Compact, integrated Micro PA system is first weatherproof system of its kind

BOSTON, December 7, 2011 — Technomad brings DragonFly, the world’s first completely weatherproof, all-in-one, self-casing portable PA system for the commercial pro audio market to ISE2012 (January 31-February 2, RAI Exhibition Center, Hall 3, Booth #3D144), marking its international debut.

The DragonFly, adapted from Technomad’s rugged military technology, is ideal for mobile pro audio and staging events that require outstanding audio quality, lightweight portability, quick setup, ease of operation and durable construction for outdoor events. The weatherproof design fully protects system components from moisture, dirt, shock and other elements in outdoor environments, supporting everything from ceremonies and parades to sporting events and concerts.

The inclusion of green, rechargeable and long-lasting NiHM battery power, along with a potent audio output, supports mobile audio free of extension cords for crowds of approximately 2,150 in size. NiMH battery technology, which uses nickel-metal hydride materials, is far more energy-efficient than lead-based batteries used in many portable audio systems today.

The DragonFly offers a uniquely small form factor for a fully functioning PA unit, sized at 14-1/2�x8-1/4�x14� and weighing 28 pounds. It contains two Technomad loudspeakers (expandable to four) and a 200-watt amplifier, and is one of the only portable PA systems to offer an integrated four-input mixer with individual controls. Collectively, the professional audio features provide a powerful output with broad dispersion, projecting intelligible speech and high-quality musical reproduction over long distances and wide areas.

“The DragonFly provides high-quality portable sound without worries by eliminating any risk of equipment loss due to quickly developing weather changes at outdoor events,� said Rodger von Kries, vice president of Technomad. “The DragonFly is shockingly loud considering its small form factor, and its high-fidelity performance is an ideal upgrade from low-fidelity horn systems. Compact and flexible with advanced battery technology, it advances what is possible in portable PA while delivering Technomad’s military-grade reliability and weatherproof construction.�

Other standard features include 16+ user-selectable channels for UHF applications, an integrated wireless microphone and an expansion bay to support an additional mic and a CD player. Network interfaces for streaming audio to other PA systems or receiving audio over a network via a wireless connection are included. Users can also add a Technomad Schedulon mp3 playback and recording system for instant, manual playback of user-loaded audio; or automatic playback of files (single-, multiple- or repeated-play) through down-to-the-second scheduling.

The convergence of neo-driver, amplification and NiMH battery technology supports the compact, lightweight and high-powered portable PA design. The internal NiHM battery comes with a charger for powering up in the field, and the unit operates on 120-240VAC and 12-24VDC power — making the DragonFly also useful as a fixed indoor or outdoor PA system, temporary or permanent.

ABOUT TECHNOMAD
Technomad LLC, founded in 1995, designs and manufactures loudspeaker systems for the professional audio and security/military technology industries. The company invented the first reliable full-range weatherproof loudspeaker and now offers nine models ranging in power from 60-watt loudspeakers to 1250-watt subwoofers — most available in Turnkey PA System packages featuring amplifiers, mixers and other signal processing equipment in pre-wired racks. The company also manufactures a variety of audio infrastructure and communications equipment including playback and recording systems, weatherproof power amplifiers and turnkey remote audio systems. Contact Technomad at 617-275-8898 or visit www.technomad.com for more information.

AMHERST, NEW YORK, December 5, 2011 — Seeking to make its 2012 Big Book of AV Tour (BBOAV) even bigger and more successful than its just completed 2011 tour, Stampede, the leading value-added distributor of professional audio video solutions, today announced plans to bring its phenomenally popular Big Book of AV Tour to 13 cities in the United States and Canada in 2012. What’s more, Stampede said it will double the length of each day’s exhibit hours and increase the number of on-site training programs.

“Our 2011 Big Book of AV Tour was the biggest, most successful tour in the three year history of the program,� Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly said today. “Frankly, given the fact that we hit nine cities and educated several thousand attendees during the 2011 tour, it’s going to be a challenge to make the 2012 tour even bigger and better — but we have the programs underway that will do just that.�

According to Kelly, increasing the number of cities visited, doubling the length of each day’s exhibit hours, increasing the number and variety of on-site training programs, opening up the tour to more end users, and making affordable video conferencing a centerpiece of every tour stop will help strengthen the BBOAV Tour as the largest event of its kind in North America.

