clusters, we supplied a total of four I-T4000s for the low-frequency and three I-T4000s for the subwoofer cabinets, while five CTs 1200s feed the midrange and five CTs 600s the high-frequency cabinets." A delay ring of JBL PD5212/64 20x40-degree loudspeakers is further powered by a rack of CTs 2000 amplifiers. The remainder of the CTs Series amplifiers power various full-range loudspeakers located within bars, lounges, meeting rooms and other locations, some on 70-volt systems.

Crown I-Tech Series power amplifiers feature integrated DSP, peak-voltage and RMS power limiting to protect connected loudspeakers, and remote monitoring and control via integral Harman HiQnet™, plus a front-panel LCD readout that provides diagnostics plus preset selection for fast and easy system setup. "Remote control and monitoring of all of the amplifier channels via HiQnet is a great bonus," stresses Prager. "Using a [Crown-developed] GUI we can set input and output levels and turn groups of amplification on and off. During different events at the Prudential Arena, the owners might decide to run different PA configurations, dependent upon the audience size and location within the space. Two redundant control PCs--one at the sound mixing location and the other within the equipment racks--allow operators to re-configure the entire system within seconds."

And there is another benefit of remote monitoring, the project engineer adds. "Aside from checking input and output levels via HiQnet, the operators can monitor load and thermal conditions--and see error-reporting messages--which means they can tell when a speaker is removed from the system. While stealing loudspeakers isn't foreseen as a major problem, it's a very useful feature!"

The Prudential Center officially opened in late-October with a ten-night concert series headlined by hometown favorites Bon Jovi along with special guests My Chemical Romance, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Daughtry and All-American Rejects. The venue, which is managed by AEG Live and features 76 luxury suites, 2,200 club seats, and an array of amenities, drew more than 150,000 fans during its opening week. For more information on the new facility, visit www.prucenter.com.

About Crown International: 
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About HiQnet: 
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 the Harman Pro Group System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
Email: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images: (photo credit: Bradford Benn) 
1) Prudential_Center_amps.jpg 
2) Prudential_Center_bowl.jpg 
3) Prudential_Center_ice.jpg 
4) Prudential_Center_exterior.jpg

ANAHEIM, California – NAMM room #7800 (Harman Pro Group) - January 2008 -- Having recently crossed its 60th year and more than two decades of producing the industry-standard Macro-Tech Series of power amplifiers, Crown International is commemorating both milestones with a special, one-time production run of its MA-2402, MA-3600VZ and MA-5002VZ as “Anniversary Edition” models.

A very limited quantity of these amplifiers will be produced – only 600 in total will be available worldwide – each of which will feature a visually striking copper-plated front panel (including handles, knobs, buttons, etc.) and be shipped in a custom wood crate. The product will also be accompanied by a special brochure chronicling the history of the product from its initial concept through today as well as a specification sheet detailing the actual benchmarked performance of that very amplifier, signed and numbered by Crown Senior VP of Research Gerald Stanley, whose patented technologies and innovative design philosophies ultimately made the Macro-Tech Series a global success.

“Over its 20-plus years, Macro-Tech has long been widely regarded as the touchstone in high-performance pro audio amplifier design,” says Brian Divine, Crown Market Director, Engineered Sound/Touring Sound. “In fact, between Macro-Tech and its smaller sibling, Micro-Tech, we’ve shipped nearly 275,000 units worldwide, which translates to approximately 54 million watts into 4 ohms or 65 million watts into 2 ohms, so there can be no doubt that this is a highly significant product in terms of pro audio’s history. With the new Macro-Tech Anniversary Edition versions, we are giving a select few the chance to own a unique piece of that history for themselves.”

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related image: Crown_MA_Anniversary_Edition.jpg

ANAHEIM, California - NAMM room #7800 (Harman Pro Group) - January 2008 -- Amidst the noisy strum and bang of the NAMM Show, Crown has quietly reconfirmed its commitment to the commercial audio market through the launch of its new, high-value 135MA and 160MA mixer-amplifiers. Capable of providing both eight-ohm and constant-voltage outputs (70V and 100V), the 135MA and 160MA are easily configurable for a variety of uses, including paging, background music, music-on-hold, security use, and safety/evacuation announcements.

Each housed in a highly compact half-rack-space chassis, the 135MA is equipped with three inputs and a 35W amplifier output, while the 160MA provides four inputs and a 60W amplifier output. Both models provide priority muting, which can be voice-activated or triggered via an external switch, and are compatible with microphones requiring phantom power.

“Not even the best business plan can outlast the rock-solid reliability of our most compact commercial amplifier ever,” says Phil McPhee, Crown Vertical Market Manager, Commercial Sound. “Delivering the legendary Crown sound and quality at a very attractive price, the 135MA and 160MA offer music-on-hold, voice-activated paging and preamp outputs, making them ideal solutions for nearly any commercial or industrial environment. Throw in our three-year, no-fault warranty and it’s easy to understand why Crown makes good business sense.”

The front panel of each model comprises a rotary input volume knob and green signal/clip LED for every channel, rotary output volume knob with green (signal) and red (clip) LEDs, recessed pots for bass and treble adjustment, and a power switch with accompanying blue LED. The back panel includes a balanced Phoenix-type mic/line input with threshold control, several line-level RCA input jack pairs (two for 135MA, three for 160MA), a telephone/MOH output with level control, a preamp output, screw-terminal speaker outputs, and a detachable IEC power cord. A DIP switch panel is also provided for fast, easy configuration.

Convection cooled, the new mixer-amplifiers feature sophisticated protection mechanisms, including current limiting, over-temperature thermal cutout, and DC-fault load protection. The units are also protected against turn-on/turn-off “thumps.”

Now currently available, the 135MA and 160MA are destined to soon be seen everywhere from schools, hospitals, fitness facilities and houses of worship to restaurants, retail stores, factories, offices and many other similar environments.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images: 
1) Crown_135MA_160MA.jpg 
2) Crown_135MA.jpg 
3) Crown_160MA.jpg

ANAHEIM, California – NAMM room #7800 (Harman Pro Group) - January 2008 -- The XLS Series, Crown’s workhorse amplifier line for musicians and DJs, has now been extended with the addition of the beefy new XLS 5000 ($1399 US street price). Delivering 1800 watts per channel in four-ohm stereo mode, and a staggering 5000 watts in four-ohm bridge-mono mode, the XLS 5000 packs more than twice the punch of the next highest-powered model in the range, the XLS 802.

“Providing more watts per dollar than any other amplifier in its class, the XLS 5000 represents a tremendous value to end users who need a big amp without a big price tag,” says Andy Flint, Crown Vertical Market Manager, Portable PA. “By pairing this amplifier up with JBL’s MRX, SRX or VRX loudspeaker enclosures, our customers can now have access to a highly professional yet economical all-Harman solution.”

Housed in a rugged, 3U, all-steel chassis, the highly reliable XLS 5000 is equipped with an efficient forced-air fan to prevent excessive thermal buildup. The front panel sports dual precision-detented rotary level controls, a power switch with accompanying LED, and six additional LEDs indicating signal, clip, and fault for each channel. Rear panel connections include two electronically balanced XLR inputs as well as touch-proof binding post and Speakon® outputs.

The XLS 5000 also employs extensive protection and diagnostics capabilities, including output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker, and special thermal protection of the unit’s transformers.

Like the rest of the XLS Series, as well as all other Crown amplifiers, the new XLS 5000 is backed by the manufacturer’s industry-exclusive Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images: 
1) Crown_XLS_5000.jpg 
2) Crown_XLS_Series.jpg

ELKHART, Indiana - January 2008 -- Crown International announces that, as of January 2, Thomas Marcher is now serving as the company’s sales director for Asia and the Pacific Rim. The announcement comes from Scott Robbins, Crown senior vice president of worldwide sales, to whom Marcher reports.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcher is tasked with overseeing all of Crown’s sales activities in a territory that spans from Pakistan and India in the northwest to New Zealand and Australia in the southeast , as well as everything in between, including China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.

In addition to regularly visiting distributors, dealers, contractors and consultants throughout this region, he will also act as a liaison between the field and Crown factory in regards to product development, large-scale sales opportunities, and various marketing issues, such as international trade shows and advertising.

Marcher comes to Crown from Klotz Digital Asia, where he most recently served as managing director. Prior to that, he spent two and a half years in Bangkok, Thailand, as a sales manager for Danish Interpretation Systems, following eight years with TC Electronic, where he ultimately held the title of director of sales for Asia and Pacific.

“Although we’re sad to see Jerry Stutzman go, we know that our Asia/Pacific Rim sales infrastructure and customers are in very capable hands with Thomas on board down in Kuala Lumpur,” says Robbins. “His experience with many different nations and cultures combined with his sharp business acumen will undoubtedly enable Crown to continue to strengthen its brand awareness and presence in this very significant market.”

Marcher, himself, adds: “I’m really quite proud to join Crown, a company that has long been respected for its product innovation, quality and performance. I’m pleased to say that I’ve used Crown amps since my early days as a live sound engineer and I find it very personally rewarding to now be a part of this team. I look forward to supporting Crown’s distribution network in this territory as well working closely with our fellow Harman Pro brands in seeking to provide complete system solutions for our end users.”

Thomas Marcher may be contacted via either tmarcher@crownintl.com or +60 3 2095 0921.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related image: Thomas_Marcher.jpg

ELKHART, Indiana - January 2008 -- Crown International is proud to report that Phil Celia has recently joined the company to serve as eastern regional sales manager. Celia reports to Deb Frantom, Crown’s director of U.S. sales, who made the announcement.

A familiar face to the professional audio industry, Celia is best known for his 14-year tenure with Fostex America, where he spent the past five years as general manager. Prior to Fostex, Celia had worked in pro audio sales and as a recording engineer.

“We are absolutely elated to have Phil as part of our organization,” offers Frantom. “As a 30-year veteran of the pro audio and music industries, he has an excellent background in sales, marketing, manufacturing, international business and general management. Plus, as an engineer and musician, he truly understands things from the end user’s perspective as well. Again, we’re thankful to have him here at Crown and eagerly look forward to his leadership in our eastern region.”

Operating out of a satellite office in Hanover, New Hampshire, Celia oversees Crown’s independent representative network handling the manufacturer’s eastern territory, stretching from Maine to Florida. Aside from working with reps and the dealers in their respective territories, he is also being called upon to provide personal support for consultants, contractors and end users.

“Crown has such an outstanding heritage,” notes Celia, “and I’m pleased to be considered an asset to the company. I do agree that my years of experience in this business have well prepared me for this new role, and I am excited about the opportunity to help grow Crown’s relationships with its reps, dealers and customers.

Phil Celia may be contacted directly via pjcelia@crownintl.com or 603.643.4992.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related image: Phil_Celia.jpg

ELKHART, Indiana - December 2007 -- Crown International proudly announces that Gerald Stanley, the company's senior vice president of research, has just been selected by the Audio Engineering Society's awards committee and board of governors to receive the distinguished AES Fellowship Award in 2008.

According to AES Secretary Han Tendeloo, Stanley's award for "significant contributions to power amplifier design and electronic networking of communications systems" will be presented in San Francisco next October during the 125th AES Convention, which also marks the Society's 60th anniversary year.

"I was surprised and humbled to receive the offer to become an AES Fellow not having been highly absorbed in regular Society activities," notes Stanley. "There have been a number of technical presentations made to the local chapters over a period of many years and an occasional conference paper, but not the level of AES involvement that is typical of a number of my 'Fellow' friends. And although awards presentations are often associated with doing something difficult or heroic, I consider myself fortunate to soon be recognized for simply doing what I've always considered fun."

Originally joining Crown in 1964 as a tape recorder line technician, draftsman, and amplifier design engineer, Stanley is today widely considered pro audio's foremost authority in power amplifier design. Highly respected for his work on the original DC 300 back in 1967, Stanley has been responsible for many of Crown's most successful products over the years, including the Macro-Tech, K, CTs and I-Tech Series. During his prolific 43-year tenure with Crown, he has also been integral in the design of a wide array of other products, including tape recorders, signal processors, magnetic resonance gradient amplifiers (for MRI machines), and semiconductor and audio test equipment, including the original TEF analyzers.

As an AES Fellow, Stanley joins a select list of honored industry luminaries, including Soundcraft's Graham Blyth (awarded in 2007), JBL's Doug Button and Mark Gander, Harman/Becker Automotive Systems' Don Keele and Richard Small, and Harman Consumer Group's Ulrich Horbach (formerly with Studer), David Griesinger (of Lexicon fame), and Floyd Toole (now retired).

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images: 
1) Stanley_speaking.jpg - Gerald Stanley making a short speech at AES 2007 during the DC 300's induction into the TECnology Hall Of Fame (Photo by Alan Perlman Photography and courtesy of the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio. All rights reserved.) 
2) Stanley_office.jpg - Mr. Stanley in his natural habitat 
3) Stanley_vintage.jpg - A photograph of Gerald from a bygone era

ELKHART, Indiana - December 2007 -- As Crown International has successfully transitioned to a lean manufacturing approach over the past few years, the company's endeavor has not gone unnoticed. As a result of dramatically streamlining its manufacturing, further improving both efficiency and product quality, Crown recently had the distinction of being a tour site for the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) 2007 International Conference in Chicago.

