New Zealand’s Above Productions Deploys Recently Purchased JBL VERTEC® Line Array System At Fireworks Spectacular

1 February, 2009, Northridge, California, United States

As the worldwide adoption of JBL VERTEC® continues to gain momentum, audio rental system provider Above Productions in Hamilton, New Zealand, recently purchased a new VERTEC portable system for regional events. The system features VT4887A compact line array elements and VT4880A full-size arrayable subwoofers, supported by JBL VRX compact constant-curvature systems and powered by Crown amplifiers. Above Productions recently deployed the new system for the TSB Bank Fireworks Spectacular, held at the TSB Bowl in New Plymouth, Zealand.

The TSB Bank Fireworks Spectacular drew an estimated crowd of 18,000 people, who enjoyed an outdoorstage concert, capped with a climactic display of fireworks, choreographed to music. Talent for the event included local singer-songwriters and Auckland-based variety-funk band Lieutenant Funk.

In providing live sound reinforcement for the event, Above Productions deployed a VERTEC system using a total of 24 VT4887A compact line array elements, configured in two arrays of 12 per side. Eight VT4880A arrayable subwoofers with 2269H Ultra Long Excursion, 18-inch woofers were in use (four enclosures per side). Additionally, a delay ring was positioned farther back in the seating area on the grassy slope, using a total of eight VRX932 speakers, set up as four pairs on poles. All JBL speakers were powered by Crown I-Tech 4000 and 8000 amplifiers, with Harman's HiQnet™ System Architect™ software in use for remote control and monitoring. A Whirlwind E Snake™, sharing the same VLAN-configured network as the I-Tech control, was used to transport digital signals from the FOH mix position.

Challenges onsite included configuring the hanging loudspeaker arrays to cover an audience area that was separated from the shell's main stage platform by a body of water. Above Productions relied on JBL's VERTEC Line Array Calculator software to predict coverage and sound level results for the gently rising large outdoor audience area, and for selecting correct locations for the supplemental, low-profile signal-delayed speaker arrays.

"As this was a family-oriented show, smooth coverage and moderate levels were an event sound system design goal," explained Stele Martin, Owner of Above Productions. "This system deployment turned out quite well. We had good, smooth high-frequency coverage as predicted and then sound from the delay arrays kicked in. Overall we had a great sound for the event."

Martin also noted that his new JBL VERTEC VT4887A system was very quick to set up and easy to tune. "With JBL's new V4 DSP presets, the FOH EQ was pretty much flat," he observed. "Overall we achieved a great sound for the event."

"Using a compact line array system for larger outdoor audiences requires careful pre-event planning as regards overall SPL and coverage expectations," observed David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional. "Achieving success with sound reinforcement projects like the TSB Bowl outdoor-stage community events, Above Productions has proven that when smaller, regional sound reinforcement firms make use of JBL's available system support information and technologies, the results will be predictable and satisfactory to the system owner, their client and the audience."

Above Productions can be reached at stele@above.co.nz

JBL Professional 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 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.