“We’re thrilled that the Big Book of AV Tour continues to grow and reach more dealers each year,� Kelly said. “This tour provides dealers across the country a chance to experience the latest AV technologies and equipment and learn not only how to use them, but also which ones to use for each unique job. When coupled with our Stampede University live training events on topics such as 3D technology, touch technology and digital signage, The Big Book of AV Tour is a dealer’s one-stop event for staying up-to-date on everything AV.�

The Big Book of AV Tour supports and extends the reach of the company’s The Big Book of AV, The Ultimate Audio/Video Resource Book. The 2011 tour offered a chance for dealers to see live projector and display demonstrations and take part in Stampede University live training events on topics such as 3D technology, touch technology and digital signage. In addition, dealers in attendance had the opportunity to become CTS and DSCE certified.

Published each year by Stampede, The Big Book of AV contains more than 800 pages and features thousands of products that are ideal for home theaters, schools, houses of worship and just about any venue. The book offers buyer tips for selecting the right AV equipment and recommends products to enhance the performance of displays and projectors. The book also includes a Manufacturer Resource Section with contact info for every featured brand and a glossary of commonly used AV industry terms to help dealers understand the latest technology language. The Big Book of AV is also available for free online at www.bigbookofav.com and is now compatible with iPhones, iPads and Android mobile devices.

Attendees of the 2011 tour saw the latest solutions from a variety of vendors including Atlas Sound, Avteq, BenQ, Casio, Chief, Epson, Gefen, Hall Research, Hitachi Solutions, Kramer, Lumens, Mitsubishi, Mustang, NEC, Optoma, Peerless, Perfect Path, ProSales, TechGlobal, Samsung, Severtson Screens, Sharp and Sony.

About Stampede
Known for its value-added distribution, Amherst, New York-based Stampede is the leading distributor of presentation equipment including LCD/DLP projectors and flat panel displays. Stampede provides a complete range of brand name presentation equipment to a variety of audio/video, computer, and home theater resellers and integrators in the United States, Canada and Latin America. These resellers rely on Stampede for value-added services in distribution, marketing and solution- based sales. Stampede annually produces the “Big Book of AV,� an 816-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) providing hundreds of sales, installation and spec tips for Stampede’s dealers in addition to product details on more than 5,000 SKUs. For more information on Stampede, log onto www.stampedeglobal.com.

NORTHRIDGE, California – At the epicenter of the University of North Texas’ “Mean Green Village� outside of campus, Fort Worth, Texas-based Electro Acoustics has outfitted the newly constructed APOGEE Stadium with HARMAN’s JBL VLA line arrays. Designed by Gary White of Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., it was important for the PA system to provide high output, high clarity and immense power.

The 30,850-person capacity APOGEE Stadium features a main scoreboard system comprising eight JBL VLA901 line array loudspeakers, combined with eight VLA601 loudspeakers, each split four to each side. Three additional VLA901H and four VLA601H loudspeakers round out the scoreboard sound system. Installed throughout the stadium for additional PA support are 74 Control® 26CT ceiling speakers and 18 Control 30 outdoor monitor speakers.

“JBL’s VLA line arrays provide the power and reliability the client required in such a demanding venue,� stated Chris Jordan, president of Electro-Acoustics. “The speakers are perfect for an outdoor environment. We focused on providing a loud system that could withstand any inconvenient weather. The VLA loudspeakers are performing exactly as they were designed.�

Crown amplifiers power APOGEE Stadium’s sound system, which also features BSS processing. The entire system is controlled through HARMAN’s HiQnet System Architect™.

To help make certain construction of the stadium was completed on time, Electro Acoustics designed, built, tested and tweaked the entire system in its studio–an important strategy to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the construction site.

“The speakers were easily rigged and time was the only challenge when dealing with the new construction of APOGEE,� Jordan continued. “UNT was our first major install of VLA line arrays and we are very proud of the outcome. The stadium sounds amazing. The clients received exactly what they expected, on time and on budget.�

For more information about Electro Acoustics, please visit http://www.eavi.com.

