LONDON, ENGLAND, 9 September, 2007 - As further evidence of the increasingly worldwide market adoption of Harman Pro Group HiQnet™ audio system configuration and control protocol, Russia's newest and most sophisticated multi-use arena. Arena Cherepovetz in Moscow has just opened with an ambitious and comprehensive HiQnet system featuring JBL Professional loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS processing and Soundcraft mixing consoles.

The system was designed and installed by A&T Trade in Russia and includes Harman Pro Group JBL loudspeakers, BSS processing, Crown power amplifiers, and a Soundcraft console. As a key part of the professional sound team, Evgeni Ilnitski said they and the arena owners determined that, for the needs of this newest of arenas in Moscow, only Harman Pro Group's integrated systems would suffice.

"The Harman Pro Group equipment was consistent to the fullest extent with the customer's requirements," said Ilnitski. "The ease of system reconfiguration for different events at the facility meant that only the Harman Pro Group offered system-wide predefined applications available with literally one mouse click, no matter the skill level of the operator."

As a new facility that was designed from the ground up for multiple uses, the audio system would have to accommodate everything from hockey to figure skating to pop music performances. The system designers realized that it would require the first ever HiQnet system to be installed at a sports facility in the country. Russia has HiQnet systems in casinos, fitness centers and nightclubs, but this is the first sports arena.

The venue is approximately 7000 square meters and required 135 JBL speakers to provide comprehensive coverage, driven by Crown CTs 2000s and CTs 8200USP/CN cards.

To deliver the power, fidelity, reliability and control such a facility needs, the system designers opted for the JBL Venue Performance Series. Fifteen of the biamplified, full range, VP7212/95DPs were chosen to cover the large facility while still maintaining a level of fidelity and compatibility with the HiQnet system and Crown power. The rest of the system was filled out with four VP7315 DPCN three ways and eight VPSB7118 powered subwoofers and eight 4670D-HF units. The Control Contractor Series rounded out the speaker system for handling the announcing and hallway coverage duties, comprising 66 Control 25Ts and 24 Control 24CT Micros.

The mixing desk is a Soundcraft GB8-24, eight bus 24 channel system. Nearfield monitors are JBL LSR4326P systems and are located in the control room. System control is handled by a variety of BSS products, from two FCS966 graphic equalizers to DPR-404 compressors. The powerful Soundweb London BLU-80 signal processor and BLU-10 programmable controller make the system complete and easy to use.

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:

Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harmanpro.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.