LONDON, ENGLAND, 9 September, 2007 - In an example of the comprehensive system design and control afforded by Harman Pro Group HiQnet™ audio system configuration and control protocol and System Architect™, the protocol's eminently versatile and intuitive interface, Sound Image of California is currently on a US tour with country music tour sensation, Rascal Flatts and a HiQnet system featuring dbx processing and Crown power configured to drive passive JBL Professional VERTEC® Line Arrays.

The complete system is controlled by HiQnet System Architect™ configuration and control software that Front of House engineer, Jon Garber found to be easy to use, fast to learn and extremely reliable. "We have a complicated, 22 zone PA system," said Garber. "We needed to be able to control it all from FOH and only System Architect allows us to do that. We can load our templates at the start of the tour and simply call them up when we arrive and everything's right in place."

System Architect communicates through the three dbx DriveRack® 4800s and allows Garber a fine level of control over all components. He can not only mute all 81 Crown ITech amps at once with the push of a button, for example, but he can also run diagnostics remotely, to troubleshoot and to reset whatever he needs to from one position. This includes Gain, Delay, EQ, Mutes and Load Impedance. The amps are I-Tech 8000s with internal processing for handling crossovers within the amp. This HiQnet system comprising dbx and Crown devices drives JBL Professional VERTEC Line Arrays comprised of 112 elements overall, featuring VT4889s along with 4880s for subs.

Rascal Flatts and Garber have used System Architect and the same PA setup for the band's last two tours. The critical part of their decision making is that the software allows the band to achieve a consistency from song to song and from one room to the next as they tour in support of their upcoming new album. That's important to both management and the band, Garber, says, and it's System Architect, HiQnet and the compatibly-designed VERTEC Line Arrays and Crown amps that provide the consistency. That need is understandable when you have a band that has sold more than 13 million albums, won Grammy Awards, been named top artist by just about every organization associated with country music and has played in front of millions of fans in 74 cities.

"Consistency is the key," said Garber. "Both management and the artist emphasize it because people want to hear the Rascal Flatts sound, not something different. The ease of use, adaptability and power of HiQnet System Architect allows us to provide that no matter what room we're playing in. We just load the templates for the rooms that are scheduled for the tour, call them up, and we have a show!"

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.