For more information on Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., please visit www.wjhw.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.

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – HARMAN’s Soundcraft Studer has announced that it is hosting an Open House on Monday, December 5 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Open House session will take place in HARMAN’S 73-foot-long Soundcraft Studer truck at the offices of M&L Sound, with support from Vision2 Marketing, HARMAN’s regional rep.

The Open House session will feature hands-on sessions with Soundcraft and Studer digital audio consoles. Specific products include the Soundcraft Vi1 and Si Compact and Studer Vista 9 and Vista 5 M2-22 consoles, covering applications ranging from live sound in touring, theater and club installations to radio and TV broadcast.

“The Open House session is a great opportunity for anyone in the Knoxville area to learn more about Soundcraft and Studer products and spend some time with fellow audiophiles and console specialists,� said Katy Templeman-Holmes of Soundcraft Studer. “Everyone is welcome to attend!�

M&L Sound is located at 1410 East Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.

http://g.co/maps/z7brw

For more information, please call 818.920.3295.

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.

NORTHRIDGE, California – Home to the 2-time defending Major League Baseball American League Champions Texas Rangers, the Rangers Ballpark at Arlington is known for its energetic and dedicated crowds. Fort Worth, Texas-based Electro Acoustics recently upgraded the stadium’s sound system with HARMAN’s JBL PD series loudspeakers.

With a 17-year-old audio system in the venue, Electro Acoustics was called on to set a higher standard for the stadium after the Rangers’ remarkable 2010 season. With crowds becoming more and more excited about the team and their run at a championship, it was important to match that intensity with powerful sound. Replacing the original canopy-mounted loudspeaker system with a top-of-the-line JBL loudspeaker system was and easy choice for the designers, integrators and the Rangers.

Electro Acoustics swapped out 27 of the original speakers for 32 JBL PD5125-WRX low-frequency loudspeakers and 16 PD743-WRX mid/high-frequency loudspeakers, surrounding the ballpark in strategic locations. Two AM7215/95-WRX 2-way loudspeakers provide sound behind home plate.

“We’ve had a great relationship with the Rangers throughout the years and they’ve come to rely on our exemplary service and dedication, while we’ve come to understand their needs as a place for entertainment,� stated Chris Jordan, President of Electro Acoustics. “There is a clear, substantially improved difference in sound throughout the ballpark with the JBL PD Series solution. The client is very pleased with the outcome.�

Receiving the assignment in January 2011, Jordan, working along with system designer Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., had from mid-January to a week before Opening Day to design, install, test and perfect the stadium’s new audio system. Jordan quickly connected with JBL to custom-order the loudspeakers.

“JBL was very cooperative and extremely helpful with our small window and we were able to deliver a great system,� Jordan continued. “We try to maintain a reputation of completing our work on time and on budget, so finishing this large-scale installation in such a limited time frame only backed that reputation. We thank all of those involved for such a great end product.�

For more information on Electro Acoustics, please visit http://www.eavi.com.

For more information on Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc., please visit www.wjhw.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.

Palm-Sized HD LED Projector Features Integrated iPhone(R)/iPod(R) Dock, Optional Battery Pack, and Multiple Connectivity Options for Mobile Presentations and Entertainment

IRVINE, Calif. — Dec. 1, 2011 — BenQ America Corp. today introduced the next generation of its popular mini projector, the BenQ Joybee GP2. Building on the success of its GP1 predecessor, the GP2 Projector features the same elegant black and white housing while adding a number of enhancements including an intuitive user interface, 720p HD-ready video capability, short-throw projection, an integrated iPhone(R)/iPod(R) dock, an optional three-hour battery pack, and a multitude of connectivity options.

Based on high-efficiency 3LED illumination and DLP(R) projection technology, the light and compact 565-gram palm-sized BenQ Joybee GP2 offers unparalleled A/V multimedia on the go. With the projector’s simple plug-and-play operation and 200 ANSI lumen brightness, users can share HD-quality presentations, videos, photos, and games on a brilliant 160-inch cinematic display. Dedicated iPhone/iPod controls on the GP2 Projector’s included remote control make it easy to play audio through the unit’s built-in 2-W speakers or through external speakers via the Audio Out port. Built to travel, the GP2 Projector comes with a new carrying case that features a dedicated pocket for the power adaptor.