Founded in 1985, AME, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping companies with continuous improvement and their pursuit of excellence, annually holds an international conference, one of the highlights being the opportunity to tour a variety of leading manufacturing and service facilities. The most recent AME conference was held at the Chicago Hilton & Towers in November, and even though tour sites are very seldom located more than an hour's drive from the conference, nearly three dozen attendees chose to travel twice that distance in a bus to Elkhart, Indiana, to see Crown.

According to the visitors--who came from respected companies as diverse as Boeing, Honeywell, Volvo, Hallmark, John Deere, Oral-B, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Labs, HON, Z Corp and Raytheon, among others--there were five key manufacturing aspects that most impressed them. These included: computer displays of work instructions, preventative maintenance, and drawings on press brakes; training videos at workstations for all shifts; Crown's training center; the overall cleanliness of the factory; and the employee culture of continuous improvement, organization, and minimal downtime. Two company leaders who took the tour have already asked to come back to learn more from Crown.

Following the factory tour, Q&A session and overview of Crown's lean manufacturing evolution--which since 2001 has consolidated 11 batch-and-queue lines into two manufacturing cells and two assembly cells, as well as reduced lead time from five days down to only 12 hours--AME's Jeff Albrecht presented Crown Senior VP of Operations Larry Coburn with a plaque "in recognition of [Crown's] commitment on their journey to excellence."

"It was quite an honor for Crown to be chosen as one of the AME tour sites this year," notes Coburn. "Selected companies--such as Toyota, Ford, and Boeing, which have all been toured in the past--are the 'Who's Who' in manufacturing. The way to tell that you're doing well is recognition from outside experts, and we are very proud of that recognition. We will continue to sign up for productivity awards judged by the AME and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers."

AME tours are valuable in that they allow participants to benefit from the unique experiences of the host sites. By personally seeing how other manufacturers have successfully taken measures to become more efficient, improve quality, minimize employee turnover and so on, those concepts can then be taken away by visitors and implemented in their own operations. AME tours also facilitate cross-industry networking, further helping companies share knowledge and learn from each other. To illustrate the networking benefit, Coburn, who is on AME's board of directors for the Great Lakes region, gave a presentation several years ago on using 'kanban' principles in manufacturing. As a result, executives from Honda later came to visit Crown and study that process.

More information the Association for Manufacturing Excellence can be found at www.ame.org, or by visiting this year's conference site online at www.ameconference.org/chicago.

About Crown International: 
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
Email: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images: 
1) Crown_factory_tour.jpg - Crown's Tim Banner (center) takes AME Chicago attendees on a tour down one of the amplifier manufacturing cells
2) Crown_lean_presentation.jpg - Crown's Larry Coburn (left) and AME's Jeff Albrecht facilitate a Q&A session with AME members following Coburn's presentation on Crown's lean manufacturing transition
3) Crown_AME_plaque.jpg - AME's Jeff Albrecht (right) presents Larry Coburn with a plaque recognizing Crown's commitment to excellence

   Listen to an audio clip from the award presentation (Flash required)

NEW YORK CITY - November 2007 -- As a fitting cap to Crown International's 60th anniversary year, the DC 300 amplifier, first introduced 40 years prior in 1967, was inducted into the TECnology Hall Of Fame on the opening day of the 123rd AES Convention in New York City. Gerald Stanley, Crown International's senior VP of R&D and the original designer of the DC 300, was on hand to accept the award.

Presented by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, best known for its production of the TEC Awards, and hosted by the AES, the Fourth Annual TECnology Hall Of Fame ceremony was emceed by George Petersen, executive editor of Mix magazine and director of the TECnology Hall Of Fame.

Petersen prefaced Crown's award by remarking, "[The DC 300] was a classic that really ushered in and defined the era of the modern power amplifier. And 1967 was a perfect time for this product to come out. Suddenly there were rock concerts that were high SPL--very loud--and needed great amplification. Live sound systems were coming into vogue. Listening levels in recording studios in 1967 started going through the roof and somebody needed to produce an amplifier that was loud enough to take care of this. And even 40 years after its introduction, there are so many of these DC 300s still in service, it's an amazing testament to Crown reliability."

Accepting the award, Gerald Stanley commented in his own inimitable way, "I must say this is quite humbling. Engineers don't normally get put in the spotlight. But there are some people that are even less in the spotlight that I think are very important in all of this. One are the people that faithfully drive the screws and solder the joints; the people who work and make these products reliable. Nothing I do as an engineer matters if people don't put it together faithfully.

"There's a second group that almost never gets mentioned, and that's the group of risk-takers. You see, technology doesn't really 'happen' unless people take risks to do things that are new and different. So who are the risk-takers? They're you, the users. Because, after all, the year is 1967. There have been a number of power amplifiers out. They all break, and fairly soon; you hardly have to abuse them at all. You've already bought 'N-1' of these things, so why would you try to buy the Nth one and think it any better? That wouldn't be rational. And especially when you consider that you would have to go to a tape recorder company--Crown International--located in Elkhart, Indiana. It's where you make band instruments and travel trailers. That's what Elkhart's famous for. So people took a huge risk. And 685 dollars in 1967 is a different quantity materially than it is today. People put a lot of trust in us, quite frankly, and we're humbled by that. And we want the products that we make today to be as faithful and enduring and as apt to their purpose as the DC 300 has proven to be. But hats off to you, the users, who cast your lot with us and gave us a try. I thank you."

Introduced in 1967, the high-powered, solid-state Crown DC 300 power amplifier offered 150 watts per channel at eight ohms and AB+B circuitry. The product's reputation for high output power, pristine sound, and exemplary reliability, even in the most demanding applications, quickly helped establish Crown as a true leader in the worldwide power amplifier market.

The Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio established the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and recognize audio products and innovations that have made a significant contribution to the advancement of audio technology. This year's 15 inductees to the TECnology Hall of Fame were chosen by a panel of more than 50 recognized audio experts, including authors, educators, engineers, facility owners and other professionals. For more information on this year's event and inductees, which included such notable items as the Theremin, Cannon XLR connector and AKG C-414, visit http://www.mixfoundation.org/hof/techof.html.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group: 
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact: 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517 
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250 
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact: 
Chris Shuler, Public Address 
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522 
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images: 
1) Gerald_Stanley_and_George_Petersen.jpg (credit: Alan Perlman Photography) 
2) Crown_DC_300.jpg

Award photo and audio courtesy of the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio. All rights reserved.

ELKHART, Indiana - October 2007 -- Crown Audio reports that Brian Pickowitz has been promoted to the role of business development manager for touring sound. The announcement comes from Brian Divine, market director for engineered sound and touring sound, to whom he reports.

Prior to his promotion, Pickowitz spent the past three years as a project lead engineer where he was responsible for co-developing the Crown Commercial Amplifier (CCA) range, including the popular XM Satellite Radio-equipped models, and 140MPA commercial mixer-amplifier. During this tenure, he also helped sustain the company's existing CTs, XLS and I-Tech lines.

"With over a decade of pro audio experience, including an in-depth knowledge of product design and manufacturing, Brian is already proving to be a terrific resource for our touring sound customers," says Divine. "We're glad to now have him on the marketing team and look forward to his contributions."

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:

1. Brian_Pickowitz.jpg

Crown XTi 2000 and CTs 2000 amplifiers installed at the Basilica of St. Pius X

LOURDES, France - September 2007 -- Audiomaster of Pau, France, recently completed an upgrade of the existing sound system at the Basilica of St. Pius X in Lourdes, which included 17 Crown XTi 2000 and four CTs 2000 power amplifiers.

St. Pius X, the largest Catholic basilica in Europe, is a modern concrete building that is almost entirely underground, spawning its widespread nickname as the 'Underground Basilica'. Construction of the facility was completed in 1958 in order to accommodate the enormous crowds that would be making a pilgrimage to Lourdes for the centenary of the Apparitions, the 18 visions of the Virgin Mary by Saint Bernadette.

Designed by French architect Pierre Vago, the oval structure is 625 feet long by 200 feet wide with sides that slope gradually upwards from the sanctuary in the center. With a ceiling supported by 58 concrete pillars and 29 concrete beams, the basilica has certainly served its purpose in welcoming large numbers of visitors, simultaneous accommodating as many as 25,000 people within its nearly 130,000 square-foot space.

As one can imagine, a structure composed almost entirely of bare, solid concrete creates a poor acoustic environment and the basilica had been in need of an audio upgrade for some time. Prior acoustical research showed that the congregants were in the indirect sound field after 65 feet--a condition less than optimal. Despite the many speakers that had previously been installed, sound in many parts of the structure was often fuzzy and indistinct, making it difficult for parishioners to follow and participate in the ceremony.

After performing considerable acoustical modeling, Francis Larriau of Audiomaster chose to implement a Harman Professional audio solution in which Crown XTi 2000s now amplify JBL VRX Series constant curvature line arrays (in passive mode), which are hung in clusters of two to four speakers to cover the central part of the basilica. The VRX arrays were chosen for their power, compact size, light weight and flexibility while the XTi amplifiers were selected for their ability to drive the speakers to their full performance safely and without distortion. The crossovers for speakers, while capable of being done in XTi, were implemented within the VRX boxes themselves.

Reinforcing the periphery of the basilica are 30 JBL JRX112Mi two-way speaker systems powered by the Crown CTs 1200s. There is also a small area for choir and organ rehearsals that is covered by four of the JRX112Mi.

Spread out throughout the facility are a dozen interconnect boxes that allow signals to be routed to and from the control room. The boxes support multiple formats: digital over fiber, RF modulation, networked audio, and analog audio.

The constraints put on the new system were fairly stringent. The architecture required as much as possible to be concealed without having to modify the existing concrete. Furthermore, the original RT60 decay was timed at 17 seconds at 350Hz. However, thanks to Audiomaster, Crown and JBL, this time was effectively reduced to 10 seconds following the installation.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:
(photo credit: Stephen Lipson)

1. Lourdes_amps.jpg
2. Lourdes_interior_1.jpg
3. Lourdes_interior_2.jpg

Crown I-Tech and XTi amplifiers power concert series at historic outdoor venue

LOS ANGELES - September 2007 -- Nothing provides a better focus for an urban population than a free summer concert series, a fact that is being beautifully illustrated by MacArthur Park's historic Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, the park's outdoor bandshell is hosting a lineup of widely eclectic entertainment--from international and roots music concerts to dance performances to children's productions--five evenings a week as the sun sets and stars come out. To properly accommodate sound reinforcement duties for a highly diverse roster of acts, LA Sound Company, in conjunction with Brian Riordan of Levels Audio, has elected to use Crown I-Tech and XTi Series power amplifiers driving a fully JBL loudspeaker setup.

"We have had good experience in the past with Crown I-Tech and XTi systems," confides LA Sound Co. Owner Richard Ralke, "so they were a natural choice for us to use at Levitt Pavilion. Aside from sounding excellent, which is our number one criterion, the Crowns are easy to program, incorporate a lot of powerful DSP, and are very efficient with low power consumption. The I-Tech Series, in particular, is also extremely versatile in handling a wide range of speaker impedances and outputs."

Because of scheduling changes, the pavilion's sound system was specified, designed and assembled in just three weeks. To streamline system adjustment, all Crown power amplifiers are networked via Ethernet using Harman Pro's HiQnet(tm) communications and control protocol.

"We can set up crossover filter parameters and delay from a PC and load them into each amplifier," explains Ralke. "In fact, JBL supplied us with new systems settings for the loudspeakers, which we used to reprogram each amplifier; it only took us a couple of minutes. We also had to ensure that the entire PA system could be taken down in just 45 minutes, since the owners strike the venue at the end of each evening performance. We designed the custom amp racks with multi-pin connectors so that the system can be rolled out, powered, and ready to go in a very short time."

Levitt Pavilion's sound system currently comprises four JBL VerTec VT4887A line array cabinets flown per side powered by four Crown I-T4000 amplifiers, two JBL ASB6128V subs stacked per side powered by a pair of Crown I-T6000s, plus eight JBL SRX712M stage monitor cabinets driven by a rack full of eight Crown XTi 4000s. "We are very happy with the coverage, sound quality and output of the Crown-powered rig," says Ralke.

MacArthur Park's summer concert season at Levitt Pavilion runs from August 8 through September 16 with a full season of 30 nightly concerts. The park's vintage bandstand and acoustic shell were built 50 years ago, but recently underwent a $2M renovation and modernization to accommodate this year's concert itinerary, which is produced by The Friends of the Levitt Pavilion - MacArthur Park, a non-profit organization.

Immortalized in 1968 by Richard Harris' recording of Jimmy Webb's epic tune, which was further popularized by Donna Summer a decade later, MacArthur Park is one of the oldest and most significant parks in LA and boasts a colorful history as the centerpiece of the Westlake district. In recent years, the combined efforts of neighborhood groups, community entities, and public agencies have created significant change in the park via improvements to return it to its former beauty. Today, the park is once again a destination for recreation, relaxation and entertainment, making it one of the most used areas in Los Angeles.

Details on MacArthur Park's Levitt Pavilion and its summer concert series can be found online at www.levittpavilionlosangeles.org, while information on LA Sound Company can be found at www.lasoundco.com.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:
(photo credit: Stephen Lipson)

1. MacArthur_engineers.jpg - LA Sound Co's MacArthur Park crew (L-R): Monitor/Stage Tech Roger Hicks, Monitor Engineer Mauricio Lopez, Production Manager Seth Posner and FOH Engineer Josh Lipson (not pictured: Mario Rodriguez, Nick Vincenti and LeRoy Love)
2. MacArthur_concert.jpg - Winnipeg-based Chic Gamine (formerly known as Madrigaia) performing live at MacArthur Park's Levitt Pavilion
3. MacArthur_bandshell.jpg - The newly renovated Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles' Westlake neighborhood

ELKHART, Indiana - July 2007 -- As part of its ongoing commitment to maximizing quality, Crown has implemented GainSeeker data aggregating software from Hertzler.

