Integrator Brad Schield installs a complete HARMAN audio and lighting solution to provide exceptional sound quality, flexibility and ease-of use for a broad range of performances

BERKELEY, Calif.—Brad C. Schield and Associates (BSA) recently designed and installed a complete audio and lighting system by HARMAN Professional Solutions in Cornerstone, a newly opened live music venue, restaurant and beer garden in Berkeley.

Cornerstone hosts performances by local bands, tribute acts and national touring artists, including The Offspring, Jefferson Starship, Third Eye Blind, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and many more. In order to deliver an exceptional audio and visual experience for both music fans and artists, Cornerstone owner Alex Popov hired BSA to install a cutting-edge networked audio and lighting system for the 600-capacity venue.  BSA selected a complete networked HARMAN audio and lighting solution made up of JBL Professional speakers, Crown amplifiers, AKG microphones, Soundcraft consoles, BSS and AMX audio video control systems and Martin lighting fixtures for their professional performance, seamless integration and intuitive operation.

“HARMAN is an industry leader in innovative audio technology,” said Brad Schield. “They can provide me with a complete solution from microphones and mixers to speakers and amps, and it all works together seamlessly. I know I can shop one source, and there’s not going to be a weak link in the chain. HARMAN has been doing this longer than anyone—it’s an integrator’s dream.”

The audio system includes a main hang of 18 JBL VT4886 line array speakers, 6 JBL VT4883 subwoofers in the air, 4 JBL STX828S subwoofers built into the stage, and JBL SRX Series powered speakers for stage monitors. JBL SCS8 speakers deliver full-range audio inside the restaurant, while JBL AWC82 and JBL SB2210 speakers are installed in the beer garden. The entire system is powered by Crown I-Tech Series amplifiers and optimized by JBL V5 speaker presets. The system also includes a comprehensive collection of AKG microphones to handle any live sound scenario. To ensure maximum audio coverage in 13,000 square feet of venue space, BSA used JBL VERTEC Line Array Calculator II software to meticulously map out speaker placement and arrangement.

Plus Four Marketing commissioned, supplied and tuned the HARMAN system at Cornerstone. By using a single distributor and a complete HARMAN solution, BSA was able to streamline the installation process and complete the project quickly and efficiently.

“The HARMAN system installed at Cornerstone was near-perfect right out of the gate and needed very little EQ adjustment,” said Keith Erickson, Tour Sound & Large Venue Specialist at Plus Four Marketing. “The Soundcraft consoles are set up with preset recalls that allow audio to flow from either side of the venue. The audio is also synced with an AMX video system. The entire system is networked via Dante, without copper cable. It makes it very easy for the owner to operate the system. Plus, Alex was also able to use HARMAN's Finance program, which allowed to him to purchase all of the equipment he needed at one time. This made the installation much more streamlined and efficient.”

Soundcraft Vi2000 and Si Performer digital live mixing consoles not only provide unparalleled mixing power, they can be linked together via built-in Dante and BLU link interfaces to enable easy multi-track recording and flexible network routing options. Utilizing the Dante network and a BSS BLU link-equipped eight-channel Crown DC-I amplifier, audio can be routed to eight different zones throughout the restaurant and outdoor beer garden. The Dante network allows audio to be sourced from multiple locations in the facility. Separate shows can take place simultaneously in the venue and beer garden, or audio from the main venue can be routed to restaurant and outdoor patio, allowing guests to listen to the live performance from anywhere in the facility.

BSA also installed a lighting rig, consisting of 13 Martin RUSH MH6 CT and 4 Martin MH7 Hybrid fixtures. Controlled by Martin M-PC software, the lighting rig has more than enough flexibility for local acts and serves as a great foundation for touring acts that bring their own lighting package.

“We have the flexibility to provide a complete audio experience in every area of our space,” said Popov. “The audio systems work together seamlessly. When we were researching the sound system, we travelled to different venues around the country. I can’t think of a single place we visited that sounds better than the HARMAN system we have at Cornerstone. When The Offspring played here, they told us how great the room sounded. They’ve played some of the biggest and best venues in the world, so that was major validation of the HARMAN system. It was a great experience.”

Acclaimed performance from the G20 Hangzhou Summit deploys cutting-edge audio solutions by JBL, Soundcraft, Crown and BSS for its highly anticipated public debut

HANGZHOU, China—Impression Wonders Arts Development Co., Ltd.  recently deployed a complete HARMAN Professional Solutions audio system for the public debut of “Most Memorable Is Hangzhou.”