The BenQ Joybee GP2 is packed with multimedia connectivity including USB and SD card viewers, a document viewer for Microsoft(R) Office and PDF documents, and mini HDMI for tablets and smartphones. A USB display feature allows users to connect their computers to the mini projector using a USB cable — no driver required — while the USB file transfer function lets them transfer their multimedia files to the unit’s 2GB of on-board memory storage.

The highly efficient GP2 Projector is designed to produce exceptional picture quality, providing users with clearer, brighter, and more vivid images without relying on traditional projection lamps. This allows users to enjoy the mini projector without worrying about issues such as decreasing brightness, color fading, or the expense of lamp replacement.

“By incorporating features and benefits that mobile consumers value, the BenQ Joybee GP2 creates a unique combination of performance and flexibility,” said Lars Yoder, President at BenQ America Corp. “Simply put, for consumers interested in presenting, sharing, and entertaining, the GP2 Projector offers an experience like no other mini projector.”

The BenQ Joybee GP2 is available now at an MSRP of $699 and will be on display at the 2012 International CES at the BenQ Hilton Suite 28-105. More information about the GP2 Projector is available at http://promotions.benq.us/microsite/miniprojector/.

Information on the full line of BenQ products is available at http://www.BenQ.com.

# # #

About BenQ Corporation
BenQ Corporation, a leading provider of networked digital lifestyle devices, is a multifaceted company with strengths in product design, visual technology, and mobile technology. BenQ offers an unrivalled breadth and depth of products and integrated technologies across platforms through the brand promise of “Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to Life,” including digital projectors, LCD monitors, LCD TVs, digital cameras, eBook readers, mobile Internet devices, storage devices, and human interface devices such as mice and keyboards.

About BenQ Group
The BenQ Group comprises companies that operate independently while sharing resources and leveraging synergies among them. The BenQ Group companies include BenQ Corporation, AU Optronics Corporation (in the top three of the world’s manufacturers of large-size TFT-LCD panels), Qisda Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corporation, BenQ Materials Corp., BenQ Guru Software Co., BenQ Hospital, BrightView Corp., Cando Co. Ltd., Daxin Materials Corp., Darwin Precisions, Ltd., Dazzo Technology Corp., Forhouse Corp., SiPix Imaging, Lextar Electronics Corp., Raydium Semiconductor Corp., BenQ Medical Technology Corporation, and Wellypower Corp.

BenQ and Joybee are registered trademarks of BenQ Corp. This material may include corporate names and trademarks of third parties, which are the properties of the third parties respectively. iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

ENDS

Vancouver , BC – Primacoustic® is pleased to announce an addition to its successful line of acoustical ceiling treatments: the Black StratoTile.™

Primacoustic Product Specialist Jay Porter: “Our original StratoTile product is white and although they are paintable, the process is time consuming. Many of our customers are installing these tiles in home theaters, studios and nightclubs and we’ve discovered a market demand for the tile in a basic black. It works for so many applications and it made sense for us to eliminate the extra painting step for our customers.�

Black StratoTiles are great looking, high-performance ceiling tiles featuring 3Ž4� thick (20mm) high-density 6lb per cubic foot glass wool construction for maximum sound absorption and are encapsulated in fine micromesh with sealed edges to retain the minute glass fibers.

Once in place, the black StratoTile works with the air space above the panel to absorb all frequencies down to 125Hz delivering a truly linear performance. This makes the black StratoTile ideal for installations such as in nightclubs where excessive reverberation and echo inside the room can severely interfere with the sound from a live band, DJ or PA system. In home theaters these tiles greatly improve the sound of the room and contribute to a lower light, more movie theater-like environment. In a home studio they work perfectly for drop ceilings common to basements where many studios are built. They are ideal for restaurants where a more intimate environment is appropriate. Architects looking to achieve a warmer, more intimate overall desired ambient effect can choose them for meeting rooms, board rooms, video and telepresence conference rooms.