This latest upgrade follows the company's establishment last year of a Strategic Quality Team, the addition of a Reliability Test Lab, and a successful transition to RoHS compliance. By utilizing the latest technology available, Crown has now fully transformed its manufacturing approach from a traditional batch and queue assembly method to a state-of-the-art, streamlined, continuous flow process with a constant examination of quality from start to finish.

Crown Quality Support Manager Rupa Shanmugam outlines the innovative ways in which the software has been implemented, "Whereas most companies are simply looking for defect management, Crown has gone beyond this basic use and is utilizing GainSeeker in three different areas: real time data collection of test results at board level and finished product, real time display of yield and efficiency data, and document delivery stations that provide work instructions, setup sheets, defect pareto information, and other pertinent documents, such as engineering deviation or quality alerts if required at each workstation."

The document delivery stations are a unique and exciting upgrade allowing Crown the freedom to move away from the paper domain and into the electronic. Besides the environmental benefits that come with the reduction in paper usage, this modification also means that changes can be made to work instructions in real time and then distributed to all workstations simultaneously, ensuring that every employee always has the most current information possible.

Coupling the electronic work instructions with the defect tracking information also allows for the highlighting of key trouble points in the process. It is now possible to determine if a problem with a particular process is an operator training, dexterity, or workstation configuration issue. Shanmugam adds, "Being able to do data analysis in real time means that we are able to take a proactive approach by catching issues as soon as they begin to vary from control levels rather than waiting for an alarm condition to occur."

In addition to defect tracking, Crown is also tracking its successes. There are now large LCD screens on the factory floor that show production information in real time. Refreshing every five minutes, the displays show at a glance how much each line is producing, the work rate, testing results, and packing information. There is a great sense of accomplishment when workers are included in the process and can see exactly what their efforts mean to the company.

The implementation of GainSeeker can be seen in more than just the production floor environment, as Crown's service and repair department has also benefited from the process. Previously, data from repairs being made in factory service and data seen on the factory floor had to be collected and examined manually. With the improved electronic data collection processes, these systems are now tied together, allowing for an overall quality snapshot. Now quality is not only measured at the end of the assembly line, but also by performance in the field for Crown's customers where it is ultimately the most important.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:

1. Crown_Factory_LCDs.jpg - The LCD screens on Crown Audio's Line 1
2. Crown_Audio_Dashboard.jpg - Crown's new factory LCDs provide real time feedback on how the amplifier assembly lines are performing

ELKHART, Indiana - June 2007 -- Crown International reports that it recently made several changes and additions to its marketing personnel lineup. The announcement comes from Marc Kellom, Crown Vice President of Marketing.

Brian Divine, who previously served as Market Director for Portable PA, has now transitioned into the role of Market Director for Engineered Sound/Touring Sound.

Andy Flint, formerly a Business Developer in the Portable PA market, now moves into his new position as Vertical Market Manager for Portable PA.

Furthermore, Phil McPhee has taken on the title of Vertical Market Manager, Commercial Sound. McPhee previously served on Crown's engineering team.

Lastly, new hire Kristin Howard has been appointed to the post of Marketing Coordinator.

"Brian and Andy's efforts in the Portable PA segment yielded outstanding results proving that they are both ready for these important positions here at Crown," says Kellom. "We are also excited to have Phil in the marketing department; his knowledge and skill will be of great benefit to Crown in the growing commercial sound market. And I would be remiss in failing to mention Kristin, who brings a tremendous enthusiasm to our organization. I am very pleased to have such a strong team as we move forward."

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:

1. Brian Divine
2. Andy Flint
3. Phil McPhee
4. Kristin Howard

Crown's history of innovation now spans six decades

ELKHART, Indiana, USA - June 2007 -- From its humble beginnings in 1947, Crown International has grown to become one of the world's largest and most respected manufacturers of power amplifiers and microphones for professional audio markets.

"Six decades after Mr. Moore first established this company, Crown still adheres to its founder's reputation for creating innovative products that are both sonically superior and highly reliable," says Crown International President Mark Graham. "And with the resources and support of Harman International combined with our dedicated network of employees, reps, distributors and dealers around the globe, Crown is well-poised to carry on that legacy for yet another 60 years."

Crown's history traces back to an Elkhart, Indiana minister named Clarence C. Moore (1904-1979). Moore, a longtime radio enthusiast, had spent the early part of the '40s in Quito, Ecuador working for HCJB, a non-profit Christian broadcasting and engineering group. Following his return to the United States, he felt the desire to supply Christian broadcasters like HCJB with quality electronic products. As a result, Moore founded International Radio and Electronics Corporation (IREC) in 1947 and converted a former chicken coop into the budding manufacturer's first production facility.

The company's early reputation was built on a family of rugged and compact open-reel tape recorders designed to operate reliably when used by missionaries in remote, often-primitive regions of the world. After modifying and distributing several existing models (Magnecord, Recordio, Pentron and Crestwood) for the first couple of years, Moore obtained a patent in 1949 for a groundbreaking invention: the world's first tape recorder with a built-in power amplifier (15 watts).

Eventually, Moore's wife and co-founder, Ruby (deceased 2002), suggested that 'International Radio and Electronics Corporation' was too long a name for the company. Since IREC had by this point produced vacuum tube tape recorders branded 'Royal' and 'Imperial', in addition to the fact that the emblem on those products was a fancy crown, she felt that the company should simply be called Crown. Her husband agreed, and, in the '60s, the company's name was changed to 'Crown International, a division of International Radio and Electronics Corporation'. Finally, in 1975, the stockholders voted to change the name of the corporation to Crown International, Inc.

Over the years, state-of-the-art innovations have made Crown the largest amplifier manufacturer in the world. In the '60s, the introduction of the DC300 high-powered, solid-state amplifier offering 150 watts per channel at eight ohms and AB+B circuitry moved Crown into a leadership position in worldwide markets. Over 40 years later, many DC300s are still faithfully being used in professional audio applications.

Responding to market demand in the '70s, Crown focused on professional audio. Pushing the envelope of computer technology, Crown launched the PSA-2 Power Amplifier with a built-in computer to maximize performance of its output transistors. Product diversification began with the introduction of the still-popular line of Pressure Zone Microphones (PZM) and TEF audio analyzer.

With the implementation of Grounded Bridge(tm) circuitry in the '80s, Crown once again set the standard for amplifier innovation. Providing lower distortion, less thermal stress, higher acoustic output, greater reliability, superior power density and legendary audio quality, Grounded Bridge circuitry was integral to the engineering of the power-packed Macro-Tech and Micro-Tech amplifier lines. Used by many of the largest worldwide touring companies, these highly praised units spawned the Com-Tech amplifier series extensively used by sound contractors in some of the highest-profile installations around the globe.

The '90s found Crown leading the way in the development of computer-controlled audio systems. Crown’s patented IQ System, the world's first significant computer-controlled audio system, had been introduced in 1987, and, by 1990, was the most widely used system in the world. Expanded and refined with a growing line of supporting products and system software, Crown IQ Systems handled superstar tours as easily as small installations. Fueled by unprecedented sales and a multi-million dollar manufacturing expansion, Crown, in 1997, added another new milestone in audio technology with the introduction of the K2 amplifier featuring Balanced Current Amplifier(tm) circuitry offering innovative thermal and energy efficiencies.

With the company's acquisition by Harman International in March of 2000, this millennium has already found Crown continuing to engineer forward-thinking solutions. Products such as the flagship I-Tech amplifier line, XM Satellite Radio-equipped 180MAx, and cost-effective yet highly versatile XTi, CDi and DSi product ranges embody the reliability and innovativeness that have long been the manufacturer's hallmarks. And with each product backed up by a three-year, no-fault, fully transferable warranty, Crown today continues to delight its customers with products that consistently exceed both specifications and expectations, even on the most demanding tours and installations.

About Crown International:
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world's largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

# # #

Reader contact:
Crown International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, IN 46517
Tel: 574.294.8000 / Fax: 574.294.8250
URL: www.crownaudio.com

Editor contact:
Chris Shuler, Public Address
Tel: 574.287.8410 / Cell: 574.514.7131 / Fax: 574.287.1522
E-mail: christophershuler@comcast.net

Related images:

1. Crown_60th_anniversary - A mid-1950s photo of Clarence Moore (left) and his son, Clyde (also later a Crown president), with a 'few' of the company’s early tape recorders

Crown International complies with RoHS directive

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CEC Theatre UltraScreen in Waterloo, Iowa

ELKHART - June 2006 -- Digital B-Chain (DBC®)  technology has an increasing presence in cinema today as CEC Theatres in Waterloo, Iowa opens the newest theatre equipped with Crown’s DBC System. CEC sound technician Craig Seidenkranz applauds the system: “By using a DBC System, with Crown CTs Amplifiers, HiQnet™ modules and DTS XD-10, we have a true digital signal from start to finish. The clarity and power capability is awesome. It’s the best sound I’ve heard in a theatre since I began working as a sound technician in 1981.” 

The DBC System is an advanced approach to digital cinema audio. The heart of the system is the Crown DBC Network Bridge. This central unit accepts standard analog and/or AES digital audio and CobraNet™ digital channels from other cinema processors, cinema Servers, or alternative content media players; and bridges them to a DBC network over standard Fast Ethernet hardware and cabling to DBC-compatible Crown amplifiers. The DBC Network Bridge also provides necessary system processing, which can be stored and recalled via onboard presets. JBL ScreenArray® cinema systems featuring Academy Award® winning technology complete the DBC System.

Equipment rack at CEC Theatre UltraScreen in Waterloo, Iowa

In the Waterloo example, the primary signal source is a DTS XD-10 digital audio output cinema media player and a second source using a Dolby DA 20 digital adapter with an Ultra-Stereo JSD 80 sound processor. Located behind the screen are JBL 4632 three-way ScreenArray speaker systems for screen channels, six JBL 4642A subwoofers and twenty JBL 8340A surround speakers. Three CTs 2000 amplifiers are used for the stage speakers, three CTs 3000s for the subwoofers and three CTs  2000 amplifiers for the surround channels.

This technology offers several unique advantages. The system provides redundancy to minimize the possibility of sound problems. In addition to two digital sound format sources, CEC implemented two complete network systems and  conventional analog wiring as a third system. From a projectionist’s perspective, the system is easy to operate as it shuts down automatically when not in use and wakes up when it receives a signal.  

Chuck Goodsell, JBL Professional’s Director of Cinema Marketing notes: “Digital B-Chain Technology is being applauded by audiences and exhibitors alike. Incorporated into the cinema experience at CEC Theatres are Crown DBC enabled amplifiers and JBL’s award winning ScreenArray speakers. CEC Theatres realize the advantages of lower infrastructure and operating costs, system wide diagnostics, and applications for alternative content, while the audience experiences superior digital sound provided by DBC networked digital cinema audio.” Stephen Morris, Director of Marketing for Cinema at Crown, adds: “DBC also offers unprecedented customization and multiple layers of password protection. By setting up simple and intuitive custom control pages in the software, CEC Theatres assured that the appropriate information and control is available to all users of their system, at all times. This flexibility makes the DBC System the perfect platform for everyone from system designers to projectionists.”

Custom Control Screen for DBC System at CEC Theatre UltraScreen in Waterloo, Iowa

CEC Theaters is so pleased with the success of the Digital B- Chain system that they are planning to install the system in additional theaters. According to Vice President of CEC Theatres, Tony Tillemans, “As part of our theatre project in Waterloo, we wanted to build one auditorium that would stand out from the norm.  We not only wanted to impress the customers with the size of the auditorium but also “wow” them with the sound system.  We feel the decision to go with the Crown/JBL Digital B-Chain system allowed us to accomplish this.  We look forward to installing the same system in an auditorium we have being constructed in Fargo, North Dakota.”

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

ABOUT JBL PROFESSIONAL
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. Celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2006, JBL Professional is the proud recipient of the 2005 Technical GRAMMY® award. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

ABOUT THE HARMAN PRO GROUP
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

ABOUT CEC THEATRES
CEC Theatres began a half-century ago in 1955, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. CEC Theatres currently operates over 240 screens in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Nebraska. With company headquarters still located in St. Cloud, MN, CEC Theatres remains a family-owned company with a commitment to bringing state-of-the art theatre facilities to the communities it serves. For more information, visit CEC Theatres online at www.cectheatres.com.

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NORTHRIDGE, CALIFORNIA, June 7, 2006  — The Harman Pro Group today announced changes to its senior management team that will become effective at the conclusion of the Group’s current fiscal year on June 30, 2006. 

According to Dr. Sidney Harman, Executive Chairman of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, Mark Terry will step down as President of the Harman Pro Group but remain as an advisor to the company.  “Because of health concerns, Mark needs more flexibility in his personal schedule and this new arrangement accommodates this need.  We will always appreciate the enormous contributions Mark has made to our business, and we will miss his remarkable leadership.”