Staged with Hangzhou’s famous West Lake in the background, “Most Memorable Is Hangzhou” was originally created to welcome visitors to the opening gala of the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit. The G20 performance became an international sensation and even received praise from Chinese President Xi Jinping for its innovative visuals, breathtaking stage design and stunning musical performances.

Thanks to strong interest from the public, Impression Wonders Arts Development and director Zhang Yimou created a new version of “Most Memorable is Hangzhou” with enhanced visuals, interactive effects and an updated audio system design by Mr. Jin Shaogang, a legend in the Chinese audio industry.

The production presented several unique challenges. The seating capacity for the public performance increased from 1,200 to 2,000 with the addition of 800 retractable seats. Additionally, the seating was distributed sporadically throughout the venue, making it difficult to achieve consistent audio coverage. Furthermore, the audio system was deployed on the water in two boats, so it needed to withstand the elements.

Shaogang selected JBL VTX Series speakers, JBL AE Series speakers and JBL EON Series speakers to deliver a premium audio experience that would match the show’s stunning visuals. The entire system was powered by Crown I-Tech HD Series amplifiers, and mixed using Soundcraft Vi Series digital mixing consoles and BSS digital audio processors. HARMAN distributor ACE provided the audio solutions.

Multipurpose venue looked for flexible system to cater to different entertainment requirements

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – When installing a new sound system in their multi-use facility, The Mega Star Arena (MSA) team turned to HARMAN Professional Solutions to help implement a solution which would offer flexibility to produce a variety of events.

MSA, located in Kuchai Lama, is ideally located to cater to major events and performances in the country. The venue features an 18,000 square foot (1672 square meters) flat floor open plan hall that can be customized according to each events’ needs. The venue also features a vast array of the latest, fully integrated audio-visual technology solutions with free WiFi access. It is a multi-dimensional venue which acts as a performing theater, mega event venue, convention facility for corporates and seminars and even a church gathering on Sunday.

Mega Star Arena was conceptualized to be a one stop center not only to be able to cater to different events but also to ensure that it possessed state-of-the-art audio visual equipment thereby enabling the best experience for their clients and their customers. It was critical that the Audio-Visual technology is able to cater to a wide array of requirements from a corporate conference to a large scale concert. In this aspect the choice of sound system was an important factor.

“We wanted to provide a full-fledged audio visual system in house to cater to our customers’ requirements,” said Paul Wong, Owner, Mega Star Arena. “From a conference to large scale concert, we are able to provide expert and reliable assistance to ensure a customer’s vision is executed successfully and professionally. HARMAN Professional Solutions has helped us meet those requirements and ensure our customers are satisfied”. 

HARMAN Professional Solutions partners in Malaysia, Mahajak Trio, was hired by the MSA Group to help them achieve their objectives of flexibility and quality. Working with the MSA Group leadership team, technical director, sound architect and designers, HARMAN’s JBL range of products was determined to be the best suited for the arena.

The team chose the JBL VTX V25 3-Way line array loudspeaker, as the venue was to be treated as a large arena for which the product is aptly suited, along with achieving the MSA Group’s vision to invest in the best available technology and sound experience. The systems were provided as a test case for a few months and after sufficient ground trials for live performances, they were recognised for their quality and performance and purchased by MSA as part of their inventory.

In addition, the JBL VTX V25 loudspeakers were complemented with JBL VTX S28 Dual 18” subwoofers to handle the low frequencies. The V25 speakers deliver powerful sound in a compact, lightweight enclosure that is perfect for a venue such as MSA.  Ensuring flexibility for the sound system setup is the JBL VTX-V25-AF frame structure that enables suspended or ground-stacked configurations for the VTX24 and S28 speakers, with all the relevant frame and pin holes to assemble the systems in place quickly and effectively. Driving the speakers are Crown IT 1200 HTD and 4X3500HD amplifiers that are racked onto a rugged Crown VRack system that is not only mobile but is fully protected from rough handling.

Mixing duties is assigned to a Soundcraft Vi3000 digital sound console that offers 36 faders and 24 mono/stereo busses. The Vi3000 also boasts a black screen panel with four Vistonics II touchscreen interfaces. The four touchscreen interfaces offer the option for two engineers to operate the console at the same time.