Designed to retrofit into existing T-Bar systems, the black StratoTile is available in both square 24″ x 24″ (60cm x 60cm) and rectangular 24″ x 48″ (60cm x 120cm) panel sizes. The black StratoTile has been fully tested to meet the stringent ASTM-E84 fire and smoke development requirements for Class-A designation and safe use anywhere.

For more information please visit www.primacoustic.com or send an email to: info@primacoustic.com

Tatiana Kostiak
PR/Communications
Primacoustic, a division of Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way
Port Coquitlam, BC
Tel: 778.785.0135

NORTHRIDGE, California – Home to the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs’ football team, Amon G. Carter Stadium is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar rebuild, which includes a full redesign of the sound system. Initially, a HARMAN-based distributed system was considered with custom boxes; however, the University desired the “big sound� that comes with an end zone cluster.

Casey Sherred of Acoustic Dimensions in Addison, Texas worked with the University to design a system that would capture and deliver the feel of the college football experience. “As HKS Architects developed the design for the stadium, iterative changes moved the scoreboard to a level that made an end zone solution possible, giving the University the audio experience it wanted to enhance game-day excitement,� Sherred said. “TCU was very pleased with the performance of its original JBL system, which drove the selection of HARMAN products from speakers, amplifiers, DSP to the audio console.�

Fort Worth, Texas-based Electro Acoustics installed the complete HARMAN system, highlighted by six JBL VLA loudspeaker arrays.

The stadium, which was operable during the 2011 football season, is slated to complete construction by the 2012 season. With the sound system replaced, it now boasts 20 VLA601H-WRX loudspeakers, eight VLA601-WRX’s, eight VLA301H-WRX’s and eight ASB6128 subwoofers hanging from the scoreboard behind the north end zone. The north seating areas are covered by four PD5322/95-WRX, two PD743-WRX, 11 AM7212/00-WRX and 15 Control 28T-60 loudspeakers. Throughout the seating and pedestrian traffic areas, audio systems include: 189 Control 26CT ceiling speakers located in the restrooms and 89 Control 25AV’s providing sound to concession areas. The Founder’s Lounge and Champion’s Club utilize 28 Control 227CT’s and seven Control 321CT’s to entertain the crowds with clear, live music and commentary.

“The VLA speakers allowed us to design a system that exhibited broadband pattern control, facilitating great sound 600 feet away while controlling sound levels on the party deck just 25 feet below,� Sherred said.

The schedule was tight with construction occurring during the football season. Installation and commissioning of the audio system was scheduled down to a ‘T’ as installers and designers dealt with construction on the stadium. The most challenging aspect was ensuring the sound and building contractors did not interfere with each other, causing delays or budget overruns. According to Chris Jordan, president of Electro Acoustics, by working with the contractors and electricians, Electro Acoustics was able to construct, program and test the equipment in their shop, shipping and rigging it at the field when time permitted. The project was completed on time and within budget.

“JBL has proven itself with TCU as a reliable, high-quality performer over the decades, which aligns itself perfectly with the reputation of Horned Frogs football,� stated Jordan. “Constantly in the national spotlight and drawing sold out crowds, it is important to have a stadium that not only looks like it hosts a national caliber team, but one that also excites the crowd and offers that extra ‘wow’ factor. The VLA system throughout the stadium is top-quality and performs immaculately.�

The sound system is powered by Crown amplifiers – 43 MA-5000i’s and 18 MA-9000i’s, accompanied with CTS 1200, 2000, 3000, 4200A, 600 and 8200A amps – and processed through BSS London DSP technology, including BLU-120, 160, 800 BLU-10 touchscreen remote and SW9012US volume controllers in the suites. The Soundcraft Si Compact digital console will be installed during the offseason. The HARMAN system is controlled through HARMAN’s HiQnet System ArchitectTM.

“We’ve had a great relationship with TCU over the past 20 years and they continue to rely on our experience to do exactly what we promise and to provide exceptional service,� Jordan said. “The system sounds great. TCU expected a loud and clear system to excite their fans and players and that’s exactly what we installed. There is plenty of headroom, low distortion and it is absolutely clear.�

“I’ve received multiple complements, from university admin, coaches, players and even folks around the neighborhood,� Jordan continued. “We couldn’t ask for a better response.�

For more information about Electro Acoustics, please visit http://www.eavi.com.