“At the same time,” Dr. Harman continued, “we are pleased to announce the promotion of Blake Augsburger to succeed Mark as President of the Pro Group.  In the five years that Blake has served as President of Crown Audio, he has made the company the number one company in its field.  Blake is very familiar with the operations of the entire Pro Group; I am confident that he will build upon Mark’s success.“ 

In stepping down, Mark Terry reassured and thanked all of his friends and associates for their support over the years.  “I want you all to know that I am well on the way to making a complete recovery.  My doctors have advised that I can help facilitate this recovery by adopting a less demanding schedule.  My new position as advisor to Harman will let me do this in a way that keeps me involved with this great company.  Together, we have accomplished great things over the last 16 years.  We have proven to the world that nine independent brands can come together as a mutually supportive network without sacrificing our heritage and brand identities.  The Group that we have created is vastly stronger than the individual companies we once were.  This could have not been achieved without the faith and support of all of you.  I know that you will continue to build upon our success in the future.”

Succeeding Blake Augsburger as President of Crown Audio is Mark Graham, who has served Crown as Vice President of Engineering and Marketing since 2001.  “Mark has the knowledge of product, marketing, sales, manufacturing, and customer support that is necessary to continue the successes we have achieved at Crown,” Augsburger said today.  “He is the leader that can take the company to the next level of greatness.”

Coincident with the change in the Presidency of the Group, Dr. Harman announced that Harman Music Group President Rob Urry now assumes the additional title of Harman Pro Group Chief Technology Officer.  “In his 15 years with Harman, Rob has proven that he has the experience and the leadership to direct technology development across the Group. “

About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR.  Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

For more information please visit www.harmanpro.com.

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(L-R, Trond Loland, LS Produksjon, Espen Andersen, product manager, LydRommet AS)

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L-R: Kyle McMahon, Jason Wells, Randy Cole and David Sockrider of Mid-America Sound.

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ELKHART, IN – August 30, 2005 -- Corresponding with the new Harman System Architect software, Crown® today announced the release of new version 2.0 firmware for their HiQnet-compatible products, a plug-in module for System Architect, and a new version of their own IQwic software. The HiQnet-compatible products included in this new firmware release include the I-Tech amplifier series, and IQ-PIP-LITE, IQ-PIP-USP3, and IQ-PIP-USP3/CN amplifier modules. These modules install into Crown CTs Series and Macro-Tech® 02 series amplifiers and are compatible with either HiQnet or TCP/IQ systems. Enhanced HiQnet support in the version 2.0 firmware adds new functionality to support Harman Pro System Architect.

The Crown System Architect plug-in includes a more intuitive interface for filters. The 64 available filters are now assigned into logical blocks for Input System EQ, Input User EQ, Noise Generator, and Loudspeaker Processing. This and other enhancements to the filter arrangement make it easy to take care of input processing and speaker processing separately.

IQwic v8.0 software includes support for the new version 2.0 firmware products using the long-established TCP/IQ protocol. These products may be operated with both IQwic and System Architect simultaneously, providing a smooth upgrade path and transition to System Architect.

HiQnet by the Harman Pro Group is the world’s first connectivity and control protocol to integrate all product categories in the signal chain for professional sound systems of all types, sizes and applications. HiQnet data command and control can utilize any major networking modality, individually or collectively, including serial, Ethernet and USB connections, and HiQnet capability is being engineered into many new products from all the Harman Pro Group brands. The System Architect software offers a consistent, unified and intuitive interface across each Harman Pro brand’s product.

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

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 L-R: Jens Elsborg and Soren Jorgensen of Nordic Rentals A/S

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ELKHART, IN - May 31, 2005 -- Crown International announced today that their new Commercial Audio Series has been nominated for a Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award in the Amplifier Technology category. Larry Baker, Crown's Director of Marketing for Installed Sound had this comment: “It’s great to see our Commercial Audio Series recognized in this way. We feel it’s an innovative line of products, and our customers and partners seem to agree as we are receiving an excellent response and very rapid acceptance into the market.” The winners of the 21th Annual TEC Awards will be announced at a ceremony Saturday, October 8, at the New York Marriott Marquis, on the second night of the AES Convention. Crown has won the award six times overall and three of the past four years, most recently in 2004 for their I-Tech Series amplifiers.

The Crown Commercial Audio Series are high-value mixer and amplifier products for commercial and industrial audio. The line is targeted toward applications including schools, hospitals, factories, restaurant/retail, houses of worship, fitness facilities, A/V boardrooms, prisons, and small offices. Typical uses are paging, background music, security and evacuation instructions.

The TEC Awards was established by Mix magazine in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement in the professional recording and sound production industry. The nominations are made by a panel of approximately 100 audio industry professionals. Qualified Mix subscribers will make the final determination via a ballot in the August issue.

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

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LAS VEGAS, NV – March 14, 2005 -- Crown International announced at ShoWest today that their CTs Series two-channel amplifier models are now THX Approved. The announcement was made by Stephen Morris, Director of Marketing for Cinema and Tour Sound at Crown. With this announcement, the entire CTs Series line of amplifiers, including four 2-channel and two multi-channel models, have the approval. Morris noted: “We are pleased to show our continued support of THX by expanding our THX Approved product offering to include our flagship CTs Series. We are also proud that the CTs 2000 and CTs 3000 models are the first THX Approved professional amplifiers employing a PWM switchmode output design. This very significant accomplishment confirms that our patented Class-I design not only is extremely efficient, but also satisfies very demanding standards for audio quality.” THX tests equipment and grants the THX Approved mark to ensure that the very best products are specified in the design of THX Certified Cinemas.

The power levels and features found in the CTs Series amplifiers are perfectly suited for high-performance cinema systems. All CTs two-channel Series feature high power density, with two channel models and a four channel model in a 2U chassis, and an eight channel model in a 3U chassis. CTs two-channel models also accept JBL ScreenArray® PIP™ crossover modules for bi-amp operation and IQ Network PIP modules for integration with the JBL / Crown Digital B-Chain™ System.

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.

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ELKHART, IN – March 2005 -- Expansion to the Commercial Audio Series was announced by Crown International at NSCA, with the addition of mixer and amplifier models and a higher-power mixer-amplifier. Larry Baker, Director of Marketing for Installed Sound at Crown made the announcement: “The first products in our new Commercial Audio Series, the 180MA and 280MA mixer-amplifiers, are being very quickly adopted and we are pleased at how well they are being accepted. We’ve now broadened the series into what is now a complete line of mixer and amplifier products. It is now very easy to mix and match components to assemble a solution for any number of inputs or zones.”

The Crown Commercial Audio Series are high-value mixer and amplifier products for commercial and industrial audio. The line is targeted toward applications including schools, hospitals, factories, restaurant/retail, houses of worship, fitness facilities, A/V boardrooms, prisons, and small offices. Typical uses are paging, background music, security and evacuation instructions.

Mixer input routing allows each input to be assigned to any output, often greatly reducing the need for additional mixers or amplifiers (or both) when systems require either more inputs or outputs. Other features include priority muting, phantom power, four-tone generator, independent volume, bass and treble controls for each channel, and capability for remote volume control. Amplifier models provide 4-ohm and constant-voltage outputs (70V and 100V).

Power ratings and number of inputs and outputs for the new models are as follows:

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

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ELKHART, IN – January 2005 -- Crown International today announced the launch of the Commercial Audio Series with the introduction of the 180MA and 280MA mixer-amplifiers. Larry Baker, Director of Marketing for Installed Sound at Crown commented on the introduction: “We’re excited about the opportunity to introduce to the commercial audio market a line of products built upon Crown’s legendary commitment to excellence. We took our time and listened to what customers in this market said they needed, and we believe the Crown Commercial Audio Series reflects the fact that we paid attention.”

The Crown 180MA and 280MA are high-value mixer-amplifiers for commercial and industrial audio. They provide 4-ohm and constant-voltage outputs (70V and 100V). The line is targeted toward applications including schools, hospitals, factories, restaurant/retail, houses of worship, fitness facilities, A/V boardrooms, prisons, and small offices. Typical uses are paging, background music, security and evacuation instructions.

The mixer-amplifiers vary in their number of inputs and outputs:
• 180MA has 4 inputs and one 80W power amplifier for single-zone systems.
• 280MA has 8 inputs and dual 80W power amplifiers for two-zone systems.

Input routing allows each input to be assigned to any output, often greatly reducing the need for additional mixers or amplifiers (or both) when systems require either more inputs or outputs. Other features include priority muting, phantom power, four-tone generator, and capability for remote volume control.

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

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ELKHART, IN - December 2004 -- Crown Xs Series amplifiers have proven to be a solid, cost-effective choice for powering installed sound systems in houses of worship. Jeff Gefke of Calvary Audio Ministry recently chose the Xs Series for Calvary Chapel churches in Visalia, California and Rio Grand, New Mexico. Another install with Xs Series amps by Calvary Audio Ministry is currently underway in Oceanside, California.

The power range and versatility of the Xs Series makes it easy to match amplifier power to the requirements of the various loudspeakers used in an installation. For example at the Visalia location, a single four-channel Xs 4300 and two Xs 700 amps power the JBL AE Series LCR system, with channels to spare for stage and side-fill monitors, and Xs 700 amps power the subs. Commenting on the performance of the system, Gefke said, "During the Grand Opening with over 1000 people attending and a LOUD Christian Rock Band (Tree63), the amps did not even get warm!"

In Rio Grand, Xs 500, Xs 700, and Xs 900 amps collectively power the main, monitor, sub and back-fill loudspeakers, again taken from the JBL AE Series. Both the Visalia and Rio Grand systems also utilize dbx Professional Driverack processors for signal processing. Gefke noted, "The fellowship commented that they didn't know such a large space could possibly sound that good regardless of listener location in the room."

With smaller congregations, reliable, worry-free performance is extremely important, as there are often no technical personnel on site to troubleshoot problems. Xs Series amps are an excellent choice in these situations, with their proven track record of bulletproof reliability backed by the best warranty in the business. "We have experienced 100 percent reliability and as always great tech support whenever we have had questions," added Gefke.

Finally, Gefke observed, "Even though it has nothing to do with performance, we have received comments that the amps 'look cool!' My band teacher in High School always said 90% of the people hear with their eyes! How true!" It appears Crown's Xs Series amps are a cool choice for cost-effective House of Worship installations in more ways than one!

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

ABOUT CALVARY AUDIO MINISTRY
Calvary Audio Ministry serves the audio needs of Fellowships across the United States, assisting them to improve the quality of their audio, video and lighting ministries. For more information, visit Calvary Audio Ministry online at www.calvaryaudio.com

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ELKHART, Indiana - November, 2004 - On the heals of two recent trade shows, LDI and AES, Crown is once again recognized as technology leaders as they are awarded two prestigious awards in the month of October. Crown's I-Tech Series was named the 2004 winner of the TEC (Technical Excellence & Creativity) Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Amplifier Technology category at the 20th Annual TEC Awards ceremony, held October 30, 2004 in San Francisco. This was the second year in row that Crown has won the award, with last year's award going to the CTs Series 2-Channel amplifier with Ethernet control. I-Tech also won the 2004 ETS-LDI Award for Sound Product of the Year at ceremonies held at the ETS-LDI Show and Conference in Las Vegas on October 23, 2004.

Stephen Morris, Director of Marketing for Touring Sound and Cinema at Crown stated, "We are extremely honored to have been recognized with both a TEC Award for the second year running, and the ETI-LDI award. The I-Tech Series truly represents a significant step forward in amplifier technology, and we are proud that it continues to be recognized as such by the industry with these awards."

Founded in 1985, the Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards is the foremost program recognizing the achievements of audio professionals. Presented annually by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, the TEC Awards honor the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, films, TV shows and live performances. ETS-LDI, a PRIMEDIA Business Exhibition, sponsors the ETS-LDI Awards program that honors the leaders in the entertainment technology field.

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, AMEK, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

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ELKHART -- Fellow second-shift employees at Crown International officially welcomed Air National Guard member Dave Baker home Tuesday evening from active duty in the Iraq War and he reciprocated with a gift to Crown, thanking the company for its support.

Baker was presented with a certificate thanking him for his service. He responded with a U.S. flag, accompanied by official documentation stating it had been on a combat flight over Iraq.

For full story, click here to go the the eTruth.com website.

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - October, 2004 -- What was once shown as a prototype earlier this year at ShoWest is now a reality as Crown International and JBL Professional introduce the heart of the Digital B-Chain system, the DBC Network Bridge. The Crown DBC Bridge allows you to distribute multiple channels of uncompressed digital audio over standard fast Ethernet hardware for use in traditional 35mm, digital cinema, and e-cinema applications. "Digital B-Chain is unique in that it enables cinemas to cost-effectively upgrade to digital cinema-readiness - without the massive cost layout of converting to Digital Cinema - and yet it immediately delivers quantifiable improvements in sound system performance, efficiency and reliability," said Stephen Morris, Director of Marketing for Cinema and Touring with Crown International. Morris adds, "In addition, Digital B-Chain sound systems are eminently versatile, enabling cinema managers to easily re-purpose theaters for alternative applications such as pay-per-view sports and entertainment events, multi-site corporate meetings and even live performances."

The DBC Bridge accepts standard analog and/or AES digital audio and CobraNetT digital channels from other Cinema processors (Dolby, DTS), Cinema Servers, or Alternative Content Media Players; and bridges them to a Crown DBC network for distribution to the Crown amplifiers. The DBC Bridge also provides the necessary system equalization, which is stored and recalled via presets for use in both feature film and alternative content programming.

"Digital B-Chain technology is being applauded by theater-goers and theater managers alike," noted Chuck Goodsell, Director of Cinema Marketing at JBL Professional. "When the DBC Bridge is combined with JBL Professional ScreenArray cinema loudspeakers, the resulting Digital B-Chain system is meeting the challenge in the cinema market today. As we see the number of installed systems growing, it has become evident that DBC has emerged as the system of choice for this market." 