The console is also complemented with a Soundcraft Realtime Rack Ultimate Sound Plug-in Engine that offers 74-plug ins. The Soundcraft Realtime Rack provides access to Universal Audio's acclaimed analogue audio processing emulations and award-winning UAD plug-ins. Realtime Rack software gives Vi console operators all the control they need to insert UAD plug-ins on individual channels, auxiliary channels, and master busses - just as easily as real hardware. A comprehensive snapshot system allows total recall of all plug-ins and their settings, while tight network integration with the Vi Series ensures that all settings of the application are stored inside the console. The Vi3000 with the Soundcraft Realtime Rack in essence offers operators a powerful console that is able to recreate the ideal sound specific to the event’s character.

“We are privileged to be associated with Mega Star Arena and happy to have met their requirements to build an outstanding convention center in Kuala Lampur working with our partners Mahajak Trio,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “The HARMAN Professional Solutions’ suite of solutions at the venue showcase the ability of the systems to be deployed quickly for different configurations to meet the venue’s demands and enhance their customer experience.”

Products Used:

JBL VTX V 25-II
JBL VTX – S28
JBL V25 AF
Crown IT 1200 HTD
Crown IT 4X3500HD
Crown VRack
Soundcraft VI3000
Soundcraft Realtime Rack Ultimate

Prohibition-era performance venue selects a complete HARMAN audio and lighting solution to deliver exceptional sound quality and versatility for a wide range of events

FORT SMITH, Ark.—TempleLive, a unique performance venue with a prohibition-era aesthetic, recently installed a complete HARMAN audio and lighting solution comprised of JBL VTX V20 loudspeakers, Crown amps, Soundcraft consoles, AKG microphones and full array of Martin lighting fixtures. Originally constructed in 1928 as a Masonic Temple, the building was recently redeveloped as a modern performance and event center by Temple Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned affiliate of Beaty Capital Group, Inc. The end-to-end HARMAN system provides TempleLive with tour-grade production capabilities for a wide range of events, including concerts, plays, weddings, awards ceremonies, corporate meetings and more.

“The decision to go with the VTX line from HARMAN has substantially contributed to an enthusiastic reception from the live performance community regarding the performance space itself,” said Mike Brown, VP of Acquisition and Development, Beaty Capital Group, Inc. “TempleLive will host acts across all genres, including comedy, country, rock, symphonic, plays, sports and e-sporting events. The booking agencies have been excited about the location and very receptive to the venue overall.”

“We are honored to have been selected as the exclusive pro audio and lighting provider for TempleLive’s Arkansas venue,” said Eric Elwell, VP of Business Development, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “We are also excited about the possibility of outfitting other TempleLive venues, including the Masonic in Cleveland, with cutting-edge HARMAN audio and lighting solutions.”

TempleLive is a 1,200-capacity auditorium that features the artwork and architecture of the original space, including a three-tiered seating scheme. The highest tier contains balcony seating, followed by reserved seating on the main level in a downward slope toward the stage. Finally, the pit area closest to the stage can accommodate extra seating or standing room for general admission. With the new HARMAN audio system, TempleLive can deliver high quality sound and full audio coverage across the entire seating area for any concert or event.

“When choosing a system to meet the engineering specifications of the venue, HARMAN met or exceeded all of my requirements,” said Lance Dierker, audio engineer and acoustic consultant. “The VTX V20 rig delivers complete audio coverage over our entire seating area, ensuring that every guest receives the same superior listening experience. Integrating BSS processing into Crown’s long tradition of quality amplification made I-Tech and VRack systems an easy choice to drive the VTX PA rig. The Soundcraft Vi Console provides great versatility for traveling acts, whether they carry their own front of house rig or not. When they do have their own FOH, we use the Vi console as a versatile monitor desk to drive our JBL bi-amped wedges and three-way side fills. AKG microphones deliver top-of-the-line quality, and Martin Lighting has been making lighting designers very happy for years.”

HARMAN Professional Solutions’ AKG, JBL, Crown and dbx brands help power the live outdoor space

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Lippo Mall Kemang, located in Jakarta, is a new playground for style, taste and fun. Recently opened to cater to the working crowd and residences within the vicinity, the mall sets itself apart from its competitors with a live performance space called the “Avenue of Stars” arena.

The arena features entertainment seven days a week, offering different genres of music each night. The entertainment is also complemented by al fresco cafes and restaurants, located within the arena, to offer dining options for shoppers.

It was important that the sound system installed within the arena met certain criteria, such as, good sound coverage with no spill-over into other areas, powerful yet quality audio that brought out the vocals of the entertainers in a positive way and the ability to sound great no matter what type of music genre is being played.

Working together with the Lippo Mall designers and technical team, HARMAN’s Indonesia partner, CSA Indonesia, was able to understand the requirements and then design and provide the sound system, centered on HARMAN solutions, that best met all their criteria.