For more information about Acoustic Dimensions, please visit http://acousticdimensions.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.

NORTHRIDGE, California – HARMAN Professional today announced that its JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ sound reinforcement system design software is now available to users as a public beta version. JBL HiQnet Performance Manager had been previously available to a closed group of 60 worldwide beta testers.

JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is a highly refined user interface that facilitates the design of touring and live performance venue sound reinforcement systems. Created especially for touring and theatrical sound engineering, Performance Manager is an application-specific iteration of the category-leading HARMAN HiQnet System Architectâ„¢ configuration and control software application for professional-grade audio system integration.

“JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is a powerful tool that makes the design, setup and tuning of a JBL VERTEC loudspeaker system a lot faster and more efficient,� noted Adam Holladay, Market Manager, HARMAN System Development and Integration Group.

“The response from our beta testers has been extremely positive,� continued Holladay. “In venue after venue, JBL VERTEC system engineers have been able to achieve consistently higher levels of performance than before. They note that they are also able to set up a system more quickly, saving time and money. Now that we are making it available in a public beta version, many more users will have the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of Performance Manager as a free download.�

The public beta version of Performance Manager is available at http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com. The beta version is functional except that users will need to apply for a license key in order to go online and access the online operate modes of certain system devices. An in-depth series of training videos can be viewed at http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com/training/. The full version of JBL HiQnet Performance Manager will be available in early 2012 at a suggested retail price of $399.

Winner of a 2011 PLASA Innovation Award and a finalist for the upcoming EMEA 2012 InAVation awards for which voting is currently open, JBL 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.

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 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.

HARMAN HiQnetâ„¢ 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.

O’FALLON, Missouri — In order to accommodate the musicals, concerts, dance recitals, talent shows and much more that it holds throughout the academic year, Fort Zumwalt West High School in Missouri recently purchased a HARMAN Soundcraft Si Compact 32 audio mixing console.

Tim Croghan, Auditorium Manager for the school, has been working with the Fort Zumwalt School District for 20 years and helped design and build the auditorium and sound system, and was looking to upgrade from the original analog sound board the school was using. Based on his positive experience with previous Soundcraft products, Croghan decided the Si Compact 32 was an ideal fit.

Croghan chose the Si Compact 32 for many reasons, including the console’s flexibility for the variety of school events. “We like to do production work, mix our own sound effects and record the chorus and bands for live CD’s. Another great use is to mix songs together for football games and sporting events. We simply have an endless amount of options,� he said.

Most of the time, however, the students are the ones operating the console. “It’s the perfect machine to teach to the students. When we got it, the kids were learning faster than I could and ended up teaching me a few things,� Croghan said with a laugh. The students, usually around 15 or 16 years old, enjoy working directly with the console and immediately seeing the results of their work. “It’s great because you don’t need a real in-depth concept of audio production; for a student, to be able to move the fader up and down, gives them the feeling of control we want them to have.�

When working on production for different events, Croghan mentioned that they use the Si Compact as a creative tool as well. “We can have sound effects called by the director just like a lighting effect. Everything that we do can be tied into the script, and we can create actual cues and microphone levels based on what the director wants,� he said.

“Everything about the board is perfect for what we need,� Croghan added. “It allows the kids to have the freedom to operate, and Soundcraft gives us the security of having a reliable console that doesn’t wear or break down. There are so many more outputs than we’re used to, and we are still exploring the ways that we can do more. Overall the board is so much cleaner and crisper.�

Croghan is thrilled the students have the chance to use such a high-end product in a school setting. During a recent Battle of the Bands event, Croghan was shocked to see the ability of the groups to manipulate the settings to find the sound they wanted to achieve, and how they were able to make it happen with very little help.

“Having the Si Compact allows our program to keep growing and expanding not only physically but through music education as well. The console gives us so much opportunity and we are all excited to see the students continue to explore and continue to thrive through the opportunities we give them,� Croghan summed up.

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 September 30, 2011.