DBC Systems are being installed worldwide with locations in Switzerland, Japan, and the US. An example of this growth is evidenced by the rapid adoption of DBC within the Marcus Theatres chain. Marcus has installed three DBC systems to date in Elgin, IL, Addison, IL and Columbus, OH to compliment their new UltraScreen locations, and more are on the way. Mark Collins, Manager of Projection Services for Marcus Theaters commented, "System control is, perhaps, the most important consideration for us. We need to be able to monitor and control every aspect of the system, and Digital B-Chain provides more control than any other product available for this purpose. We are also extremely pleased with how the unbelievable digital audio quality delivered by a DBC system improves the total UltraScreen experience. DBC from Crown and JBL is the total package - complete system control and unequalled digital audio performance."

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL AND JBL PROFESSIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. 

Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world's leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

Crown International and JBL Professional are members of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, AMEK, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

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ELKHART, IN - October 2004 -- In the 100th anniversary of the immortal James M. Barrie tale, Peter Pan, Tony® Award nominee and two-time Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby is taking this timeless musical masterpiece on a national “farewell performance” tour, which opened on September 24, 2004 at The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California. Crown I-Tech Series amplifiers were chosen by Sound Advice LLC, who was awarded the sound system contract for the tour. Julie Ferrin of Sound Advice has worked with McCoy Rigby Entertainment for more than ten years and served as Sound Engineer for a segment of the tremendously successful 1997 tour of Peter Pan that earned an extended run on Broadway and wrapped up with an Emmy® Award winning A&E Television Special.

The I-Tech amplifiers power a 16-element JBL Professional VERTEC® VT 4888 system, with eight I-T4000s on the highs and mids, eight I-T6000s on the lows and two I-T6000s power the subwoofers. Three I-Tech 4000s are used for front fill and onstage monitor speakers.

Ms. Ferrin understands the potential challenges that a tour production may pose and that’s why she chose Crown I-Tech amplifiers. Ferrin explained, “The amplifier design is incredibly intelligent, and the built-in processing allows me to eliminate other processing gear that can take up a lot of extra space. The 2U chassis and the lightweight design is a huge plus for me since I will have only three amplifier racks for the entire show that two people can easily move. The IQwic software is very user friendly and can monitor everything about the system. A custom home page can be set up to accommodate the displays that you need and you have direct control right at your fingertips.“

Loren Robinson and everyone at Crown was instrumental in making this happen, helping us put this system together,” added Ferrin. “I had had the rig out on three musical productions before the opening at La Mirada, and I was immediately amazed with the system’s capabilities. I know that I made the right choice.” 

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, AMEK, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

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ELKHART, IN - October 2004 -- The Christian Church congregation of Norway recently held the Grand Opening of their new 7,500-seat main hall and facilities named "Brunstad Conference Center." The new PA installation is the largest installed sound system in Norway and Europe's largest house of worship installation. The system featured the largest number of Crown I-Tech Series amplifiers in a European installation to date, with 100,000 watts of total amplifier power. LydRommet AS, Harman Pro distributor for Norway, was responsible for system design, installation, trimming and quality control. The congregation's technical department handled all cabling and termination themselves.

Twelve I-T4000s and ten I-T6000s were used, in addition to one CTs 1200 for front fill, one CTs 2000 for stage fill, and four CTs 2000 for monitors. All loudspeaker control including crossover, equalization, delay and limiting is handled inside the amplifier via I-Tech's integrated DSP. In addition, I-Tech's load monitor, temperature control, error log and other advanced diagnostic features make it easy to monitor the whole Brunstad system from a remote PC. Also, by utilizing I-Tech's internal DSP, the system signal chain to the loudspeakers was reduced by one component over what is typical, providing improved S/N ratio.

"We are very satisfied with the result of this installation" notes Christian Wille, President of LydRommet. "The main hall has fantastic acoustics for amplified audio, all seats have smooth and even coverage with precise bass punch and soft high fidelity response in the mid and high frequencies. This is highly appreciated for music and concerts."

ABOUT CROWN INTERNATIONAL
Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, AMEK, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer. Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

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High Production Values - The BEST Sound in London
High production values are imperative to KOKO's success. The Mint Group wanted the best sound system in town - a challenge that both Harman and Xtreme were determined to deliver. 

The need for a world class live audio system was manifold. Firstly, they needed to cater for the diverse and wide range of performing artists and DJs who'll be playing KOKO - with its energetic program of club nights and live gigs. The Harman Pro UK brief was to provide a fully integrated sound system that would ensure that each performance had access to consistently high production values - and that no one need bring in any additional production sound gear.

A further requirement was that the system should also be capable of working in a conference context, as KOKO is also available for corporate event hires of all types.

Onstage
Stage monitors are six JBL 4702s, also powered by Crown XLS amps. The stage side-fill system consists of two JBL SR4733s while JBL AM6215/95 speakers have been added as front fills to the dance floor. The monitor board is the existing Soundcraft 500, which has also been reconditioned. Two DriveRack 480s provide digital compression and EQ for the monitor system.

Harman Professional UK have also supplied a full range of AKG mics including the award winning C414 XLS, C451, C900 to cater for all types of live music performances, spoken word, speeches, and conference/corporate style presentations. The installation also includes a top of the range four channel AKG WMS 4000 wireless mic system. The product was specified for its flexibility, set up ease and operational simplicity. The plug-and-play nature of the WMS 4000 is ideal for situations utilising several radio mics simultaneously, and offers KOKO the ability to provide a high-end professional wireless system to their clients.

Passing Comments
Xtreme's John Nightingale says, "From the integration context, Harman is an ideal partner for Xtreme. They supply the right sonic solution and are a one-stop service for all the component parts. Their attention to detail is impressive, and the support excellent."

Harman's Dave Budge adds, "Harman Pro UK is in a unique position of being able to offer the world's most advanced integrated solutions made up of the top brands across the whole audio spectrum. With an in-house technical team headed by Tom Williams we can support the contractor's efforts - from design to final commissioning."

"Designing a project like KOKO is based on creating a state-of-the-art sound system within the required budget. Acoustically the space is very challenging, but it was an exciting project," says Tom Williams from Harman Pro UK.

About the Harman Pro Group
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. 

ELKHART, IN - September 2004 -- Crown International was recently named first runner-up for the U. S. Senate Productivity Award for 2003. The award is given annually and is sponsored by U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar, the Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA), and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). The award recognizes outstanding productivity gains or methods, which may be utilized by other Indiana companies to improve Indiana's overall productivity. Larry Coburn, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing for Crown commented: "We are very proud to have received this award. This recognition by our peers in the Manufacturing community is extra special because they understand the hard work we have done to improve our processes and products."

As a result of their efforts toward productivity improvement, Crown was able to cut fabrication and board assembly aggregate lead times by 90 percent, increase line efficiency by 30 percent plant-wide, reduce inventory by 20 percent and free 32,000 square feet of floor space. "These changes have also improved the work environment for our employees, by helping us better provide a clean, safe place to work," noted Coburn, who will be awarded with the runner-up plaque and will present Crown's success story at a public forum held by the IMA in October in Indianapolis.

Crown International manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. Crown is a member of the Harman Professional (HPro) group of Harman International companies. Other HPro audio brands include AKG, AMEK, BSS Audio, dbx Professional, Lexicon Pro, JBL Professional, Soundcraft, and Studer.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR; www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets.

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ELKHART, IN, USA - April 2004 -- Crown International today provided an update on the adoption into the marketplace of their new flagship touring amplifier, the I-Tech Series. “We have never seen this much excitement about a new product introduction in our history,” stated Stephen Morris, Market Director for Touring Sound, Installed Sound and Cinema markets at Crown. “The tremendous success of this new line proves that the industry was hungry for a ‘no excuses’ product like I-Tech, and we feel confident that we have delivered on our promises. Typically, there is an initial buzz around a product introduction with an associated spike in orders, but with I-Tech we have seen unprecedented demand that started the day we announced the product, which continues to this day.”

Crown reports worldwide sales of over 1,500 units to date. Over 50 touring companies, rental houses and other customers in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia have received shipment of their initial orders, and the response continues to be overwhelmingly positive as these companies evaluate the amplifiers and integrate them into their inventory. Albert Leccese, VP of Engineering for Audio Analysts, a major US touring company, had this to say about I-Tech: “When Crown first came and showed us the I-Tech amps, we were very intrigued with the possibilities they offered us. We have been touring with our Macro-Tech inventory for years with great success, but I-Tech offers some very attractive new options.”

Leccese continues: “Once we took delivery of our I-Techs and began working with them, we really began to see how much of a leap forward these amps really are. One thing we particularly like, besides the obvious advantage of lighter weight, is the built-in diagnostics capabilities. Besides being able to monitor amp status on the front panel and across the network, we can also download the statistics about the amps after they come back off the road and evaluate their performance and keep track of their hours of operation, which will really help us manage our inventory. There are many other things we like about these amps, and we are eager to get our entire inventory moved over to I-Tech.”

As customers are taking delivery of their first shipments of I-Tech amplifiers, many are already noting how much better their systems sound. Loudspeakers sound better with higher voltage, and I-Tech amplifiers offer unprecedented voltage potential, allowing them to more accurately reproduce transient peaks in the program material. Leccese noted: “We were really excited about how great the I-Tech amps sound. They are definitely a worthy successor to the MA series we have in our present inventory, because they really sound alive. They have a great low end response and have a smooth, natural response across all bands.” 

Early indications show that I-Tech is quickly establishing itself as the “Tour de Force” for touring power!

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. 

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Concert-quality sound system in this public entertainment facility has "Urban Cowboys" kicking up their heels

DALLAS, TX USA - April 2004 -- Hot Country & Western sounds and a whole lot more are thrilling audiences once again at Gilley's, the new multi-purpose public entertainment facility located in the heart of downtown Dallas, Texas. Continuing the legend started at the original Gilley's in Pasadena, Texas, the new Gilley's is a choice venue for the best in live entertainment. Hosting live music performances of all popular genres, the Dallas Jazz Legends Festival, and other business and sporting events, the facility is intended to be a key tool in the city's effort to stimulate further development of downtown Dallas. The new facility is equipped with a state of the art, concert-quality sound and intelligent lighting system designed to accommodate the diverse nature of the events hosted throughout the year.

The design of the audio system was accomplished via collaboration between Chris Jordan of Electro-Acoustics & Video (EAVI) and Brad Ricks of Harman Professional Systems (HPS). Rusty VanMeter served as project manager for EAVI, and Brad Morrow of Dobbs-Stanford Corporation, the Harman Professional representative firm for Texas, provided assistance on the project and training to the Gilley's staff.

Main system rack with Crown CTs and Macro-Tech amplifiers and BSS Audio Soundweb units

The old building originally served as a dairy, and much of the rustic structural elements remain exposed, providing an ambience reminiscent of the Texas roadhouses common to this region. The main stage system is composed of a Left/Right system of four VT4888 elements and a center-fill cluster of two VT4888 elements. The VerTec system is powered with 12 CTs 3000 amplifiers. Subwoofers include six AE Series ASB6128V high-output dual 18-inch subwoofers, powered by three Macro-Tech MA-5002VZ amplifiers. The rest of the house system is powered with six CTs 1200 amplifiers driving AM4212 two-way speakers for fills and Control 29AV 8 inch, 2-way speakers for back-of-house. An amplifier room was located approximately 75 feet from stage right, where the main amplifiers were mounted in stationary racks. "We really were impressed at how little power the CTs amps draw" noted Ricks. "They proved to be very efficient in this install."

A full monitor system includes 12 JBL SR4702X wedges, each powered by a CTs 1200 amplifier. One CL4 amplifier powers a subwoofer for drum fill. Two Soundcraft MH3 48-channel consoles were chosen for Front of House and monitors. Lexicon and dbx processing is used throughout. Stage monitor amplifiers were mounted in portable racks located on stage right, allowing the monitor engineer to easily view amplifier levels and indicators.

One CTs 4200 four-channel amplifier operating in 70V mode powers multiple speakers for the entryway and outdoor zones. "The Crown VCA-controlled amplifier for the backstage areas made controlling levels quite easy," noted Jordan. The CTs 4200 was matched with the optional VCA-MC4 module, which provides remote level control for each amplifier channel via the matching 4VCAP wall controller. 

Jordan added: "Crown amplifiers are universally accepted by national touring acts. Reliability is an important issue to both the club owner and us at EAVI. We do not like interrupting our weekend to swap out an amplifier. Crown amplifiers have proven to be very reliable throughout our 20 year history of installing sound systems." Ricks noted: "The Gilley's system provides concert-quality sound, with good coverage and gain before feedback - even with the relatively low ceiling and long throw characteristics needed in the room, and the CTs amps are doing a great job driving this system"

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

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Monster sound system installed at the new home of 
the "Monsters of the Midway"

CHICAGO, IL USA - February 2004 -- Soldier Field, the home of Chicago's storied NFL football team the Chicago Bears, recently reopened after undergoing a massive renovation. The venerable old stadium, originally opened in 1924, had been the home field of the oldest team in the league for over 30 years. Though incremental refurbishments over the years extended the life of the facility, the team needed a new stadium on a par with other new facilities being built for NFL teams. After considering several options for location, the city of Chicago determined it wanted to keep the team in the heart of the city and launched a project to renovate the existing facility as part of a larger Lakefront Improvement Plan for the immediate area. The high-tech outdoor stadium design retains much of the old architectural charm that distinguished it through the years, yet incorporates modern stadium design elements intended to position it as a world-class sporting venue. Key among those elements is the high-performance audio system. The system had to meet the performance goals set forth early in the planning stages for the stadium while accommodating the architect's aesthetic concerns. This meant, in part, creating many custom loudspeaker enclosures. It was immediately apparent to the capacity crowd during pre-game opening festivities that the total experience of attending a Bears home game from now on will include rocking, high-energy sound. 