The live entertainment system features JBL’s Vertec speakers that ensure frequency response is enhanced for a variety of audio needs. The main sound reinforcement system is comprised of JBL VT4887A compact 3-way line array elements, complemented by JBL’s VT4881A single 18” subwoofers. This combination delivers high-quality, full-range sound appropriate for both musical and speech applications.

Complementing the main PA set-up is the JBL SRX828 SP 18” Dual Self-Powered Subwoofer system that offers full user configurable DSP, and with the incorporation of the V5 JBL Tunings, provides compatibility with the Vertec system. JBL’s Vertec system offers highly advanced performance in a reduced system size with easy set-up.

JBL PRX712 and JBL PRX715 speakers were also added for their versatility. They can be used as front of house main PA if needed, but for this configuration, are used as floor monitors for the performers.  The speakers are driven by Crown MA5000i power amplifiers that feature patented, cutting-edge Class-I circuitry that gets more power out of an amplifier with higher efficiency.

Working in tandem with the sound reinforcement system is the AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system, which ensures intelligible and pristine vocals. The microphones can operate up to 14 hours with just one AA-size lithium battery due to revolutionary power management. Providing all the processing, flexibility and control of the systems is the DriveRack dbx4800.

The PA system has helped the mall gain compliments from musicians and shoppers who have experienced the live performances in the arena.

“We have had a great experience with the HARMAN set-up. Our artists and performers are very happy and comfortable with the system and the whole musical experience it provides to the audience,” said Deni, the mall’s Operational Manager.

“We are privileged to provide a total system that not only meets the needs of the Lippo Mall, but also enhances the experience of the customers as well. The installation is an example of how our different solutions all work harmoniously together and offer a dependable, robust and most importantly, high-quality system. We are thrilled that HARMAN was able to meet the mall’s high expectations, as well as keep in line with the requirements of the performers, and thereby enhance customer experiences in the Avenue of Stars at Lippo Mall,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC.

Products Used

JBL VT4881A
JBL VT4887A
JBL SRX828 SP
JBL VT4887-AF
JBL PRX712
JBL PRX715
AKG WMS470 Vocal Set D5
Crown MA50001
DBX4800

Popular karaoke (KTV) club uses JBL KP Series speakers to provide guests with deep, punchy bass and vocal clarity

HEBEI, China—Amid a period of intense economic development in the newly established Xiong’an District of Hebei, China, Good Sound KTV, one the province’s most popular karaoke clubs, is experiencing a boom in business. Described as elegant and luxurious, the club features classical European décor, a full service oxygen bar and a complete HARMAN audio solution implemented by Beijing Zhongzhi Express Electronic Technology, Co., Ltd. Guests can reserve one of 35 rooms at Good Sound KTV and sing karaoke with friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.

“The owners wanted each room to have a sound system that could deliver full-range, high-impact sound, without being uncomfortably loud,” said Zhu Yi, Beijing Zhongzhi Express. “Powerful bass, full midrange and smooth treble at high sound pressure levels are necessary for the guests to feel immersed in the song they are singing, but there’s a fine line and crossing it can result in listener fatigue. The JBL KP Series of loudspeakers, designed with the KTV market in mind, are very easy on the ears in close-up monitoring situations. They were our first choice in this application.” 

Twently of the rooms at Good Sound KTV are outfitted with JBL KP4012 loudspeakers, while the remaining 15 rooms are equipped with JBL KP2012 loudspeakers. Both models are specially designed for the karaoke and club sound market, and can handle up to 350 watts. Featuring JBL’s patented neodymium compression driver and high efficiency woofer, the JBL KP4000 Series and KP2000 speakers provide a wide dynamic range and robust frequency response that is optimized for reproducing the human voice. Bass performance is more than adequate to cover a small room without an external sub. Each set of speakers is powered by Crown amplifiers, known for reliable performance under extreme usage.

“Before we began installation, the owners were concerned that each room would lack a proper bass response without external subs,” said Zhu. “After we demonstrated the impressive range of the JBL KP Series speakers, they were very satisfied by the sound quality. The speaker enclosures are treated with wear-resistant paint and dust-proof grilles, protecting the speakers from spilled drinks and damage from guests. This ensures that they’ll stand the test of time, giving the perfect karaoke experience to guests for years to come.”

Products Used:

JBL KP4000 Series Loudspeakers
JBL KP2000 Series Loudspeakers
Crown CTs Series Amplifiers