The design and consulting firm Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc.(WJHW) of Dallas provided system design, with Kevin Day of WJHW providing sound system design and Jack Wrightson handling project management duties. System installation was completed by SPL Integrated Solutions (SPL), with Don Alberg serving as Project Engineer based in Baltimore, and LD Parker as Site Engineer / Superintendent, Skip Warrington as Project Manager, and Jim Mascenic as Site Manager, based out of SPL Chicago. 

One of the equipment rooms with Crown CTs amplifiers. 
Soundweb units by BSS Audio also shown.

The game announcer uses a Crown CM-311AHS headset microphone, with Crown's patented Differoid noise-canceling response. This version of the CM-311A is designed to be mounted on headphones for broadcaster use. The mic signal is fed to a Soundcraft K2 console, then to a dbx 160A compressor. SoundwebT products by BSS Audio are used for signal distribution and processing. The hybrid point-source / distributed loudspeaker design for the facility implements three huge clusters, positioned along the top of the west end of the seating bowl, firing across the field to the other side. To provide a sense of scale, a set of 4 JBL Vertec 4889s are used as the near fill system. JBL Control Contractor series loudspeakers are used for distributed sound in ancillary zones and JBL custom speakers were designed for under-balcony. 178 CTs Series two-channel amplifiers fitted with IQ-PIP-USP3 modules power the entire stadium, ranging from the suites to the main clusters. The IQ-PIP-USP3 modules add an enormous amount of signal processing, control, and metering to the CTs amplifiers in addition to advanced error reporting and load monitoring capabilities. 

Two of three main loudspeaker clusters atop the stadium

The amplifiers were installed into seven different rack rooms with two dedicated to the clusters. A Fast Ethernet network was installed with Fiber optic cable for transporting the IQ Network communications between rack rooms and central control. Once the hardware was installed in the racks and the cable-plant was in place, making system connections was as simple as clicking a single RJ-45 connector into each component. This allowed the installation to be completed in a short time, and with very little difficulty. 

The Soldier Field IQ Network actively monitors the operation of the system, and detects potential problems before they have the opportunity to evolve into real ones. For instance, if a particular amplifier channel or loudspeaker driver starts to operate outside of a specified tolerance range, the computer will immediately display an error message alerting the tech staff of the anomaly. In providing an "early warning," potential problems can very likely be resolved prior to triggering customer complaints or, worse yet, catastrophic and costly damage to audio equipment. Bradford Benn, US Business Development Manager for Installed Sound at Crown commented about the IQ Network, "The fact that our IQ Network works on common Ethernet networking technology was a real benefit for this project. When it was time for SPL to do the installation, they didn't have to worry about a lot of special considerations to make the network function. Common networking design and practice is all that is required to get up and running."

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

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Anaheim, California, USA - January 2004 -- Crown International unveiled the all new I-Tech Series at the Winter NAMM trade show in Anaheim. Crown positions I-Tech as their new flagship amplifier series for the touring and corporate PA markets.

"I-Tech is truly the world's most advanced power amplifier," said Stephen Morris, Market Director for Touring Sound, Installed Sound and Cinema markets at Crown. "It represents the pinnacle of Crown's 50 years of leadership, incorporating our latest power supply, output stage and digital technologies. Crown packed more sophisticated features, protection, performance and value into I-Tech than has ever been assembled into one amplifier. With I-Tech, choosing a touring amplifier no longer has to involve making a series of compromises."

I-Tech packs a lot of power into a small, lightweight package, with all models being 2RU and weighing less than 28 lbs. (12.7 kg.). I-Tech is built for the road, with a rugged chassis designed to withstand abuse. I-Tech features Crown's proven, patented Class-I switching output design to deliver massive amounts of power while generating a fraction of the heat of conventional designs. Crown's global regulated power supply delivers full power regardless of AC mains voltage: from 120 to 277 volts, and from 50 to 60 Hz. Power Factor Correction (PFC) allows I-Tech to draw current from the mains more efficiently, providing more power from a single 20 amp breaker. The Class-I output and advanced power supply combine to allow I-Tech to provide the highest output voltage available, for a clearly audible difference when driving today's high-performance loudspeakers. 

An intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics. AES/EBU digital audio inputs are standard, along with balanced analog XLR inputs and passive-through outputs. Crown plans to soon announce availability of integrated CobraNetT digital audio inputs as an option. Integrated studio-grade DSP with 24 bit / 96kHz converters allow custom settings and factory-designed tunings to be easily loaded and recalled via onboard presets. 

I-Tech amplifiers connect directly to IQ Networks, providing Crown's legendary IQ control over industry-standard Ethernet network technology. Using mature, off-the-shelf networking technology, Crown's TCP/IQ protocol ensures reliable, easy-to implement and inexpensive network operation. By connecting I-Tech to an IQ Network and running the free IQwic software application, all amplifier controls can be accessed, and vital amplifier operating parameters monitored, from a remote location. Multiple levels of security are available to prevent unauthorized adjustment of system settings.

Minimum guaranteed power ratings are as follows:

Power per channel with both channels driven:
I-T4000: 1,800W at 2 Ohms; 2,000W at 4 Ohms; 1,250W at 8 Ohms.
I-T6000: 2,500W at 2 Ohms; 3,000W at 4 Ohms; 1,500W at 8 Ohms. 
I-T8000: 3,500W at 2 Ohms; 4,000W at 4 Ohms; 2,100W at 8 Ohms. 

Like all Crown amplifiers, I-Tech Series products are backed by the manufacturer's industry-exclusive Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty. 

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com. 

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Anaheim, California, USA - January 2004 -- Crown International announced the addition of the Xs 1200 to the Xs Series of power amplifiers at the Winter NAMM trade show in Anaheim. The Xs 1200 is the highest-powered model in the series, providing 1,100 watts per channel into 4 ohms for customers demanding more power within the Xs Series. Designed with mobile DJs, musicians and regional tour companies in mind, the Xs Series offers compact, lightweight, 2RU designs along with very aggressive price points.

"The new Xs 1200 really rounds out the Xs Series, offering a high-power option for driving subs and high output loudspeaker systems," noted Larry Baker, Market Director for Portable PA, Recording and Broadcast at Crown. "This new amplifier offers a whole lot of Crown power for the money, and makes the Xs Series complete, with models to power the whole system, from monitors, to mid-high cabinets to subwoofers."

Like the other models in the Xs Series, the Xs 1200 includes a number of notable features. The amplifier is housed in a rugged, all-steel 2RU chassis and employs efficient forced-air cooling. The front panel features dual precision-detented level controls, power switch, bridge, power, AC mains present, temp and fault LEDs and signal and clip LEDs for each channel. Rear panel connections include Neutrik Combo inputs, allowing balanced XLR or 1/4-inch connections, barrier strip inputs, XLR male outputs for daisy-chaining, plus touch-proof binding post, Speakon and Phoenix outputs. The Xs 1200 also employs extensive protection and diagnostics capabilities, including output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker, and special thermal protection. Like all Crown amplifiers, Xs Series products are backed by the manufacturer's industry-exclusive Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty. 

Power ratings per channel and suggested US retail pricing on the new Crown Xs 1200 are as follows:
Xs 1200: 1,600W at 2 Ohms 1,100W at 4 Ohms 650W at 8 Ohms $1,789.00

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at http://www.crownaudio.com. 
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ELKHART, Indiana - January 2004 — Crown International has named Larry Baker as Market Director for Portable PA, Recording and Broadcast. The appointment, effective immediately, was announced by Mark Graham, Crown's Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. 

Baker brings diverse experience to the position, with more than a decade of business development and strategic marketing experience with major consumer and high tech B2B companies. He has spearheaded numerous go-to-market and product line strategies including re-establishing RCA audio products in the US, launching the distribution and sale of GE Communication products internationally, and establishing Unicru as the leading hiring management system in the US. Larry received both his BS Chemical Engineering and MBA from Purdue University.

“We are excited to have Larry join our team,” commented Mark Graham. “Larry’s extensive skills in market analysis and business development really compliment our team and make it much stronger. Larry will be a key asset for Crown going forward, as we continue to strengthen our position within the market segments we serve.”

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at http://www.crownaudio.com. 

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ELKHART, Indiana - October 2003 --Crown's CTs Series 2-Channel amplifier with Ethernet was awarded the prestigious TEC (Technical Excellence & Creativity) Award. The combination of the CTs 2-channel amplifier series with IQ Network control and digital audio transport won the award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Amplifier Technology category at the 19th Annual TEC Awards ceremony, held October 11, 2003 in New York City.

Mark Graham, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Crown stated, "We are very proud to receive this recognition. Our CTs Series amplifiers have raised the bar in terms of what an amplifier for installed sound should be. With the integration of proven network control and digital audio transport, CTs offers a combination of power, performance and value that is unmatched in the industry."

The CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers represent a high-powered, flexible and affordable solution for integrated systems. All 2-channel modules are two rack space, and feature regulated switch-mode power supplies for lightweight, reliable performance. They are also designed to be easily integrated in networked systems with the addition of a range of PIP modules that communicate on standard Fast Ethernet networks via Crown's 'TCP/IQ' protocol. Both IQ Network communication and the digital audio are transported via a common 100 Mbit Ethernet network, made possible by the proprietary "single-click" solution provided by TCP/IQ.

Other Harman Pro brands were recognized as well, with AKG and JBL winning TEC awards and AKG, dbx Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft and Studer receiving nominations, emphasizing the strength of the Harman family of products for professional audio.

Founded in 1985, the Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards is the foremost program recognizing the achievements of audio professionals. Presented annually by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, the TEC Awards honor the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, films, TV shows and live performances. 

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at http://www.crownaudio.com. 

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Complete Article (pdf file)

ELKHART, Indiana - September 2003 -- HY-PHY PRODUCTIONS, INC. of Cookeville, Tennessee recently chose CTs amplifiers, featuring Crown's patented Class-I technology, to power the United States leg of a tour for Heavy-Metal artists Iron Maiden, Ronnie James Dio and Motorhead. A total of 88 CTs 3000 amplifiers (that's 264,000 watts) are powering the Front Of House and monitor systems. CTs was chosen over popular touring amplifier mainstays based on their excellent audio performance, light weight, and proven durability.

David Phy, Director of Operations for HY-PHY SOUND commented about the choice of CTs for the tour: "The CTs 3000's were chosen after extensive testing at Crown and HY-PHY SOUND. The amplifiers all held up extremely well under our vigorous tests in the shop. The next test was to actually put them on a show. We took them to a 4-day festival for the "Real World" test. The amplifiers and the PA withstood nearly all the elements thrown into the picture, including 3 days of system level bashing of every component by the artist engineers. The amplifiers withstood rain, wind, mud, dust, 100 degree heat, humidity, and all the other hardships related to outdoor festivals." 

The CTs amplifiers are Crown's newest flagship amplifier intended for Installed Sound applications. Though CTs was designed for fixed installation, the switchmode power supply and class-I technologies inside are designed to provide rock-solid performance in demanding applications such as touring.

The difference in performance between CTs and other touring amplifiers was immediately apparent to HY-PHY SOUND when they performed their initial listenings. Phy commented, "I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The CTs 3000 was so loud and clear compared to the other amps in the test, it was unbelievable."

Rusty King, HY-PHY SOUND System Technician on the tour, commented about the performance of the amps, "The system consistently performs well every single night. The levels of a Metal/Rock show can be extreme at times and the Crown CTs 3000's have gone through at least 7 hours of drive-time every show day and 7 more of time in stand by. Night after night of pounding the PA with 106+ A-weighted decibel levels (at Front Of House) and taking the amplifiers within 5 db of clip for each and every moment of the show proved that this "Install" amplifier could make it as this roadies' best friend. An amplifier that I don't have to fix or more likely replace after loading in and out night after night for 2 months is the best advantage to me and my crew."

"The Crown CTs amplifiers have been a real pleasure to work with on this tour" King said. "They have worked well every single night after all the punishment that they receive from everything from the truck driver to the stagehand at load-out and everything in between. Plus, they look great! It would be a shame to hide them in a closet somewhere on an install unless you give guided tours of the amplifier room."

HY-PHY PRODUCTIONS, INC main corporate offices are located in Cookeville, Tennessee. HY-PHY can be reached at 931-528-3574 or visit www.hyphy.com for further information.

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

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Complete Article (pdf file)

Crown originally achieved certification to the ISO 9002:1994 standard in 1999. This new version of the ISO quality standard places a greater emphasis on top management involvement in the Quality System as well as a focus on continual improvement. Additionally, the audit for compliance with the standard now examines the extent to which a company's Quality System contains customer-focused elements, including understanding needs, meeting requirements, keeping customers informed, and measuring satisfaction. A company receives ISO 9001:2000 certification upon verification by an independent auditor that it has complied with the standard.

Crown's Quality Management System will be re-examined every six months to assure on-going compliance with the standard. Augsburger noted "While achieving ISO 9001:2000 certification has been our goal, it does not represent an end unto itself. Rather, it is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts. Sustaining the level of performance that this latest certification acknowledges is essential since quality is a continuous process."

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana.

# # #

SINGAPORE - August 2003 -- Electronics and Engineering Pte Ltd (E&E Pte Ltd) recently installed the audio-visual system in the Anglo-Chinese School's (ACS') new campus. They specified Crown MA-2402, MA-3600VZ, CE 1000, CE 2000, and CE 4000 amplifiers for the project. Working with Singapore's leading audio consultancy company, Acoustics Consultants Pte Ltd, E&E installed systems in three venues: the Concert Hall, Drama Theatre and Auditorium. 

For more information on this installation, please visit E&E Engineering's web site at www.enepl.com.sg

[Click to download high-resolution photo]

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, USA - July 2003 -- Crown International is introducing its new Xs Series power amplifiers at the Summer NAMM trade show in Nashville. Designed with mobile DJs, musicians and regional tour companies in mind, the Xs 500, 700, 900 and 4300 offer compact, lightweight, 2U designs along with very aggressive price points.

"The Xs Series is Crown's first full amplifier line for the retail market featuring a Crown- designed switch-mode power supply," says Bob Lichty, Crown International market director for MI and recording. "These amplifiers provide the features and price points that our pro-user customers have been asking for."

The two-channel Xs 500, 700 and 900 all combine first-class reliability with a number of notable features. Each model is housed in a rugged, all-steel chassis and employs efficient forced-air fans to prevent excessive thermal buildup. Front panels sport dual precision-detented level controls, a power switch and ten LEDs, which indicate signal and clip for each channel, bridge mode, power, AC mains present, temp and fault conditions. Rear panel connections include two Neutrik Combo inputs, allowing balanced XLR or 1/4-inch connections, barrier strip inputs, two XLR male outputs for daisy-chaining, plus touch-proof binding post, Speakon and Phoenix outputs.

The four-channel Xs 4300 enjoys the same feature set, with twice the front panel indicators and controls, combo inputs and touch-proof binding post outputs. The 4300 can be run as four independent channels, or each pair of channels may be bridged to operate as a two or three-channel higher power amplifier when needed.

The new Xs models also employ extensive protection and diagnostics capabilities, including output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker, and special thermal protection of the units' transformers.

Like all of Crown's amplifiers, Xs products are backed by the manufacturer's industry-exclusive Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.

Power ratings per channel and suggested US retail pricing on the new Crown Xs Series are as follows:

Xs 500:   750W at 2 Ohms, 500W at 4 Ohms, 400W at 8 Ohms, $989
Xs 700:   900W at 2 Ohms, 750W at 4 Ohms, 450W at 8 Ohms, $1,299
Xs 900:   1200W at 2 Ohms, 900W at 4 Ohms, 600W at 8 Ohms, $1,459
Xs 4300: 300W at 4 Ohms, 200W at 8 Ohms, $1,619

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana.  

# # #

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - February 2003 - Jon E Gee, best known as the bass player for John Mellencamp's legendary rhythm section, has joined the ever-growing list of high-profile bass players endorsing Crown International's K2 power amplifier as a live and studio performance tool.

Gee, who has also played with Ted Nugent and shared the stage with Kid Rock, James Taylor and Mick Jagger to name a few, uses an Ashley SC-40 preamp and, along with his K2, has a DOD three-way crossover and Yamaha 31-band EQ in his rack. All this feeds two custom-made single 15" cabinets and two custom-made 4 X 10" cabinets. Jon's main bass of choice on the road is a five-string Lakland.

Gee's respect for Crown amplifiers goes back a number of years to when he was touring with a regional band carrying its own all-Crown-powered PA. "On the way to one particular gig, we were involved in an accident that caused the amps to be thrown off the truck and, in a few cases, ripped out of their racks," Gee recalls. "However, when we got to the venue and fired up the system, every one of those Crowns worked like nothing had happened!" That reliability combined with Crown's pristine sonic quality was what ultimately sold Gee on a K2 for his own bass rig. And as Gee likes to say, "It's a Crown that makes one a king!"

Jon E Gee is currently in the studio with John Mellencamp, and is also playing shows with the Dane Clark band. 

For more information on Jon E Gee and his upcoming shows, visit www.jonegee.com.

The Crown K2 is an extremely powerful workhorse amplifier capable of delivering 800 watts per channel into 4 ohms in stereo mode and a staggering 2500 watts into 4 ohms in bridge-mono mode. Featuring a damping factor in excess of 3000 from 10 to 400 Hz, the K2 is widely praised for its sonic accuracy and exceptional low-end control.

Thanks to Crown's patented BCA technology, the K2 is also tremendously thermally efficient, generating just one-tenth the heat of a conventional amplifier. Because of this, the K2 requires no internal cooling fan (read: no noise) and features a sealed chassis that is immune to dust, cigarette smoke, stage fog and spilled liquids. Practically maintenance-free and boasting a reliability that's all-Crown, the K2 is additionally backed up by the manufacturer's unprecedented 'Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.' 
Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana, USA

# # #

February 2003

[Click to download high-resolution photo] 

 ANAHEIM, California - January 2003 -- Crown International has now rolled out improved versions of its popular XLS Series power amplifiers. Designed with hard-working DJs and musicians in mind, the newly re-engineered XLS 202, 402 and 602 offer compact 2U (instead of 3U) designs, lighter weights, and lower price points than their predecessors.

"To be able to offer XLS in a package that requires less rack space and is lighter, cooler looking, and even more affordable than before is just plain awesome," says Bob Lichty, Crown International market director for MI and recording. "The former XLS models have been rock-solid in terms of reliability and sonic performance and we know the 'NextGen' versions will carry on this trend. We also have the latest XLS models available in all line voltages, so they're ready for export markets as well."

The new two-channel XLS 202, 402, and 602 all combine first-class reliability with a number of notable features. Each model is housed in a rugged, all-steel chassis and employs efficient forced-air fans to prevent excessive thermal buildup. Front panels sport dual, precision-detented level controls, a power switch and four LEDs, which indicate clip for each channel, power, and fault conditions. Rear panel connections include two electronically balanced XLR inputs as well as touch-proof binding post and Speakon(r) outputs.

The new XLS models also employ extensive protection and diagnostics capabilities, including output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker, and special thermal protection of the units' transformers.

Power ratings per channel and suggested US retail pricing on the updated Crown XLS Series are as follows:

XLS 202: 250W at 2 Ohms, 200W at 4 Ohms, 145W at 8 Ohms, $409
XLS 402: 570W at 2 Ohms, 400W at 4 Ohms, 260W at 8 Ohms, $495
XLS 602: 840W at 2 Ohms, 600W at 4 Ohms, 370W at 8 Ohms, $619

Like all of Crown's amplifiers, XLS products are backed by the manufacturer's industry-exclusive 'Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty'.

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana.

# # #

ELKHART, Indiana - January 2003 -- Scott Robbins has rejoined Crown International to once again serve as the company's vice president of sales. The announcement came from Blake Augsburger, Crown International president, to whom Robbins reports.

"We're extremely pleased to have Scott back in the Crown family," Augsburger remarked. "His 13 years of experience with Crown, three of which were spent as our VP of sales, make him an invaluable resource to this company. With Scott onboard, our executive team is now rounded out with some of the best talent in this industry."

As of mid-November, Robbins is now again responsible for spearheading the manufacturer's entire sales operation with regard to amplifiers, microphones and IQ products. Aside from overseeing the US, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Pacific Rim sales directors, he will additionally be acting as the interim sales director for Crown's Intercontinental territory (Canada and Central/South America).

Enthused about his return, Robbins commented, "I'm excited to be back in the game with Crown; it's a company that's energized and on the move. I'm also very thankful to once more work with the outstanding people here that truly make this company so great."

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana.

# # #

January 2003

ELKHART, Indiana - January 2003 -- Few voices in the pop world are as easily recognized and cherished as Art Garfunkel's. From classic Simon & Garfunkel hits like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Mrs. Robinson' and 'Sounds of Silence' to new material like 'Bounce', 'The Thread' and 'Perfect Moment', Garfunkel's trademark tenor has attracted countless fans of all ages around the world.

Currently on tour with fellow songwriters Buddy Mondlock and Maia Sharp in support of the trio's new collaborative album, Everything Waits to be Noticed (EMI / Manhattan Records), Garfunkel and his band are now exclusively using Crown microphones out on the road.

Ten Crown CM-200A cardioid condenser microphones are being used for all vocals onstage in addition to sax, electric and acoustic guitar, kick drum and snare top. Half a dozen CM-700 cardioid condensers are employed on high hat, toms, snare bottom and chimes, while four miniature hypercardioid GLM-200s mic the congas and bongos as well as serve as overheads for the drum kit. The microphone complement is further rounded out by a pair of PZM-6Ds for piano and a single CM-150 omnidirectional condenser mic for RTA use.

"Despite its tiny size, the Crown GLM-200 has made a gigantic improvement on Nick Vincent's drums," says Brian Bavido, Garfunkel's monitor engineer. "A pair of them as overheads combined with a CM-200A on kick provides a terrific overall drum sound; it's incredibly smooth and full. Engineers at a few stops on the tour so far have laughed when they saw us putting the GLM-200s up because they're so small that we're actually gaffing them to boom stands. But once they've heard them, they've all been amazed."

Stuart Breed, Garfunkel's FOH and studio engineer for 18 years, is equally pleased with the Crown selection, particularly the Pressure Zone Microphones. "I love the PZM-6Ds in the piano," he notes. "I used to use Crown PZMs quite a bit for guitars and other instruments when I worked with Geoff Emerick at Air Studios back in the '80s and have always liked them.

"For Art's tour, Warren Bernhardt typically plays a nine-foot Steinway with the piano lid down. By positioning the PZMs on the underside of the lid, we're able to get the microphones another inch and a quarter away from the strings than our previous mics, which really allows the notes to breathe. It makes a world of difference. Art tends to be a real stickler for natural piano sounds, so if he's happy to sing 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' with a Steinway that's miked with Crown PZMs - which he is - there's simply no better endorsement."

The all-Crown concept was brought to the table by Bavido. "Troy Shearman at Full Range Sound, my SR company and studio, really suggested it," he says. "When Art took a two-month hiatus at the end of the summer, I rejoined Troy on some regional jobs and really liked what I was hearing him use the Crown mics on - even more so than some of the sounds we were getting out on Art's tour. So we sat down in the studio, tried mic'ing a bunch of instruments with different models and came up with an all-Crown input list (aside from a few active DI boxes). Then, when rehearsals for the new tour commenced in Salt Lake City, we brought the Crowns out, put them up, made a few minor changes in model choices and basically locked it all in. Everything sounds great. I've always been a strong advocate of Crown amplifiers and now I'm a fan of their mics, too."

After wrapping up the domestic leg of the tour, Garfunkel heads to Europe and the UK in late February for a month before coming back to the States for another sweep. At this point, he's anticipated to tour with Mondlock, Sharp and the band in support of the new album throughout much of 2003.

Garfunkel and his former musical partner, Paul Simon, are being honored by The Recording Academy at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on February 23 with the prestigious 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana.

# # #

January 2003

Detroit's Emagine Entertainment partners with two Harman Pro brands
to create the world's most technically advanced cinema audio system

NOVI, Michigan - January 2003 -- Troy, Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment very recently opened a new $18-million, 3900-seat cineplex in the nearby metropolitan Detroit suburb of Novi. Featuring 18 screens and numerous amenities that set it apart from its local competitors - such as a Boeing digital cinema system for alternative content, a cocktail concession area and auditorium-style seating throughout - Emagine Novi also boasts arguably the world's most technically advanced cinema audio system.

The auditorium audio equipment complement is almost exclusively comprised of Crown and JBL products. The lion's share of 74 two-channel Crown CTs amplifiers (CTs 600, 1200, 2000 and 3000 models), all equipped with IQ-PIP-USP2 cards, provide power and signal processing for 54 JBL ScreenArray loudspeaker systems (4622, 3632 and 4632 models) and 20 4642A dual-18-inch subs. An additional 18 eight-channel Crown CTs 8200s, each outfit with an IQ-MC-8 module, are also on hand to drive most of the cineplex's 80 JBL 8330A and 120 8340A surround systems.

The key element that makes this system so advanced is the implementation of Crown's IQ System, which provides in-depth, real-time monitoring and control of all 18 networked auditorium systems from a single desktop PC located in the primary projection corridor. Although widely used in high-profile sound reinforcement system installations and top-grossing concert tours for well over a decade, IQ has not yet achieved much visibility in the cinema industry. However, Stephen Morris, Crown International's market director for installed sound and cinema, foresees that quickly changing as cinema management becomes increasingly 'tech-savvy'.

"IQ provides large cineplexes like Emagine Novi with an unprecedented amount of time-saving diagnostic capabilities," notes Morris. "For example, instead of having to continually walk around and personally listen to the audio in each auditorium and visually check every rack to make sure that everything is functioning properly, IQ enables the theater's technical staff to very quickly and easily monitor the performance of not just the amplifiers, but any input signal, amplifier or loudspeaker throughout the facility from one central location. Over time, this can represent an enormous savings in labor costs."

Carl Slemer, Emagine Entertainment president and CEO, agrees. "When Stephen and Chuck (Goodsell, director of cinema marketing for JBL) first explained the benefits of a Crown-JBL system to me at ShoWest last year, I immediately understood the value in what it could provide," he says. "With IQ, we can ensure an ongoing high-quality audio presentation without having to do a lot of running around. By comparison, our Birch Run, Michigan location, which was equipped long before I ever sat down with Crown, requires a much greater amount of time and effort to maintain its high-quality presentation. So I've seen first-hand how IQ has the potential to lower overall operations costs because one person can essentially monitor everything."

Emagine Entertainment is currently building an identical 18-screen facility 15 miles south of Novi in Canton Township. Expected to open in fall of 2003, the new location will benefit from the exact same Crown and JBL audio system, as will likely another Emagine cineplex in nearby Westland, which breaks ground in March of 2003.

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com.

Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world's leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Pro website at www.jblpro.com.

# # #

 
January 2003

WOLFSBURG, Germany - December 2002 -- The world's first audio system utilizing the new Ethernet-based IQ Network protocol, dubbed "TCP/IQ," was recently unveiled at Volkswagen Arena. The new 30,000 seat arena, home field for the VfL Wolfsburg soccer team, boasts numerous innovative architectural features for soccer, and is intended to quickly establish itself as a premier venue for both national and international competition. However, the city also wanted the venue to accommodate other events such as concerts and festivals. The audio system was designed to take advantage of the latest and most advanced technology available to deliver truly outstanding performance, and at the same time be easily reconfigured for other events.

Siemens AG of Laatzen was responsible for the design and installation of the audio system. Thomas Engler, Project Lead for Siemens, and Christian Kimmig consulting for Audio pro Heilbronn, collaborated on the network portion of the design.

The IQ Network portion of the system consists of six BSS PS 8810C digital mixer/processor units implementing CobraNet® audio routing, along with forty-four Crown CTs Series amplifiers fitted with IQ-PIP-USP3CN modules. Both IQ Network communication and the digital audio are transported via a common 100 Mbit Ethernet network, made possible by the proprietary "single-click" solution provided by TCP/IQ. Using digital audio afforded the system designers significant advantages, not the least of which being greatly reduced material and labor cost for the cable plant infrastructure. 

Nick Owen, Sales Director for Europe/UK, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Crown International noted: "In designing our new IQ Network, and specifically the TCP/IQ protocol, we took advantage of what we've learned about network audio system control and monitoring over the years, and created a system that works on stable, off-the-shelf Ethernet network technology which is common worldwide. The end result is the worlds first true "single-click" digital audio control and transport network, operated by one single, simple to use and free software package, IQwic."

All digital audio routing, as well as filtering and amplifier setup, was done using IQwic. IQwic also allows the system designer to create Custom "Control Pages" to provide a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment for operators, giving them only the appropriate monitoring information and system control for their needs, and within a few clicks. This made operator training easy, and also assures reliable system performance when changes are made to the setup. 

Kimmig stated: "It took some work to get this system accepted in that installation, because we have a lot of other network systems here which are in other stadiums and buildings, but in the end, I was able to show how easy the system works and how flexible the routing is. The ownership is very happy, because they have "total control" of the system."

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana. For more information, please visit Crown online at www.crownaudio.com

BSS Audio, a Harman International company, is a leading British manufacturer of signal processing systems, serving professional audio markets worldwide. For more information, please visit BSS Audio online at www.bss.co.uk

# # #

CHICAGO, Illinois - October 2002 -- Frank Cavanaugh of the band Filter has become the latest high-profile bass player to endorse Crown International's K2 power amplifier as a live performance tool.

The bassist, who has been with the band since its inception, takes an austere approach to his signal path. An Ampeg SVT-4PRO head is used as a preamp feeding into the Crown K2 for power, which, in turn, drives an Ampeg SVT-810E enclosure.

The concept of using a pro audio power amplifier in his rig first struck Cavanaugh while Filter was touring with White Zombie several years ago. "Sean (Yseult) used a Crown power amp with her Ampeg and it sounded awesome," he says. "Later on, Staind went out on the road with us and Johnny April also had a Crown in his rack. Johnny and Kevin Briers, the bass tech we both use, showed me how much more ballsy my sound could be with a Crown so I decided to put a K2 between my head and cabinet.

"I'm really liking the K2. It's made my bass sound so much more stable. I've always tried to go for that piano string tone. But when you beat on an instrument like I do, I've found that the sound typically tends to fart out the harder you play. No more. Using the Crown, my sound is rock solid. It's also cool that the K2 is only two rack spaces high, which allows me to fit both my A and B rigs into a single rack."

Filter is currently out on the road in support of its third Reprise album, The Amalgamut, which hit store shelves on July 30.

In addition to his Crown and Ampeg gear, Cavanaugh also endorses his new signature series Washburn M13 bass.

The Crown K2 is an extremely powerful workhorse amplifier capable of delivering 800 watts per channel into 4 ohms in stereo mode and a staggering 2500 watts into 4 ohms in bridge-mono mode. Featuring a damping factor in excess of 3000 from 10 to 400 Hz, the K2 is widely praised for its sonic accuracy and exceptional low-end control.

Thanks to Crown's patented BCA® technology, the K2 is also tremendously thermally efficient, generating just one-tenth the heat of a conventional amplifier. Because of this, the K2 requires no internal cooling fan (read: no noise) and features a sealed chassis that is immune to dust, cigarette smoke, stage fog and spilled liquids. Practically maintenance-free and boasting a reliability that's all-Crown, the K2 is additionally backed up by the manufacturer's unprecedented 'Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.'

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana, USA.

# # #

October 2002

ELKHART, Indiana - October 2002 -- Crown International recently presented plaques to five of its employees honoring them for their exemplary service throughout the Harman 2002 Fiscal Year.

Two of the awards were given to members of the Crown marketing team. Bob Lichty, marketing director for music industry and recording, was named ‘Marketing Employee of the Year’, while Bradford Benn, brand development manager for IQ, engineered systems and touring, was awarded ‘Technical Support Employee of the Year’.

On the sales side, Central Regional Sales Manager Troy Bornman was recognized for ‘Outstanding Sales Performance’, Support Administration Manager Sue Livings was awarded ‘Sales Employee of the Year’, and Export Sales Agent Amanda Divine received a plaque for ‘Sales Administration Employee of the Year’.

President Blake Augsburger conferred the awards to each of the individuals then remarked, “Although we feel that many of our employees are the best in the business, these five have consistently set the benchmark for excellence in their respective departments. With these awards we commend them for their steadfast leadership and thank them for a job well done.”

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones, and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana, USA.

# # #

Crown rolls out redesigned IQ Network
[Click to download high-resolution photo]

[Click to download high-resolution photo]

[Click to download high-resolution photo]

ELKHART, Indiana - August 2002 -- Nick Owen has very recently been hired on with Crown International as the manufacturer's sales director for Europe/UK, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Blake Augsburger, Crown International president and acting VP of sales, made the announcement.

Owen is a familiar face to the pro audio industry, most notably from his nearly nine-year tenure as president of international sales and marketing for Soundscape Digital Technology Limited, a company he co-founded in 1993. In the year prior to joining Crown, Owen most recently served as the managing director for yello! digital production tools UK Limited.

"Nick is a tremendous boon for Crown," says Augsburger. "His dozen years of international sales experience dealing with a myriad of cultures around the world will be of enormous benefit to our company's presence overseas. Furthermore, Nick's in-depth knowledge of audio technology, software and networks will be particularly useful for the growth and development of Crown's IQ technology sales. We feel fortunate to have him here and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."

Currently reporting to Augsburger, Owen will, in his new capacity, manage all sales activities pertaining to the EMEA markets. In addition to regularly visiting distributors, dealers, contractors and consultants throughout these territories, he will also act as a liaison between the field and Crown factory in regards to product development, large-scale sales opportunities, and various marketing issues, such as international trade shows and advertising.

"I am greatly looking forward to participating in Crown's ongoing success across Europe, Africa and the Middle East," Owen, himself, adds. "Through a focused program of product training, brand marketing and consistent sales efforts, there is unlimited potential for growth in these markets and I' m very proud to now be a part of the Crown team."

Owen may be contacted via e-mail at nowen@crownintl.com or phone at  +44 (0)-2920-541766.

A mid-1950s pic of Clarence Moore and his son, Clyde, with a 'few' of Crown's early tape recorders
[Click to download high-resolution photo]

[Click to download high-resolution photo]

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - July 12, 2002 -- Crown International announces that pro bassist and K2 amplifier endorser Randy Melson will be making several appearances at the manufacturer's Summer NAMM booth (#5416) on Saturday, July 20. Melson, who has toured and recorded with a number of top Contemporary Christian performers like Ray Boltz and Sandi Patti, will be on hand to talk with attendees about incorporating a Crown amplifier into a live bass rig.

"Crown amps are absolutely kickin' for bass," he says. "The K2 sounds great and is extremely fast; the low-end attack is really quick and solid. Curt Hall, Ray Boltz's monitor engineer, has ten K2s and loves them as much as I do. We both agree that the Crown K2 provides the tightest low-end in the business.

"Certainly another important issue for me as a touring musician is reliability. My equipment has to endure a considerable amount of wear and tear. I've had my K2s for over two years and never had a single problem. They're built like tanks."

Also a fan of Lakland basses, Melson typically plugs his instrument into either a Tech 21 SansAmp RBI or Line 6 Bass POD Pro as a preamp, which feeds into a Crown K2 (set on bridge mono mode) and out to an SWR Series One Goliath cabinet. A proud owner of two K2s, Melson typically uses one amplifier to power his bass rig and the other to drive his stage monitor.

In addition to his live performance work, Melson, a native of Indianapolis, spends much of his time as a session bassist and record producer.

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NASHVILLE, Tennessee - June 2002 -- Crown International announces that Cary Pierce, one of the company's microphone endorsers, will be performing at 'The Hang' during this year's Summer NAMM Show. The Dallas-based singer/songwriter will take the stage, located in the back of the Gaylord Arena, for a solo acoustic set at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 20. The performance is free for show attendees.

Pierce will also be making several appearances at the Crown booth (#5416) throughout the day (please check for scheduled times), in addition to performing at Nashville's 3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday the 21st.

Best known as half of the '90s duo Jackopierce, Pierce has sold nearly 400,000 records and developed a deep fan base from his many years of extensive touring. In the studio, Pierce prefers to use a pair of Crown CM-700 condenser microphones on his acoustic guitar and a Crown PZM-30D to capture ambient room sounds.

In addition to his 1999 Aware Records solo debut, You Are Here, the musician has released foreverything vol. 1 and, recently, vol. 2 on his own label. Pierce is also a respected producer, producing records for Jack Ingram, Jay Quinn Band, Graham Colton, and Jenny Esping. He was additionally instrumental in the early development of several popular bands, including Vertical Horizon, Evan & Jaron, and Guster.

By the time you read this, the May 31st Opening Ceremony of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Seoul, Korea will have already taken place and a month of non-stop football (or 'soccer' to us Americans) in Korea and Japan will have millions of fans around the globe cheering on their respective teams.

For the Opening Ceremony, all eyes were on the 64,640-capacity Sangam Stadium, also known as Seoul's World Cup Stadium. Following months of planning, Korean rental sound companies Daishin Sound and Kukae Sound, in tandem with our distributor Daiyoung Corporation, teamed up to provide 64 JBL VT4889 line array speaker systems, each powered by its own Crown MA-5002VZ amplifier. In an effort to deliver the best possible sound reinforcement to the attendees, along with the added demands of portability and fast removal, four VerTecs(tm) and four Macro-Techs were mounted on a total of 16 portable sound system carts, which could be wheeled into position around the field perimeter, then quickly removed for the first match pitting Senegal against France, the current world champion.

Additional temporary systems providing field coverage were positioned in Sangam's four corners. Each of these systems was comprised of four JBL SR subs and mid-hi boxes respectively powered by three Crown MA-5002VZs and two MA-3600VZs. Furthermore, monitor speakers in the stage area were powered by 11 MA-36x12s equipped with IQ-PIP-AMCb cards to provide crossovers for bi-amping.

"Crown amplifiers were specified for the World Cup for three primary reasons: great sound, power, and reliability," notes Jerry Stutzman, Crown's director of sales for the Pacific Rim. "That third reason was particularly important to all parties involved when considering the magnitude and global significance of this event."

Crown's participation in the World Cup, however, was not simply limited to the Opening Ceremony. Sangam Stadium also benefits from a permanently installed Macro-Tech system that will be used throughout the month of games and well beyond. The fixed system is comprised of 56 MA-3600VZs, nine MA-2402s, and five CT-1610s, all equipped with IQ-PIP-MEM cards. IQ-INT 2 Interface and IQ-RPT 2 Repeater products are also present.

Furthermore, all nine of the other new Korean stadia built specifically for the World Cup games will additionally boast Crown products. For example, Suwon Stadium, 44 kilometers south of Seoul, features five IQ-USM 810s mixer/processors and 40 various Macro-Tech models, each employing an IQ-PIP-USP2. Ulsan Munsu Stadium, on the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, utilizes eight USM 810s in conjunction with 41 Com-Techs and 36 Macro-Techs. Half a dozen of the remaining Korean venues also use large quantities of USM 810s in their permanent systems, so, regardless of what national team triumphs in the final match, Crown ends up a winner at the World Cup!

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 ELKHART, Indiana - May 2002 -- Crown International announces that IQ for Windows software version 5.1 is now currently available for free download at www.iqaudiosystems.com. The new application is an upgrade from version 5.0 released last fall and offers two key improvements over its predecessor.